Speedboat trips usually feel touristy. This one feels like you’re being let out onto the Ionian Sea by someone who knows where people don’t go. I love the way the route hits remote swim spots with short driving between them, and I also love the captain’s storytelling, including Captain Eri sharing WWII details during the shipwreck stop. The only real drawback: the ride can be thrilling, so it’s not a great match if you’re prone to seasickness or you’re not comfortable on a fast boat.

You’ll start at Sarandë Harbor and head north along the coast toward bays, caves, and beaches that are hard to reach any other way. Expect lots of in-water time, time for photos on cliffs and coves, and one longer beach break at Krorez where you can eat and linger. The trade-off is that some stops are brief, so pack for quick swims, not long beach lounging all day.

Key Points You’ll Actually Care About

• Modern speedboat with multiple swim and photo stops along the northern Ionian coast
• Krorez Beach gets the long break (about 1.5 hours) so you’re not always rushing
• WWII sleeping shipwreck stop adds a story element to your snorkeling time
• Goggles and life jackets are included, which saves you time and hassle
• Sunset option exists (for private and selected shared tours) if you want golden-hour photos
• No pickup or drop-off included, and the meeting point can vary by option

Entering the Water From Sarandë Harbor (and Why It Works)

This tour is built around one simple idea: if you want Sarandë’s coastline without the crowd headache, you need a boat. You’ll meet at Sarandë Harbor (the exact meetup point can vary by your booking), then step onto a modern, comfortable speedboat with a local skipper at the helm. The vibe is practical and relaxed. You get time to swim, time to photograph, and time to just sit in the sun—without spending your day transferring between buses and waiting around.

The routing matters. You’re traveling north along the Ionian coastline, and you’ll reach quieter coves and beaches that don’t make sense to try on foot. Even when the sea is busy, these stops are timed so you can still find calm moments once you’re anchored off the shoreline. If you’re the kind of person who gets bored standing in the same place too long, this format fits you well.

One more practical note: the tour is time-limited. You’re looking at 150 minutes to 5 hours depending on the starting time and option. That window is short enough that you’ll feel “on the move,” but long enough to get multiple swims and a real beach break.

Quick Snorkeling Setup: Short Practice, Then Real Stops

Right after you get going, you’ll have a brief snorkeling moment (around 10 minutes). This is less about training and more about getting you comfortable with the water and gear. Since goggles are included, you don’t have to hunt for them in town. You’ll also get life jackets, which helps everyone feel steadier when waves or boat movement pick up.

In plain terms, this first snorkeling time is useful because it sets expectations. You’ll learn fast whether you’re comfortable in the water, whether you like snorkeling in this kind of spot, and how you’ll want to position yourself during the longer swim times later.

If you want the best photos, do a quick mental checklist before you jump in: camera settings, phone waterproofing, and where you’ll store gear while you swim. The tour keeps a brisk pace, and you’ll be happier if you don’t spend half a stop fiddling with things.

Kepi i Qefalit: Cliffs, Caves, and a Swim That Feels Like a Break

One of the early anchors is Kepi i Qefalit. Plan for a photo stop plus swimming/snorkeling for about 20 minutes. This is where the coastline starts looking dramatic. You’re dealing with cliff-lined edges and hidden sea pockets, which often means more interesting angles for pictures.

Why I like this stop for you: it mixes two things tourists often separate—scenery and water time. You get the shoreline drama first, then you’re immediately rewarded with clear water once you’re in. If you’re trying to see why the north Ionian coast is such a magnet for boaters, this is a good “first answer.”

Possible downside: 20 minutes is not a lot of time. If you’re a slow swimmer or you like to linger on the surface, you’ll need to decide quickly what you care about more—snorkeling time or photos.

Kakome Bay / Soldier Bay: Turquoise Water and a Calm Moment

Next up is Kakome Bay (also called Soldier Bay). Expect another photo stop and swimming/snorkeling for around 20 minutes. This stop leans more toward the relaxed side. You’re in those quiet, turquoise-looking bays that make you understand why boat trips exist in the first place.

Here’s the practical value: this is often a good “second chance” stop. If your snorkeling at Kepi i Qefalit was short because you were still warming up, you can make up time here. If you prefer calm water over dramatic cliffs, this is likely the one that feels most like a pure beach-and-water break.

Still, remember the pace of the day. Short stops mean quick transitions. Bring a towel you can grab fast, and keep your essentials easy to access.

Kroreza Beach: The Long Break for Lunch, Drinks, and Slow Photos

If you only care about one longer stop, make it Krorez (Kroreza) Beach. This is the extended one, with about 1.5 hours including break time, a photo stop, free time, and time to swim. You can also plan around food here because lunch isn’t included, but you’ll have the chance to eat at beach bars. Optional lunch and long drinks are part of the day’s reality.

This is a big deal because it changes how the tour feels. The earlier stops are quick hits. Krorez lets you slow down. It’s the time to dry off, reapply sunscreen, and settle into a calmer rhythm.

A balanced caution: because it’s the longest stop, it’s also where you’ll want to manage your energy. If you’re someone who burns through sunscreen quickly, reapply early. If you’re the type who hates the post-swim chill, plan your order: swim, towel, then food.

The WWII Sleeping Shipwreck Stop: History Meets Snorkel Time

Between the scenic stops, the tour includes a coastal shipwreck connected to World War II. It’s described as an atmospheric spot and pairs naturally with snorkeling.

Why this matters for your trip: boat days can become just another “swim here, swim there” routine. The shipwreck stop gives the day a narrative thread. Even if you’re not a hardcore history person, you’ll likely enjoy it because it turns your water time into something more than exercise. It’s a visual “wow” moment with context.

Important expectation: the details you’ll experience are shaped by conditions and safety. You’re on a speedboat day with multiple anchors, so the wreck stop is part of the schedule, not an all-day research project. Treat it as a meaningful bonus, not a museum visit.

Secret Stop and Plazhi i Ushtarit: More Water, More Photos

After Krorez, you’ll get another secret stop with about 20 minutes of photo time and swimming/snorkeling. These extra anchors are the reason this tour feels more like exploration than sightseeing. They also add variety, which helps if you’re worried the day might repeat itself.

The final named swim/photo stop is Plazhi i Ushtarit, again with a photo stop plus swimming/snorkeling for around 20 minutes. By this point, you’re usually warmed up—both in terms of comfort and expectation. That makes it easier to enjoy rather than rush. Take the final stop to focus on what you liked most earlier: if the cliffs impressed you, aim for photo angles; if the water clarity felt best, spend more time in the water early in the anchor window.

Shared vs Private vs Sunset: Choosing the Right Pace for You

You can book this as a shared speedboat tour or a private speedboat experience. Shared is great if you want a social, fun atmosphere and don’t need total quiet. Private is the better choice if you want personalized pace, control over music, and a lower-stress flow—especially with families or couples.

There’s also a sunset option available for private and selected shared tours. This one is about golden-hour light and warm colors across the Ionian Sea. If you’re a photographer—or you just love that soft light when the day cools down—sunset is often the best “photo to relaxation” ratio.

How to decide fast:

• If you want energy and other people around: choose shared.
• If you want calm pacing and music control: choose private.
• If you want the best light: choose sunset (when offered for your dates).

The Speedboat Ride: Comfort, Safety Gear, and What to Bring

The boat itself is meant to be modern and comfortable, but it’s still a speedboat. Expect a ride that can feel lively. This is exactly why the tour isn’t suggested for people prone to seasickness. If you’ve been seasick on ferries before, don’t gamble.

The good news: safety gear is handled for you. You’ll get life jackets and goggles. That’s a real value-add because it keeps you focused on the day instead of shopping for gear.

For your personal packing list, keep it simple:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen (reapply at Krorez)
• Water and snacks since lunch isn’t included
• Sunglasses and a camera
• Comfortable swimwear you can move in fast

Also: there’s a no-littering rule. You’ll feel better if you bring a small bag for trash and rinseable items.

Price Check: Why $33 Feels Fair for This Day

The price is $33 per person. For a boat day with multiple swim stops, included snorkeling goggles, and life jackets, that’s strong value—especially if you’re staying in the Sarandë area and want a north-coast day without extra transport planning.

What you’re really paying for is time and access:

• Access to bays only reachable by boat
• Short travel between stops, so you spend more time in the water
• A structured schedule that gives you quick photo moments and swim windows

The trade-off is that you’re not booking a slow private beach day. If your dream day is eight hours of one beach, this isn’t it. But if you want variety—cliffs, caves, bays, and a shipwreck story—this price makes sense.

One more detail that helps the value equation: the tour runs 150 minutes to 5 hours, so you’re not always paying the same “seat time” depending on departure window and option. Check your time slot and pick what matches your energy.

Who Should Book (and Who Should Skip It)

This tour is a great fit for:

• Couples and solo travelers who want water time plus scenery
• People who like a schedule that keeps the day moving
• Anyone comfortable with swimming and snorkeling for short bursts

It’s not suitable for:

• Children under 10 (safety rule)
• Pregnant women
• People with mobility impairments or wheelchair users
• People prone to seasickness
• People over 200 lbs (91 kg)
• People with insect allergies

If you fall into one of the “not suitable” groups, you’ll be happier choosing a different style of coastal day that matches your needs. Don’t try to force it. A boat ride is only fun when you feel steady and comfortable.

Ratings and Service Style: What Captain Eri Brings

This trip holds a strong overall rating of 4.8 with 105 reviews, and 87% of reviewers gave it a perfect score. The biggest service theme is communication. You’ll get helpful coordination before and during the day, and the skipper’s personality makes the ride feel lighter.

In particular, Captain Eri is highlighted for speaking very good English and sharing stories with the right amount of detail—enough to make stops memorable without turning it into a lecture. That matters. A boat tour is short. The difference between a good day and a great day often comes down to whether someone helps you understand what you’re seeing and why it’s worth your time.

Should You Book the Sarandë Sea Safari?

Book it if you want a boat day that gives you:

• Multiple swim and snorkeling stops in remote spots
• A longer beach window at Krorez
• A WWII shipwreck stop that adds meaning beyond the photos
• The option to go sunset for golden-hour light

Think twice if:

• You’re likely to get seasick on speedboats
• You need long, slow, single-location time
• You’re traveling with kids under 10, or you fall into any of the other listed restrictions

If you’re on the fence, I’d also plan one backup hour in your schedule. The tour can be rescheduled or canceled due to adverse weather/sea conditions or other outside factors, so keeping a secondary time slot ready is smart.

FAQ

Where does the Sarandë Sea Safari start?

You’ll meet at Sarandë Harbor, but the exact meeting point can vary depending on the option you book.

How long is the tour?

The duration ranges from 150 minutes to 5 hours, depending on your starting time and the option selected.

How much does it cost?

It costs $33 per person.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, though you can bring snacks and you may find food and drinks at beach bars during the longer break.

What snorkeling gear is included?

The tour includes goggles and life jackets.

Are pick-up and drop-off included?

No. Pick up and drop off are not included. Drop-off locations can vary by option.

How much time do you spend swimming and snorkeling?

You get several swim/snorkeling windows, with short stops of about 20 minutes at some locations and a longer stop at Krorez (around 1.5 hours total including free time and swimming).

Can children join this tour?

Children under 10 are not allowed for safety reasons.

Is this tour suitable if I get seasick?

It is not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

What languages are spoken by the host or greeter?

The host or greeter is available in English, Italian, Albanian, and Greek.