Snorkeling in the National Marine Park: Grama Bay and Blue Grotto

Seven hours across five bays and two caves, with three hours anchored in Grama Bay

A speedboat snorkeling tour of the National Marine Park and Grama Bay on the Albanian Riviera, with a live English or Italian-speaking guide, stops at Haxhi Ali cave, Dafina Beach, Bristan Bay, and the Blue Grotto, and a long final anchor in Grama Bay for swimming and diving. The tour runs 7 to 8 hours and includes snorkeling equipment, lunch, drinks and snacks.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour of National Park and bays

• Travel to Haxhi Ali cave
• Swim and explore Haxhi Ali cave
• Boat to Gulf of Dafina beach
• Swim and snorkel at Dafina beach and cave
• Visit Bristan Bay (Bear Bay)
• Explore and swim at Bristan Bay
• Stop at English Bay, Skalome Bay, and Petruni Bay
• Visit Blue Grotto
• Arrive at Grama Bay
• Relax, swim, snorkel, and explore Grama Bay

The experience

The boat leaves for Haxhi Ali cave first, a 30 to 40 minute crossing that brings you to the cave of a famous Balkan pirate. You spend about 40 minutes inside exploring the rock formations and swimming in the cave's waters. The next stop is Dafina Beach in the Gulf of Dafina, 25 minutes away, where the water turns an intense blue and a smaller cave opens to sunlight underwater. You snorkel here for an hour, and the crew serves drinks and snacks during the stop.

From there the route moves through Bristan Bay (also called Bear Bay), English Bay, Skalome Bay and Petruni Bay: wild beaches with clear water where you can dive and snorkel. The Blue Grotto comes next, famous for its colors and natural rock shapes. The day ends in Grama Bay, where you stay for approximately 3 hours. This is where the pace shifts: you can swim, snorkel and dive at your own rhythm, explore the ancient inscriptions carved into the rocks above the water, or simply rest on the beach.

All snorkeling equipment is provided. A sandwich with chicken and ham, bottled water, and soft drinks are included. The guide speaks English or Italian and stays with the group throughout. The boat is a speedboat, so the crossings between stops are quick, and the long anchor in Grama Bay means you are not constantly moving.

What’s included

• Speedboat transport for the full 7 to 8 hours.
• snorkeling equipment.
• a sandwich with chicken and ham.
• bottled water and soft drinks.
• a live guide in English or Italian.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:30Last departure this season: 2 Nov

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Infant (under 3)

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.

Prices and times updated 13 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?Choose this tour if you prefer a full-day speedboat route with multiple swimming stops across different bays and caves rather than a shorter excursion, and want 3 hours anchored in Grama Bay for unhurried snorkeling instead of brief visits at each site.

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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 10 years); Infant (under 3).

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.

How long does the boat spend at each stop?

Haxhi Ali cave gets about 40 minutes inside the rock formation. Dafina Beach is a one-hour stop for snorkeling and swimming. The other bays (Bristan, English, Skalome, Petruni) are shorter visits as the boat passes through them. Grama Bay, the final destination, is where you stay for approximately 3 hours, giving you time to relax, dive, snorkel or explore the inscriptions on the rocks.

What is Grama Bay known for?

Grama Bay is renowned for its beauty and ancient history. The rocks above the water carry inscriptions carved into them, and the bay itself is described as extraordinary. It is the longest stop on the tour, so you have time to swim, snorkel, dive or simply take in the view from the beach.

Is snorkeling equipment included, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the tour. You do not need to bring your own.

What food and drinks are included?

The tour includes a sandwich with chicken and ham, bottled water, and soft drinks served during the stops. Drinks and snacks are also offered at Dafina Beach.

Can I dive as well as snorkel?

Yes, diving is possible at several stops. Dafina Beach, Bristan Bay, English Bay, Skalome Bay, Petruni Bay and Grama Bay all allow diving. The tour description notes that diving into Haxhi Ali cave may be prohibited if local authorities judge the cave overcrowded at the time of your visit.