Sarandë Sea Safari: Speedboat to Hidden Coves & Wild Beaches

Sarandë’s best seaside moments are often away from its busy waterfront. This speedboat trip takes you north to quiet coves, sea caves, sharp cliffs, clear swimming water, and the remains of a WWII shipwreck. You get the Ionian coast at its wildest, with the wind and engine noise adding a bit of fun.

I like the access to small bays reachable only by boat, and I like the generous two-hour stop at Krorez Beach. That longer break gives you time to swim, eat, sit with a drink, and take photos without feeling rushed. Captain Eri is also praised for clear English, good communication, and entertaining stories.

The main consideration is the ride itself. A speedboat is exciting, but it can feel rough in changing sea conditions. This trip is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, people prone to seasickness, or anyone with mobility limits.

Quick points to know before booking

• A real coastal outing: Visit Kakome Bay, Soldier Bay, Kepi i Qefalit, Pllakoto, Krorez Beach, Plazhi i Ushtarit, and a WWII shipwreck.
• The longest pause is at Krorez: Plan on about 1.5 to 2 hours for swimming, food, photos, and beach time.
• Captain Eri may lead your trip: He speaks English and is noted for friendly communication and local stories.
• Shared or private boats: Choose a social small-group trip or a private ride with your own pace and music.
• Snorkeling is part of the day: Goggles and life jackets are included, though you should bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and a towel.
• Weather matters: The operator may reschedule or cancel if sea conditions are unsafe or the minimum group size is not reached.

Leaving Sarandë Harbor for the northern Ionian coast

The trip begins at Sarandë Harbor, with the exact meeting point depending on the option you book. Hercules Boat Tours provides the skipper, speedboat, goggles, and life jackets. Pickup and drop-off from your accommodation are not included, so plan your own way to the harbor.

The boat heads north from Sarandë along a coast that quickly feels less developed and less crowded. You will see steep rock, open water, small beaches, and pale coves that are difficult or impossible to reach by road. The ride is part of the attraction, not merely transport between stops.

The total outing can last from 150 minutes to five hours. That broad range matters. A shorter option may suit you if you want a fast swim-and-photo trip, while a longer tour gives you time at Krorez and more room for several swimming stops. Check the exact departure and duration before paying, since the schedule depends on the option selected.

The boat is described as modern and comfortable, but this is still a speedboat. Hold on during faster stretches and expect spray. If you are sensitive to motion, take that seriously. The company specifically excludes people prone to seasickness, and the trip is not designed as a gentle harbor cruise.

The first swim near the shipwreck

One early stop is a coastal WWII shipwreck. The exact amount of time at this site is short, with about 10 minutes set aside for snorkeling. That makes it a quick look rather than a full historical visit.

The appeal is the setting. A wreck in clear coastal water gives the trip a sense of discovery, and the site combines a little history with the chance to see the sea from below. You should not expect a museum-style explanation or a long guided history talk. This is an atmospheric stop where the captain can add context while you look, swim, and take photos.

Bring a camera that can handle water if you have one, but do not let photography take over. The schedule moves quickly here, and the point is to get a taste of the site before continuing along the coast.

Kepi i Qefalit and Pllakoto, cliffs above clear water

Kepi i Qefalit is one of the shorter stops, with about 20 minutes for photos, swimming, and snorkeling. The coast here is marked by rock and open views, making it a good place to see how quickly the shoreline changes once you leave Sarandë.

Pllakoto is associated with dramatic cliffs and sea caves. Depending on sea conditions, the boat may make extra photo pauses along the way. These small changes are useful because they let the skipper respond to the water rather than forcing every trip into a fixed pattern.

Twenty minutes is enough for a quick swim and a few photographs, but not enough for a slow beach afternoon. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes and keep your towel close. You will save time at every stop, and you will not need to change on the boat.

Kakome Bay and Soldier Bay

Kakome Beach, also referred to as Kakome Bay, brings another 20-minute pause for swimming, snorkeling, and photos. The bay is valued for its calm-looking turquoise water and quiet setting. From the boat, you can appreciate the full shape of the cove in a way you cannot from the shore.

Soldier Bay is another secluded coastal location included in the wider route. The attraction here is peace and natural surroundings rather than organized beach facilities. You might find the stop especially appealing if your idea of a good beach day involves clear water and rock rather than rows of umbrellas.

The short stops create variety, but they also require a little discipline. You cannot linger at every place. I suggest choosing one priority at each stop: swim, snorkel, or photograph. Trying to do all three in 20 minutes can make the visit feel hurried.

Krorez Beach gives the trip its breathing room

Krorez is the main break, lasting about 1.5 hours in the itinerary and described elsewhere as roughly two hours. Either way, this is the point where the trip slows down.

You have time to swim, take photographs, sit on the beach, and order lunch or long drinks from the beach bars if you want them. Food and drinks cost extra, so bring snacks if you prefer to control your spending. Lunch is not included in the $33 starting price.

This longer stop makes the tour more than a fast sightseeing ride. You can actually settle into the coast for a while. I would use the first part of the break for swimming, then decide if you want food or a quiet place to sit. The beach-bar option is convenient, but bringing water and a snack gives you a backup if you are hungry before service is available.

Krorez is also where the value of the tour becomes easiest to judge. A boat trip that only pauses for a few minutes can leave you feeling as if you spent most of your money on the ride. Here, the longer beach break gives you meaningful time ashore, while the other stops add scenery and swimming.

A final secret stop and Plazhi i Ushtarit

After Krorez, the boat makes another short stop at a less-publicized coastal location. The schedule allows about 20 minutes for photos, swimming, and snorkeling. The name may vary in the tour details, so think of it as an extra quiet water stop rather than a major destination with facilities.

Plazhi i Ushtarit follows with another 20-minute pause. It offers more of the rocky coast, clear water, and open sea views that define the route. By this stage, you may be ready for a slower ride back, especially if you have spent the day in direct sun.

The route can include additional photo stops when the sea is suitable. That flexibility is a plus, but it also means the precise feel of your day depends on weather, water, and the captain’s judgment. The company can cancel or reschedule when conditions are unsafe, and it asks you to keep another time slot available if possible.

Shared speedboat or private trip?

The shared option suits solo visitors, couples, and small groups who want a social outing at the lowest listed price. At $33 per person, it is a strong value if you want several coastal stops, swimming time, equipment, and a boat ride without paying for an entire vessel.

A shared trip also means less control. The boat follows a group schedule, and your preferred music or pace may not be possible. You should choose this option if you are happy to trade some privacy for a lower price and a more social feel.

The private option makes more sense for families with older children, couples marking a special occasion, or a group that wants control over music and timing. It costs more than the per-person shared price, but the extra privacy can be worthwhile if you want to linger at one bay or keep the day focused on swimming.

Selected shared and private departures also offer a sunset version. During the golden hour, the rocky coast takes on warmer colors, which is appealing for photographs and a quieter, more romantic finish. Check availability carefully because sunset trips are not offered on every departure.

What the $33 price really covers

The $33 price includes the skipper, the boat trip, multiple swimming and snorkeling stops, goggles, and life jackets. It does not include lunch, drinks, or transport to and from the harbor.

For a five-hour version, that is good value if you plan to use the swimming stops and stay for the full Krorez break. You are paying for access to several remote coastal places, not just a short ride along the waterfront.

For a 150-minute version, the value depends more on your priorities. It can still work well if you mainly want the speedboat ride, clear water, and a few quick stops. If you want an unhurried beach day, choose the longest available option.

The price does not include every comfort. You need to bring water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, and a towel. There is no included lunch, and hotel pickup is not part of the activity. Those are small costs, but they matter when comparing this trip with a more expensive package that includes meals or transfers.

Captain Eri and the human side of the trip

The crew can speak English, Italian, Albanian, and Greek. Captain Eri is specifically praised for speaking very good English, communicating clearly, and sharing stories along the route. That matters on a boat trip because the captain is not only driving. He helps explain the stops, manage the timing, and make the ride feel comfortable.

The operator has a rating of 4.8 from 105 reviews, with 87 percent of ratings giving the transport a perfect score. The strongest praise centers on friendly service, communication, the views, and the fun of the ride. Those are the parts I would weigh most heavily when choosing this experience.

That praise should not make you expect a luxury yacht. This is an active coastal trip on a speedboat. Its strengths are access, energy, and scenery. Its weak points are the short stop times, possible rough water, extra costs for food, and the lack of suitability for people with certain health or mobility needs.

Who should book this coastal tour?

I would recommend it to you if you want to combine swimming, snorkeling, scenery, and a little speed. It is especially well suited to couples, solo visitors, small groups, and anyone who has already spent time around Sarandë and wants to see a quieter section of the coast.

You should have a moderate level of physical fitness. Getting on and off a boat, swimming from the boat or beach, and dealing with sun and water all require some effort. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, pregnant women, children under 10, people over 200 pounds or 91 kilograms, or people with insect allergies.

You also need to respect the coast. Littering is not allowed, and the operator asks you to treat the natural setting and marine life carefully. Pack light, keep loose items secure, and use reef-safe habits where possible.

Should you book the Sarandë Sea Safari?

Book it if you want remote coves and repeated swim stops without arranging your own boat. The $33 shared option offers a lot for the money, especially when the trip includes the long Krorez break, the shipwreck, goggles, and a skipper who communicates well.

Choose the longest version if your schedule allows. The shorter trip can be worthwhile, but the full outing gives the route time to feel like a proper day on the Ionian coast rather than a quick ride.

Skip it if you dislike speedboats, get seasick, need step-free access, or want a quiet beach day with no fixed schedule. For everyone else, this is a lively, practical way to see Sarandë’s less crowded shoreline, with enough swimming and beach time to justify the trip.

FAQ

Where does the Sarandë Sea Safari start?

The tour starts at Sarandë Harbor. The exact meeting point may vary according to the option booked, so check your booking details before departure.

How long does the tour last?

The available options last from 150 minutes to five hours. Check the available departure and duration when you choose your option.

What is included in the tour price?

The price includes the skipper, the speedboat tour, multiple swimming and snorkeling stops, goggles, and life jackets.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch and drinks are not included. You can buy food and long drinks at beach bars at Krorez Beach, or bring your own snacks.

Can I choose a private boat?

Yes. Private and small-group options are available. Private trips offer an exclusive boat for your group, with a personalized pace and music.

Is there a sunset option?

Yes. Sunset departures are available for private trips and selected shared tours. Availability depends on the option and date.

Are children allowed on the tour?

Children under 10 years old are not allowed to participate for safety reasons.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, water, snacks, a camera, and a hat if you use one. Comfortable swimwear is recommended.

Can the tour be canceled or rescheduled?

Yes. The tour may be rescheduled or canceled if the minimum number of participants is not reached, if sea or weather conditions are unsafe, or if the provider has issues such as sick staff. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.