Sarandë: Boat Tour Turtle Cave Kakome & Krorez Snorkeling

Clear water, quiet coves, and a very good boat ride. I like the mix of short photo stops, several swims, and one long beach break, so you get both movement and downtime. I also like that the small-group option keeps the outing personal, with captains such as Kosta and Mario earning praise for friendly service, safety, music, and local pointers. The main thing to consider is the long stop at Krorez Beach, which can feel slow if you would rather keep cruising.

At $37 per person for about 270 minutes, this is a strong-value way to see coastline that is difficult to reach from Sarandë by road. You get fuel, a captain, comfortable seating, Bluetooth music, and snorkel gear. Food, drinks, alcohol, umbrellas, and beach purchases cost extra, and Krorez is cash only.

What makes this Sarandë boat trip worth considering

• Six coastal stops in one outing: The captain chooses six of seven locations according to weather and sea conditions.
• Krorez Beach gets the long break: Plan on roughly 2.5 to 3 hours for swimming, lunch, and time on the beach.
• Three short swimming stops: Gremina, Kakome, and Military Bay each allow up to about 20 to 25 minutes in the water.
• Turtle Cave is mainly a photo stop: Its unusual rock shapes are the visual highlight, but the schedule does not promise a swim there.
• Small groups or private boats: You can pay per person for a group trip or reserve the boat for your own party.
• Bring cash and your own food: The beach restaurants accept cash only, and meals and alcohol are not included.

Leaving Sarandë marina for the northern coast

The meeting point is the Saranda Boat 1 table across from Guma Restaurant on the promenade. That is useful because you do not need to search through a marina maze. Arrive ready for the water, with swimwear under your clothes and your phone fully charged.

The boat carries comfortable seating and Bluetooth music. The music has been a real part of the atmosphere for many people, especially when the boat is moving between coves. This is not a silent sightseeing cruise. It has a cheerful, social feel, though you can still choose to sit back and watch the coast.

The trip lasts 270 minutes, or four and a half hours. The company aims to visit six of seven places, but the captain decides based on weather. That flexibility matters on an open-water excursion. You should treat the listed stops as the plan, not a guarantee that every location will be visited in exactly the same order.

The boat is designed for short coastal hops and pulling close to small coves. That makes it more useful than a large sightseeing vessel if your main goal is swimming. A small group can also make boarding, getting in the water, and finding a seat easier. The exact group size can vary, but one outing had only seven people, which gives you a sense of the more intimate setup available.

Turtle Cave and the first photo stop

The first named stop is Shpella e Milotit, known here as Turtle Cave. The rock formations suggest turtle shells, giving the place its name. The stop lasts about 10 minutes and is mainly for photographs.

This is a good opening stop because you can get your camera ready before the swimming begins. The rock shapes provide something specific to look for, rather than just another stretch of pale stone and blue water. A waterproof camera or a phone in a waterproof case is a smart choice.

Do not expect a long swim at Turtle Cave. The schedule treats it as a photo stop, so the value comes from the view and the unusual formations. If your priority is spending every possible minute in the sea, you may find this pause a little brief. If you like taking pictures from the water, it gives you a quick visual introduction to the coast.

The forgotten anchors at Secret Beach

The second photo stop is described as a hidden cove with forgotten anchors connected to local fish farming. Again, the stop is around 10 minutes, and swimming is not part of the plan.

This is one of the more unusual details of the trip. The anchors give the place a human story, while the surrounding cove keeps the stop scenic. It is also a reminder that the coast is not only about beaches and swimming holes. Small traces of work and older local activity remain along the shore.

The practical point is simple: keep your camera handy and do not expect to get off the boat. If you are traveling with children, explaining in advance that this is a look-and-photograph stop may prevent disappointment.

Gremina, the first proper swim

Kepi i Qefalit, referred to as Gremina in the tour description, is the first main water stop. You get up to 20 to 25 minutes for swimming and snorkeling around a distinctive rock formation.

This is where the boat trip starts to feel like a proper water day. The included snorkel gear means you do not have to pack your own mask and equipment, although you should still bring a towel and biodegradable sunscreen. The short time limit encourages a quick swim rather than a full beach session.

The water and rock formations are the attraction here. You can swim, look below the surface, then climb back aboard without losing half the day at one place. That format suits you if you want variety. It is less suitable if you prefer settling into one cove for hours.

The captain’s role matters at stops like this. Kosta has been praised for careful handling, safety, and taking the boat into attractive coves. Mario has also received warm praise for being friendly and helpful. Still, conditions can change, and the captain may alter the plan.

Kakome Beach and its calm water

Kakome Beach is another swimming stop, usually lasting about 20 to 25 minutes. It is known for clear water and a quiet setting, with a beach that feels removed from the main Sarandë resort area.

I like this part of the route because it gives you a second chance to snorkel if the first swim was busy or you were still getting comfortable with the water. You can also use the stop for a simple swim without worrying about arranging a restaurant, umbrella, or beach chair.

The drawback is the short timetable. Twenty minutes passes quickly once you account for getting ready, entering the water, and climbing back aboard. Keep your belongings organized, and listen for the captain’s instructions so you are not rushing at the end.

Krorez Beach, the long and important stop

Krorëza, often written as Krorez, is the centerpiece of the outing. The beach is reachable by boat and gets roughly 2.5 to 3 hours. You can swim, relax on shore, eat at a local restaurant, and rent an umbrella.

This long pause changes the rhythm of the day. The earlier stops are quick bursts of scenery and swimming. Krorez gives you time to dry off, have lunch, sit under an umbrella, and enjoy the setting without watching the clock every few minutes.

You need cash here. Food and alcohol are not included, and the local restaurants accept cash only. Bring enough Albanian lek or another accepted currency for what you plan to buy. The tour also advises bringing your own food and drinks, which is sensible if you want to control the cost or have specific dietary needs.

The long stop is a benefit for some people and a drawback for others. I would choose this trip if I wanted a relaxed beach afternoon built into a boat route. I would think twice if I wanted constant cruising and many different coves. One person found the 2.5-hour lunch break too long because the beach area has only a small bar and limited food choices.

Krorez can also be the busiest part of the day. A four-star assessment specifically raised concerns about crowding and litter on the seabed. That does not erase the appeal of the beach, but it is worth keeping expectations realistic. The water may look wonderfully clear from the boat, while the swimming area itself can feel less untouched at busy times.

Military Bay and Rrojdhes before returning

The final swimming stop is Military Bay, also called Plazhi i Ushtarit or Rrojdhes. The schedule allows up to about 20 to 25 minutes in the water.

This spot adds a different note to the route, with historical associations alongside the coastal scenery. The stop is still centered on swimming and relaxation, so do not expect a formal history tour. If you want more background, ask the captain directly. Some captains provide explanations at the stops, while one person specifically wished for more information about the places.

After the final swim, the boat returns to Sarandë Boat 1. You will have seen several coves, spent a substantial block of time at Krorez, and had multiple chances to snorkel. The route gives you a broad taste of the coast rather than one long stay at a single beach.

The captain and the feel on board

The strongest part of this experience is the crew. Kosta is repeatedly praised for being warm, professional, safety-minded, and attentive to individual needs. Mario is also singled out as a kind and friendly guide. The crew’s tone seems to matter as much as the scenery, especially on a small boat where you spend the whole afternoon together.

The best outings combine clear instructions with an easygoing mood. Music, comfortable seating, and a captain who knows how to position the boat can turn a basic transfer into a genuinely enjoyable day. Some people even received extra suggestions for places to see around Sarandë, and one person said the captain offered additional time at attractive spots.

The amount of commentary may vary. If you want a detailed coastal lecture, ask questions as you go. The listed guide languages are Albanian, English, and Greek. The captain may share history and local information, but the main purpose is swimming, scenery, and time on the water.

Dolphin sightings are possible, but they are not part of the advertised program. One outing included dolphins, so keep your eyes open, but do not book the trip expecting wildlife.

Is $37 good value?

At $37, the price is reasonable for a four-and-a-half-hour coastal trip with fuel, boat transport, a captain, seating, music, and snorkel equipment. You would need a boat to reach most of these locations independently, so the value is not just the ticket price. It also includes the planning and driving between several hard-to-reach coves.

Your extra costs are straightforward:

• Food and alcohol
• Umbrella rental at Krorez
• Any personal beach purchases
• Your own drinks and snacks if you choose to bring them

The group option is the best deal for couples, friends, solo visitors, and families who are happy to share the boat. A private booking makes more sense if you want control over the pace or prefer not to share the long beach stop with other people. The private price is for the boat, not per person, so compare the total against the number in your party.

The high overall score of 4.9 from 286 ratings supports the idea that the trip delivers good value, especially for people who care about clear water, friendly staff, and a lively but relaxed boat atmosphere. The lower-scoring feedback is useful too: crowding, limited beach facilities, and the long Krorez stop are the main points to weigh.

What to pack for a smoother day

Wear swimwear and beachwear from the start. Bring a towel, water, food, a waterproof camera or phone case, biodegradable sunscreen, cash, and a charged smartphone.

The company supplies snorkel gear, but you may prefer to bring your own mask if fit is important to you. Keep cash dry in a small waterproof pouch. You will not want to discover at Krorez that your lunch budget is sitting in a wet bag.

The boat has comfortable seating, but basic sun protection is still sensible. An umbrella can be rented at the beach, not necessarily on the boat. If you are prone to motion discomfort, consider preparing for a boat ride, though no specific seasickness service is included.

The activity is not considered suitable for people over 70 or people over 209 pounds, or 95 kilograms. Take those limits seriously when deciding if this is the right outing for your party.

Who should book this boat tour?

I would recommend it to couples who want a scenic day without arranging a private charter, friends who enjoy swimming and music, and families who are comfortable with boat travel and several timed water stops.

It is also a good choice if you have only a short stay in Sarandë and want to see several northern coastal locations in one outing. The route gives you photos, snorkeling, open-water views, and a proper beach break without requiring separate bookings.

I would be more cautious if you dislike group activities, want a quiet boat with no music, or prefer a packed schedule with a new stop every few minutes. The long Krorez pause is central to the design. People who want continuous movement may find it too slow, while people who like a leisurely beach afternoon will probably appreciate it.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule before building the rest of your day around it.

Should you book the Turtle Cave and Krorez tour?

Book it if you want an affordable, social boat day with several swims and a long beach break. The crew, comfortable boat, music, and variety of stops make this one of the better-value ways to see the coast outside Sarandë.

Before booking, make sure you are happy with the 2.5 to 3 hours at Krorez, bring cash, and accept that weather may change the route. For a small group, a private boat could be worth the extra cost. For most couples and families, the shared $37 option offers plenty of coastline, water time, and easygoing fun for the money.

FAQ

Where does the Sarandë boat tour meet?

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

How long does the boat tour last?

The stated duration is 270 minutes, or about four and a half hours.

How many places does the tour visit?

The captain aims to visit six of seven locations. The exact stops depend on weather conditions and the captain’s discretion.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkel gear is included with the tour.

Is food included?

No. Food and alcohol are not included. You can bring your own food and drinks, and restaurants at Krorez Beach accept cash only.

How much time is spent at Krorez Beach?

The beach stop lasts about 2.5 to 3 hours and can include swimming, food, relaxing, and renting an umbrella.

What languages are available?

The tour offers live guidance in Albanian, English, and Greek.