Saranda: Boat Tour to Kakome, Caves & Beaches with Snorkel

Summary

Boat trip from Saranda with swimming stops caves and Kroreza beach

You’ll board a small boat in Saranda for a day spent exploring sea caves, snorkeling in clear bays like Kakome and Roijdhes, and relaxing on Kroreza Beach with sunbeds and local food options nearby. Your local guide shares stories as you swim or just watch the coastline drift by—leaving you with sandy toes and a head full of new memories.

What’s the experience like?

We climbed onto the boat at Sarandë’s little dock just after 10am — I’d barely finished my coffee. Our guide, Erion, had this quiet way of pointing out things along the coast that I’d never have noticed. The cliffs looked almost white in the morning light, and you could smell salt and something herbal, maybe wild sage? We passed a tiny cove where a fisherman waved; Erion told us he’s been fishing here since before “half of us were born.” That made me laugh, though I’m not sure if it was true or just an Albanian thing people say.

The first stop was Kakome Bay. The water was so clear you could see your own feet hanging over the side — which is weirdly unsettling if you’re not used to it. I tried snorkeling for the first time here (mask included), and honestly I swallowed half the Ionian Sea before getting the hang of it. There were maybe ten of us on board, all swapping stories about where we’d come from. Someone’s kid kept shouting about “blue fish!” every two minutes. It felt easygoing in that way you only get when nobody knows each other yet.

We made these short stops — Gremina, Soldiers Bay, Roijdhes Bay — all kind of blending together in my memory now except for Turtle’s Cave. That one was quick (ten minutes tops), but echoey inside, like you’re inside a seashell. At some point Erion put on music — old Albanian pop songs — and someone started dancing badly near the fridge full of drinks. By then I’d stopped worrying about my hair going salty or how much sunscreen I needed.

Kroreza Beach was our long break, almost three hours. Sunbeds lined up under faded umbrellas, sand sticking to everything (I’m still finding grains in my backpack). Lunch was whatever you wanted from these little restaurants right on the shore — grilled fish if you asked for it early enough, otherwise salad and bread that tasted like it came straight from someone’s kitchen. There’s a kind of lazy happiness that settles over everyone after swimming and eating in the sun for that long. On the ride back to Sarandë I watched gulls following us; Erion told us a story about smugglers hiding gold along this coast but wouldn’t say exactly where. Maybe he didn’t know either.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour with swimming and snorkeling

• Depart from Sarandë meeting point
• Stop for photos
• Swim and snorkel at Kakome
• Swim and snorkel at Gremina
• Swim and snorkel at Soldiers Bay
• Visit Turtles Cave near Sarandë
• Swim and snorkel at Roijdhes Bay
• Long stop at Kroreza beach
• Return to Sarandë meeting point

Top questions

How long does the Saranda boat tour last?

The tour lasts around 5-6 hours including all stops.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this boat tour?

Yes, snorkeling masks are included for use during swimming stops.

What beaches do we visit during the tour?

You’ll stop at Kakome Bay, Gremina Bay, Soldiers Bay, Roijdhes Bay, Turtle’s Cave (briefly), and Kroreza Beach.

Is there food available at Kroreza Beach?

Yes, there are traditional restaurants at Kroreza Beach where you can buy lunch.

Are sunbeds and umbrellas included at Kroreza Beach?

Yes, sunbeds and umbrellas are available during your long stop at Kroreza Beach.

Is pickup included or do I meet at a central point?

You’ll depart from a meeting point in Saranda; pickup is not specified as included.

Can infants join this boat tour?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult's lap; not suitable for children under 3 years old.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility impairments?

No, it’s not suitable for travelers with mobility impairments or those over 110kg.

What’s included

Your day includes an English-speaking local guide throughout the journey from Saranda plus use of snorkeling equipment at each swimming stop. There’s music onboard (sometimes Albanian pop), a fridge for your drinks or snacks, life jackets available if needed, plus umbrellas and sunbeds waiting for you during your long break at Kroreza Beach—where traditional restaurants serve fresh lunches right by the sand before heading back to town.