Snorkeling Karaburun Peninsula: Haxhi Ali Cave & secret beaches

Sail into Haxhi Ali Cave, then snorkel the clearest water on the peninsula

A private snorkeling tour on the Karaburun Peninsula departs Vlore at 9:00 AM and sails to Haxhi Ali Cave, the hideout of the Balkans' most famous pirate, where you swim and explore inside for about 40 minutes. The boat then moves to San Jani Beach for snorkeling in clear water above rocky seabed, and finishes at San Vasil, a quiet pebble beach where you can swim or snorkel again. The tour runs 6 to 8 hours and includes snorkeling equipment, bottled water and a live guide in English or Italian. Groups stay under 12 people.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sail to cave and relax on beaches

• Board boat at 9:00 AM
• Sail 30-40 minutes to Haxhi Ali Cave
• Explore and swim in Haxhi Ali Cave
• Visit Shen Vasil Beach for swimming
• Relax and snorkel at Shen Vasil Beach

The experience

The Karaburun Peninsula sits across the water from Vlore, and reaching its hidden caves and beaches means going by boat. You board at 9:00 AM and sail for 30 to 40 minutes to Haxhi Ali Cave, named for a pirate who used it as a hideout centuries ago. Once inside, you spend about 40 minutes swimming and exploring the cave itself: the rock formations and the water are the main event, and the guide points out what makes the site historically significant. It is not a long stay, but it is the centerpiece of the morning.

After the cave, the boat moves to San Jani Beach, where the water is clear enough to see the rocky seabed below. You put on snorkeling gear and spend time in the water here. The beach also has old fortifications visible from the shore if you want to look at something on land. The final stop is San Vasil, a pebble beach on the quieter side of the peninsula. The water is the same clear turquoise, and you can snorkel again or simply swim and rest before the return trip to Vlore. Bottled water and soft drinks are provided throughout, and all snorkeling equipment comes with the booking.

The tour is private, meaning your group books the whole boat, up to 12 people maximum, so you are not mixed with strangers. The guide speaks English or Italian. The whole outing takes 6 to 8 hours from start to finish, which gives you time at each stop without feeling rushed, though the exact length depends on sea conditions and how long your group wants to stay at each beach.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• bottled water and soft drinks.
• a live guide in English or Italian.
• private boat for your group of up to 12 people.
• access to Haxhi Ali Cave, San Jani Beach and San Vasil Beach.

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 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?Book this tour if you want to snorkel in clear water and explore a historic cave in the same outing. The private boat keeps your group together, and the 6 to 8 hour window gives you time at each stop without a rushed 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 is Haxhi Ali Cave like when you get there?

Haxhi Ali Cave is a natural sea cave on the Karaburun Peninsula where a famous Balkan pirate once hid. You swim inside and explore the rock formations for about 40 minutes. The cave opens directly onto the water, so entry is by swimming. The guide explains the history while you are there.

Can you snorkel the whole time, or do you spend time on the beaches too?

You snorkel at two stops: San Jani Beach, where the water is clear and the seabed is rocky, and San Vasil Beach, where you can snorkel or simply swim. At Haxhi Ali Cave, you swim and explore inside rather than snorkel in open water. San Vasil is also good for resting between snorkeling sessions.

What snorkeling equipment do I need to bring, or is it all provided?

Snorkeling gear is included with the tour, so you do not need to bring your own mask, fins or snorkel. Bottled water and soft drinks are also provided throughout the day.

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

The sail from Vlore to Haxhi Ali Cave takes 30 to 40 minutes. After the cave, the boat moves to the beaches, which are closer, so those trips are shorter.

Is this tour good for people who are not strong swimmers?

The tour involves swimming and snorkeling in open water, so basic swimming ability is helpful. The guide is there, and you can stay in shallow water or on the beach if you prefer not to snorkel the whole time. The operator notes the tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.