REVIEW · SARANDE
Saranda: Boat Tour to 7 Destinations with Beach Umbrella
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Ava boat tours · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Seven stops in one day can feel like a stunt. This Saranda speedboat tour keeps it fun and fast, with multiple chances for crystal-clear swims plus snorkel gear.
I love how the day is built around water time, not just riding around. You’ll get several short swim stops and one longer beach stretch so you can actually enjoy the coast.
My favorite part is the pacing and vibe. You move between coves like Gremina, Kakome, Soldiers Bay, and Pllakator, then you land at Krorez Bay for 2–3 hours to chill, swim, and reset. The captain role matters here too: guides like Altin and Fabian are specifically described as friendly, fun, and on top of safety while keeping music going.
One possible drawback: this is a speedboat day, so the ride can feel brisk and bouncy. If you’re prone to seasickness, you’ll want to think twice before booking.
In This Review
- Key highlights at a glance
- Seven Bays, One Price: What You Really Get for $39
- Meeting in Saranda and How the Boat Day Flows
- Stops 1–4: Gremina, Kakome, Soldiers Bay, and Pllakator
- Krorez Bay: The 2–3 Hour Beach Break with Free Umbrella
- Secret Beach and Turtle Cave: Photo Stops That Still Feel Worth It
- Snorkeling Gear, Bluetooth Music, and On-Board Comfort Setup
- Who Should Book This Speedboat Day (and Who Should Skip It)
- Should You Book the Saranda 7-Destination Boat Tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the boat tour from Saranda?
- How many destinations does the tour visit?
- Are there opportunities to swim and snorkel?
- What snorkeling equipment is provided?
- Is food included on the tour?
- Is an umbrella provided at Krorez Bay?
- Where do we meet, and is there parking nearby?
- Who is this tour not suitable for?
Key highlights at a glance

- 7 destinations in one route along the Albanian Riviera, north of Saranda
- Short swim stops plus one long beach break (20 minutes at most stops, 2–3 hours at Krorez)
- Snorkeling gear included with life jackets and a captain who keeps things safe
- Free umbrella at Krorez Bay, plus on-the-beach restaurants during May–October
- Bluetooth music aboard and a small group (up to 11 people) for a more relaxed feel
- Secret Beach and Turtle Cave photo stops on the return journey
Seven Bays, One Price: What You Really Get for $39

At $39 per person for a 4–6 hour day on the water, what you’re buying is convenience plus variety. Instead of choosing one beach and hoping for good weather, you’re getting a whole “greatest hits” stretch of coastline—7 stops—with built-in swim time.
The included value is clear: you get a free bottle of water, snorkeling equipment, and life jacket. There’s also a fridge on board so you can keep your own snacks and drinks cool, and Bluetooth speakers so the day doesn’t turn into silence-between-swims.
For me, the big “value” point isn’t the price number—it’s the structure. With about four stops timed around ~20 minutes each, you can jump in, rinse the salt off (with your towel), take photos, and still feel like the day keeps moving. Then you hit Krorez Bay for the longer lay-by-the-water part of the trip, when people usually say the day really clicks.
Also: the transport quality has strong backing, with 91% giving a perfect score. Speedboats can be hit-or-miss on comfort and handling; here, the odds look good.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Sarande.
Meeting in Saranda and How the Boat Day Flows

Most departures start next to Limani bar and restaurant in Saranda. The boat heads north along the coast for a loop of bays and coves, with the day split into swim-and-photo phases.
Group size is limited to 11 people, which I like because it changes how the captain runs the stops. You’re not stuck waiting for a big crowd to find the ladder or get back on board. You also tend to get a more personal “check-in” feeling during the day—especially from captains named in guides like Altin and Fabian.
Logistics you should take seriously: there’s no parking at the meeting area. You’ll likely need private parking nearby, or free street parking with a 10–15 minute walk. And you have to be there on time. The operator says they can’t wait after the stated time (it’s marked as a no-show), which makes sense given the heat and the schedule for the other passengers.
In terms of pacing, the rhythm is predictable:
- several quick stops built around swimming and photos
- one bigger landing time where you can fully relax
- short return photo stops that don’t waste the whole day
Stops 1–4: Gremina, Kakome, Soldiers Bay, and Pllakator

These first stops are the “move, swim, repeat” part of the tour—about 20 minutes each—and that timing is why this works for people who want variety.
Gremina
Expect a classic speedboat-cove moment: hop in, get your bearings, and swim while the water’s calm at the stop. These early bays are where you’ll typically take your first real “this is why I came” photos.
Kakome
Kakome fits the same format, but it’s a good place to slow down for a moment once you see how the boat anchors. If the water is clear (often the case on these stops), snorkeling gear helps you spend your time on something tangible instead of just watching from the edge.
Soldiers Bay
This is one of the stops that people remember because it feels like a break from the main beach crowds—you’re tucked into the coastline and the stop is short enough to stay energetic. Grab photos, swim if you want, then get back on board before you feel cold or tired.
Pllakator
By the time you reach Pllakator, you’ve warmed up to the tour pace. This is a smart stop for anyone who wants the “second chance swim” after the first pair of locations. If you’re bringing your own snacks, this phase is also when you’ll appreciate having a fridge onboard for later.
A practical tip for these 20-minute stops: go in with your plan. Sunscreen, towel location, phone in a dry pouch if you use one. Jump in fast, enjoy the water, then take photos before you’re juggling gear at the ladder.
Krorez Bay: The 2–3 Hour Beach Break with Free Umbrella
Krorez Bay is the star of the route. This is the only stop built as a real beach hang, lasting 2–3 hours, and it changes the feel of the day. Instead of quick swims, you get time to stretch out, find a comfortable spot, and actually recover.
You also get a free umbrella at Krorez Bay, which matters more than it sounds. Sun hits hard on open water days, and having shade makes the difference between a fun break and a short break that ends early.
What about food and drinks? There are restaurants available to buy food or drink from May to October. If you’re going outside that window, you might rely more on what you brought—good news is the boat has a fridge, so you can keep snacks and drinks cool.
This is also the best moment to take your time with snorkeling. The earlier stops are for quick bursts; Krorez Bay gives you the chance to do it more slowly and not feel like you have to rush your gear.
If you’re the type who hates “tour-time pressure,” this stop is your payoff. Many people mention they didn’t feel rushed on this part of the day, and that lines up with the longer duration.
Secret Beach and Turtle Cave: Photo Stops That Still Feel Worth It
On the return journey, you’ll stop at Secret Beach and a small cave, often described alongside a Turtle Cave stop for photos. These final moments are short—around 5 minutes each—so the goal is not to spend a long time swimming.
Instead, it’s about getting the coastline moment: the boat positions you for pictures, you snap your photos, and you’re back onboard with minimal wasted time.
Why this is still worth including:
- it rounds out the day with variety (swim stops earlier, photo stops later)
- it gives you a couple of unique “I can’t believe this is real” angles
- it keeps the day ending on time without turning into another long beach session
A small caution: if you’re hoping for deep snorkeling or a long swim during these photo stops, you’ll be disappointed. Plan for swimming earlier and use these as your camera checkpoints.
Snorkeling Gear, Bluetooth Music, and On-Board Comfort Setup
This tour is built to keep you comfortable between stops, even if you’re moving fast.
What’s included:
- Snorkeling equipment
- life jacket
- a fridge on board for your snacks and drinks
- Bluetooth with comfortable seating
- a knowledgeable captain (operators describe them as experienced and attentive, and guides like Altin and Fabian are repeatedly mentioned for being professional and fun)
Bluetooth music is a surprisingly big deal on a day like this. It turns the “waiting for the next stop” time into part of the atmosphere instead of dead time. Several people mention the guide’s music taste too—some call it DJ-level energy.
The onboard fridge is where practical travelers win. Even though there’s a free bottle of water, having cold snacks or drinks you brought yourself keeps your energy up during long sunshine. The tour also says you can store your own items onboard, so don’t travel light if you know you’ll get hungry.
What I recommend packing for comfort:
- swimwear you can wear quickly between stops
- towel
- sunscreen (non-negotiable for open-water sun)
- water (bring extra if you’ll need more than one bottle)
And one rule to remember: nudity isn’t allowed.
Who Should Book This Speedboat Day (and Who Should Skip It)

This tour fits best if you like momentum. It’s fast-boat style, with multiple swim opportunities and a long beach break.
You should consider it if:
- you want seven coastal stops in one day
- you’re comfortable swimming from boats and handling snorkeling gear
- you like music and a fun group vibe (small group, up to 11)
- you want clear-water coves and photos, not just one beach
You should skip it if:
- you’re prone to seasickness (the operator lists this clearly as not suitable)
- you have heart problems, epilepsy, or any condition that makes movement risky
- you’re pregnant
- you need a wheelchair-accessible option (wheelchair users are listed as not suitable)
- you’re traveling with very young kids (not suitable for children under 4; also babies under 1)
Age-wise, the operator also lists people over 95 as not suitable. That doesn’t mean it’s unsafe; it means the day’s format and boat conditions make it hard to guarantee comfort for every body.
If you’re on the fence because of the speedboat factor: consider choosing a calmer day along the shore instead. But if you enjoy the “we’re moving” energy, this is one of the strongest ways to experience the Albanian Riviera from Saranda.
Should You Book the Saranda 7-Destination Boat Tour?
If you’re asking me for the “yes or no” version: book it if your idea of a good day includes multiple swim stops and a long beach break.
Choose this tour when:
- you want variety without planning
- you like snorkeling time supported by provided gear
- you’ll use the Krorez Bay umbrella and actually spend the 2–3 hours there
- you’re okay with a short photo stop instead of a swim at Secret Beach and the cave
Consider skipping or switching plans if:
- you get seasick easily
- you’re looking for a slow, low-waves cruise
- you need wheelchair access
For the money, it’s hard to beat the mix: water time at most stops, gear included, a small group, and a big beach landing at Krorez Bay. Add in the consistently mentioned guide styles—Altin and Fabian pop up often—and you’ve got the recipe for a fun, efficient day on the coast of southern Albania.
FAQ

How long is the boat tour from Saranda?
The tour lasts about 4 to 6 hours, depending on starting times.
How many destinations does the tour visit?
The itinerary includes 7 destinations: Gremina, Kakome, Soldiers Bay, Pllakator, Krorez Bay, Secret Beach, and a small cave.
Are there opportunities to swim and snorkel?
Yes. There are stops designed for swimming and snorkeling, including several shorter swim/photo stops and a longer beach stop at Krorez Bay.
What snorkeling equipment is provided?
Snorkeling equipment is included, along with a life jacket.
Is food included on the tour?
Food isn’t included. Restaurants are available to buy food or drinks at Krorez Bay from May to October.
Is an umbrella provided at Krorez Bay?
Yes. There’s a free umbrella at Krorez Bay.
Where do we meet, and is there parking nearby?
Meeting is next to Limani bar and restaurant in Saranda. There is no parking at the location, so you’ll need private parking nearby or street parking about a 10–15 minute walk away.
Who is this tour not suitable for?
It’s not suitable for children under 4, pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with heart problems, people with epilepsy, people prone to seasickness, and babies under 1 year (also listed: people over 95 years).








