Kayaking in Tomor Lake: Jeep, paddle & mountain lunch

Paddle across two mountain lakes hidden inside Albania's sacred peak

Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding on Tomor Lake near Berat combines a morning jeep hike up the Holy Mountain with water time on two lakes tucked into its slopes, a traditional four-course Albanian lunch, and an English-speaking guide. The day runs eight hours and suits small groups or families with children from age four. Private transport picks you up and brings you back.

The experience

The day starts with a 4x4 jeep ride up Tomor mountain, a peak locals call the throne of the gods for its height and the mythology wrapped around it. Once you reach the lake area, you trade the jeep for a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and spend the morning on the water. The two lakes sit hidden in the mountain's slopes, ringed by old villages, wildlife and mountaintops: the operator calls them treasures tucked inside Tomor's heart. You paddle at your own pace. The guide handles the route and the stories.

A picnic lunch of fresh, locally sourced Albanian food, a four-course meal, breaks the day midway. The mountain scenery frames the meal, and the timing lets you rest before heading back down. All kayaks, paddleboards and water gear come with you. You bring only a swimsuit and a towel if you want to swim. Bottled water is included throughout.

Private transport picks you up from your hotel or a meeting point near Berat and returns you at the end of the eight-hour day. The guide speaks English and knows the mountain's history and the local names for the lakes and the springs that feed them. Children from age four are welcome. The operator has specialized infant seats if you're traveling with younger kids.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your hotel or meeting point.
• use of kayaks and stand-up paddleboards with all water equipment.
• a four-course traditional Albanian picnic lunch with fresh, local products.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• an English-speaking guide for the full eight hours.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (25 to 60 years) · Senior (62 to 70 years) · Youth (15 to 24 years) · Child (4 to 14 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

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 13 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Albania Rafting Kayaking Canyoning

Is this one for you?Book this if your group wants to kayak the mountain lakes but needs motorized transport to reach them: the jeep climbs while you paddle, and children from age four can join.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (15 to 24 years); Child (4 to 14 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

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 Tomor mountain and why do locals call it the Holy Mountain?

Tomor is one of Albania's most revered peaks, believed since ancient times to be the residence of Pelasgian-Illyrian gods. Locals still climb to the top to pray and meditate, and the mountain is considered to have supernatural powers. The mythology around it includes stories of a monster that guards one of its water springs.

Can I swim in the lakes, or is it just kayaking and paddleboarding?

Swimming is an option on the day. You paddle the lakes, and if you want to get in the water, you can. Bring a swimsuit and a towel if you plan to swim.

What's included in the picnic lunch?

A traditional four-course Albanian meal made with fresh and local products is served during the day, breaking up the morning and afternoon on the water.

Do I need kayaking experience to book this?

No. The activity suits all fitness levels, and the guide handles the route and the setup. Children from age four are welcome, and the operator provides all equipment: kayaks, paddleboards and safety gear.

How does the day flow between the jeep ride and the water time?

You start with a 4x4 jeep ride up the mountain to reach the lake area, then switch to kayaks or paddleboards for the water portion. The jeep gets you to the lakes. The paddle time is the main event once you're there.