Vlore to Grama Bay: Speed Boat Tour with Caves & Swim Stops

Summary

Swim caves and wild beaches from Vlore to Grama Bay by speedboat

You’ll board a speedboat in Vlorë and set off along the Karaburun Peninsula with a local guide who keeps things lively (and safe). Swim inside the glowing Blue Gem Cave, snack on drinks at Dafina Bay, explore ancient carvings at Grama Bay, and let salt air tangle your hair as you bounce between wild beaches. It’s not just scenery — it’s laughter, stories, and moments that stick with you.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way our guide, Erion, grinned at my nervous shuffle onto the speedboat in Vlorë — “Don’t worry, you’ll love it!” he said. I didn’t even have time to overthink before we were bouncing past the Karaburun Peninsula, salt spray in my hair. The engine’s hum mixed with Albanian pop on the speakers and everyone’s laughter. There was this moment when a local fisherman waved from his tiny boat near Haxhi Ali Cave — he looked so relaxed out there. I tried to ask his name but mostly just got a thumbs-up and a big smile.

The water changed color every time we stopped. At the Blue Gem Cave, sunlight slipped through the rocks and turned everything electric blue — honestly, I almost dropped my snorkel just staring at it. The cave walls felt cool and a bit damp under my hand. Erion told us about old pirate legends here (I think he made half of them up) while we floated in silence for a second or two — you could hear nothing but dripping water echoing off stone. Later at Dafina Bay, someone handed around cold drinks; I ended up with something fizzy and sweet that tasted like summer.

I lost track of which bay was which after a while — Bristan, Skaloma, Llovizi — they all blur together as stretches of pale sand and quiet coves where you can just float or sink your toes into pebbles. When we finally reached Grama Bay (the main keyword for anyone searching this day trip from Vlore), it really did feel different: cliffs towering above us, gold sand warm underfoot, old inscriptions carved into rock if you looked close enough. We swam until our fingers wrinkled and someone found a starfish near shore. The ride back was quieter; everyone sort of sunk into their seats watching the coastline slip by, salt drying on our skin.

I still think about that light inside the Blue Cave sometimes — how unreal it looked but also how normal it felt to just be there with strangers who didn’t stay strangers for long. If you’re thinking about booking this speed boat tour from Vlore to Grama Bay with all those swim stops and cave visits… well, I’d do it again tomorrow if I could.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Speedboat tour of Karaburun Peninsula

• Meet at TripMe.Today office in Vlorë
• Board speedboat at marina
• Visit Haxhi Ali Cave for snorkeling
• Swim and relax at Gjiri i Inglezit beach
• Explore Dafina Bay and Dafina Cave
• Visit Bristan, English, Skalome, and Petruni Bays
• Swim and snorkel in Llovizi (Blue) Cave
• Relax at Plazhi i Llovizit beach
• Explore and swim in Grama Bay

Top questions

How long does the speed boat tour from Vlore to Grama Bay take?

The full tour typically lasts several hours with multiple stops for swimming and exploring caves along the Karaburun Peninsula before returning to Vlore.

Are snacks or drinks included during the boat trip?

Yes, fresh food and various drinks are available on board for an additional cost; some snacks are served during swim stops like Dafina Bay.

Is there a professional guide on this speedboat tour?

Yes, every group has a professional local guide throughout the journey who shares stories and ensures safety.

What should I bring for swimming in Grama Bay or the caves?

Bring swimwear, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and maybe water shoes for pebbly beaches; life jackets are provided on board.

Is hotel pickup included in this day trip from Vlore?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; tours start at TripMe.Today’s office near Lungomare in Vlorë.

Are children allowed on this boat tour?

Children under 4 years old cannot join for safety reasons; otherwise suitable for most fitness levels.

What are some highlights besides Grama Bay?

You’ll visit Haxhi Ali Cave, Blue Gem (Llovizi) Cave, Dafina Bay & several secluded beaches along Karaburun Peninsula.

Is insurance or safety equipment provided?

Yes; insurance coverage is included plus life jackets and other safety gear for all participants.

What’s included

Your day includes all fuel costs for the speedboat ride along Albania’s coast plus music onboard (expect good vibes), free time to swim or snorkel at each stop including inside caves like Blue Gem and Haxhi Ali. A professional local guide leads throughout; insurance coverage is included as well as life jackets and all necessary safety equipment. Fresh food and drinks can be purchased onboard if you want something extra during your adventure before heading back to Vlorë marina.