Saranda: Sea Adventure with 7 Stops, Drinks, & Snorkel Fun

If you want the Albanian Riviera without the usual “sit in a bus, stop in a crowd” feeling, this 7-stop speed-boat route is a smart way to do it. You’re bouncing between bays fast enough to feel like you beat the day, yet slow enough to actually enjoy the water and take photos.

I love how much time you get outside the boat, especially the main Krorez Beach stop where the day turns into a relaxed swim-and-walk hangout. I also like the small-group feel in the shared option, with Kelvin Boat Tours running a route that focuses on views, caves, and multiple swim chances.

One drawback to plan around: it’s a speed boat, so if you’re prone to seasickness or you prefer staying strictly on shore, this may not be your best match. Also, there’s no hotel pickup, and parking near the meeting point can take a little effort.

Key highlights at a glance

• Seven planned stops across caves and bays, built for picture-taking and swimming
• Snorkeling mask and lifejackets included, plus a Bluetooth music setup on board
• Krorez Beach is the main event with about 2 to 3 hours to relax or explore
• Cooled storage for your snacks and drinks, so you can bring a simple picnic
• Shared group max 11 or private boat, so you can choose your crowd level
• Friendly guidance in Albanian, English, and Greek, with the captain adding personality at stops

Why a 6-hour speed-boat day from Sarandë feels like the best plan

Sarandë can be lively, but it’s also easy to get stuck in the “shoreline shuffle,” where everyone ends up at the same place. This outing changes the rhythm. You start from Bar Restaurant Limani and then spend the next several hours moving along a stretch of coast that keeps showing new rock shapes, coves, and water color.

The route is clearly designed for people who want active time without overplanning. You get quick cave and viewpoint moments early, then longer beach breaks later. That matters because the most memorable parts of the day tend to be the ones where you can actually put your feet in the water and stay there.

Also, the boat itself is part of the comfort equation. The experience is run with a captain who drives safely, and the craft is described as clean and in good condition. Add in lifejackets (provided), and you can focus on the fun rather than the logistics.

Meeting at Bar Restaurant Limani, then solving the parking puzzle

The meeting point is straightforward: you meet at a stand in front of Vodafone, near Bar Restaurant Limani. The tour staff guide you from there, and you’ll get trip info before departure.

Here’s the practical catch: there’s no parking at the meeting point. Expect to park in private nearby or on the street. One recommended option is a private parking area about a 10-minute walk away, with a cost around 5€ per car. If you want easier street parking, arrive early, since the late-arrival rule is strict.

Plan like a local: arrive on time, or at least a bit early. With heat in the mix and other boats running, the crew can’t hold departure for late arrivals.

The full route: caves, bays, and the long Krorez Beach payoff

The day runs for about 6 hours, built around a sequence of seven stops. Some are short photo and sightseeing moments, and others are true swim breaks. The overall order goes like this:

Stop 1: Turtle Cave (Shpella e Milotit)

You start with a photo stop at Shpella e Milotit, known for the Turtle Cave rock formations. The idea here is quick: grab your photos, look at the shapes, and keep an eye out for sea life. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a sea turtle swimming nearby, but don’t count on it.

Why it’s worth it: this is the “wow, that’s dramatic” opener. It sets the tone for the rest of the coastline views.

Stop 2: Secret Cave

Next comes a secret cave stop with a calm vibe. Expect guided info and a short window for photos and soaking in the quiet. This one is more about the mood than the time.

Small drawback: because it’s a shorter stop, you won’t have much beach-style time here. Think of it as a scenic intermission.

Stop 3: Gremina Bay (about 30 minutes)

You switch gears into proper water time. At Gremina Bay, you get about 30 minutes to swim in clear water or simply sunbathe on the boat and near the shoreline.

What to do in that half hour: if you’re a confident swimmer, use it to get your first full swim. If you’re not, you can still enjoy the setting while staying relaxed.

Stop 4: Kakome Bay (about 30 minutes)

Another 30-minute swim and photo stop at Kakome Bay. Green hills frame the bay, and the water is clear enough to make swimming feel worthwhile even if you’re not planning to snorkel much.

This is a good stop for taking photos that don’t look like typical “standing at the shore” pictures. You’re closer to the waterline from the boat.

Stop 5: Krorez Beach (main stop, about 2 to 3 hours)

This is the heart of the day. Krorez Beach is the longest stop, around 2.5 hours in the schedule. People consistently describe it as the highlight: clear water, big rocks, and a stretch of time where you can do what you actually came for.

On this break you can:

• relax on the beach
• swim and snorkel
• walk around if you want to stretch your legs
• bring your own food and drinks, since there’s cooler storage on board

You can also eat and drink at the seaside spots nearby. One big plus here is that some beaches in Europe get swamped, while this one is often described as calmer than you might expect. The longer break also makes it feel less rushed, even though the day is moving.

A small note to keep expectations clean: the listing says umbrellas are not included, but several people mention shade options during the Krorez beach time (like umbrellas) along with sunbeds. Either way, bring sunscreen, because even “shade time” doesn’t stop the sun.

Stop 6: Soldier Bay (about 20 minutes)

After Krorez, it’s back to shorter stops. Soldier Bay is about 20 minutes, giving you a quick swim or a last round of photos. It’s the kind of stop that works best if you still have energy after the Krorez break.

If you’re planning to snorkel, this is often a “try it if conditions feel good” moment, not the only chance.

Stop 7: Rrojdhe Bay (final stop, about 20 minutes)

Your final swim-and-photo stop is about 20 minutes at a peaceful bay. Then you head back to the start point.

The value of this short final stop is simple: it keeps the day from ending too abruptly. You get one last look before return, which makes the whole outing feel complete.

Swim and snorkel time: what’s included and how to make it work

This is a boat day, but it’s really a water day. The essentials are provided: lifejackets and a snorkeling mask. The boat also has comfortable spots to relax between swims.

I’d plan your kit around quick transitions:

• Swimwear and beachwear you can put on fast
• Camera for rock formations and the bay colors
• Sunscreen, because the sun is steady even when you’re moving
• Food and drinks, if you want to keep it easy at Krorez

A real-world timing tip: one person noted that in April the water can be cold enough that snorkel plans might not happen. If you’re visiting outside peak summer, be mentally prepared that snorkeling might be more “float and look” than “full on swim.”

And since you’re on a speed boat, seasickness matters. The tour is not suitable for people prone to it, so if you know your body reacts, take that seriously.

Drinks, snacks, and the Krorez Beach lunch decision

This trip gives you a practical food strategy. A free drink is included, and there’s a cooler to store your drinks and food during the ride. That’s a big deal, because it means you can pack a simple picnic without scrambling for snacks on the day.

The tour does not include lunch or extra drinks beyond what’s provided, so you have two choices:

1) bring your own food for the Krorez break

2) eat locally near the beach during the longer stop

People also mention that drinks can include sodas and beer, plus water. Even if the exact selection varies, the idea is that you’re not arriving dry and thirsty.

Shade and seating also matter for value. Sunbeds are included. And in the longer Krorez time, some people describe having umbrella shade options. If you’re sensitive to heat, still bring a hat and sunscreen, because the sun doesn’t negotiate.

Shared vs private boat: controlling the crowd level

You have two formats:

• Shared tour with a maximum of 11 people
• Private boat just for you

That choice changes the feel more than you might expect. A max of 11 means you’re usually not swallowed by chaos. You still get a social vibe, and you can compare notes with fellow swimmers. The captain and guide also have room to move around and talk.

A private option is the easiest way to get “family day” energy, quieter conversation, and a more flexible feel. One review even describes the trip as feeling like a group of friends.

Music is part of the onboard atmosphere too. There’s a Bluetooth system, and people mention the captain using traditional music during the ride. It adds a local flavor without turning the day into a concert.

Captain Kelvin and the guide: what you gain from the storytelling

The crew is a major reason this tour earns such high marks. The captain is described as safe and experienced, and the guide adds context at stops. You also have multi-language support, with info available in Albanian, English, and Greek.

What that means for you: even on the quick stops, you’re not just staring at cliffs. You’re getting a bit of why this place matters, what to look for, and how to make the photos count.

Several people highlight that the captain takes photos, which is useful if you don’t want to spend the day asking strangers to use your camera. The crew also plays an active role in keeping the day relaxed.

Who should book, and who should skip this boat day

This is not a universal match. The tour is listed as not suitable for:

• pregnant women
• people with heart problems
• non-swimmers
• people prone to seasickness
• people with recent surgeries
• babies under 1 year
• people over 70 years
• people over 95 kg (209 lbs)

So if you’re comfortable in open water and you can handle a speed boat ride, it’s built for you. If not, you’ll likely spend the day stressed rather than relaxed.

One additional real-world note from a review: a passenger with reduced mobility had help getting to the boat, via a scooter. That doesn’t replace the official suitability limits, but it does show the crew tries to be helpful when they can.

Price and value: is $42 for 6 hours a good deal?

At $42 per person for about 6 hours, this sits in the “reasonable splurge” category. The value comes from stacking what you get:

• a speed boat ride along multiple bays
• snorkeling mask included
• lifejackets included
• a cooler for your own food and drinks
• sunbeds included
• a full route with several swim chances, plus caves and scenery

If you compare this to paying for separate transport and a single beach day, the math often swings in favor of the boat. You’re not just getting one stop, you’re getting a whole coastline day with time that’s built around swimming.

The main cost you should anticipate is what’s not included: lunch and extra drinks. But Krorez gives you enough time to handle that either by bringing your own food or grabbing something local.

In plain terms: this price feels fair when you plan to use the swim time and the Krorez break fully.

Should you book the Kelvin boat trip from Sarandë?

If you want one clear plan for the day that mixes caves, photos, swimming, and a long beach break, I’d book this. The schedule is weighted toward the water, and the Krorez Beach stop is the kind of time window that makes the whole day feel worth it.

I’d also choose it if you like small-group energy. Shared trips cap at 11 people, and multiple stops mean you can find your favorite bay rather than committing to one location.

Skip it if you’re likely to feel seasick, you’re not comfortable swimming, or you fall into the official unsuitability categories. And do yourself a favor with logistics: park early and arrive on time, because the meeting point area is not set up for easy car parking.

Bottom line: for an active half-day to full-day style outing, this is a practical way to see the Albanian Riviera coastline without spending your day in transit.

FAQ

How much does the Sarandë Sea Adventure cost?

The price is $42 per person.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 6 hours.

Where do I meet for the boat trip?

The meeting point is a stand located in front of Vodafone.

Is there parking at the meeting point?

No. There is no parking at the meeting point, and you should look for private parking nearby or street parking, usually within a 10 to 15 minute walk.

Does the tour offer a shared or private option?

Yes. You can choose between a shared tour with others (max 11 people) or a private boat just for you.

What is included for snorkeling and safety?

The tour includes lifejackets for safety and snorkeling masks.

Are drinks and food included?

A free drink is included, and there is a cooler to store your drinks and food during the trip. Lunch and extra drinks are not included.

Are umbrellas provided at the beaches?

Umbrellas for shade are not included.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a camera, food and drinks if you want, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, non-swimmers, people prone to seasickness, people with recent surgeries, babies under 1 year, people over 70 years, and people over 95 kg (209 lbs).

Is free cancellation available?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.