Snorkeling in Vlore: Haxhi Ali Cave & Sazan Island

Snorkel a pirate's cave, then drift on a quiet beach

A 5-hour boat tour from Vlore that takes you snorkeling at Haxhi Ali Cave (a sea grotto carved into the Karaburun Peninsula cliffs), then to Sazan Island and Shen Vasil Beach for swimming and relaxation. The tour includes snorkeling gear, a live English or Italian-speaking guide, and small group sizes. Children from age 4 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour with snorkeling and beach

• Travel to Sazan Island by speedboat
• Snorkel and explore Sazan Island beach
• Visit and photograph Haxhi Ali Cave
• Relax and swim at Shen Vasil Beach

The experience

The boat leaves from Vlore and heads to Haxhi Ali Cave first, a sea grotto named after a 16th-century Albanian pirate who used it as a hideout from Ottoman ships. You'll snorkel in the cave's turquoise water (the gear is provided), and see fish in a natural setting before the boat moves on. The stop lasts around 15 minutes, long enough to explore and take photos of the towering rock formations and the light streaming through the entrance.

Next is Sazan Island, Albania's largest island and reachable only by boat. You'll have 30 to 40 minutes to snorkel off the pebble beach, swim in the clear water, or simply sit and take in the wild coastline. The speedboat then carries you to Shen Vasil Beach for a 2-hour break: the longest part of the day. This is where you can snorkel again if the sea is calm, sunbathe on the pebbles, or do nothing but watch the water. A life vest is provided for safety, and the guide stays with the group throughout to share stories about the region and the pirate legends tied to these waters.

The tour runs 5 hours total and works for couples, families, and solo travelers. Groups stay small, so the guide can give personalized attention. Children from age 4 can join, though infants must sit on an adult's lap. The boat operates with public transportation nearby if you need to get to the departure point, and the pace is built around swimming and relaxing rather than rushing between stops.

What’s included

• Snorkeling gear and life vest.
• 5-hour boat tour with a live guide in English or Italian.
• time to snorkel at Haxhi Ali Cave and Sazan Island.
• a 2-hour beach break at Shen Vasil with swimming and relaxation time.

Before you book

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

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Child (4 to 17 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish and Italian

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 today

Good to know

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

Operated by VloraboatTrips.AL

Is this one for you?The 5-hour duration leaves room for other activities earlier or later in your day, though the long beach break means you're committed to a relaxed pace rather than a packed itinerary. Small group sizes let the guide give personalized attention, which works well if you want to ask questions about the pirate history and local marine life.

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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 (4 to 17 years). Under 4: they can't be included in the booking.

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 Haxhi Ali Cave and why is it famous?

Haxhi Ali Cave is a sea grotto carved into the cliffs of the Karaburun Peninsula, named after a 16th-century Albanian pirate and sailor who sheltered there to escape Ottoman ships and storms. You snorkel inside the cave's turquoise water and see the rock formations and light filtering through the entrance.

How much time do I spend snorkeling versus relaxing on the beach?

You snorkel at Haxhi Ali Cave for around 15 minutes, then at Sazan Island for 30 to 40 minutes. The longest part of the day is a 2-hour break at Shen Vasil Beach, where you can snorkel again or simply swim and sunbathe.

Is snorkeling gear included, and do I need my own?

Snorkeling gear is included with the tour, so you don't need to bring your own. A life vest is also provided for safety during the boat ride and in the water.