Saranda: Riviera Boat Cruise to Krorez & Shipwreck Swim

Summary

Swim turquoise bays near Saranda with boat stops at wild beaches

You’ll cruise from Saranda along Albania’s Riviera, stopping to swim in turquoise bays only boats can reach. Snorkel a WWII shipwreck, relax on wild Krorez Beach with time for lunch or wandering, and share stories with local guides along the way. The memory of that clear water sticks with you long after you’ve rinsed off the salt.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t worry, the water’s always this clear,” our skipper Arben grinned as I hesitated at the edge of the boat. He was right — you could see straight down to the white pebbles even before my toes touched the sea. We’d left Saranda harbor not long ago, just after a couple of older ladies from Tirana finished their strong coffees. The engine hummed us past rocky headlands and suddenly we were anchored at Kepi i Qefalit, where the water looked almost fake, like someone had dialed up the color for tourists. I tried snorkeling for maybe three minutes before getting distracted by a tiny crab scuttling over a stone — Arben laughed and said something about “Albanian crabs being shy.”

Kakome Bay was next, still wild around the edges with pines dipping toward the shore. There’s this old military building half-swallowed by vines; our guide told us stories about soldiers stationed here decades ago — I couldn’t tell if he was making some of it up but it made me look at those ruins differently. The air smelled faintly salty and sweet, like sun-warmed wood. We didn’t stay long (maybe 20 minutes?) but enough to float on my back and listen to nothing but water slapping against the hull.

Krorez Beach felt different — bigger sky, softer sand underfoot. You get nearly two hours here so there’s time to wander behind the rocks or just order something cold from the beach bar (I went for Fanta because why not). Some people rented sunbeds; I just stretched out on my towel and watched a kid try to build a sandcastle that kept collapsing. The shipwreck stop came later — honestly, I didn’t expect much but seeing that rusted shape underwater gave me goosebumps. It’s been there since WWII apparently; swimming above it felt weirdly peaceful.

Pllakoto was all smooth white rock slabs and glassy water — hard not to take too many photos even though my phone case still smells faintly like sunscreen from last summer. Last swim was Soldiers’ Bay: quiet, with only gulls overhead and one old fisherman waving as we drifted past. On the way back Arben handed out goggles for anyone who wanted another look underwater; I just let my feet dangle off the side and tried to memorize how that breeze felt. Still think about it sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour with swimming and photo stops

• Depart from Saranda Harbor
• Swim and snorkel at rock arch
• Relax at Kakome Bay beach
• Stop at coastal shipwreck for snorkeling
• Visit Pllakoto Beach
• Enjoy free time at Krorez Beach
• Final swim at Soldiers’ Bay
• Return to Saranda Harbor

Top questions

How long is the boat tour from Saranda?

The tour lasts around 4–5 hours total.

Is snorkeling gear included on this Saranda boat trip?

Yes, goggles are provided for swimming and snorkeling stops.

Can you buy food or drinks at Krorez Beach?

Yes, there are simple tavernas and a beach bar at Krorez Beach where you can get food or drinks.

Where does this Riviera cruise depart from?

The boat leaves from Saranda Harbor.

How much time do we spend at each stop?

You get about 20 minutes at most stops; Krorez Beach is longer (about 1.5 hours).

Is this tour suitable for families?

Yes, families can join but travelers should be moderately fit and comfortable swimming.

Are there any restrictions for joining this cruise?

This tour isn’t recommended for those over 100kg, pregnant travelers, or anyone prone to sea sickness or insect allergies.

What should I bring on this day trip?

You’ll want swimwear, towel, sunscreen, hat—and maybe snacks if you don’t plan to eat at Krorez Beach.

What’s included

Your day includes a small-group boat ride with professional skipper and crew departing from Saranda Harbor, swimming stops in turquoise bays only accessible by boat, use of goggles for snorkeling (especially at the WWII shipwreck), plus plenty of free time at Krorez Beach where you can buy lunch or rent sunbeds if you want before heading back in the afternoon.