Shala River boat tour from Komani: Swim in alpine waters

Emerald waters and fjord cliffs from a boat that stops where you can swim.

This boat tour departs Komani Terminal and crosses Komani Lake past dramatic mountain cliffs to reach the Shala River Valley, where you swim in clear alpine waters, eat lunch at a local restaurant, and relax along the riverbanks before the boat continues to Fierza Lake and its deep blue reservoir waters. The journey takes around six and a half hours and includes an air-conditioned vehicle transfer, boat passage, and a live English-speaking guide.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat ride from Koman to Fierza

• Depart from Komani Terminal
• Pass Ishulli Berishë island
• Cruise Komani Lake coves and cliffs
• Arrive at Shala River Valley
• Swim and sunbathe by the river
• Enjoy traditional lunch at local restaurant
• Continue sailing towards Fierza Lake
• Admire gorges and alpine slopes
• Arrive at Fierza in early afternoon

The experience

The boat leaves Komani Terminal and crosses Komani Lake, passing Ishulli Berishë (a small island ringed by sheer mountain cliffs and emerald water) before reaching the Shala River Valley. This is where the tour shifts from moving to stopping: you get free time to swim in the clear alpine water, sunbathe on the riverbank, and eat lunch at a traditional restaurant tucked into the valley itself. The guide is there, but the hours are yours to spend as you choose.

After the Shala River, the boat continues toward Fierza Lake, one of Albania's largest mountain reservoirs, created by the Drin River dam. The route follows dramatic gorges and rugged alpine slopes, with the boat crossing deep blue water backed by panoramic views where natural landscape meets the scale of human engineering. You arrive in the early afternoon.

An air-conditioned vehicle handles the transfer to and from Komani Terminal depending on which option you book: departures run from Shkoder, Tirana, or Tirana Airport, each with its own routing through the Shala River Valley and onward to Valbona or Fierza. The live guide speaks English throughout. Service animals are welcome. Infants sit on an adult's lap.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle transfer from your chosen departure point.
• boat passage across Komani Lake and the Shala River to Fierza Lake.
• free time at the Shala River Valley for swimming and relaxation.
• lunch at a local restaurant in the valley.
• live English-speaking guide for the full duration.

Options for this experience

4 options

Koman to Fierza via the Shala RiverGuide in English · 09:00A one-day trip: travelers sail across Komani Lake, make a stop at the Shala River, then carry on to Fierza the same day.

Shkoder–Shala River–ValbonaGuide in English · 07:00Transportation is included: this option also covers the trip from Shkoder to Koman and from Fierze to Valbone. Shkoder–Shala River–Valbona: we gather at 06:45 at our office next to Sahati i Inglizit Shkoder. The drop-off point is Hotel Rilindja Valbone at 16:00.

Tirana–Shala River–ValbonaGuide in English · 05:30Transportation is included: this option covers the trip from Tirana City to Koman (05:30–08:30) and from Fierza to Valbona (16:00–17:00). Tirana–Shala River–Valbona: we meet at Gazheli Petrol Station, Tirana, at 05:30 am. Look for the van with the Ferry Berisha logo. Drop-off: Hotel Rilindja Valbone.

Tirana Airport to Shala-ValbonaGuide in English · 06:00Transportation is included: this option covers the trip from Tirana Airport to Koman (06:00–08:30) and from Fierza to Valbona (16:00–17:00). Tirana Airport–Shala-Valbona: we meet at Alpet Petrol Rinas at 06:00. Look for the van with the Ferry Berisha logo. Drop-off: Hotel Rilindja Valbone.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SaturdayDepartures at 05:30, 06:00, 07:00 and 09:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (7 to 17 years) · Child (2 to 6 years): free · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

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 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Komani Lake Ferry Berisha

Is this one for you?Choose this tour if you want to swim and eat in the Shala River Valley itself rather than simply pass through it: the free time at the riverbank is what sets this route apart from a straight transit between the lakes.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (7 to 17 years); Child (2 to 6 years): free; Infant (under 2): free.

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 Ishulli Berishë and what do I see there?

Ishulli Berishë is a small island in Komani Lake surrounded by dramatic mountain cliffs and emerald waters. You pass it early in the boat journey and can photograph the untouched landscape and hidden corners of the lake as the boat sails through.

How much free time do I get at the Shala River Valley?

The tour builds in free time at the Shala River Valley specifically for swimming in the alpine water, sunbathing, eating lunch at a local restaurant, and relaxing along the riverbanks. The exact duration depends on the boat schedule, but this is the main stop where you are not traveling.

What is Fierza Lake and why does the tour go there?

Fierza Lake is one of Albania's largest mountain reservoirs, created by the Drin River dam. The boat sails across its deep blue waters after leaving the Shala River, passing dramatic gorges and rugged alpine slopes on the way to the afternoon arrival point.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to Komani Terminal?

An air-conditioned vehicle transfer is included with your booking. The option you choose determines where the transfer starts (Shkoder, Tirana, or Tirana Airport), and which route it takes through the region.

Is the guide included, and what language do they speak?

A live guide in English is included throughout the tour, from the vehicle transfer through the boat journey and all stops along the way.