Vlore Speedboat Tour: Sazan Island, Haxhi Ali Cave & Karaburun

Five hours crossing wild limestone coasts and swimming in cave-fed waters

A speedboat tour from Vlore to Sazan Island, Haxhi Ali cave and the Karaburun peninsula, with a local guide, speedboat ride and all fees included. You spend an hour on Sazan Island choosing between its beach or a 30-minute walk to the old inhabited part with military ruins; 20 minutes exploring Haxhi Ali cave by swimming and diving; and 90 minutes swimming at St. Vasil beach before a 10-minute walk to the twin beaches of St. Koli bay. Children from age 6 are welcome. The tour operates in English or Italian.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Sazan Island and Karaburun

• Travel 1 hour to Sazan Island
• Spend 1 hour on Sazan Island
• Visit Haxhi Ali cave for 20 minutes
• Admire Karaburun's natural limestone rocks
• Walk 10 minutes to St. Koli bay
• Enjoy free time at St. Koli bay beaches

The experience

The tour starts with a one-hour speedboat crossing to Sazan Island, where wild nature and military history collide. You choose how to spend your hour there: stay on the beach or walk 30 minutes inland to see the fortified ruins left behind during the communist era. Bunkers, underground tunnels, and Italian-built structures from the occupation. The island's strategic position meant layers of occupation, and those traces remain visible in the architecture scattered across it.

From Sazan, the boat heads to Haxhi Ali cave, a 20-minute crossing into a natural wonder carved by water and time. The cave's stalactites and the crystal water inside it are the draw. You can swim and dive to explore the underwater world the cave holds. The limestone cliffs of Karaburun frame the whole coastline: shapes carved by nature alone, no two alike.

The final stretch lands you at St. Vasil beach on the Karaburun peninsula for 90 minutes of free time in the water. After that, a 10-minute walk takes you to St. Koli bay, two small wild beaches tucked into the rocks with the same blue water and the same sense of being far from anywhere else. The speedboat ride, guide, and all entry fees are included. The guide speaks English or Italian and travels with the group throughout.

What’s included

• Speedboat ride to and from all sites.
• local guide in English or Italian.
• all entry fees and taxes to Sazan Island and Haxhi Ali cave.
• free time to swim at St. Vasil beach and St. Koli bay.

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 and one beer, soft drink, or bottle of water are included

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 (6 to 9 years) · Under 6: 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 today

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?Choose the Classic Tour for the full route at the standard pace, or the Premium Tour if you want added comfort or extended time at any of the stops: both follow the same itinerary and include the guide and all fees.

Traveler reviews

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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 (6 to 9 years). Under 6: 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.

What can I do on Sazan Island during the hour I'm there?

Sazan Island gives you the choice: swim and relax on its beach, or walk 30 minutes inland to the old inhabited part where military bunkers, underground tunnels and Italian-era buildings still stand from the island's strategic past.

Can I swim inside Haxhi Ali cave?

Yes, Haxhi Ali cave sits right at the water's edge and you can swim and dive into the crystal water to explore the underwater world inside it, surrounded by the cave's natural stalactites and rock formations.

How much time do I get to swim at the beaches?

You have 90 minutes at St. Vasil beach on the Karaburun peninsula, then a 10-minute walk to St. Koli bay, where you can spend more time in the water at two small wild beaches tucked into the coastline.

What's included in the tour price?

The speedboat ride, all entry fees and taxes, and a local guide in English or Italian are included. You pay separately only if you want to rent a sun umbrella on the beach.