Haxhi Ali Cave & Karaburun Peninsula boat trip from Vlore

A pirate's cave sits at sea level, and you snorkel straight into it.

A speedboat tour from Vlore takes you to Haxhi Ali Cave for snorkeling and exploration, then along the Karaburun Peninsula's dramatic rock formations and empty beaches. The skipper shares the history of the legendary pirate Haxhi Ali while you're inside the cave. The tour includes fuel, insurance and life jackets, and runs three to four hours total with a 30-minute return journey to Vlore.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore cave and beach on boat trip

• Snorkel inside Haxhi Ali Cave
• Hear tales about pirate Haxhi Ali
• Sail along Karaburun Peninsula
• Stop at beach with restaurant
• Relax with optional sunbeds and umbrellas
• Return to Vlore

The experience

You board a speedboat in Vlore and head out to Haxhi Ali Cave, where you spend around 20 minutes snorkeling and exploring inside the large cave itself. The skipper shares stories about the pirate the cave is named for and the history surrounding it while you're in the water. This is not a quick photo stop. You're actually in the cave, moving through it on your own.

After the cave, the boat sails along the Karaburun Peninsula, where the coastline shifts into sheer rock formations and beaches that see few visitors. You stop at one of these beaches, which has a small restaurant serving local food and drinks. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available if you want them, though they cost extra. The water is clear enough to swim in, and you have time to rest here before the 30-minute ride back to Vlore. Bring cash, not all vendors take cards, and extras like food, drinks and sunbed rentals add up quickly.

The boat carries life jackets and safety gear, and the tour is insured. Infants sit on an adult's lap. Children from age one are welcome, and the pace suits all fitness levels, though the tour is not recommended for people with spinal injuries or cardiovascular concerns, or for pregnant travelers.

What’s included

• Speedboat transport to Haxhi Ali Cave and along the Karaburun Peninsula.
• snorkeling and cave exploration with skipper commentary.
• fuel and all boat-related expenses.
• insurance coverage.
• life jackets and safety gear.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 11:30 and 14:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (12 to 80 years) · Child (1 to 11 years)

GroupUp to 44

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by TRIPME.TODAY

Is this one for you?The three- to four-hour span fits a free afternoon in Vlore, leaving you time to explore the town before or after. If you need a full day of activity or want to combine this with other sites, the return by early afternoon works well. If you prefer a longer immersion in one place, this tour keeps moving between two stops.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (1 to 11 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly happens inside Haxhi Ali Cave?

You snorkel and explore inside the large cave for around 20 minutes while the skipper tells you about the pirate Haxhi Ali and the cave's history. You're in the water the whole time, not watching from the boat.

How much time do you spend on the Karaburun Peninsula beaches?

After leaving the cave, the boat sails along the peninsula's rock formations and stops at a beach with a restaurant where you can swim and rest. The exact time depends on the day, but you have a meaningful stretch to enjoy the water and the views before heading back.

What's included in the price, and what costs extra?

Fuel, insurance and life jackets are included. Food, drinks and sunbed or umbrella rentals at the beach restaurant are not included and cost extra: sunbeds can run up to €20. Bring cash, as not all places accept cards.

How long is the whole tour, and when do you get back to Vlore?

The tour runs three to four hours total. The return journey to Vlore takes about 30 minutes, so you're back in town by early afternoon.