Sarandë: Boat Tour at Kroreza & Hidden Caves with Snorkeling

Sarandë’s best swimming spots are not along the city waterfront. They are tucked around the coast, reached by a fast boat that can slip into quiet bays and stop beside clear water. This $35 boat tour visits caves, rocky coves, and beaches including Kakome and Krorez, with plenty of time to swim.

I like two things right away: the mix of short snorkeling stops and a long beach break, and the onboard fridge, which lets you bring your own drinks and lunch. The music and quick boat rides add a party feel, especially with captains such as Adi and Led. The main drawback is that Krorez can be expensive for food and drinks, and the beach is stony and hot, so come prepared.

Key points to know before booking

• Three hours at Krorez Beach: You get time for swimming, lunch, sunbeds, umbrellas, and a slower stretch after the boat stops.
• Clear water at several coves: Kakome, Qefal, Plazhi i Ushtarit, and other swimming spots are suited to snorkeling.
• A lively speedboat ride: Music, strong speakers, and quick runs across the waves make this more than a quiet sightseeing cruise.
• Bring your own refreshments: Food and drinks are not included, but you can keep them cold in the boat’s fridge.
• Small-group feel: Boats commonly carry around 10 to 11 people, with private or small-group options available.
• Best for active beach lovers: You should be comfortable boarding a boat, swimming, and handling some movement on the water.

Why this $35 Sarandë boat tour is good value

At $35 per person, this is a strong value if you want several coastal stops without paying for a private charter. The price includes the skipper, boat, life jacket, snorkeling mask, sunbeds, umbrella, and fees. You still pay for your own food and drinks, but the fridge makes that easy to manage.

You are also paying for variety. A standard beach day gives you one stretch of sand and a swim. Here, you get caves, photo stops, several swimming areas, a speedboat ride, and a long stay at a beach with bars and restaurants.

The tour lasts about five hours, although the activity is also described as 330 minutes. Much of that time is spent moving between stops, but the schedule gives you around three and a half hours at the named locations, including roughly two and a half hours at Krorez. That is enough time to feel like you have had a proper beach day rather than a rushed series of ten-minute stops.

I would not choose this tour if you want a silent cruise or a polished luxury experience. The mood is informal and lively. Music plays on board, the boat can move quickly over the waves, and the captain may make dramatic arrivals at the coves. For many people, that is the point. For others, it may feel loud or energetic.

Meeting the boat beside Sarandë’s waterfront

The meeting point is on Bulevardi Hasan Tahsini, opposite Tipsy Cocktail Bar and near the entrance to Limani Restaurant. Look for the Brothers LR Boat Tours stand. You arrange your own way to the waterfront, since transport to the meeting point is not included.

The staff speak English. Guides and captains named in the experience include Adi and Led, and the crew’s role is more than simply steering. They help people board, keep an eye on swimmers, arrange beach chairs, and keep the atmosphere moving.

The boats are described as comfortable and well maintained. Past groups have commonly had about 10 or 11 people on board, which gives the ride a social feel without the scale of a large excursion vessel. Private and small-group choices are available, though the exact boat and group size depend on the option you book.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and beach shoes if you have them. The beaches are stony rather than soft sand, and the stones can become very hot. A dry bag or waterproof phone case would also be sensible, although neither is listed as included.

Shpella e Milotit and the first coastal views

The first listed stop is Shpella e Milotit, also called the Cave of Turtles in the tour description. You have about 10 minutes for a photo stop. This is a quick introduction to the coast, not a full cave visit on foot.

That short timing matters. You can take photographs and look into the rock formations, but you should not expect a long guided exploration. Keep your camera ready before the boat reaches the cave, since the stop is designed to be brief.

The best part of this opening section is the view from the water. A speedboat gives you a low angle along the cliffs and coves, with fewer obstructions than you would have from a crowded shore. It also lets you see how sharply the coast changes from open water to narrow bays.

Plazhi i Ushtarit and Qefal swimming stops

Plazhi i Ushtarit is scheduled for about 20 minutes, with time for both photographs and swimming. This is a useful early stop because you can test the water, put on your snorkeling mask, and get comfortable with the boat routine.

Next comes Qefal, with about 15 minutes for photographs and another swim. These short stops are best understood as water breaks rather than beach visits. You may swim from the boat, look down through clear water, and return when the skipper signals that it is time to leave.

The short schedule keeps the day moving, but it also means you should not expect solitude at every stop. You may spend only a few minutes floating before the group heads on. That tradeoff works well if your goal is to see many spots in one outing. If you prefer to settle in with a book and stay in one bay, the long Krorez stop will suit you better.

Snorkeling masks are included, and the water is a major reason to bring one. The clear conditions can make it possible to see fish below the boat, and one person reported spotting a moray eel. That kind of sighting is never guaranteed, but the equipment lets you make the most of the clear water.

Kakome Bay, the quiet pause in the route

Kakome Beach receives a longer stop of about 45 minutes. This secluded bay offers a welcome change from the quick photo breaks, with enough time to swim properly, snorkel, and enjoy the setting.

I would save your main swim for Kakome if the water is calm. The bay is described as a peaceful escape from busier coastal areas, and the clear water makes it one of the more useful stops for snorkeling. You can also use this time to take photographs without feeling rushed.

Do not expect a fully serviced resort beach here. The appeal is the quiet bay and the water, not a long menu of facilities. Keep your towel, phone, and sunscreen organized on the boat so you do not waste half the stop searching through bags.

Krorez Beach and the three-hour beach break

Krorez is the main event. The boat spends about two and a half hours there in the detailed schedule, while the highlights describe up to three hours at the final beach. In practical terms, you should plan on a long stop, with enough time to swim, eat, rent or use an umbrella, and sit on a sunbed.

The beach is framed by large boulders and backed by clear turquoise water. It is one of those places where the boat access matters. Reaching it by water gives you a scenic approach and avoids making the whole day about finding a road or walking route.

Sunbeds and an umbrella are included with the tour, which improves the value considerably. Still, the beach surface is stony and can be hot. Beach shoes are a smart choice, especially if you plan to enter the water without using a ladder or easy sandy edge.

There are bars and restaurants at Krorez, but prices can be high. A meal of chicken skewers, chips, and a soft drink was reported at 1,500 lek, so I would bring lunch and drinks from Sarandë if you want to control costs. The onboard fridge is specifically provided for this purpose.

The long stop can feel slightly too long if you are not interested in sitting on a beach. Bring a book, cards, or something else small to do. On the other hand, many people want exactly this pause after several swims and a fast ride. You can choose your own pace instead of following another tight schedule.

Music, speed, and the character of the ride

The boat is not simply a taxi between beaches. Music is a central part of the experience, with modern songs, strong speakers, and a party atmosphere. Captains such as Adi are often praised for keeping the mood warm while still paying attention to safety and comfort.

The speed is another major feature. The boat can make the crossings exciting, with waves lifting the hull and creating a brisk, bouncy ride. That is fun for people who like a little adrenaline, but it may be uncomfortable for anyone sensitive to motion.

Boarding the boat after a swim can also be harder when the sea is rough. One account specifically noted that getting back on during larger waves was challenging, although the crew handled it safely. Listen to the skipper, use the handholds, and do not rush. A life jacket is included, and the crew helps people who need extra confidence in the water.

The late afternoon departure, listed by several people as 3:30 pm, can be especially appealing. It may mean less heat, fewer people at the last beach, and sunset views on the return. Starting later also changes the mood from bright midday beach time to a more relaxed evening ride. Check the actual departure time available for your date, since schedules depend on availability and sea conditions.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend this boat tour to you if you want a half-day of swimming with a social soundtrack and plenty of scenery. It suits couples, friends, solo visitors, and families with older children who are comfortable around water and on a speedboat.

It is particularly good for:

• People who want to see several coves in one day
• First-time snorkelers who want clear water and included equipment
• Solo visitors who enjoy meeting a small group
• Anyone looking for a lively ride rather than a quiet sailing trip
• Visitors staying in Sarandë who do not have a car or boat
• People who want both active swimming and a long beach rest

It is not suitable for pregnant women, people over 65, people over 100 kilograms, or babies under one year. You should also reconsider it if you dislike loud music, fast boat movement, rocky beaches, or boarding from the water.

Practical details that affect your day

Food and drinks are not included, so buy what you need before reaching the meeting point. The fridge is a useful feature, but it is meant for what you bring yourself. If you choose to eat at Krorez, keep extra money available and expect beach prices rather than Sarandë supermarket prices.

The included snorkeling mask saves you from renting equipment, but you still need a towel and sunscreen. An umbrella and sunbed are included at the beach stop, which means you do not need to budget for those unless you want an additional setup.

The company offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option. The trip can be changed or affected by sea and weather conditions, so keep some flexibility in your schedule. If you are arriving in Sarandë by ferry from Corfu, allow enough time to reach the waterfront meeting point. One group managed the timing with help from the crew, but arriving early is the safer plan.

Should you book the Brothers LR tour?

Yes, if you want a lively and good-value way to reach Sarandë’s harder-to-reach beaches. The strongest parts are the clear swimming water, the range of coastal stops, the included mask and beach setup, and the three-hour Krorez break. The crew, especially captains such as Adi and Led, adds a friendly human touch.

I would skip it if you are looking for quiet luxury, a soft sandy beach, or a fully catered day. Bring your own lunch, wear sturdy footwear, and expect music and fast runs across the waves. With those expectations in place, this $35 trip offers a lot of coastline, swimming, and fun for the money.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour leave from?

It leaves from Bulevardi Hasan Tahsini in Sarandë, opposite Tipsy Cocktail Bar and near the entrance to Limani Restaurant. Look for the Brothers LR Boat Tours stand.

How long does the tour last?

The tour is described as five hours, or 330 minutes. The detailed schedule includes several short stops, a 45-minute visit to Kakome, and a long stay of roughly two and a half to three hours at Krorez.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $35 per person.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You can bring your own supplies and place them in the fridge on the boat, or buy food and drinks at Krorez Beach.

Is there a fridge on the boat?

Yes. The boat has a fridge for snacks and drinks that you bring with you.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. A snorkeling mask is included with the boat tour.

Are sunbeds and umbrellas included?

Yes. An umbrella and sunbeds are included at the beach stop.

Which beaches does the tour visit?

The route includes Plazhi i Ushtarit, Qefal, Kakome Beach, and Krorez Beach. It also includes the Shpella e Milotit cave stop, known in the tour description as the Cave of Turtles.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Babies under one year are not permitted. The activity is best for people comfortable with swimming, boat movement, and boarding a speedboat.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, snacks, and drinks. Beach shoes are also a sensible choice because the beaches are stony and can become hot.