Snorkeling Haxhi Ali Cave & Karaburun Peninsula from Vlora

Swim inside a cave instead of just sailing past it

Snorkel in Haxhi Ali Cave and two beaches on the Karaburun Peninsula, departing from Vlora's city center with a private boat, English or Italian-speaking guide, transport and snorkeling masks. The boat ride to the cave takes 30–40 minutes. Once inside, you enter the water to explore the cave's marine life and rock formations. The tour continues to San Vasil and Shen Vasil beaches for additional snorkeling in clear water over a pebble seabed.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sail to Haxhi Ali Cave and Beach Visit

• Depart from Vlora city center
• Sail 30-40 minutes to Haxhi Ali Cave
• Explore and swim in Haxhi Ali Cave
• Sail to San Vasil beach
• Swim and snorkel at San Vasil beach

The experience

The day starts at 9:00 from Hotel Bologna in Vlora's city center. A 30–40 minute boat ride brings you to Haxhi Ali Cave, the hideout of a Balkan pirate whose name the cave still carries. Once inside, you board the boat into the cave itself, a rare entry point, and then slip into the water to snorkel among the rock walls and marine life. The cave visit lasts about 20 minutes in the water, though in August the authorities often restrict swimming for safety reasons, so this part is not guaranteed.

After the cave, the boat heads to San Vasil beach on the Karaburun Peninsula, a pebble shore with immediate water access and clear visibility for snorkeling. You have free time here to swim and explore the seabed. The tour then moves to Shen Vasil beach, a quieter spot on the same peninsula with turquoise water, smooth pebbles and small sand patches. The marine life around the rocky seabed is richer here, and the setting is less crowded than the main tourist beaches. The whole outing runs 4 to 5 hours from start to finish.

Transport from the city center, a live guide in English or Italian, snorkeling masks and all fees are included. You'll need to bring your own swimsuit and towel. The boat is the only way to reach the cave, and the guide handles the route and timing so you don't have to plan the logistics.

What’s included

• Private transport from Vlora city center.
• English or Italian-speaking guide.
• snorkeling masks.
• all fees and taxes.

Options for this experience

2 options

Sightseeing and snorkeling tour of Haxhi Ali Cave and KaraburunGuide in English or Italian · 09:00, 11:30 and 14:00

Snorkeling masks includedGuide in English or Italian · 09:00, 11:30 and 14:00

You pick the guide language when booking.

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 11:30 and 14:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (10 to 70 years) · Child (3 to 9 years) · Infant (under 1)

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish and Italian

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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 7.99

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by BoatVentours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to snorkel inside a cave rather than view it from the water: a rare access point that the Karaburun Peninsula's other snorkeling trips don't offer. The fixed schedule and included transport mean you don't arrange the boat or navigate to the cave yourself.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 9 years); Infant (under 1).

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.

Can I snorkel inside Haxhi Ali Cave itself, or do we just sail past it?

You enter the cave by boat and then swim inside it to snorkel. The cave's interior is accessible only by water, and you'll spend about 20 minutes snorkeling among the rock formations and marine life. In August, authorities often restrict swimming inside the cave for safety, so this activity is not guaranteed during that month.

What are San Vasil and Shen Vasil beaches like for snorkeling?

San Vasil is a pebble beach on the Karaburun Peninsula with immediate water access and clear waters for snorkeling. Shen Vasil, also on the peninsula, is quieter and more secluded, with turquoise water, smooth pebbles and small sand areas. The rocky seabed here supports more marine life than San Vasil. Both offer free time to explore at your own pace.

How long is the boat ride from Vlora to Haxhi Ali Cave?

The journey takes 30 to 40 minutes by boat from Hotel Bologna in Vlora's city center. The total tour lasts 4 to 5 hours, including the cave visit and time at both beaches.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

Private transport from Vlora, a live guide in English or Italian, snorkeling masks and all fees are included. Bring your own swimsuit, towel and any personal items. The operator takes care of the boat, route and timing.

Is this snorkeling suitable for beginners?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. However, it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or pregnant travelers. Infants must sit on an adult's lap during the boat ride.