REVIEW · KSAMIL
Saranda:Boat Tour to Kroreza with snorkelling,&umbrellas
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Santiago Boat Tours Albania · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Boat days in Saranda beat bus tours.
This trip is built around secret coastal spots only boats can reach, with cave stops and beach time that feels more like a day of exploration than a fixed sightseeing checklist. The best part is the variety: you’re bouncing between bays, swimming stops, and the big Kroreza break.
I love the practical comfort on board—shaded seating, a fridge for your snacks and drinks, and life jackets so you can focus on the water. You also get snorkeling masks at the start, and the crew keeps the day moving with short, frequent stops.
One thing to consider: it’s a fast speedboat, and boarding can feel tricky if the water is rough. Plan for a little bumpy ride, bring cash for food in some spots, and know that snorkel gear timing can be uneven if you arrive late to the gear handoff.
In This Review
- Key highlights worth planning for
- From Limani Harbour to Kroreza: the logic behind this route
- Your boat setup: shade, fridge, life jackets, and crews that run the show
- The stop plan: short swims, cave time, and bays with different moods
- Turtles Cave: first-water moment
- Beaches and bays like Solders Bay and Gremina
- Kakome Beach: a quieter secluded bay break
- Rojdhes Bay: short relax + snorkeling
- Kroreza Beach: the big 3-hour beach break
- Extra time at Kroreza Beach
- Snorkeling in the Ionian Sea: what you get and how to use your time
- Kroreza Beach practicalities: umbrellas, rocks, waves, and where to eat
- Timing and logistics in Saranda: meeting points and the “arrive early” rule
- Price and value: why $50 can work (and when it won’t)
- Who should book this Kroreza boat tour—and who should skip it
- Should you book the Saranda to Kroreza boat tour?
- FAQ
- Where does the tour start?
- How long is the boat tour?
- What’s included for snorkeling?
- What should I bring for the day?
- Do I need to pay for food and drinks?
- Are umbrellas and sunbeds included?
- Is pickup and drop-off included?
- Is this a private group tour?
- Who shouldn’t take this tour?
- Can I cancel for a refund?
Key highlights worth planning for

- Secret caves by speedboat: short stops that get you to places most people can’t reach on foot.
- Turtles Cave stop: a memorable first-water moment built into the route.
- Kakome beach escape: a quieter, secluded bay break to get away from crowds.
- Kroreza Beach 3-hour reset: time to eat, swim again, and actually relax.
- Snack-and-drink friendly boat: fridge onboard, so you’re not dependent on what’s sold at each stop.
- Music and good vibes with the crew: guides like Antonio and Orgest are known for keeping the mood upbeat.
From Limani Harbour to Kroreza: the logic behind this route

Saranda’s coastline is stunning, but it’s also scattered. This is why a speedboat makes sense. You get access to coves, bays, and cave areas that would otherwise be a long hike or a missed view.
The route also uses a smart rhythm: many stops are short, and that keeps the day feeling energetic. Then Kroreza Beach switches gears into a longer hangout. That mix is great if you want both variety and downtime without feeling rushed the entire time.
Your boat setup: shade, fridge, life jackets, and crews that run the show

The boat is set up for comfort during the moving parts of the tour. You get shaded seating, plus a fridge where you can store anything you bring for snacks and drinks. That’s a big value add because it keeps you from paying tourist prices every time you get hungry.
Safety basics are handled too. You’ll have life jackets onboard, and you’ll start with snorkeling masks. In a place like the Ionian Sea, where conditions can change, having the right gear ready matters.
Music is another small detail that shows up repeatedly in the experience. Captains and crew like Antonio (and other guides) are described as friendly and music-friendly, which makes the ride more fun than just sitting in silence while you travel between stops.
The stop plan: short swims, cave time, and bays with different moods

This tour is all about location switching. You’re not just going to one beach and calling it a day—you’re collecting a series of sea views, then landing on a larger beach for real time.
Here’s how the day typically unfolds, and what to watch for at each type of stop.
Turtles Cave: first-water moment
The day starts with a water stop at Turtles Cave. It’s positioned as the first “get in the vibe” location, so you can settle into the trip quickly.
Because the stop windows are tight, you’ll want to be ready when you arrive. Bring your sunscreen early, and keep your towel accessible so you can dry off fast and get back to enjoying the moment.
Beaches and bays like Solders Bay and Gremina
After the cave moment, you’ll move through the kind of beaches that are more about feel than facilities. Bays like Solders Bay and Gremina are good for that in-between time: quick swims, sun time, and photo stops.
What matters here is how you use the short stop. If you only think about taking photos, you might miss your swim window. I’d treat each of these as a chance to rinse off, cool down, and reset your energy for the next stop.
Kakome Beach: a quieter secluded bay break
Then you get Kakome Beach, which sits in a secluded bay. This is the stop that helps balance the day—less “everyone at once” energy, more of a calm cove feel.
A quiet bay is also where you’ll likely enjoy snorkeling more, because you can concentrate on the water instead of managing a crowded shoreline. Even if the snorkeling time is brief, this kind of stop is still a win.
Rojdhes Bay: short relax + snorkeling
Later comes Rojdhes Bay, which mixes relaxing and snorkeling. This is a good midpoint “second chance” stop. If you feel like you didn’t get enough swim time earlier, this is often where the day gives you more opportunity.
Again, timing matters. Be ready to get in the water quickly and don’t wait until the last minutes if you want to enjoy the full snorkeling window.
Kroreza Beach: the big 3-hour beach break
Finally, you land at Kroreza Beach, typically with a longer break (about 3 hours) where you can eat, swim, and lounge. This is where the tour shifts from “jump around” to “stay put.”
Kroreza also has bars and restaurants where you can purchase food and drinks. A key practical note: payment methods can vary by spot. One review highlights that certain places are cash-only, while another mentions card payments at a restaurant. I’d bring enough cash to avoid stress, and keep at least one card as backup.
And Kroreza has beach umbrellas and sunbeds included. Still, one review reported umbrella-only on the beach they were assigned, so I’d pack a towel and plan to make your own comfort if sunbed availability doesn’t match expectations.
Extra time at Kroreza Beach
Depending on the exact departure option you pick, you may spend additional time on Kroreza Beach later in the day. Longer durations tend to mean more “stay and enjoy” time, not just another quick hop.
If you’re the type who likes to swim, snack, then swim again, longer versions often feel more relaxing.
Snorkeling in the Ionian Sea: what you get and how to use your time

You’ll receive snorkeling masks plus life jackets, and you’ll have snorkeling windows built into certain stops (the schedule notes short snorkeling periods). Because snorkeling time is limited, the best strategy is simple: choose one or two spots underwater and keep it calm.
Here’s what to expect from the experience design:
- Stops are short, so snorkeling is more of a quick window than an extended session.
- Gear availability can be inconsistent. One review mentioned snorkels were given only on request and not always for every person at once.
- Water clarity can be excellent, and the main thing you’ll want is comfort and timing.
My practical advice: be near the gear handoff early. If you’re planning to snorkel, don’t assume everything is distributed automatically right at the start of the stop.
Also, bring basic swim readiness: towel dry time matters, and rocky access can make getting in and out slower than you expect.
Kroreza Beach practicalities: umbrellas, rocks, waves, and where to eat

Kroreza is a great “reward” beach, but it comes with real-world shoreline texture. One review calls out that the beach can be rocky, that waves can be bigger than expected, and that getting on and off the boat can feel like a small obstacle course.
So do yourself a favor:
- Wear water shoes or shoes with grip if you have them. One reviewer specifically said rocks can get very hot.
- Plan for a little patience when stepping between boat and beach. Don’t rush the boarding steps.
On the food side, Kroreza’s restaurants and bars are part of the experience, but don’t rely on just one payment method. Bring cash for the places that are cash-first, and keep cards for backup if they’re accepted.
Timing and logistics in Saranda: meeting points and the “arrive early” rule

You meet the crew at Limani harbour. The meeting point can vary depending on the option you book, with two common starting locations listed in Sarandë: Bulevardi Hasan Tahsini or Plazhi i Ushtarit. You’ll also find a stand with the company logo so you can confirm you’re at the right place.
Arrive early. One review mentions difficult parking and being late due to finding the area, but the guide waited. That’s luck you shouldn’t count on. Give yourself buffer time, especially if you’re driving.
Also pay attention to language. The host/greeter is listed as English and Albanian, and guides like Antonio and Orgest are mentioned by name. Still, one review noted limited English, so keep your questions simple and be ready for a more “show and explain” style rather than a long lecture about each stop.
Price and value: why $50 can work (and when it won’t)

At $50 per person, the value depends on what you want from the day. If you want boat access, snorkel masks, life jackets, and a real chunk of beach time on Kroreza, this price is easier to justify. You’re also not paying for entry fees since all fees and taxes are included.
What you should budget separately:
- Food and drinks (buy on Kroreza; payment can be cash or card depending on the venue)
- Anything beyond what’s included for snorkeling (the info states masks are provided)
The big “value driver” is the combination of:
1) multiple stops with sea views you can’t easily replicate on foot, and
2) a long Kroreza beach interval where you can actually relax instead of nonstop sightseeing.
If you’re mainly looking for a quiet beach day with minimal transit, you might consider a different option. But if you want variety plus one big payoff beach, the structure fits the money.
Who should book this Kroreza boat tour—and who should skip it

This is a good fit if you’re:
- Comfortable with a speedboat ride
- Interested in seeing multiple bays and caves
- Happy with short snorkeling sessions rather than long underwater time
- Motivated by a fun crew vibe, including music on board
It’s not suitable for certain travelers, based on the stated limitations:
- Pregnant women
- People with back problems
- People with mobility impairments
- People over 243 lbs / 110 kg
If you’re prone to sea sickness, take it seriously. One review describes a very fast boat and suggests using sea-sickness medication. If you’re sensitive, bring meds and consider skipping the trip if you know you react badly to speed or waves.
Should you book the Saranda to Kroreza boat tour?

I’d book this tour if you want a practical, fun day on the water with boat-only access, cave and bay stops, and a proper Kroreza Beach break to swim and eat without constantly changing plans.
Skip it if you need easy, gentle boarding, long snorkeling sessions, or perfect shore access. Also think twice if you have mobility or back issues, because the tour involves getting on and off the boat in water conditions that can get rough.
If you do book, go in prepared: bring cash, bring a towel, and consider water shoes. You’ll spend the day enjoying the coastline instead of wrestling with the details.
FAQ
Where does the tour start?
You meet at Limani harbour. Meeting points can vary by option, with listed starting locations in Sarandë such as Bulevardi Hasan Tahsini and Plazhi i Ushtarit.
How long is the boat tour?
The duration is listed as 2 to 6 hours, depending on the starting time and the option you choose.
What’s included for snorkeling?
You get snorkeling masks and life jackets. Snorkeling happens during scheduled stops for short periods.
What should I bring for the day?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, a towel, sunscreen, and cash.
Do I need to pay for food and drinks?
Yes. Restaurant and drinks are not included, so you’ll pay on your own at Kroreza Beach.
Are umbrellas and sunbeds included?
Yes. Umbrellas and sunbeds are listed as included, though beach setups can vary by stop.
Is pickup and drop-off included?
No. Pickup and drop-off from your accommodation is not included. You return to Sarandë at the listed drop-off options.
Is this a private group tour?
Private group availability is listed.
Who shouldn’t take this tour?
It’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, and people over 243 lbs (110 kg).
Can I cancel for a refund?
Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.




