Snorkeling in Porto Palermo: Kayak and SUP with caves

Paddle through caves, snorkel in emerald water, watch Ali Pashi castle rise from the sea

Snorkeling in Porto Palermo combines paddling a kayak or SUP board through the bay's sea caves and hidden beaches with time in the water exploring the underwater world. A live English or Ukrainian-speaking guide leads the two to three hour outing, passing Ali Pashi castle and stopping at secluded spots. Waterproof bag, snorkeling equipment and phone cases are included. You choose between the activity alone or with transfer service from Himare or Saranda.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak and Sup tour in Porto Palermo

• Pass by many caves
• Enter some caves
• Pass by Porto Palermo Castle
• View castle from the sea

The experience

The bay itself is the route. You paddle past a succession of caves carved into the limestone cliffs, stopping to enter some of them by water, then move along the coast toward Ali Pashi castle, visible from the sea. The guide shares local knowledge as you go, and the pace suits both beginners trying paddling for the first time and people who have done it before.

Snorkeling happens in the emerald water between paddles. You drop in at spots the guide chooses: wild beaches most visitors never reach, places where the underwater life is still there because few boats come through. The waterproof bag keeps your belongings dry. Waterproof cases protect phones. Snorkeling gear is provided, so you only bring yourself.

The outing runs two to three hours total. You can book the activity on its own, or add a transfer from Himare or Saranda if you don't have your own transport to Porto Palermo. Bring water and snacks if you want them during the paddle. The operator does not provide them.

What’s included

• Live guide in English or Ukrainian.
• use of kayak or SUP board.
• snorkeling equipment.
• waterproof bag for belongings.
• waterproof phone cases.

Options for this experience

3 options

Kayak and SUP tour at Porto PalermoGuide in English or Ukrainian · Available from 1 Jun 2027Lasts 3 hours. Meeting point: 3Q6V+XPX, Porto Palermo, Albania

Transfer from Himare is providedGuide in English or Ukrainian · Available from 1 Jun 2027Lasts 4 hours: 3 hours of touring plus 1 hour of road transfer in each direction to and from Himare. Meeting point: Dora, 3QX2+FR5, SH8, Himarë, Albania

Transfer from Saranda is providedGuide in English or Ukrainian · Available from 10 Jul 2027Lasts 5 hours, including transfer. Meeting point: Mobileri Renisi, Rruga Bilal Golemi 9701, Saranda, Albania

You pick the guide language when booking.

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

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Jun 2027

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (10 to 70 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish and Ukrainian

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.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Kayaks and Sups for Rent Saranda Lukove Albania

Is this one for you?Book with transfer from Himare or Saranda if you're staying in one of those towns and don't have a car. The activity alone works if you can reach Porto Palermo on your own. The two to three hour paddle suits people with moderate fitness who want to try paddling and snorkeling in one outing, not a full-day expedition.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Ukrainian.

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's the difference between the kayak and SUP options?

Kayak is a seated paddle craft you propel with a double-bladed paddle. SUP (stand-up paddleboard) is a larger board you stand on and propel with a single blade. Both follow the same route through the caves and snorkeling spots. Choose based on which paddle style you prefer or want to try.

Do I need paddling experience to book this?

No. The guide works with beginners and experienced paddlers on the same outing, so you can try kayaking or SUP for the first time. You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness to paddle for two to three hours and move in and out of the water.

What happens if I don't want to snorkel?

Snorkeling is part of the activity, but you control whether you get in the water. Many people paddle the whole route and skip the snorkeling stops, or snorkel at only some of them. Tell the guide what you prefer when you start.

Can the transfer pick me up from my hotel?

The transfer option departs from Himare or Saranda. If your hotel is in one of those towns, the operator can arrange pickup. Confirm your exact location when you book so the driver knows where to find you.

What's Ali Pashi castle, and do we land there?

Ali Pashi castle is a historic fortress on the headland above Porto Palermo bay. You see it from the water as you paddle, but the activity stays on the water and the beaches. You don't climb up to the castle itself.

What should I bring besides what's included?

Bring water and any snacks you want during the paddle, sunscreen, a towel, and a change of clothes. The waterproof cases protect your phone, but leave other valuables at your accommodation. Wear something you don't mind getting wet.