Snorkeling Sazan Island & Haxhi Ali Cave: Private speedboat

The Adriatic and Ionian Sea meet in a 20-minute crossing you'll make by speedboat.

A private speedboat snorkeling trip departing from Hotel Bologna in Vlorë to Sazan Island and the Karaburun Marine Park, where you swim and snorkel in Haxhi Ali Cave, explore Saint Nicholas Bay and Saint George's Bay, and cross the Mezokanal where two seas converge. The boat includes a live English or Italian-speaking guide, hotel pickup, beer, water and snacks. The journey takes four hours with 30 minutes each way to and from the island.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private speedboat trip to Sazan Island

• Depart from Hotel Bologna harbour
• Stop at Saint Nicholas Bay for walk or beach
• Coastal excursion on western Sazan Island
• Cross the Mezokanal strait
• Visit and snorkel in Haxhi Ali Cave
• Stop at Saint George's Bay beach
• Return to Vlorë harbour

The experience

The speedboat leaves from the tourist harbour at Hotel Bologna and takes 30 minutes to reach Sazan Island. Your guide speaks English or Italian and travels with you. You'll make five stops across the morning or afternoon: first at Saint Nicholas Bay, where you can either walk the island or stay on the beach; then along the western cliffs and caves of Sazan itself; then the crossing of the Mezokanal, the narrow channel where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet; then Haxhi Ali Cave, where you spend time swimming and snorkeling inside; and finally Saint George's Bay on the Karaburun Peninsula, a turquoise cove with a wild beach. The return to Vlorë takes 25 minutes.

What you bring into the water is yours to manage: snorkeling gear is not mentioned as provided, so confirm what you need to bring or rent before you book. The boat carries beer, soda, bottled water and snacks, and these are included. Infants must sit on an adult's lap during the crossing. The full four hours includes travel time, so the actual time in the water and at each stop is less than that.

What’s included

• Beer, soda and bottled water.
• snacks.
• private speedboat transportation.
• hotel pickup from Vlorë.
• live guide in English or Italian.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day9 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 16:00

Book up to2h 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 8 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 picks you up at Hotel Bologna and handles the full crossing, so you don't need a car or local knowledge to reach Sazan Island. The speedboat is the transport itself, and the guide navigates the stops.

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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 exactly happens inside Haxhi Ali Cave?

Haxhi Ali Cave is a giant sea cave where the boat stops and you get time to swim and snorkel inside it. The cave is one of the main reasons for the trip, so this is a dedicated stop rather than a quick pass-by.

Can I do this trip if I'm staying somewhere other than Hotel Bologna?

Hotel pickup is included, so if you're staying at Hotel Bologna the pickup is built in. If you're elsewhere in Vlorë, confirm with the operator whether they can pick you up from your accommodation or if you need to meet at the harbour.

What's the Mezokanal crossing like?

The Mezokanal is the narrow channel where the Adriatic Sea and Ionian Sea meet, and the speedboat crosses it as part of the route. The crossing takes about 20 minutes and is a named stop on the itinerary, so it's a deliberate part of the experience rather than just transit.

Is lunch included on this trip?

Lunch is not included. The boat provides beer, soda, water and snacks, but you should plan to eat before or after the trip, or bring food if you prefer.