Sarandë: Boat Tour Turtle Cave Kakome & Krorez Snorkeling

Turtle Cave, quiet coves, and the long pause at Krorez Beach make this a strong half-day outing from Sarandë. You cruise past steep coastal rock, stop for swims, and use the boat to reach beaches that are not easy to visit by land. The captain chooses six of seven stops according to sea and weather conditions.

I like the easy mix of swimming and sightseeing, plus the small-boat feel, comfortable seats, Bluetooth music, and included snorkel gear. Captains Kosta and Mario are often singled out for being friendly, careful, and helpful. The main catch is the two-and-a-half to three-hour Krorez stop, which is relaxing if you want a beach afternoon but long if you prefer constant movement.

Key points to know before you book

• Turtle Cave is mainly a photo stop: Allow about 10 minutes to see its unusual shell-like rock forms.
• You get several chances to swim: Gremina, Kakome, and Military Bay each allow roughly 20 to 25 minutes in the water.
• Krorez controls the pace: This is the major stop, with time for swimming, food, and an umbrella rental.
• The boat reaches places roads do not: Kakome and Krorez are valued for clear water and limited land access.
• The group option is designed for meeting people: Private boat hire is also available if you want the day to yourself.
• Bring cash and your own food: Food and alcohol are not included, and local beach restaurants take cash only.

Setting out from Sarandë’s promenade

The meeting point is at the Saranda Boat 1 table across from Guma Restaurant on the promenade. That makes the start fairly simple to find, though you should still allow a few minutes to get your bearings before departure.

The tour lasts 270 minutes, or about four and a half hours. It is long enough to reach the northern coast, enjoy several swims, and still return to Sarandë within the same half-day. Since the captain may adjust the route, the exact order and number of stops can change with the weather.

You can book a shared group seat or reserve the entire boat privately. The group option keeps the price at $37 per person, a reasonable figure for fuel, a captain, snorkel equipment, and several hours on the water. A private booking makes more sense for a special occasion or a group that wants control over the pace, but the boat price should be checked when booking because it is charged for the boat rather than per person.

The boat has comfortable seating, Bluetooth music, and room for getting in and out of the water at the coves. This is not a silent nature cruise. Music and a sociable mood are part of the experience, which suits couples, families, and friends who want a light, easy outing rather than a formal coastal tour.

Turtle Cave and the first photo stops

The first named stop is Turtle Cave, also listed locally as Shpella e Milotit. The rock shapes resemble turtle shells, giving you a distinct photo subject instead of just another stretch of cliffs. You get about 10 minutes here, so have your camera ready before the boat arrives.

This is a look-and-photograph stop, not the place to expect a long swim. The short pause keeps the boat moving toward the water stops, but it also means you should not count on extensive explanation at every location. Some guides provide clear background about the coast and its past, while the amount of commentary can vary.

A second photo stop, called the Secret Beach or Hidden Gem in the route details, is known for old anchors left by local fish farmers. This is another brief stop, around 10 minutes, and swimming is not offered there. The anchors give the scene an unusual human detail, but the value is mostly visual. If you want to get into the water at every stop, this pause may feel limited.

Gremina and Kakome: the best early swims

The boat then reaches Gremina, also called Kepi i Qefalit. Here, a distinctive rock formation frames a swimming and snorkeling stop of up to 25 minutes. The included snorkel gear is useful for looking below the surface near the rocks, though the main pleasure is simply getting into the clear water.

I like this part of the route because it breaks up the cruise early. You are not asked to wait until the main beach stop for your first swim. If you are traveling with children or with friends who have different energy levels, people who want to swim can do so while others remain on the boat.

Kakome Beach follows, with about 20 to 25 minutes for swimming. Its clear water and quieter setting give it a more peaceful feel than the main stop at Krorez. The boat lets you see the beach from the water before stepping or jumping in, which is one reason this route works better by boat than as a simple road trip.

The swim times are not huge. You will have enough time to cool off, use the snorkel gear, and enjoy the setting, but not enough for a long independent snorkeling session. Bring your own waterproof camera if you want pictures in the water. A charged phone in a waterproof case also works well for quick shots from the boat.

Krorez Beach, the long middle of the day

Krorez is the centerpiece of the trip. It is reached by boat, has clear water and broad coastal views, and offers the longest stop by far, usually two and a half to three hours. You can swim, sit on the beach, eat at a local restaurant, or rent an umbrella.

This long pause will decide how much you enjoy the tour. I like having time to slow down rather than being rushed through a string of five-minute stops. You can actually settle into the water, eat lunch, and let the boat portion feel like part of a beach day.

On the other hand, Krorez is a small area with limited food options, and the restaurant charges are paid in cash. One portion of your day is essentially a beach break, not a guided visit. If you prefer a packed sightseeing schedule, the two-and-a-half-hour pause can feel excessive.

Pack food and water even if you plan to buy lunch. Food and alcohol are not included, and the practical advice is to carry cash, swimwear, a towel, beachwear, and biodegradable sunscreen. An umbrella rental is an extra cost, so budget for that if you need shade.

Krorez can also be the busiest part of the outing. One booking experience specifically raised concerns about overcrowding and a less-than-clean seabed at times. Conditions can vary, but you should not expect a completely private beach. The boat offers access to a beautiful place, not ownership of it.

Military Bay and the return to Sarandë

After Krorez, the route may continue to Military Bay, also called Plazhi i Ushtarit or Rrojdhes. The stop combines coastal scenery with references to the area’s military past, and you get up to about 20 to 25 minutes for swimming.

This final water stop is a useful change of pace after the long beach break. You can swim again if you still have energy, or stay aboard and enjoy the coast. If sea conditions require a change, the captain may choose another location, since the full route includes six of seven possible places at the captain’s discretion.

The boat then returns to the Saranda Boat 1 meeting point. Because the route depends on weather and water conditions, you should avoid scheduling a tight connection immediately afterward. The tour is advertised at four and a half hours, but the captain’s choices and stop lengths determine the exact rhythm.

The guides, music, and small-boat atmosphere

The strongest part of this outing is the crew. Kosta, also referred to as Kostas, is praised for being warm, professional, safety-minded, and willing to adjust the experience to the group. Mario is also mentioned as a friendly guide who helps keep the mood easy and welcoming.

You may get useful explanations about the coves, local history, and places to visit in Sarandë, but this is not presented as a lecture-heavy tour. If detailed information about every rock and beach matters to you, ask questions as you go. Some departures seem more informative than others.

Music is part of the package. Bluetooth sound and a relaxed crew create a social atmosphere, and one group even reported seeing dolphins during the ride. That sighting cannot be promised, but it shows that the journey itself can produce surprises beyond the listed stops.

The boat is described as clean, comfortable, and well maintained. Small groups are a clear advantage: you get less waiting when people enter the water and a better chance to speak with the captain. Still, group size can vary, and one account raised the issue of crowding. If personal space matters most, choose the private option.

What to pack for a smoother outing

You should arrive ready to swim. Pack the following:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Water and food
• Cash for lunch and an umbrella at Krorez
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• A camera or waterproof camera
• A charged smartphone
• Dry beachwear for the ride home

Snorkel gear is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and equipment. Still, your own waterproof case can be worthwhile if you want to protect your phone.

There is no need to bring alcohol for the boat itself, and food and alcohol are not included. A simple packed lunch also gives you more control over timing during the long Krorez stop.

The activity is not suitable for people over 70 or people weighing more than 209 pounds, or 95 kilograms. Those limits should be taken seriously when deciding if this boat is appropriate for your party.

How good is the value at $37?

At $37 per person, the tour gives you transport by boat, fuel, an experienced captain, snorkel gear, several coastal stops, and a long beach break. Compared with arranging separate transport to multiple beaches, it is a practical way to see the coast in one outing.

The value is strongest if you plan to swim and use most of the stops. It is weaker if you mainly want a fast sightseeing cruise, since a large portion of the time is spent at Krorez. You are paying for access and convenience, not for a meal, private beach, or fully narrated history tour.

The current score of 4.9 from 286 ratings points to very strong satisfaction, and the repeated praise centers on the same useful details: friendly captains, comfortable boats, clear water, good music, small groups, and a well-organized route. The one four-star assessment still offers an important warning about crowding and seabed cleanliness. A high score does not remove the need to choose the right style of outing.

Who should book this Sarandë boat tour?

I would recommend it to you if you want a social half-day on the water with several swims and one proper beach break. Couples get scenery and quiet time together, friends get music and shared activity, and families can choose between swimming and relaxing aboard.

It also suits first-time visitors to Sarandë who want to see more of the northern coast without arranging several transfers. The boat reaches coves and beaches that are difficult to combine by road, and the captain can point out additional places around Sarandë when asked.

I would hesitate if you dislike music, sun, or flexible schedules. The route is not a private yacht charter unless you book the boat privately, and the Krorez pause may feel too long for anyone who wants nonstop movement. I would also avoid booking it as your only plan if the weather forecast looks poor, since the captain may need to change the route.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That flexibility is useful when your coastal plans depend on the weather.

Should you book it?

Yes, if your ideal day includes clear water, short snorkeling stops, a scenic boat ride, and several hours to relax at a beach you cannot easily reach by land. The $37 price is fair for the time and access, especially when you use the included snorkel gear and stay for the full route.

Choose a private boat if you want more control over the music, pace, and group. Choose the shared trip if you like meeting people and want the best per-person value. Just pack cash, accept that Krorez takes up much of the day, and remember that the captain may change the stops with the weather.

FAQ

How long does the Sarandë boat tour last?

The advertised duration is 270 minutes, which is about four and a half hours. The exact timing can vary because the captain selects six of seven locations according to weather and sea conditions.

What is included in the $37 price?

The price includes the boat trip, fuel, captain, snorkel gear, comfortable seating, and Bluetooth music. Food and alcohol are not included.

Where does the tour meet?

Meet at the Saranda Boat 1 table across from Guma Restaurant on the Sarandë promenade.

How long do you stay at Krorez Beach?

The Krorez Beach stop lasts about two and a half to three hours. You can swim, visit a local restaurant, rent an umbrella, or relax on the beach.

Can I book a private boat?

Yes. You can either book a shared group tour and pay per person or reserve the entire boat privately and pay for the boat.

What languages are available?

The live guides speak Albanian, English, and Greek.