Speed boat tour Vlore: Sazan Island, Haxhi Ali Cave, Karaburun

Inside Haxhi Ali Cave, then into the Karaburun's crystal waters

A speed boat tour from Vlore takes you to three stops in four to five hours: Sazan Island for snorkeling or hiking, Haxhi Ali Cave where you spend about ten minutes inside learning the pirate legend from your skipper, and a beach on the Karaburun Peninsula for swimming in clear water. The boat is fully insured and licensed. Life jackets, a local guide in English or Italian, and all fuel are included. Lunch and drinks are available at a restaurant on the final beach, and you can add snorkeling gear or drinks at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Speed boat trip and island exploration

• Explore Sazan Island beach and snorkeling
• Hike trails and visit former military base
• Observe wildlife in protected areas
• Visit Haxhi Ali Cave and learn history
• Sail along Karaburun Peninsula
• Stop at Karaburun beach for swimming
• Enjoy local food at private restaurant
• Return to Vlore by boat

The experience

The boat leaves Vlore and heads first to Sazan Island, where you choose between snorkeling in the shallows, hiking the trails for views across the sea, or exploring the remains of a former military base on your own. The island sits in a protected marine zone, so you'll see bird species and fish that don't appear on mainland beaches. After an hour or so there, you reboard and head toward the cave.

Haxhi Ali Cave is where the route narrows into something stranger. You motor into the mouth of a sea cave and spend about ten minutes inside, surrounded by the rock formations the water has carved over centuries. Your skipper tells you the history of Haxhi Ali, the legendary pirate the cave is named for: a story that belongs to this place and not to any guidebook. Then you're back on the water, heading south along the Karaburun Peninsula. The ride takes you past wild rock walls and empty beaches, the kind of coastline that looks untouched because most of it is.

The final stop is a beach on the peninsula where a private restaurant sits right on the sand. You swim in water so clear you see the bottom, and you can order lunch and drinks there. Umbrellas and deck chairs cost extra and aren't run by the tour operator, so bring a hat if you want shade without paying. The ride back to Vlore takes about thirty minutes. The whole day runs four to five hours, and you'll need to be at the office five minutes before departure.

What’s included

• Fully insured speed boat and modern licensed vessel.
• life jackets for all passengers.
• local guide in English or Italian.
• all fuel and operational costs.
• free luggage drop-off at the office during the tour.
• premium sound system onboard.
• swimming at Karaburun Peninsula beach.
• access to Sazan Island for snorkeling, hiking or self-guided exploration of the former military base.
• entry to Haxhi Ali Cave with skipper commentary on the pirate legend.

Options for this experience

2 options

Classic TourGuide in English or Italian · 09:00 and 11:30Essential Experience: Complete tour aboard a modern speedboat, with a professional skipper, a local guide, safety equipment, and standard services.

Plus Package with Drink and SnorkelGuide in English or Italian · 09:00 and 11:30Everything in the Classic plus: Chilled drinks, namely one beer or one soft drink and one bottle of water, plus use of a snorkeling mask.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

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

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (16 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 80 years) · Youth (11 to 15 years) · Child (1 to 10 years)

GroupUp to 100

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Vlora Boat Trip 3 Fiori

Is this one for you?Book the Plus Package if you want snorkeling gear and drinks included. Choose the Classic Tour if you'd rather bring your own supplies and keep the price lower. The speed boat moves fast and the cave stop is brief, so this suits travelers who want motion and variety over a slow-paced float: the four to five hours pack three distinct stops and a full coastline into one morning or afternoon.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 15 years); Child (1 to 10 years).

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 can I do at Sazan Island?

Sazan Island offers snorkeling in protected waters where you'll see marine life, hiking trails with views across the sea, or a self-guided walk through the remains of a former military base to learn about its history during different periods.

How long do we spend inside Haxhi Ali Cave?

You spend about ten minutes inside the cave observing the rock formations and learning from your skipper about the legend of the pirate Haxhi Ali, who the cave is named after.

Is swimming included at Karaburun Peninsula?

Yes, swimming is included at the Karaburun beach stop. A private restaurant on the sand serves local food and drinks. A restaurant meal costs extra, as do umbrellas and deck chairs if you want them.

What's included in the tour price?

The speed boat tour includes full insurance, a modern licensed speedboat, life jackets for all passengers, a local guide in English or Italian, all fuel and operational costs, and free luggage drop-off at the office during the tour.

Can I add snorkeling gear or drinks to my booking?

Yes, the Plus Package option includes snorkeling gear and drinks. The Classic Tour does not. You choose which one at checkout.

What should I bring?

Bring your own food if you want to eat during the tour, though a restaurant operates at the final beach. Sunscreen, a hat and a towel are practical. Arrive at the office five minutes before departure.