Sazan Island & Karaburun: Snorkeling, Pirate Cave & Sea Caves

Summary

Snorkeling wild blue coves pirate legends and Sazan’s secret caves

You’ll ride out from Vlore across open sea to Sazan Island, snorkeling above bright reefs at Devil’s Gorge before stepping into Haxhi Aliu’s pirate cave. With a local guide sharing stories and time to relax on Saint Nicholas Bay’s shore, expect salt on your skin, laughter in your group, and maybe a new favorite memory by the time you return.

What’s the experience like?

We were already bouncing over the waves from Vlore when someone pointed out the outline of Sazan Island ahead — it looked almost unreal, like a movie set. The air smelled salty and a bit metallic, and I kept squinting at the cliffs, trying to imagine pirates hiding out here (our guide, Arben, grinned at that). He started sharing stories about old naval bases and Cold War bunkers before we’d even docked. I tried to take a picture but my hands were still damp from the spray — so yeah, not my best work.

Once we got close to the Coral Barrier of Devil’s Gorge, everything just sort of slowed down. The water was so clear you could see your own shadow on the rocks below. Arben handed out masks and snorkels — mine fogged up instantly (user error probably) — but once I got it sorted, drifting above those reefs was kind of hypnotic. There were flashes of silver fish and weird coral shapes underfoot. Someone let out a muffled laugh through their snorkel when a crab darted by. The main keyword here really is snorkeling Sazan Island — it’s different from anywhere I’ve been.

Afterwards we floated into Haxhi Aliu’s cave. It was darker than I expected inside, cool and echoey with these wild stalactites overhead. You can’t swim here (Arben said something about currents), but we all just stood quietly for a minute listening to water drip somewhere deep in the rock. It felt old in there — like you could almost hear old voices if you listened long enough.

Later on we landed at Saint Nicholas Bay for a break — some people wandered off to explore abandoned buildings or just sat on warm stones with their drinks (soft drinks included, nothing fancy). By then my hair was stiff with salt and my skin felt tight from sun and wind. On the way back along Karaburun Peninsula I kept thinking about those caves and how small you feel floating next to them. Not sure photos do any of it justice.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling and exploring Sazan Island

• Depart from Vlore to Sazan Island
• Explore Sazan Island coastline and learn history
• Snorkel at Coral Barrier of Devil's Gorge
• Visit Treasure Cave of Haxhi Ali
• Snorkel at Hell's Gorge and Sea Caves of Seal Monk
• Shore excursion at Cape of Seagulls
• Explore Devil's Gorge and Prison Cliff
• Panoramic shore excursion on eastern side
• Relax or explore Saint Nicholas Bay
• Visit Pirate Cave of Haxhi Aliu
• Return to Vlore from Karaburun Peninsula

Top questions

How do you get from Vlore to Sazan Island?

The tour departs by boat from Vlore directly to Sazan Island as part of the itinerary.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this tour?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included for all participants.

Can you swim inside Haxhi Aliu's pirate cave?

No, swimming is not allowed inside the Pirate Cave due to safety restrictions.

Are drinks included during the tour?

Yes, each guest receives one soft drink and one bottle of water during the trip.

Is this snorkeling experience suitable for beginners?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

What are some highlights besides snorkeling?

The tour includes exploring Sazan Island’s coastline, visiting sea caves like Hell's Gorge and Cape of Seagulls, plus time ashore at Saint Nicholas Bay.

Are service animals allowed on this trip?

Yes, service animals are permitted according to tour info.

How long do you spend at each stop?

The exact timing varies; there are stops for snorkeling, exploring caves by boat or foot, and relaxing at Saint Nicholas Bay before returning.

What’s included

Your day covers boat transport from Vlore to Sazan Island with all snorkeling equipment provided plus a bottle of water and a soft drink along the way; guided exploration around Devil’s Gorge coral barrier and Haxhi Aliu’s pirate cave; free time on shore at Saint Nicholas Bay before heading back via Karaburun Peninsula.