Saranda Catamaran VIP to Krorez and Kakome Beach with Lunch

This VIP catamaran day is interesting because it turns Saranda’s coastline into a no-car beach sampler, with big water views and timed swim stops. I especially loved the Krorëza isolation and the Kakome Bay setting, and I also liked that lunch is cooked on board by chef Mario. One caution: English explanations are not guaranteed at every stop, so come with a phone map and a simple plan to relax and swim.

Expect a full half day on the water, about 6 hours total, starting at 9:30 am. The boat is set up for comfort with sunbeds, and the day moves at a mellow pace, not a rush.

Key Highlights to Know Before You Go

• Three standout swim stops: Krorëza, Kakome, and Soldier’s Beach areas, plus two shorter coastline breaks
• Lunch on board with real meal options, including gluten free adjustments when asked
• Sunbeds on board and plenty of water time, with snorkeling gear provided for everyone
• Chef Mario is part of the experience, not just the cooking
• Bring cash for drinks, since the bar is cash only and drinks are not included
• Small group size with a max of 29 travelers, which helps the boat feel easier

A VIP Catamaran Day on the Saranda Coast: What 6 Hours Feels Like

This tour is a good fit if you want classic Albanian Riviera scenery without doing the logistics yourself. You get time on the water, swim breaks in remote-feeling bays, and lunch carried right on the catamaran. The pacing is relaxed enough to enjoy the sea views, but structured enough that you are not floating around wondering what happens next.

The total time is about 6 hours, starting at 9:30 am and returning back to the same meeting point. From what people describe, it often lands around a 10 am to 4 pm rhythm, so plan on a late morning start and an early afternoon wind-down.

The overall feel is not a party cruise. It is more of a laid back sea day, with people swimming, sunning, and eating together in the middle.

Where You Meet: Limion Port and Why Timing Matters

You meet at Limion Port (Limion PortVXCQ+WQG, Sarandë, Albania). The tour starts at 9:30 am, and it ends back at the meeting point, so you can stay near your base instead of worrying about a one-way transfer.

This is also a practical tour if you are not staying far from public transportation. It is near public transport, and you will be able to get to the port without a special plan.

One practical point: plan to arrive a little early. Even on well-run tours, port timing can be quirky, and the meeting process is the one part that can feel less clear than the rest of the day.

Stop 1, Krorëza Beach: A Deserted Coast With Rocks on Three Sides

Your first swim stop is Krorëza Beach, a deserted stretch of sand just above the bay of Kakome. What makes it special is the natural “frame”: rocks isolate the beach on three sides, so it feels calmer and more hidden than many open coast spots.

You get about 1 hour here. That is enough time to swim, wade around, and enjoy the turquoise water without feeling like you are spending your whole day waiting at the shore. This is a great stop if you love that postcard color but also want a beach that does not feel crowded.

The only real drawback: with an hour, you will not have time for a long beach walk or a slow, all-day hang. If you want a full beach afternoon, this tour is better for swimming and soaking up the views, not for staying put.

Stop 2, Kakome Bay: Completely Isolated, With the Feeling of Having the Water to Yourself

Kakome Beach is in Kakome Bay, and the best way to describe it is simple: it is completely isolated and usually deserted. The surroundings are green, the water is crystal clear, and there is not much to do besides swim, relax, and enjoy how quiet the beach feels.

You get about 2 hours here, which is the longest swim window of the day. That longer block matters. It lets you do the classic routine without stress: first swim, grab a spot, sun for a bit, maybe rinse off, then swim again before the boat moves on.

There is one extra detail that turns this from just a pretty photo spot into a more fun stop. There is a pier to dive from, so even if you are not a confident diver, you will still see others doing it and the atmosphere stays playful.

Stop 3, Plazhi i Manastirit: Soldier’s Beach, Short and Sweet

Next up is Plazhi i Manastirit, also known as Soldier’s Beach. This is along the Ionian coast near Saranda, and it has that mix of nature and atmosphere that makes you want to look up from your phone.

You only get about 30 minutes here. That is not enough time to fully settle into a beach rhythm, but it is enough for a quick swim and a reset. Think of it as a palate cleanser between the longer beach moments.

Because the stop is short, I recommend treating it like a “best of both” stop. Swim first, then take a few minutes to enjoy the bay shape and the coastal views before you’re back on board.

Stop 4, Qefal Beach (Qender): Crystal Water and Golden Sand Break

After Soldier’s Beach, you have a shorter break at Qefal Beach, also referred to as Qender. You get about 30 minutes, so again, this is quick. The good part is that it keeps the day moving while still giving you another stretch of coastline and water clarity to appreciate.

This stop is described as having crystal-clear water and golden sand. Even in a short time window, that combo is exactly what you want when you are on a catamaran day: a quick swim opportunity and a chance to enjoy the coast from a different angle.

If you tend to burn fast, this short timing can actually work in your favor. You get just enough sun exposure without losing the day.

Lunch on Board: What You Can Expect and How Food Actually Works

Lunch is included, and it is served onboard after the first swim break rhythm kicks in. The menu people mention sounds like it is made for comfort, not fancy showmanship. You might see seafood pasta like linguini, and there are also other options.

One detail I really appreciate is that the meal is adjustable. If you are gluten free, you might not get the same pasta, but you may be given an alternative like caprese salad instead. If you do not want alcohol, lunch can include a swap so you still get your drink without being pushed into wine.

Chef Mario shows up in the experience here. People describe him as both friendly and hands-on, and it matters because it turns lunch from a basic add-on into a real part of the day.

A few extras can pop up too. Fruit like watermelon and cantaloupe may be served after the first swim stop, and coffee is possible later in the day if you ask.

The big thing to know: lunch includes a glass of local white wine for most people. Drinks beyond that are not included, and the bar is cash only.

Drinks, Water, and the Cash Bar Reality

Drinks are not included except for what comes with lunch. The bar exists, but it operates on cash only, so bring some cash just for the day.

Also, do not count on free water being available. One review specifically points out that free water was not provided. That is a small thing, but it is the kind of small thing that can turn a smooth day into a mildly annoying one if you did not plan.

I would treat this tour like a beach day: sunscreen, sun time, and a budget for drinks. If you stay hydrated, you will enjoy the boat time more and swim longer.

Snorkeling Gear and Shade Tips: Small Choices That Make a Big Difference

This is not just a “sit and look” boat day. Snorkeling gear is provided for everyone, so you can bring a swim mindset. Even if you do not snorkel for long, having the gear ready lowers the friction to try once.

Comfort choices matter on this boat. There are sunbeds included, but some people recommend skipping the bean bag chairs and instead positioning yourself near the bar, where you can find better shade later. After a lot of sun, shade becomes more valuable than another round of lying down.

One more practical tip: use the nets when you want an easy lounging spot. The idea is simple, nets can let you stay comfortable while you wait for your next swim window.

Boat Comfort and the Value of a Max-29 Group

With a maximum of 29 travelers, the boat tends to feel manageable. When the boat is not full, it is easier to claim a good spot and move around without feeling squeezed.

A spacious feel also helps because this tour is active. You are swimming, changing spots for shade, and moving between lunch and swims, so room is not a luxury. It is part of the comfort.

This is a reason to feel good about the experience even if you are traveling with friends. The group size keeps it social, but not chaotic.

Is $106.92 a Good Deal for This Route?

At $106.92 per person, this is not the cheapest catamaran option in the area. But it can still be good value because you are paying for the complete package: catamaran transport, multiple swim stops with a focus on beaches and bays, sunbeds on board, and lunch.

Also, the itinerary is built around the type of stops most people actually want: deserted-feeling beaches and scenic bays, not just a shoreline drive-by. When you combine that with time on the water that is long enough to swim more than once, the price starts to make sense.

Where the value can dip is if you are expecting unlimited drinks or a fully narrated tour at every stop. Drinks are extra, English guidance can vary, and water is not guaranteed. If you budget for that, the overall day still feels like a solid half-day buy.

Who Should Book This Tour, and Who Might Want a Different Plan

This tour fits best if you want:

• Swim-focused beach time in isolated bays
• Lunch handled for you onboard
• A small group day that is relaxing rather than hectic
• A catamaran route that hits multiple coast scenes without you driving

You might want a different style of tour if you are traveling with a group that needs lots of structured activity or constant explanation. The stops are gorgeous, but the overall experience is still “show up, swim, eat, relax,” not a deep guided lecture.

Also, it is a weather-dependent tour. If conditions are rough, it may be canceled or shifted, since the tour requires good weather.

Final Call: Should You Book Saranda Star Catamaran VIP to Krorez and Kakome Beach?

I would book this tour if your top goal is a stress-free day of swimming in remote-feeling bays with lunch included. The standouts are the feeling of isolation at Krorëza and Kakome, the ease of the onboard meal, and the relaxed schedule that gives you real time in the water.

Before you go, do two things and you will have a smoother day: bring cash for drinks and plan your shade strategy early. If you do that, you will spend your time on what matters, the sea, the swim stops, and the simple pleasure of cruising the coast.

FAQ

What time does the Saranda Star Catamaran VIP tour start?

The tour starts at 9:30 am.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 6 hours.

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet at Limion Port (Limion PortVXCQ+WQG, Sarandë, Albania).

What beaches and stops are included?

The itinerary includes Krorëza Beach, Kakome Beach (Kakome Bay), Plazhi i Manastirit (Soldier’s Beach), and a stop at Qefal Beach (Qender).

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included.

Are drinks included?

Drinks are not included. You can purchase drinks at the bar, and it is cash only.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

How many people are on the boat?

The tour has a maximum of 29 travelers.