Saranda: Kakome, Caves & Beaches Boat Tour with Snorkeling

Blue water, good music, and hard-to-reach beaches make this a tempting day at sea. The Saranda Kakome, Caves and Beaches Boat Tour takes you along the Albanian Riviera aboard a new 2025 boat, with swim stops, snorkeling, local stories, and a long break at Kroreza Beach. I especially like the excellent mix of short swim stops and one relaxed three-hour beach stay, and the friendly, playful atmosphere led by Captain Rezi. The main drawback is that this is not a quiet sightseeing cruise: music, sun, waves, and a social group shape the day.

At $42 per person, the tour gives you roughly five hours on the water, with a possible total duration of up to 330 minutes. That is strong value if you want several coastal sights in one outing. You should bring cash for food and drinks at Kroreza, and you should not expect the boat to be suitable for anyone with serious mobility or back problems.

Key points before you book

• Kroreza gets three hours: You have time for swimming, sunbeds, umbrellas, and a meal at a beachside restaurant rather than a rushed shore stop.
• Captain Rezi sets the tone: His friendly approach, photography, jokes, and local tips are a major part of the experience.
• The boat is new for 2025: Seating is split between an open sunny area and a half-shaded section, so you can choose your level of sun.
• You visit several boat-only places: Kakome, Soldiers Beach, Roidhes Beach, Gremina, and Miloti Cave are reached from the sea.
• Music is part of the product: Expect a lively playlist, not a silent nature cruise.
• Snorkeling is easy to try: Masks are supplied, with tubes available on request for hygiene reasons.

Setting out from Saranda’s main port

You meet the crew near the main port area, with pickup points listed at Rruga Jonianet and Vodafone. The exact meeting point depends on the option you book, so check your confirmation carefully before setting off.

The boat has half-shaded and half-open seating. I like this arrangement because it gives you a real choice: sit under cover when the sun gets strong, then move into the open area for better views and photos. There is also a fridge for your own drinks and snacks, Wi-Fi onboard, life jackets, and music throughout the trip.

Free parking is available, but the operator advises looking first for free street parking near the meeting point. The designated parking location at Hotel Adi-Vera is about a 15-minute walk away. That is useful to know if you are carrying beach bags, snorkeling gear, or small children’s items.

The advertised rate is $42 per person. For that price, you receive the boat ride, driver, local guide, taxes, entrance fees, swim and snorkeling stops, masks, and the long Kroreza stop. Food and drinks are extra, but beach umbrellas and sunbeds at Kroreza have been included according to the tour details and recent booking experiences. That inclusion makes the price more attractive, since a long beach stop can otherwise become expensive.

Kepi I Qefalit starts the coastal show

The first scheduled stop is Kepi I Qefalit, where you get about 20 minutes for photos, swimming, and snorkeling. This is a short introduction to the coast rather than a full beach visit.

Use the time wisely. If you want to swim, change quickly and keep your belongings together. If you prefer photographs, the boat gives you a useful angle on the rocky shoreline and clear water. The guide also provides information about the area, either directly or through audio guide files available on request.

This stop works well because it breaks up the first part of the cruise. You are not left sitting on the boat for hours before getting into the water.

Kakome Beach offers a longer swim

Kakome Beach receives about 30 minutes. That extra ten minutes compared with Kepi I Qefalit gives you a better chance to swim, put on a mask, or simply enjoy the setting without staring at your watch.

Kakome is one of the places that makes a boat tour worthwhile. Some coastal spots are difficult or impossible to reach conveniently by land, and arriving from the water gives you a clear view of the bay before you step or swim ashore. Captain Rezi has also been praised for pointing out quieter corners around Kakome, which adds a personal touch to what could otherwise be a standard photo stop.

The water is described as crystal clear, and snorkeling can reveal small marine life. One person even spotted an octopus during the trip. You should keep expectations sensible, though. The snorkeling is a casual add-on, not a full guided marine excursion. Bring your own mask if you prefer a particular fit, but masks are supplied onboard.

Soldiers Beach and Roidhes Beach keep the pace moving

Plazhi i Ushtarit, also called Soldiers Beach, gets another 30-minute stop. This is enough time for a proper swim and a quick look around, though it may feel brief if you want a long shore walk or extended snorkeling session.

Plazhi i Roidhes follows with about 20 minutes. These shorter stops give the tour its variety. You see more bays and coves than you would on a simple cruise to one beach, but the tradeoff is that you must keep an eye on the departure time.

I recommend bringing a small dry bag or waterproof pouch. The tour includes a fridge and space for snacks, but there is no reason to carry a large collection of loose items between the boat and the water. Sunscreen, swimwear, a camera, and cash are the practical essentials.

Kroreza Beach is the main event

The tour spends three hours at Kroreza Beach, making this the central stop rather than a quick swim break. You can swim, rest beneath an umbrella, use a sunbed, and eat at one of the local beach restaurants.

This longer pause changes the rhythm of the day. The other stops are about movement and discovery. Kroreza lets you put your bag down, dry off, order food, and settle into the afternoon. The beach has been especially praised for its turquoise water, and the inclusion of umbrellas and sunbeds adds real value.

Bring cash. Food and drinks are not included, and the tour information specifically recommends carrying money for the beach stop. The restaurants provide a convenient lunch option, but you should budget separately for your meal.

An early departure may be smart if you want the best chance of choosing a front-row sunbed or a preferred umbrella. One booking experience specifically recommends taking the earlier boat so you can settle in before the beach becomes busier. Even if you prefer the shade, arriving earlier gives you more choice.

Kroreza is also where the tour may feel least private. The beach is popular, and your three hours are shared with other people on the boat and at the shore. If you want constant movement and new sights, three hours might feel long. If you want a proper beach day without arranging transport yourself, it is the feature that makes this outing practical.

Miloti Cave finishes the sightseeing route

After Kroreza, the boat visits Shpella e Milotit, also known as Miloti Cave. This is mainly a photo and sightseeing stop, with time to see the cave from the boat and hear about it from the guide.

The itinerary also refers to Gremina and Turtles Cave among the coastal sights that may be included. Exact viewing time can depend on sea conditions and the selected tour option, so consider these stops part of the route rather than guaranteed long visits. Gremina has been singled out for its striking views, and the caves add a different texture after so much open beach and sea.

The final return brings you back to either Vodafone or Rruga Jonianet. Confirm your drop-off point before leaving the port, especially if you have dinner plans or need to connect with another activity.

Captain Rezi and the social atmosphere

The crew is a major reason this tour receives such strong praise. Captain Rezi is repeatedly described as friendly, funny, helpful, and good at taking photos. He has also been known to adjust the mood for the group, including a sunset cruise for a solo visitor during an off-season outing.

That personal attention matters on a shared boat. A captain who points out a good photo angle, explains a cove, or helps organize boarding can make the day feel relaxed instead of procedural. The crew also speaks Albanian, English, Greek, and Italian. Audio guide files are available in English, Italian, Spanish, French, and German, although headphones are not included.

The music deserves a clear mention. The playlist can include French music, R&B, Latin songs, and relaxed summer tracks. Some people will love the party feeling. Others may prefer quiet water and bird calls. If you want a peaceful coastal study, this is probably not your ideal cruise. If you like music, conversation, and a cheerful group mood, it adds energy without requiring you to be the life of the party.

Snorkeling, swimming, and what to pack

The tour includes several opportunities to swim and snorkel, with masks provided. Tubes are available on request, but the operator does not routinely use them for hygiene reasons.

The clear water is the main attraction. You might see small fish or other marine life, but conditions vary, and this is not a specialist snorkeling trip with a marine guide. Think of snorkeling as an easy extra that improves the swim stops.

Pack:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Reef-safe sunscreen or regular sunscreen as appropriate
• A camera or waterproof phone case
• Cash for Kroreza
• Snacks and drinks if you do not want to buy them at the beach
• A dry bag for valuables

The fridge is available for drinks and snacks, which is handy during a five-hour outing. Still, keep your food simple and compact. You will be moving between seats, swim stops, and the beach.

Who will enjoy this boat tour most?

I would choose this outing for couples, families with older children, solo visitors who enjoy social activities, and groups of friends. The mix of sightseeing, swimming, music, and a long beach break gives each person several ways to enjoy the day.

It is also a good choice if you are visiting Saranda for only a short time. Instead of arranging separate transport to several coastal sites, you see Kakome, Soldiers Beach, Roidhes Beach, Kroreza, and a cave in one trip.

You should think twice if you have back problems, limited mobility, or difficulty boarding a boat. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, people over 120 kilograms, or people over 95 years old. Electric wheelchairs are not permitted, and the boat environment may be uncomfortable if you need a stable, highly accessible setup.

The private-group option may suit families or friends who want more control over the mood. The shared trip is the better value for most people, especially at $42, but a private booking may make sense if you want a quieter group or a more personal schedule.

Is the $42 price good value?

Yes, for the right kind of day. You get roughly five hours of coastal sightseeing, several swim stops, snorkeling equipment, a local guide, onboard music, Wi-Fi, taxes, and a three-hour beach visit. The included sunbeds and umbrellas at Kroreza strengthen the value.

The costs to plan for are lunch, drinks, and any other beach purchases. The tour does not include food or beverages, so the final amount will depend on how much you order at Kroreza.

The value is strongest if you intend to swim and use the beach facilities. If you only want to sit in shade and watch the coast, you may find the repeated stops less useful. The tour asks you to trade quiet isolation for variety, convenience, and a fun group setting.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a lively day on the Albanian Riviera, several boat-only coastal stops, clear water for swimming, and enough time at Kroreza to actually relax. Captain Rezi’s warm style, the new boat, free beach seating, and strong music selection give it more personality than a basic transfer by sea.

Skip it if you want a silent cruise, a serious snorkeling lesson, or a highly accessible boat. Also think carefully about the three-hour Kroreza stop if you prefer constant sightseeing.

For most visitors staying in Saranda, I would book it early in the day, bring cash and sunscreen, and choose a shaded seat when the sun is strong. At $42, it is an easy way to see a stretch of coast that is difficult to organize on your own.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour start?

The listed starting points are on Rruga Jonianet and near Vodafone in Saranda. The exact meeting point can vary according to the option booked, so check the booking details before arrival.

How long does the tour last?

The experience is advertised as five hours, with the stated duration also listed as 330 minutes. The schedule includes a three-hour stop at Kroreza Beach and several shorter swim and sightseeing stops.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You can eat at one of the local beachside restaurants at Kroreza, and you should bring cash.

Are umbrellas and sunbeds included at Kroreza?

The tour information and booking details state that umbrellas and sunbeds at Kroreza are included. An earlier departure may give you a better choice of seating.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling masks are provided, and tubes are available on request. You can also bring your own gear.

What languages are available?

The host or greeter speaks Albanian, English, Greek, or Italian. Audio guide files can be requested in English, Italian, Spanish, French, or German. Headphones are not included.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available, depending on the booking choice.