Saranda: Kakome, Caves & Beaches Boat Tour with Snorkeling

The best part of this Saranda boat trip is the long stop at Kroreza Beach, a beautiful sandy shore reached by boat. You get time to swim, eat at a beach restaurant, claim a sunbed, and actually relax instead of rushing from one photo stop to the next. The route also reaches Kakome, Soldiers Beach, Roidhes, Gremina, and several caves.

I like the new 2025 boat, with half-shaded and half-open seating, and I like the easygoing soundtrack that gives the trip a social summer feel. Captain Rezi is often singled out for his friendly attitude and photography. The main consideration is the sea: high waves have shortened some trips, and the boat is not suitable for people with serious back or mobility problems.

Quick points before you book

• Three hours at Kroreza Beach: The long beach stop gives you time for lunch, swimming, sunbeds, and umbrellas instead of a quick shoreline visit.
• Captain Rezi may be your host: He is known for friendly conversation, photos, and showing guests small spots around Kakome.
• A boat built for sun or shade: The 2025 vessel has open seating for sunbathing and covered seating for a cooler ride.
• Several swim and snorkel stops: You visit Kakome, Kepi i Qefalit, Soldiers Beach, Roidhes, and other coastal spots.
• Music is part of the experience: Expect a relaxed party atmosphere, with summer, French, Latin, R&B, and chilled-out songs in the mix.
• Shared or private options: You can join a group or arrange a private outing, depending on the option you book.

Why Kroreza makes the five-hour route worthwhile

Many boat excursions along the Albanian Riviera give you a succession of pretty views and little else. This one gives you a proper beach break. After the shorter swim stops, you spend about three hours at Kroreza, where you can settle under an umbrella, use a sunbed, swim from the sandy shore, or order food at one of the local beach restaurants.

That timing matters. You are not forced to eat quickly or choose between lunch and the sea. If your goal is a full beach day rather than a fast sightseeing cruise, Kroreza is the part that makes the trip feel generous for the price.

The beach is also a practical place to spend the warmest part of the day. The boat has shade, but three hours on a boat can be tiring if you want to escape the sun. At Kroreza, the included umbrellas and sunbeds give you a more comfortable base. Arrive early if you want the best choice of loungers and the clearest view toward the water.

Food and drinks are not included, so bring cash for the restaurant stop. You can also use the boat’s fridge for your own snacks and drinks. That combination gives you flexibility, but you should not board expecting an all-inclusive lunch.

Leaving Saranda for Kepi i Qefalit

You meet the crew near Saranda’s main port, with pickup points listed around Rruga Jonianet and Vodafone. The exact meeting point can depend on the option you book, so check the details before setting out. If you drive, free parking is available, but the recommended parking location at Hotel Adi-Vera is about 15 minutes on foot from the meeting area. Street parking near the meeting point may be more convenient if you find a legal space.

Once aboard, you can choose between the open section and the half-shaded section. The newer boat has enough room for both sun lovers and people who prefer a break from direct heat. There is Wi-Fi, a fridge for snacks and drinks, life jackets, and onboard music.

The first listed stop is Kepi i Qefalit, where you get roughly 20 minutes for photos, swimming, and snorkeling. This is a good early chance to get into the water before the main beach stop. The short timing means you should be ready when the crew announces a swim break. Bring your swimsuit under your clothes and keep your camera easy to reach.

Snorkeling masks are provided. Tubes can be requested, but they are not routinely used for hygiene reasons. If you already own a mask or prefer your own snorkel, bringing it is sensible. The clear water can reveal fish and other small sea life, although conditions depend on the day.

Kakome Bay, where the coast turns quiet

Kakome Beach gets about 30 minutes, enough for a swim, photos, and a look at the shoreline. Its main appeal is access. This is the kind of coast you cannot reach by simply walking down from Saranda, and the boat lets you see the coves from the water before stopping nearby.

This is also where Captain Rezi’s local touch can add something. He has shown small, quieter spots around Kakome and taken photos for solo visitors and couples. You should not expect a formal lecture at every stop. The guiding is informal, with local information shared while the music plays and the boat moves between bays.

Kakome works well for people who want variety. You are not spending the entire day at one crowded resort beach. Instead, you get a short look at a more secluded shoreline, then move on before the route becomes repetitive.

The tradeoff is that 30 minutes passes quickly. If you want long snorkeling sessions, this stop may feel brief. Treat it as a sampler, not a full underwater excursion.

Soldiers Beach and Roidhes add more water time

Plazhi i Ushtarit, or Soldiers Beach, brings another 30-minute stop. The pattern is similar: photo time, a guided look, swimming, and snorkeling. These repeated water breaks are useful because you can choose your favorite setting. Some people prefer a sandy beach, while others would rather swim beside rocks and inspect the water.

Plazhi i Ridhës, listed as Roidhes Beach, gets about 20 minutes. It is another short stop for swimming and photos. The value here is not a long stay. It is the chance to see another section of the coast from the boat and compare the water and shoreline with Kakome and Soldiers Beach.

The route can feel active without becoming a hard physical day. You are stepping on and off the boat, swimming, and climbing back aboard, but there is no long walk or demanding excursion. Still, the experience is not a good choice for people with mobility limitations or significant back problems. It is also not suited to people over 120 kilograms, according to the activity restrictions.

Caves, Gremina, and the view from the water

The route includes Gremina and cave areas such as Turtles Cave and Shpella e Milotit. These stops are mainly for seeing the formations, taking photos, and hearing about the area. The supplied details do not promise a long cave walk or a guided underground tour, so think of them as boat-access sightseeing rather than a full cave expedition.

That distinction helps set expectations. The reward is the view from the sea, where the rock walls and openings look different from the beach. If you enjoy taking photographs, keep your camera protected from spray and ready before the boat reaches the cave.

Cave and coastal stops are also more weather-sensitive than a beach visit. Wind and waves can affect how close the boat gets and how long the crew stays. The crew has ended trips earlier in rough conditions, though music and a cheerful atmosphere helped keep the day enjoyable. You should treat the listed route as the plan, not an absolute promise in poor weather.

A relaxed boat atmosphere, with music in the foreground

This is not a silent nature cruise. Music is a central part of the experience, and the mood leans social. The playlist may move from French songs to Latin music, R&B, and slower tracks for watching the coast. Some groups have described the boat as feeling almost like a small floating party.

That atmosphere will suit you if you like conversation, background music, and a little energy between swim stops. It may not suit you if you want a quiet boat ride focused only on birds, geology, or uninterrupted natural sound.

Captain Rezi is the crew member most often praised by name. His role goes beyond steering: he chats with people, helps organize groups, takes photographs, and may adjust the mood of the day when conditions allow. One unusual example involved a solo visitor who mentioned an interest in sunsets and received a sunset cruise in return. That kind of personal attention cannot be guaranteed, but it shows the flexible character of the operation.

The host languages are Albanian, English, Greek, and Italian. Audio guide files can be requested, with material available in English, Italian, Spanish, French, and German. Headphones are not included, so bring your own if you want to use the audio guide comfortably.

What the $42 price gives you

At $42 per person, this is good value if you use the whole day well. You are paying for the boat ride, driver, local guide, several swim and snorkeling stops, music, Wi-Fi, entrance fees, taxes, and the long Kroreza stop. You also get a newer boat and access to masks.

The free beach umbrellas and sunbeds make the price more attractive. These are easy extras to overlook when comparing boat trips, yet they matter during a three-hour beach stop. A cheaper ticket can lose its advantage if you then pay separately for a place in the shade.

You still need money for food and drinks. The boat’s fridge is useful, but it does not mean refreshments are supplied. Bring cash, especially for the restaurant stop at Kroreza, and pack sunscreen, swimwear, and a camera.

Private groups are available if you want more control over the atmosphere or are traveling with your own group. A shared trip is likely the better value for solo visitors, couples, and families who enjoy meeting other people. The music and friendly hosting work particularly well on a shared boat.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option also make the booking easier to fit around changing plans. Check the start time and meeting point carefully, since these can vary by booking option.

Who will enjoy this boat tour most

I would choose this trip if you want to combine sightseeing and a beach afternoon. It suits couples, families, groups of friends, and solo visitors who like a social setting. You get enough structure to see many coastal spots, but enough free time to swim, eat, and rest.

It is especially good for photographers. The route offers cliffs, beaches, caves, clear water, and boat-level views that you cannot get from the road. Captain Rezi’s habit of taking photos is another useful touch, particularly if you are traveling alone.

Snorkelers should see this as a light snorkeling outing, not a specialist marine trip. Masks are supplied and there are several water stops, but most of them last only 20 or 30 minutes. You get repeated chances to look underwater, yet Kroreza is mainly about swimming and relaxing.

I would hesitate if you dislike loud music, need a guaranteed quiet ride, or have trouble boarding a boat and moving around its deck. You should also think twice if seasickness is a concern, since waves can be strong enough to change the schedule.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Wear your swimsuit before you arrive. The early swim stops are short, and changing on a boat is less convenient than changing at your accommodation.

Use strong sunscreen and bring a hat. The open seating is appealing, but several hours between sun, water, and reflected light can catch you out. Pick the shaded side when you need a break, even if the sunny seats look more attractive at first.

Bring cash for lunch and drinks at Kroreza. Pack a small snack for the boat, and use the fridge if needed. Waterproof protection for phones and cameras is also wise, especially near the caves.

If you want the first choice of sunbeds and umbrellas at Kroreza, book an earlier departure when available. The boat may arrive before other groups, giving you a better selection of places near the water.

Do not treat the advertised route as fixed in rough weather. High waves have shortened some outings, and the crew may alter the timing for safety. That is a sensible reason to keep your plans flexible on the day.

Should you book the Kakome and Kroreza boat tour?

Book it if you want a full coastal day with music, swimming, and a real beach break, rather than a quiet sightseeing cruise. The combination of a newer boat, several hard-to-reach coves, included snorkeling masks, and three hours at Kroreza gives the $42 fare strong value.

I would choose the shared version for a friendly, upbeat day with Captain Rezi and the crew. Choose private if your group wants more control over the mood and schedule. Skip it if you need a silent boat, have mobility or back concerns, or want serious cave exploration and long snorkeling sessions.

FAQ

How long does the Saranda boat tour last?

The activity is advertised as about five hours, with the total duration also listed as up to 330 minutes. The planned stops include short swimming breaks and about three hours at Kroreza Beach.

What beaches and coastal sites does the boat visit?

The route includes Kepi i Qefalit, Kakome Beach, Soldiers Beach, Roidhes Beach, Kroreza Beach, Gremina, and cave areas including Shpella e Milotit. The exact time at each stop varies, with Kroreza receiving the longest visit.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling masks are included, and tubes can be requested, although tubes are not routinely used for hygiene reasons. You may also bring your own equipment.

Are food, drinks, umbrellas, and sunbeds included?

Food and drinks are not included. The boat has a fridge for your own snacks and drinks. Umbrellas and sunbeds at Kroreza have been provided by the company, but you should bring cash for the beach restaurant.

Where does the tour start and finish?

The listed meeting and drop-off points are around Rruga Jonianet and Vodafone in Saranda. The exact point may vary depending on the option booked, so check your booking details before departure.

Is the tour available as a private experience?

Yes. A private group option is available. Shared departures are also offered, and the host languages include Albanian, English, Greek, and Italian.