Kayaking at Blue Eye from Saranda with Lekursi Castle

Paddle the Blue Eye instead of viewing it from shore

This small-group kayaking tour from Saranda combines paddling across the crystal-clear Blue Eye Lake, walking to the natural spring, and visiting Lekursi Castle for views over the Ionian Sea. The day runs 4 to 5 hours from a central Saranda pickup, includes kayak equipment, a safety briefing, and an English-speaking guide who drives the air-conditioned van. Swim in the lake, explore the spring on foot, and have free time at the castle for photos.

Step-by-step itinerary

Blue Eye Kayak and Lekursi Castle tour

• Pickup from Saranda city center
• Drive to Lekursi Castle
• Free time at Lekursi Castle
• Drive to Blue Eye National Park
• Walk 3 minutes to kayak dock
• Receive kayak equipment and safety briefing
• Kayak across Blue Eye Lake
• Swim in Blue Eye Lake
• Anchor kayaks and walk to Blue Eye spring
• Free time at Blue Eye spring
• Return to Saranda meeting point

The experience

The kayak sits at the heart of this tour. After pickup in central Saranda, you ride in a climate-controlled van through the Albanian countryside to the Blue Eye National Park. A short 3-minute walk brings you to the kayak dock, where you receive your equipment and a safety briefing before pushing off across the lake. The water is the draw (turquoise and still enough to see the spring's source rising from the lake bed), and paddling gives you access to it in a way a shoreside walk never does. You swim in the refreshing water, anchor the kayaks, and move at your own pace.

From the water, you follow a scenic trail to the famous Blue Eye spring itself. This is where most visitors start their day, but you arrive having already experienced the lake from the kayak. Free time here means you can walk the edge of the turquoise water, buy a coffee from a vendor, or simply sit and absorb the verdant surroundings without the pressure of a schedule. The spring is the same natural wonder either way, but the sequence (water first, then land) changes what you notice.

Lekursi Castle comes earlier in the day. After leaving Saranda but before the kayaking, you stop at the castle for free time to explore the grounds and take photographs. The panoramic views over the Ionian Sea are the draw, and the castle sits high enough that the vistas carry across the water toward Greece. The van returns you to your Saranda meeting point by the end of the afternoon, completing the loop.

What’s included

• Kayak and safety equipment.
• paddling across Blue Eye Lake.
• walk to the Blue Eye spring.
• visit to Lekursi Castle with free time for photos.
• air-conditioned van transport throughout the day.
• English-speaking guide.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:30Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 30

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Open Tour Albania

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to experience the Blue Eye from the water rather than only from the shore, and if you can manage a moderate level of physical activity including paddling and walking on a scenic trail. The 4- to 5-hour timeframe fits a half-day commitment from Saranda without requiring an overnight stay elsewhere.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 10 years); Infant (under 4).

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 is the Blue Eye and why kayak there instead of just walking to it?

The Blue Eye is a natural spring in a lake fed by underground water so clear you can see the source rising from the lake bed. Kayaking lets you paddle directly across the turquoise water and swim in it, giving you a perspective most visitors miss by arriving on foot from the parking area.

How long is the kayaking part, and do I need experience?

The kayaking itself is the centerpiece of the tour, but the full day runs 4 to 5 hours including the van rides, the castle stop, and the walk to the spring. You receive a safety briefing and equipment at the dock. The tour is built for a moderate fitness level, and the guide is with you throughout.

What happens at Lekursi Castle?

Lekursi Castle is your first stop after leaving Saranda. You have free time to walk the grounds, take photographs, and enjoy the panoramic views over the Ionian Sea toward Greece. The castle sits on a hilltop overlooking the coast.

Is lunch included, and what should I bring?

Lunch is not included in the tour. You have free time at the Blue Eye spring where vendors sell coffee and snacks, and you can bring your own food or eat in Saranda before or after the tour.

Does the van pick me up from my hotel?

Pickup is from a central meeting point in Saranda city center, not from hotels. The van is air-conditioned and the same guide who drives also leads the tour and provides instruction at the kayak dock.