Speed Boat Tour to National Park and Grama Bay

The best part of this trip is the sheer variety packed into one day: Haxhi Ali Cave, Blue Cave, Grama Bay, and a string of remote coves that are hard to reach from land. The speedboat gives you a quick ride between stops, with plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling, photos, and cave exploring.

I like the way this tour reaches parts of the Karaburun Peninsula that would otherwise require a private boat. I also like the friendly, upbeat crew, with skippers such as Edison and Klejsi praised for being patient and accommodating. The catch is the mood: loud music, a large boat, and a full day on the water can make this feel more like a floating party than a quiet nature trip.

Key points before you book

• Haxhi Ali Cave is an early highlight: You get about 30 minutes to enter the cave, swim, and look at the rock formations.
• Blue Cave is the most photogenic stop: Its blue-lit water is best appreciated by swimming inside rather than just viewing it from the boat.
• Grama Bay combines scenery and history: Ancient inscriptions carved into the cliffs add more interest than a simple beach stop.
• The day is genuinely long: The advertised duration is 7 to 8 hours, but some departures have lasted until around 7:30 pm or later.
• This is an energetic boat trip: Music plays for much of the day, and the boat may carry a sizable group.
• Food needs checking: Drinks and snacks may be available as an upgrade, but you should clarify exactly what is included and bring extra food if needed.

What the Vlore speedboat day is really like

You meet at the TripMe.Today office on Rruga Murat Tërbaçi in Vlore at 10:30 am. From there, the crew directs you to the marina and gets everyone aboard. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, although pickup may be available on request.

The boat ride begins with a fast run along the coast. That speed matters because the route covers a lot of ground. You are not visiting one beach and returning. You are moving around the Karaburun Peninsula, stopping at caves, bays, and beaches along the way.

The advertised trip lasts about 7 to 8 hours. In practice, plan for a full day and allow extra time at the end. Some departures have continued past the stated schedule, even finishing near sunset. I would not book a dinner reservation, airport transfer, or evening bus connection immediately after this excursion.

The maximum group size is listed as 88 people, though the exact boat load can vary. A group of around 20 has been reported, which is still large enough to affect the feel of the trip. You may need to wait for others before leaving a cove, entering a cave, or returning to the boat.

Haxhi Ali Cave and the first swim

After roughly 20 to 30 minutes on the water, the first major stop is Haxhi Ali Cave. The boat takes you close to the opening, and you have about 30 minutes to look around, swim, and snorkel.

This is a strong opening stop because it immediately gives you something different from an ordinary beach excursion. The cave’s rock walls and clear water create a dramatic setting, and entering by boat makes the visit easy. You do not need to spend hours hiking along the coast to reach it.

Bring your own mask if snorkeling matters to you. Although snorkeling is part of the advertised experience, equipment has not always been clearly offered to everyone. Life jackets and safety gear are provided, but the handling of safety has drawn mixed reactions, especially around children and people who cannot swim well.

Children under four are not allowed on the trip. One important point for families is that a report raised concerns about child-sized life jackets not being available. If you are bringing an older child, ask the operator in advance about the right size of flotation equipment.

Beach stops around Gjiri i Inglezit and Dafina Bay

The route then continues toward Plazhi i Llovizit, also described as Gjiri i Inglezit in the tour details. The setting is a small beach framed by cliffs, with clear water suited to a short swim and snorkel.

The listed stop here is only about 10 minutes, so think of it as a quick taste rather than a long beach break. You may have time for a swim, a few photos, and a look at the coast before the boat moves on.

Dafina Bay receives a longer stop of about 40 minutes. This is one of the better chances to slow down. You can swim, snorkel, sit in the water, and take photos while the crew serves drinks and snacks if you have chosen that option.

The bay is appealing because it feels more secluded than a regular resort beach. At the same time, do not expect complete solitude. Several boats can visit the same coves, particularly on a warm summer day. Engines, music, and other groups are part of the setting.

Bristan, English, Skalome, and Petruni Bays

The boat also passes a series of small beaches and coves: Bristan Bay, English Bay, Skalome Bay, and Petruni Bay, sometimes listed as Lovizi Bay. These stops show off the rougher side of the Karaburun coast, with clear water, rocky edges, and limited development.

The itinerary gives this stretch about 15 minutes. That suggests a scenic run with a brief stop, not enough time to settle into each beach. If your dream is to spend an hour alone on every cove, this is not the right format. The benefit is variety: in one day, you see far more coastline than you could manage on foot.

The water is the main attraction. Several people have enjoyed the warm sea and repeated swimming stops, especially during hot weather. Bring a towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, and a waterproof phone pouch. There is no promise of sunbeds or umbrellas, and shade on the boat may be limited or unavailable.

That last point matters. Some boats on this route have shade structures, but this one may not. You can spend many hours in direct sun, often with wind from the boat making the heat feel less obvious. Reapply sunscreen and carry a hat that will not blow away.

Blue Cave, the trip’s most magical stop

Llovizi Cave, commonly called the Blue Cave, is scheduled for about 30 minutes. Light reflecting through the water gives the cave its blue color, and swimming inside is the best way to appreciate it.

This is the stop I would prioritize when deciding if the tour is worth your time. The cave offers a clear reason to leave Vlore for the day. You get a natural setting that photographs well, but the experience is not just about taking a picture from the boat. If conditions are calm, you can enter the water and look back toward the cave opening.

Timing can affect the mood. The cave may be busy, with several boats arriving around the same time. You might find swimmers, engines, and music competing with the quiet you expected. Still, the rock formations and blue water make this one of the trip’s strongest moments.

A guide may take photos in or near a cave. If you want those images, ask clearly how they will be delivered before leaving the boat. Do not assume a download link will arrive automatically.

Plazhi i Llovizit and the long stop at Grama Bay

Plazhi i Llovizit receives about 20 minutes. It is presented as a peaceful beach with pale sand, clear water, cliffs, and little development. This is another good place for a quick swim or a few coastal photos.

The longest stop is Grama Bay, with about an hour listed for the main visit and another hour described at the Bay of Grama. The itinerary repeats the destination under two names, so the exact timing may vary. In practical terms, expect Grama Bay to be the final major stop and plan for a substantial stay there.

Grama Bay is more than a swimming spot. Sailors carved inscriptions into the cliffs over many centuries, giving the bay a direct link to the people who used this coast long before modern boat tours. You can look for the markings, swim in the clear water, snorkel near the rocks, and take in the high cliffs around the bay.

I like this combination of history and sea time. Many coastal excursions offer only beaches. Here, the rock inscriptions give you something to notice while you are drying off or walking along the shore.

The downside is that the final stop can feel too long if you are tired, sunburned, hungry, or ready to return. Some departures have spent nearly two hours at the last beach and arrived back after sunset. That may be wonderful if you want a slow end to the day, but less appealing if you prefer an early finish.

Music, atmosphere, and safety

The boat includes music and a lively atmosphere. For some people, that is a major part of the fun. The ride feels social, upbeat, and informal, and the crew may encourage a party mood between stops.

For others, the music is the main drawback. It has been described as loud enough to make conversation difficult, with music continuing for much of the trip. If you want a quiet nature outing, bring earplugs or choose a smaller private boat instead.

Safety deserves careful thought. Life jackets and basic safety equipment are included, and insurance coverage is listed. Still, concerns have been raised about reckless-feeling driving, limited attention to safety, and the handling of swimmers who are not confident in the water.

The speed is part of the appeal, but it also means a rough ride when the sea is choppy. Weather can cancel the trip, and that is sensible for a long open-water route. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where the motion feels manageable and bring your usual remedy.

Drinks, snacks, and what to pack

Fresh food and drinks may be available on board for an additional charge. The details need clarification. Some descriptions refer to refreshments and snacks, while paid food packages have included items such as a pastry, fruit, sandwiches, or drinks. The amount of food may not be enough for a full day on the water.

I would bring a packed lunch unless the operator confirms the exact food package in writing. Carry water, too, even if drinks are available. A long day of swimming and sun can leave you hungry and dehydrated.

Pack lightly, since space on a speedboat is limited:

• Swimsuit, towel, and a dry change of clothes
• Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses with a strap
• Snorkel mask if you own one
• Waterproof pouch for your phone
• Motion-sickness medicine if needed
• Extra snacks and water
• Cash for optional food, drinks, or beach services

Sunbeds and umbrellas are not included. Some beaches are rocky, and one final beach has been described as uncomfortable under the afternoon sun, with limited shade. Wear sturdy water shoes if your feet are sensitive.

Is the $87.11 price good value?

At $87.11 per person, the tour can be good value if you want a full coastal circuit without hiring a private boat. Fuel, the boat, a guide, safety equipment, insurance, and several stops are included. Reaching Haxhi Ali Cave, Blue Cave, Grama Bay, and multiple beaches in one day would be difficult on your own.

The value drops if you expect a small, quiet boat, a proper included lunch, or personalized attention. Optional food and drinks add to the final price, and a large group means less control over where you sit and how long you stay.

I see this as a sightseeing and swimming day, not a premium nature charter. You are paying for access, speed, and variety. If those are your priorities, the price is reasonable. If comfort and quiet matter more, spend more on a private or smaller boat.

The tour is recommended by 91 percent of customers and carries a 4.7 rating from 159 reviews. Those numbers suggest that the main formula works well for many people, especially those who enjoy music, swimming, and a social day out. They do not erase the recurring concerns about volume, food, safety, and the long return.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would book it if you want to see a lot of the Vlore coast in one day and are happy to trade quiet for energy. Couples, solo visitors, and groups who enjoy swimming, fast boat rides, and repeated beach stops should get plenty from it.

It is also a strong choice for first-time visitors who have limited time in Vlore. The route reaches caves and bays that are not simple to visit independently, and the schedule gives you a broad introduction to the Karaburun Peninsula.

I would hesitate if you are traveling with a very young child, need shade, dislike loud music, cannot tolerate a long day in direct sun, or want serious snorkeling instruction. Families should confirm life-jacket sizes, and anyone booking the food upgrade should ask exactly what it covers.

The tour can be canceled or moved because of bad weather or insufficient numbers. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. That flexible policy helps, especially since sea conditions can change.

Should you book it?

Book this trip for caves, clear water, fast boat rides, and a wide coastal tour in one day. The Blue Cave and Grama Bay are the strongest reasons to go, while the repeated swimming stops make the $87.11 fare reasonable for active visitors.

Skip it if you want a calm, quiet, carefully paced outing. The loud music, possible crowding, uncertain food portions, and late return are not small details. For the right person, this is a fun and memorable day on the Albanian coast. For everyone else, a smaller boat would be the better investment.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

You meet at the TripMe.Today Boat Tour and Boat Trips Vlore office on Rruga Murat Tërbaçi, Vlora 9401, Albania. The listed start time is 10:30 am, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the boat trip last?

The planned duration is approximately 7 to 8 hours. Some departures have lasted longer, with returns around sunset or near 7:30 pm.

What places does the boat visit?

The route includes Haxhi Ali Cave, Blue Cave, Plazhi i Llovizit, Grama Bay, and beach areas including Bristan Bay, English Bay, Skalome Bay, Petruni Bay, and Dafina Bay.

Are food and drinks included?

Fresh food and a variety of drinks are listed as optional extras at an additional cost. Because food portions and package details can vary, confirm exactly what is included before paying for an upgrade.

Are children allowed on the tour?

Children aged 0 to 4 are not permitted to participate. The tour information does not give a complete age policy for older children, so ask the operator about child safety equipment before booking.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time.