Saranda:Boat Tour to Kroreza with snorkelling,&umbrellas

The Ionian saves its best views for boat decks. This $50 speedboat trip from Sarandë takes you to beaches and coves that are difficult to reach by road, with time for swimming, snorkeling, photos, and a long stop at Kroreza Beach. I especially like the clear water at the swimming stops and the chance to reach Kakome and Kroreza by boat, away from Sarandë’s busy waterfront.

The friendly crew adds to the fun, especially captains such as Antonio and Orgest, who are praised for good music and warm service. The main drawback is the rough, fast ride: you may feel seasick, and boarding can be awkward when waves are high. English explanations can also be limited, so this is more of a lively beach-hopping outing than a detailed sightseeing cruise.

Quick highlights for your day on the Ionian

• Six swimming and photo locations: The route includes Soldier’s Bay, Kepi i Qefalit, Kakome Bay, Kroreza, and Rojdhes Bay, with short stops at several locations.
• Kroreza gets the most time: You have about three hours for swimming, lunch, drinks, and beach time, with a longer six-hour option also available.
• Fast speedboat ride: The boat makes the journey exciting, but the ride can feel bumpy in rough water.
• Snorkeling gear is provided: Masks and life jackets are included, though you should ask early for a mask because availability may vary.
• Shade and cold storage onboard: The boat has shaded seating and a fridge for snacks and drinks you bring yourself.
• Good value for active beach lovers: The price includes the captain, equipment, beach umbrellas and sunbeds, plus fees and taxes, but food and drinks cost extra.

What the $50 price really buys you

At $50 per person, this is a reasonable use of a beach day in Sarandë if you want access to several coastal spots rather than one beach reached on foot. You are paying for a captain, speedboat transport, multiple stops, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, shaded seating, and time at Kroreza. The route also saves you from arranging separate transport to remote bays.

The value is strongest for people who enjoy variety. Instead of spending the entire day at one crowded beach, you get short swims, quick photo stops, and a longer break at Kroreza. The boat itself is part of the entertainment, with music and a brisk ride between stops.

Food and drinks are not included. You can bring your own snacks and beverages and keep them in the onboard fridge, then buy lunch or drinks at Kroreza. Bring cash, since one beach venue is reported to accept cash only, while another account says the restaurant accepted cards. That inconsistency is a good reason to carry Albanian lek anyway.

Umbrellas and sunbeds are included in the advertised package. One account noted an umbrella but no sunbed, so I would not rely on a particular setup without checking at departure. A towel is still useful, and you should bring sturdy water shoes because the beach and shoreline can be rocky, with stones becoming very hot in the sun.

Meeting at Limani Harbour without a frantic start

The meeting point is on Bulevardi Hasan Tahsini in Sarandë, near Limani Harbour. Look for the stand with the Santiago1 boat tours company logo. The exact meeting point can vary with the option you book, so check the confirmation carefully before leaving your accommodation.

Give yourself extra time. Parking near the waterfront can be difficult, and one party arrived 20 minutes early but still struggled to find a place and was late. The crew did make an effort to help late arrivals, including calling one person and waiting, but that is kindness rather than a plan you should count on.

Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel are not included. You need to make your own way to the harbour and return there after the trip. At the end of the day, the listed drop-off points are in Sarandë, including Bulevardi Hasan Tahsini.

The speedboat ride: exciting, but not gentle

The boat has shaded seating, which matters in the strong Albanian sun. It also has a fridge for drinks and snacks, so you are not forced to buy everything at the beach. The boat is described as comfortable, but comfort here means a well-equipped speedboat, not a quiet ferry with a broad deck.

The fast ride is one of the trip’s main pleasures. You move quickly along the coast and get wide views of the Ionian water and rocky shore. Captains often play music, and the mood is more cheerful day out than formal excursion. Antonio is repeatedly praised for his music choices and easy manner, while Orgest receives similar praise for friendly attention.

That speed has a tradeoff. One person who is prone to seasickness found the trip manageable, but another warned that the fast boat can make you feel ill. The return ride may be bumpier, especially when the sea picks up. If you know you suffer from motion sickness, bring your usual medication and think carefully before booking.

Boarding and leaving the boat may also take effort. Big waves can make the step from boat to beach or back again uncomfortable. This is not the best choice if you have back problems, limited mobility, or need easy access in and out of a vessel. Pregnant people and anyone over 110 kilograms, or 243 pounds, are also excluded from the activity.

Soldier’s Bay and Kepi i Qefalit: short stops with a purpose

The first coastal stops are Plazhi i Ushtarit, known as Soldier’s Bay, and Kepi i Qefalit. Each gets roughly 15 minutes for photos, swimming, and snorkeling. That is enough time for a quick look and a refreshing swim, but not enough for a long beach visit.

These brief stops work well because they break up the boat ride. You can get in the water, cool off, and see how the color and shape of the coast change from one bay to the next. Bring your swimsuit under your clothes so you are ready to move quickly.

Do not expect a full guided talk at every location. The crew is welcoming, but English explanations may be limited. The assistant reportedly does much of the explaining, while the captain handles the boat and the atmosphere. If you want detailed background about each cove, this may feel light on information. If you mainly want time in the water and good coastal views, the simple approach is likely enough.

Kakome Bay: a quieter pause from Sarandë

Gjiri i Kakomes, or Kakome Bay, is one of the more secluded stops. Its position in a sheltered bay gives the outing a welcome change of pace after the speedboat ride. You have time for photos, swimming, and snorkeling, but the stop is still about 15 minutes.

The short timing is the key point. You will not have a full afternoon here, and you should be ready when the crew calls everyone back. The reward is seeing a quieter stretch of coast that is not part of a normal Sarandë beach day.

The water is described as very clear across the route, which makes these short swims worthwhile. Masks are included, but one account says snorkeling gear was provided only upon request and there was not a mask for every person. Ask for your mask at the start rather than waiting until the boat reaches a swimming spot.

Kroreza Beach: the main event for three hours

Kroreza is where the trip slows down. The usual plan gives you about three hours on the sandy beach, with a longer six-hour option listed for some departures. That long pause allows you to swim, sit under an umbrella, eat, and order drinks without watching the clock every few minutes.

The beach is described as one of the strongest parts of the day, with clear water and a remote feel that is hard to get from Sarandë by road. It is not a polished resort beach, though. One account describes rocks, large waves, and a difficult entry from the boat. Water shoes are a smart addition, especially if your feet are sensitive or you plan to walk along the shore.

You can buy food and drinks at the beach, but do not assume a full restaurant service. The description refers to bars and restaurants, while one account found only bars selling drinks. Carry cash, and do not depend entirely on a card. A mixed drink was reported at about 1,000 Albanian lek, though prices can change.

The beach stop is a good test of your travel style. If you want a quiet swim, lunch, and sun time, three hours will feel generous. If you get restless on a beach or dislike rocky shorelines, it may feel too long. The umbrellas are useful, but bring your towel because seating arrangements may not always match the advertised setup.

Rojdhes Bay: the final chance to swim

The short stop at Rojdhes Bay gives you another chance to relax and snorkel before returning to Sarandë. Like the first stops, it is brief, so keep your mask, towel, and shoes within easy reach.

This final pause can be especially welcome after time on the beach. You can rinse off in the sea, take a last set of photos, and enjoy one more look at the coast before the return ride. The trip ends back at the Sarandë meeting area, usually with music and a fast run toward the harbour.

The crew and the feel of the day

The strongest part of this experience is the human touch. Captains Antonio and Orgest are singled out for being friendly, helpful, and attentive. Music is a recurring part of the day, and you may be allowed to play your own music as well.

The mood is social and informal. The crew seems willing to help with directions, boarding, and late arrivals, and the captain may adjust the atmosphere with music and conversation. That makes the outing feel personal rather than mechanical.

Still, keep your expectations realistic about guiding. The crew speaks English and Albanian, but several details suggest that the tour may not include long explanations about the coast. You are booking a boat-and-beach experience, not a history lesson. The strongest memories will likely come from the water, the coves, the music, and the people running the boat.

What to pack for a smoother trip

Pack lightly, but bring the items that matter most:

• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Swimsuit and towel
• Cash in Albanian lek
• Water shoes for hot, rocky shorelines
• Motion sickness medicine if you normally need it
• A small bag that can stay secure on a moving boat

You can bring snacks and drinks, with fridge space available onboard. Keep valuables to a minimum, and make sure anything you carry can handle spray and movement.

The boat supplies life jackets and snorkeling masks. Since masks may be limited or handed out on request, ask at the beginning. The tour also includes the captain, umbrellas, sunbeds, and all listed fees and taxes, but it does not include meals, drinks, or transport to the meeting point.

Who should book the Kroreza boat tour?

I would choose this for couples, families with older children, and friends who want an active beach day with several stops. It suits you if you like swimming, quick photo breaks, music, and the excitement of a speedboat. It is also a good choice if you have limited time in Sarandë and want to see remote bays in one outing.

I would hesitate if you get severe seasickness, need easy boarding, have back problems, or want a calm boat ride. You should also think twice if you need detailed commentary in English or prefer organized meals and guaranteed restaurant facilities.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The activity is available as a private group in some options, which may appeal to families or friends who want a more personal outing. Check the exact duration and starting time carefully, since options range from two to six hours.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if your ideal Sarandë day includes clear water, several swim stops, a remote beach, and a fast ride with music. At $50, the combination of boat access, equipment, and time at Kroreza is good value, especially when you carry your own drinks and plan for cash at the beach.

Skip it if rough water, rocky beaches, or a lack of detailed guiding would spoil your day. For everyone else, pack water shoes, arrive early at Limani Harbour, request your snorkeling mask, and keep your schedule open for a lively, slightly bumpy day on the Ionian.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour start?

The meeting area is in Sarandë near Limani Harbour, on or around Bulevardi Hasan Tahsini. The exact meeting point may vary by the option booked, and you should look for the Santiago1 boat tours stand.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $50 per person. The price includes the boat captain, snorkeling masks, life jackets, the onboard fridge, umbrellas, sunbeds, and all fees and taxes.

How long does the experience last?

Available options range from two to six hours. The standard plan includes about three hours at Kroreza Beach, while a longer six-hour option is also listed.

What beaches and bays does the boat visit?

Stops include Soldier’s Bay, Kepi i Qefalit, Kakome Bay, Kroreza Beach, and Rojdhes Bay. The route also includes Turtles Cave in the described trip plan.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Masks for snorkeling and life jackets are included. Snorkeling masks may be handed out on request, and availability may not cover every person, so ask the crew early.

Are food and drinks included?

No. You can bring snacks and drinks and store them in the boat’s fridge. Food and drinks purchased at the beach must be paid for separately.

Can I buy food at Kroreza Beach?

Bars and restaurants are listed at Kroreza Beach, but the available food service may vary. Carry cash because at least one beach venue is reported to accept cash only.

Are umbrellas and sunbeds included?

The package includes umbrellas and sunbeds. One account reported having an umbrella without a sunbed, so you may wish to confirm the exact beach arrangement.

Is hotel pick-up included?

No. You must travel to the meeting point in Sarandë yourself. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included.

Who should not take this tour?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, or anyone over 110 kilograms, or 243 pounds. The fast boat and changing sea conditions may also be difficult for people prone to seasickness.