Snorkeling in Vlore: Private Boat to Karaburun Peninsula

Haxhi Ali Cave and the Gorgue of Boats in one morning

A private boat snorkeling trip from Vlore to the Karaburun Peninsula, with a live guide in English or Italian and all equipment provided. You depart from the Touristic Harbour, visit Haxhi Ali Cave for snorkeling and swimming, then sail to the western cliffs and marine caves (the Gorgue of Boats, Panaj Cliffs, Labyrinth Cave and Maple Cave) before finishing at Bear Bay and Dafina Beach. The boat includes drinks and snacks. Pickup from your hotel is arranged.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat trip exploring Karaburun Peninsula

• Depart from Vlore harbour
• Admire Bay of Vlora and Soda Forest
• Visit Haxhi Ali Cave and snorkel
• Sail to Cape of Tongue and Rreza e Kanalit
• Shore excursion to cliffs, caves, and gorges
• Snorkel and dive in Bear Bay
• Explore Dafina Beach and Dafina Cave
• Return to Vlore harbour

The experience

You start from the Touristic Harbour in Vlore and head out into the Ionian Sea toward the Karaburun Peninsula. The route takes you past the Soda Forest and the Mezokanal Strait, where the Ionian and Adriatic seas meet, before reaching Haxhi Ali Cave. A massive sea cave where you'll have time to snorkel, dive and swim inside. The guide navigates the boat and points out the geography as you go. Drinks and snacks are on board.

From there the boat turns south along the western side of Karaburun, stopping at a series of marine landmarks: the Gorgue of Boats, Panaj Cliffs, Labyrinth Cave and Maple Cave. Each stop is a chance to enter the water, snorkel and explore the rock formations and underwater life. The pace is set by the boat and the guide. You choose when to get in and when to stay aboard. Bear Bay comes next, the largest bay on the western peninsula, followed by Dafina Beach, a hidden cove in the marine park. Dafina Cave sits about 30 meters offshore and is reachable by a short swim from the beach.

Snorkelling equipment, towels and water are provided. The return journey crosses back to Vlore, arriving at the Touristic Harbour where you started. The whole outing runs six hours from departure to return.

What’s included

• Snorkelling equipment.
• private boat transportation from Vlore.
• hotel pickup.
• a live guide in English or Italian.
• drinks and bottled water.
• snacks.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 08:30, the last at 12:30

Book up to1h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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 14 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Trips4Fun

Is this one for you?The boat is private and the pace is yours. You enter the water when you want to and stay as long as you like at each stop, which suits a first visit to snorkelling or anyone who prefers to move at their own speed rather than follow a group schedule.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

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 Haxhi Ali Cave and the other stops on the boat?

Haxhi Ali is a giant sea cave where you can snorkel and swim inside the cave itself, whereas the other stops (the Gorgue of Boats, Panaj Cliffs, Labyrinth Cave and Maple Cave) are marine landmarks and rock formations along the cliffs that you snorkel around and explore from the water.

Do I need to know how to snorkel before I book this?

No. Equipment is provided and the guide is with you throughout. You can swim and snorkel at your own pace at each stop. The boat waits and you decide how long to stay in the water.

Where does the boat pick me up?

The boat departs from the Touristic Harbour in Vlore, and hotel pickup is included. Your accommodation will be arranged before the trip.

What's included in the six hours?

Snorkelling equipment, drinks, bottled water and snacks are included. The six hours covers the full journey from departure at the harbour through all the stops and back to Vlore.

Is Dafina Beach a separate stop or part of the same area?

Dafina Beach is a hidden bay in the marine park and a separate stop on the itinerary. Dafina Cave sits offshore from the beach and is reachable by a short swim, so you can visit both during the same stop.