Snorkeling Karaburun Peninsula: Haxhi Ali Cave & Hidden Beaches

Haxhi Ali Cave and three hidden beaches in one boat day

A guided boat tour from Vlora to the Karaburun Peninsula combines snorkeling at San Jani Beach, a swim inside Haxhi Ali Cave (a 30–40 minute sail), and quiet time at San Vasil Beach. The boat departs at 9:00 AM from Hotel Bologna in the city center, carries snorkeling gear and bottled water, and runs 6 to 8 hours with an English or Italian-speaking guide.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Sazan Island and Karaburun Beaches

• Board boat at Vlore city center
• Navigate 50 minutes to Sazan Island
• Tour old city and learn history
• Relax on Sazan Island beach
• Sail 30-40 minutes to Haxhi Ali Cave
• Explore cave and toast with prosecco
• Swim and admire cave beauty
• Visit Shen Vasil Beach for swimming
• Relax and snorkel at Shen Vasil

The experience

The boat leaves Hotel Bologna in Vlora's city center at 9:00 AM and heads first to Sazan Island, a 50-minute crossing. Your guide walks you through the old city ruins on the mountain and explains the island's history during Albania's communist era. Those who prefer to stay put can relax on the beach with cool drinks on board. The route then turns toward Haxhi Ali Cave, another 30–40 minutes by water. Inside the cave you spend about 40 minutes swimming, exploring and taking photos, and the guide uncorks prosecco for a symbolic toast to mark the moment.

San Jani Beach comes next, built around snorkeling in clear water where you can see old fortifications from the shore. The seabed is rocky and holds marine life worth watching. Snorkeling equipment is provided and included in the price. San Vasil Beach, the final stop, sits on the Karaburun Peninsula itself and offers a pebble shore with immediate water access: no long walk to the water's edge. The beach is quiet and draws few tourists, so it works well for a final swim or a last round of snorkeling before the return journey to Vlora.

The full day runs 6 to 8 hours. Bottled water and soft drinks are on board. Bring sunscreen and a towel. Your guide speaks English or Italian and is with the group throughout. The boat is new (built in 2022) and either a rigid hull or inflatable, depending on the day.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• bottled water and soft drinks.
• English or Italian-speaking guide.
• boat transport from Hotel Bologna in Vlora to Sazan Island, Haxhi Ali Cave and the Karaburun Peninsula beaches.
• access to San Jani and San Vasil beaches.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to3h before

GroupPrivate

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 5 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?The boat leaves at 9:00 AM and the full day runs 6 to 8 hours, so an early start and a full commitment suit travelers who want to cover three distinct stops (an island, a cave and two beaches) without rushing any of them.

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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 is Haxhi Ali Cave and what do you do there?

Haxhi Ali Cave is a historic sea cave associated with a famous Balkan pirate. You swim inside it, explore the rock formations and natural beauty, and spend about 40 minutes there while the guide shares its history. A prosecco toast marks the visit.

Can I snorkel at more than one beach on this tour?

Yes. San Jani Beach is the main snorkeling stop, where you can see fortifications and marine life in clear water. San Vasil Beach at the end of the day also has immediate water access and rocky seabed suitable for snorkeling if you want to do more.

What's included in the price and what should I bring?

Snorkeling equipment, bottled water and soft drinks are included. Bring sunscreen, a towel and a swimsuit. Wear shoes you can walk in on the boat and on rocky ground.

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

The journey to Haxhi Ali Cave takes 30–40 minutes. The boat first stops at Sazan Island (a 50-minute crossing from Vlora), then sails to the cave.

Is this tour suitable for people who don't swim well?

The tour involves water entry at multiple beaches and inside the cave, so some comfort in water is helpful. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and you can choose to swim or wade depending on your comfort level. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.