Vlore Speedboat Tour: Haxhi Ali Cave & St. Koli Bay

Speedboat, cave, two beaches, and a 10-minute walk to a bay most visitors never reach

A 4-hour speedboat tour from Vlore takes you to Haxhi Ali cave on the Karaburun peninsula, then to St. Vasil beach for swimming and snorkeling, and finally to St. Koli bay (two small wild beaches accessible by a short walk) with a live guide in English or Italian. Children are welcome from age 5. The tour operates as a Classic or Premium option. Both include the guide.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Haxhi Ali Cave and Beaches

• Speedboat ride to Haxhi Ali cave
• Explore Haxhi Ali cave for 20 minutes
• Visit and relax at St. Vasil beach
• Walk 10 minutes to St. Koli bay
• Enjoy free time at St. Koli bay

The experience

The tour starts with a 40-minute speedboat ride from Vlore out to Haxhi Ali cave, a natural formation carved into the peninsula's cliffs. You spend about 20 minutes inside exploring the cave itself before heading back to the boat. The speed and the sea crossing are the defining shape of the day. This is not a gentle coastal cruise but a direct run to the sites that matter.

After the cave, the boat takes you to St. Vasil beach, a pebble beach where the water is deep enough for swimming and snorkeling. You have free time here to move at your own pace: swim, wade, or sit and watch the water. The beach sits on open coastline with little development around it, so the backdrop stays wild. From there, a 10-minute walk inland leads to St. Koli bay, which is actually two small beaches tucked into a cove. The walk is short but it means fewer day-trippers make it this far, so the bay itself stays quieter than the first beach.

The tour includes a live guide who speaks English or Italian and can answer questions about the cave's geology and the peninsula's history as you move through the day. Children from age 5 can join. You'll want to bring a swimsuit, a towel, and sun protection. There's limited shade on the beaches and the water reflects the sun hard off the pebbles.

What’s included

• Live guide in English or Italian.
• speedboat transportation to all three sites.
• 20 minutes inside Haxhi Ali cave.
• free time for swimming and snorkeling at St. Vasil beach.
• access to St. Koli bay's twin beaches with a 10-minute walk included.

Options for this experience

2 options

Classic TourGuide in English or Italian · 09:00, 11:30 and 14:00

Premium TourGuide in English or Italian · 09:00, 11:30 and 14:00Snorkeling mask with 1 beer or soft drink

You pick the guide language when booking.

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 11:30 and 14:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (10 to 65 years) · Child (5 to 9 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 20

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 yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Olympia Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you have a free afternoon in Vlore and want to see the Karaburun peninsula's main coastal sites without renting a boat yourself. The speedboat pace means you cover real distance and reach places that feel removed from the town, but the 4-hour timeframe keeps it manageable if you have other plans the same day. Choose the morning departure if you want the cave and the first beach before the afternoon crowds arrive.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 9 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

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.

How long is the speedboat ride to Haxhi Ali cave?

The ride takes about 40 minutes each way. You spend roughly 20 minutes inside the cave itself before returning to the boat.

Can I swim at both beaches on this tour?

Yes. St. Vasil beach is a pebble beach where you can swim and snorkel in the blue water. St. Koli bay has two small beaches where swimming is also possible, though you'll need to walk 10 minutes from St. Vasil to reach it.

What's the difference between the Classic and Premium tour options?

Both options include the same three sites, the speedboat, and the guide in English or Italian. The operator offers both as choices at checkout. The specific differences between them are listed when you select your date.

What should I bring on this tour?

Bring a swimsuit, towel, and sun protection: sunscreen and a hat are essential because there's limited shade on the beaches. Water shoes are helpful on the pebble beach. The guide is included, but food and drinks are not, so pack what you'll need for the afternoon.