REVIEW · SARANDE
Saranda: Sea Adventure with 7 Stops, Drinks, & Snorkel Fun
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Kelvin Boat Trip · Bookable on GetYourGuide
A fast boat and quiet bays in one day, what’s not to love? This 6-hour ride along the Albanian Riviera is built for swimming and easy sightseeing, with photo stops at places like Turtle Cave and Secret Cave. I like how the pace stays relaxed, and I also like the long stretch of time at Krorez Beach. The one thing to watch is that it’s not set up for slow, easy walking or for people who get seasick.
I’m especially glad they keep it small (shared tours are capped at 11 people), so the boat doesn’t feel like a floating bus. I also like the practical extras: snorkeling masks, a cooler for your drinks/food, and a captain who actually explains what you’re seeing while playing traditional music. The main drawback is simple: you’ll want to be ready for multiple short swims and a no-hurry schedule that depends on you arriving on time.
In This Review
- Key Highlights I’d Plan Around
- Why This Sarandë Speed-Boat Day Feels Like a Real Escape
- Price and What You Actually Get for $42
- Meeting at Limani: The First Test of a Smooth Day
- Shpella e Milotit (Turtle Cave): Photos, a Possible Turtle, Then Off
- Secret Cave: Peaceful Water, Calm Focus
- Gremina and Kakome Bays: Two 30-Minute Windows to Swim
- Krorez Beach: The 2.5–3 Hour Main Event
- Soldier Bay and the Final Bays: Quick Swims and a Last Look
- The Boat Ride Experience: Music, Comfort Spots, and Real Safety Gear
- What to Bring (So You Don’t End Up Rushing)
- Snorkeling Reality Check: You Get the Gear, You Still Need the Right Conditions
- Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Skip It)
- Small Tips That Make a Big Difference
- Should You Book Kelvin’s 7-Stop Sarandë Sea Adventure?
- FAQ
- Shared vs private boat: what’s the difference?
- How long is the tour?
- Where do I meet the tour?
- Is parking available at the meeting point?
- What’s included in the price?
- Is lunch included?
- Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
- Can I bring alcohol or other beverages?
- Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers or people with heart problems?
- What should I bring to be comfortable?
Key Highlights I’d Plan Around

- 7 coastal stops with cave scenery early and beach time later
- Turtle Cave and Secret Cave for photos and quick sightseeing
- Gremina, Kakome, and Krorez for swims in clear water
- Krorez Beach (2–3 hours) as the main beach break, not a token stop
- Snorkeling mask included so you can try it without extra costs
- Shared or private boat depending on how social you want the day to feel
Why This Sarandë Speed-Boat Day Feels Like a Real Escape

Sarandë’s coast can get busy, fast. This tour helps you change the rhythm right away by putting you on a speed boat headed out toward quieter bays. The style is simple: stop, swim, take pictures, then move on. That’s the whole charm.
What I like most is that the day isn’t just sightseeing. You get real water time. The itinerary is loaded with swim-friendly stops, plus one longer beach break where you can actually hang out instead of constantly getting back on the boat.
If you hate crowds, you’ll likely appreciate the small-group setup. Shared tours run with a maximum of 11 people, which keeps the vibe calmer than big tourist catamarans.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Sarande.
Price and What You Actually Get for $42

At $42 per person for a roughly 6-hour outing, the value comes from what’s bundled into that price. You’re paying for boat time, fuel, and a captain, plus practical items that let you enjoy the water right away: lifejackets, snorkeling masks, and access to all the beaches visited. There’s also a free drink, and the boat setup includes a cooler for storing your food and drinks.
Not included: lunch and extra drinks (you can bring your own), and umbrellas for shade. That matters because the best beach time is also when you’ll want shade. If you burn easily, plan for sunscreen and possibly extra shade of your own.
In plain terms: this is good value if you want a few hours on beaches you can’t easily reach on foot, and you’ll actually use the snorkeling masks and swimming opportunities.
Meeting at Limani: The First Test of a Smooth Day

The meeting point is Bar Restaurant Limani, with a specific pickup spot described as a stand in front of Vodafone. There’s a guide on hand (described as a boy) who gives trip info.
The logistics detail that can make or break your morning: there’s no parking at the meeting point. The tour recommends parking in a nearby private area about a 10-minute walk away, with an estimated cost around 5€ per car. If you’d rather search for street parking closer, the advice is to arrive 30 minutes early.
This is one of those tours where arriving late really does cause problems. The tour notes they can’t wait due to heat and fairness to other customers, and late arrivals may be marked as a no-show. So I’d build in buffer time, even if your hotel is close.
Shpella e Milotit (Turtle Cave): Photos, a Possible Turtle, Then Off

Your first real sight moment comes at Turtle Cave (called Shpella e Milotit). Expect a photo stop and short visit with a quick guided orientation, plus a little freedom to look around. The promise here is the rock formations—and if you’re lucky, a sea turtle in the water.
Photo stops on the sea can be brief, but this one is early enough that you’re still fresh and the lighting often helps with pictures. Also, it sets the theme: caves and rock shapes are the “scenery story” of the day, not just random stops.
If you want the best photos, keep your camera ready before you’re told to move. Boats shift position fast, and the “best angle” moment doesn’t wait.
Secret Cave: Peaceful Water, Calm Focus

Next up is a secret stop described as a hidden cave area (Secret Cave). This is another photo stop with guided info and a small window of free time.
This is the kind of stop that works even if you don’t snorkel. You’re looking at natural features, and you’re also getting the benefit of a quieter pause away from the main beaches. The vibe here tends to be calm—more “look and breathe” than “jump in right now.”
The trade-off: short stops mean you won’t have time to explore deeply on foot. Come for the views and pictures.
Gremina and Kakome Bays: Two 30-Minute Windows to Swim

You get a stop at Gremina Bay for about 30 minutes, then another at Kakome Bay for about 30 minutes. These are clearly swim-and-sun stops, described as crystal-clear waters and good photo opportunities with surrounding green hills.
Thirty minutes sounds short until you factor in the sea conditions and how the boat schedule works. These stops are basically your warm-up: jump in, swim a little, maybe try snorkeling if visibility looks good, then get back on before you overstay and slow the group.
A practical thing I’d do: wear your swimwear under your clothes if possible. With fast stops, it reduces the “changing time tax.”
If you prefer lounging to swimming, you’ll still have time to relax, but these two bays are more about quick water time.
Krorez Beach: The 2.5–3 Hour Main Event

This is the stop the day is built around: Krorez Beach (also described as Krorez Bay). It’s the longest break, lasting 2–3 hours. This matters because it changes the trip from a “speed-boat tour” into a true beach day.
What you can do here:
- Relax on the beach and soak up the views
- Swim or snorkel in the turquoise water
- Eat your own food and drinks (the boat provides a cooler)
- Dine at seaside restaurants if you’d rather not pack anything
- Choose between sunbeds (provided) and the beach area
Krorez is also described as having clear water and large rocks. That’s great for the scenery, but it also means you should watch your footing if you’re stepping around rocks or small stones near the waterline.
Shade is the one detail to plan around. Officially, umbrellas aren’t included, though at least one review notes umbrellas were available with the beach setup. I’d still pack sunscreen and assume you may want to handle shade yourself.
Soldier Bay and the Final Bays: Quick Swims and a Last Look
After Krorez, the stops get shorter again.
You’ll have about 20 minutes at Soldier Bay. It’s described as a quick swim/photo moment. This is a good “in-between” stop if you want one last dip without losing the whole day to water.
Then you finish with Rrojdhe Bay for about 20 minutes, another peaceful bay where swimming and pictures are your main activities. After that, it’s the return to the starting point.
These final stops are best approached with a clear expectation: don’t treat them like another full beach break. Treat them like bonus windows to enjoy the coast before heading back.
The Boat Ride Experience: Music, Comfort Spots, and Real Safety Gear

This tour runs on a speed boat, and the package includes lifejackets and comfortable seating spots on board. There’s also a Bluetooth music system, and multiple accounts mention the captain playing traditional music. It’s a nice touch because it turns “transport” into part of the vibe.
I also like that snorkeling masks are included. Many beach tours make you pay extra or bring your own gear. Here you can show up with swimwear and a camera and be ready to try snorkeling immediately.
One more practical benefit: a cooler helps you keep drinks and food accessible and not warm the moment you stash them. That matters when you’re out for hours.
What to Bring (So You Don’t End Up Rushing)
This is a sun-and-water day, so pack like it’s a beach outing with extra jumps.
Bring:
- Swimwear and beachwear
- Camera (caves and rock formations are photo-friendly)
- Sunscreen
- Your food and drinks if you want the flexibility (lunch isn’t included)
- Cash (requested as something to have)
The tour also lists items not allowed: bikes, alcohol and drugs, and baby carriages.
And if you’re sensitive to sun, remember: shade coverage depends on where you spend time, and umbrellas aren’t listed as included.
Snorkeling Reality Check: You Get the Gear, You Still Need the Right Conditions
Snorkeling is part of the plan at key stops, and the tour includes snorkeling masks. That’s a big plus.
But it’s also worth tempering expectations: snorkeling success depends on water clarity and comfort with jumping in. If you’re new to snorkeling, the easiest way to make it work is to treat it as “try it” time rather than a performance.
Also note the tour isn’t suitable for people prone to seasickness. If you’re the type who gets woozy on boats, this one can be a rough match even if the water looks perfect.
Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Skip It)
Based on the provided rules, this tour is not suitable for:
- Pregnant women
- People with heart problems
- Non-swimmers
- People prone to seasickness
- People with recent surgeries
- Babies under 1 year
- People over 70 years
- People over 209 lbs (95 kg)
For the right person, though, it’s a strong match:
- You want swimming and snorkeling time, not just a scenic ride
- You want to get out of busy Sarandë and spend a chunk of time at one standout beach
- You like clear plans with short photo stops and a main beach anchor
If you’re traveling with friends and want a social day, shared tours keep it manageable. If you want maximum flexibility and privacy, there’s also a private boat option.
Small Tips That Make a Big Difference
Here are a few “do this and the day feels easier” choices:
- Arrive early for parking and meeting point timing. The tour can’t wait for late arrivals.
- Plan to use the cooler wisely. If you pack lunch, the Krorez time slot is long enough to make it feel like a proper meal break.
- Bring water shoes if you’re worried about rocky areas. Krorez is described with large rocks and small stones around the shore.
- If you’re sensitive to heat, sunscreen plus shade planning is smarter than trying to find shade at the last second.
And one more: if you want photos, be ready early at the cave stops. The boat moves quickly, and the best moments are usually brief.
Should You Book Kelvin’s 7-Stop Sarandë Sea Adventure?
I’d book this if you want a clear value trade: pay $42 for a full 6-hour sea day with caves, several swim stops, and a real 2–3 hour beach break at Krorez Beach. It’s a great option for people who can swim and don’t mind a schedule that runs on time.
Skip it if you have any issues with boat movement, seasickness risk, or swimming requirements. Also, be honest about shade and sun. Umbrellas aren’t listed as included, so pack sunscreen and plan your comfort.
If you’re aiming for an easy, well-run water day that feels like a small group adventure rather than a crowded circuit, this one is an excellent bet.
FAQ
Shared vs private boat: what’s the difference?
You can choose either a shared group tour (max 11 people) or a private trip with just your group.
How long is the tour?
The duration is about 6 hours.
Where do I meet the tour?
Meet at Bar Restaurant Limani, with the stand located in front of Vodafone. There will be a guide there.
Is parking available at the meeting point?
No. There is no parking at the meeting point. Street parking may be available but it’s recommended to arrive early, or use a nearby private parking area (about a 10-minute walk away) for around 5€ per car.
What’s included in the price?
The price includes the boat trip, captain, lifejackets, snorkeling masks, a free drink, fuel, a cooler for drinks/food, access to all beaches visited, a Bluetooth music system, comfortable spots on board, and sunbeds.
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch is not included, but you can bring your own food and drinks. There are also restaurants at the main beach stop area.
Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
No. Snorkeling masks are included.
Can I bring alcohol or other beverages?
Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. Extra drinks and food are not included, but you can bring your own and store them in the cooler.
Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers or people with heart problems?
No. It’s not suitable for non-swimmers and also not suitable for people with heart problems.
What should I bring to be comfortable?
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, beachwear, a camera, food and drinks (if you want), and cash.










