A speedboat day in southern Albania can feel like you found your own coastline. This one strings together Turtle Cave, quiet bays, and long beach time at Krorez, with plenty of chances to swim and grab photos from the water. I especially like the mix of quick photo-and-see stops (so you don’t feel rushed) and the longer breaks where you can actually relax. The main drawback: there’s no included food or drinks, so you’ll want to plan snacks and cash for what you’ll do on your own.

What also stands out is the small-group format, capped at 10 people, with an English/Italian/Albanian-speaking host. Many groups are guided by Angelo (often associated with De Anxhelo Boat Tour), and the vibe tends to be friendly and energetic rather than stiff. Expect a smooth, comfortable ride, but also remember this is a swimming-focused day, so it’s not a match for everyone’s body or comfort needs.

Key highlights you’ll feel right away

• Turtle Cave (Shpella e Breshkave): short but photogenic, with natural rock shapes that look great on video
• Bay of Spiranca: crystal-clear water and a calmer setting that photographers like for a reason
• The Cliff (Gremina) swim stop: a chance to jump off the boat for deep, open-water swimming
• Kakome Bay swim time: a calmer, clear-water bay where you can slow down
• 3–4 hours at Krorez Beach: real beach time for sunbathing, swimming, and your own picnic or lunch plans
• Bay/Beach finale at Lovers Bay (Rroidhe): one last swim plus quick photo time before heading back

A smooth 6-hour Ionian day with real swim time

This is a full-day boat tour along the Ionian coastline near Saranda, designed for people who want more than just a ride-by view. You’re on the water for most of the day, and the schedule is built around multiple stops where swimming is part of the fun, not an afterthought. The pace is “active breaks” rather than “sit and stare,” which is exactly why it works.

Price-wise, $35 for a 6-hour, small-group speedboat outing with several swim stops is solid value. You’re paying for time on the water, access to coves and beaches you can’t reach easily by car, and guide attention when it’s time to jump in. The tradeoff is that you’re responsible for your own beach essentials and any food you want, since nothing is included.

Morning start: Guida ditore me skaf to Turtle Cave photos

Your day begins at Guida ditore me skaf. Then you head out by speedboat for about 30 minutes. That transit time matters because it shifts your day from “waiting on land” to “getting into the sea mood” quickly. It’s also long enough to settle in before the first big visual stop.

Next comes Shpella e Breshkave (Turtle Cave). Plan for roughly 30 minutes, mostly for photos and a quick visit rather than a long exploration. The real payoff is the way the cave and surrounding rock forms frame the water. If you like video clips and water-level shots, this is a stop you’ll actually want your camera out for.

Practical note: since it’s a short stop, don’t overthink footwear or gadgets. Bring swim-ready gear, keep your towel handy, and use the time efficiently.

Bay of Spiranca: where the water does the talking

After Turtle Cave, you’ll make another about-30-minute stop at a quieter photo spot on the Bay of Spiranca (Gjiri i Spirancës). This is the kind of place where the scenery doesn’t need a long explanation. Clear water and calm surroundings make it easy to shoot clean photos without feeling like you’re fighting crowds.

One consideration: because this is another relatively brief stop, you won’t have time to do a full beach-linger routine here. Think of it as a reset for your photos and perspective. You’re collecting shots from the sea again, then moving on to the swimming phase that follows.

If you want the best results, rinse your lens or phone camera with fresh water when you can, and wipe it before you start shooting.

The Cliff (Gremina) jump: a fun swim break for confident swimmers

Then it’s time for a swim break at The Cliff (Gremina) for about 30 minutes. This is the stop built for people who like a little thrill with their swim. The setup gives you the chance to jump off the boat and enjoy deeper blue water.

I like this kind of stop because it changes your day from “pretty stops” to “physical enjoyment.” But it also sets expectations: this is not a casual wading moment. You should only jump if you feel comfortable, and if you’re not sure, ask the host how they recommend entering safely for your comfort level.

If you’re traveling with friends, this is a good place to agree on a simple plan: who wants to jump, who wants to take it slower, and where you’ll meet if you get separated in the water.

Kakome Bay: calmer swim time when you want to slow down

After that, you’ll head to Plazhi i Kakomes / Kakome Bay for another about-30-minute break. The big difference here is the mood. This bay is described as calm and clear, so it’s a better match if you want to swim but not chase the excitement of jumping.

This is also a nice “reset stop.” You can float, swim at an easy pace, and take a breather. If you’re the kind of traveler who likes photos but also likes not feeling rushed, this is where your day starts to feel balanced.

If the water is a little busy, move toward the edges of the swimming area rather than staying right in the busiest zone. You’ll get quieter water and cleaner shots.

Krorez Beach: the long, satisfying anchor of the whole tour

The main beach time comes next at Krorez Beach (Kroreza Beach), with about 3 to 4 hours on the sand. This is where the tour earns its keep.

You can sunbathe. You can swim. You can explore. And because this long stop is yours to shape, you can do it your way. The plan includes time for a beach picnic or lunch, but since the tour doesn’t include food or drinks, you’ll want to bring what you need or spend your money locally during the break.

A small insight from real-world trips: some groups have reported a lunch break at a restaurant such as Il mare during the overall day’s stops. Still, don’t rely on any single restaurant moment. Treat Krorez as your main meal window, and pack accordingly.

My practical suggestion: bring a small towel setup and keep your sunscreen easy to reach. You’ll burn faster than you think when you’re alternating sun and wind off the water.

Lovers Bay (Rroidhe): quick finale swim and last photos

To close out the day, you’ll head to Rroidhe Beach / Lovers Bay for a shorter stay of about 30 minutes. It’s enough time for one more swim and some final photos or video clips before heading back.

This final stop is a good reminder that the tour is structured around repetition: sea views, quick photo moments, then swimming breaks that reset your energy. You end the day with that last hit of water time, rather than trailing back while everyone is still looking for a place to swim.

What the small group size really changes

You’re limited to 10 participants, which matters more than it sounds. Fewer people means it’s easier to hear instructions, safer when you’re switching between boat and water, and more relaxed when the group is moving through short stops.

The host or greeter guides the experience in English, Italian, and Albanian. Angelo is a name you’ll see attached to many tours in the De Anxhelo orbit, and the common theme is that he brings local energy and a sense of humor. Several groups also note that the host may steer you toward spots that feel less crowded when conditions allow, which is useful in a high-season area like this.

Also, the boat experience is part of the value. Guests have described the boat as clean, comfortable, and spacious, with a smooth ride and captain support when needed. That “support factor” makes a difference on a speedboat day.

Price and value: why $35 works for the right kind of traveler

At $35 per person for about 6 hours, the math only makes sense because you’re paying for access and time on the water, not just sightseeing. You get:

• multiple coves and bays you can’t reach as easily by land
• several swim opportunities rather than one quick dip
• a longer beach anchor at Krorez Beach
• a small-group setup that keeps things manageable

What’s not included is the day-to-day stuff like food and drinks. That’s the one cost surprise people often feel after booking. If you plan a simple approach—snacks plus water, and a meal strategy for Krorez—you’ll feel like you got your money’s worth.

If you’re expecting a fully catered day with everything handled, this isn’t that style. But if you like freedom during beach time, the structure fits.

Who should book this, and who should skip it

This tour is best for:

• swimmers who are comfortable getting in and out of the water
• people who enjoy photos and video from the sea
• nature lovers who like the coastline-by-boat perspective
• travelers who want a full day without a huge travel schedule

It’s not a fit for several categories listed by the operator, including children under 5, wheelchair users, pregnant women, people with heart problems, respiratory issues, or high blood pressure, people over 65, and anyone above about 209 lbs (95 kg). That’s not to be dramatic. It’s because the day involves swimming stops and a boat environment that isn’t designed for certain physical needs.

If you’re in the “I want calm water only” group, this tour can still work because Kakome Bay and other bays are described as calm. Just be thoughtful about The Cliff jump stop and choose your comfort level.

What to bring for an easy day on the water

Use this as your packing checklist for a smooth day:

• swimwear
• towel
• sunglasses
• sunscreen
• camera or phone for photos
• cash (for your own food plans)
• a simple plan for where you’ll keep wet and dry items

One more practical thing: wear quick-dry clothing if you can. The day is built around switching between boat ride and water, so anything that takes forever to dry will feel annoying fast.

Also, note the activity isn’t set up for explosive substances, which is mostly a rule you’ll never have to think about on a normal day.

Should you book De Anxhelo Boat Tour from Saranda?

I’d book it if you want a swim-heavy, photo-friendly day along the Ionian coast, especially if Krorez Beach is on your wishlist. The small-group cap at 10, the mix of short scenic stops plus long beach time, and the multiple swim breaks make it feel like more than a basic sightseeing cruise.

I would skip it if you’re hoping for a fully catered day with no planning, or if you don’t want a schedule that includes jump/swim moments. In that case, you’ll likely feel stressed instead of relaxed.

If your group fits the activity style, this is a strong value choice for southern Albania. Just pack smart, eat during your long Krorez window, and treat each stop as its own mini-chapter on the water.

FAQ

How long is the Saranda boat tour?

The tour lasts about 6 hours.

What stops are included during the day?

You’ll visit Turtle Cave, Bay of Spiranca, swim at The Cliff (Gremina), swim at Kakome Bay, spend several hours at Krorez Beach, and make a short final stop at Rroidhe Beach / Lovers Bay.

Is food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel, plus sunscreen and sunglasses. You should also bring a camera or phone for photos and cash.

What languages does the host or greeter speak?

The host or greeter speaks English, Italian, and Albanian.

Can I cancel if my plans change?

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