Kroreza Beach and Kakome Coast Boat Tour with Snorkelling Saranda

Saranda port and the Albanian Riviera

Saranda is the main resort town of the southern Albanian Riviera, set in a horseshoe of hills opposite the Greek island of Corfu. Its seafront promenade and port are the starting point for every boat trip along the coast, and the short ride out of the harbour already gives wide views back over the town and across the Ionian Sea.

South of Saranda the coastline turns wild: steep green slopes, white limestone cliffs and small coves with no road access. Much of this shore stayed untouched for decades, which is why a boat trip from Saranda is the best way to reach the cleanest water and the quietest beaches in the area.

Cape Qefali and Gremina

The first part of the route rounds Cape Qefali, a rocky headland where the cliffs drop straight into deep blue water. Gremina lies along this stretch, a small cove framed by pale rock and Mediterranean scrub, and the boat slows here so you can take photos of the coastline from the water.

The sea along the cape is very clear, and on calm days you can see the seabed from the boat. It is a good first look at the kind of untouched shoreline you will follow for the rest of the morning. Keep your camera ready from the start: the late-morning light on the cliffs is ideal for photos, and the guide points out the coves you will visit later in the day.

Kakome, Soldiers' Beach and Ridhes

Kakome is one of the most admired coves on this coast, a sheltered inlet of white pebbles and emerald water backed by olive and cypress trees. Nearby lie Soldiers' Beach, known locally as Plazhi i Ushtarit, and Ridhes beach, two smaller coves that feel like private beaches when the boat drops anchor.

These are the main swim and snorkelling stops. Masks are provided, tubes on request, and you are welcome to bring your own gear. The water here is shallow near the shore and full of small fish around the rocks, ideal for a first snorkelling experience. Life jackets are available for every guest, and the crew always stays with the boat while you swim.

Turtle Cave and the sea caves

Along the cliffs between the coves the boat passes sea caves carved into the limestone, including Turtle Cave, whose low arch opens just above the waterline. Depending on the sea, the skipper brings the boat close enough for photos of the cave mouth and the bright blue water inside.

The itinerary also passes Milot Cave near Kroreza. Cave visits always depend on sea conditions, and the crew decides on the day how close it is safe to go. Sea caves are one of the reasons this coast is so popular for boat trips from Saranda: the sea has hollowed the limestone into arches, tunnels and grottoes where the water turns an intense blue. Keep your phone in a waterproof pouch if you want close-up shots.

Kroreza Beach, the long beach stop

Kroreza Beach is the highlight of the day and the reason many travellers book a Kroreza beach boat trip. The cove has fine sand and small pebbles, turquoise water and steep green hills behind, and it is far from any town, so the atmosphere stays relaxed even in summer. Umbrellas and sunbeds are included for you here.

The stop lasts several hours, long enough to swim, snorkel, rest in the shade and have lunch at one of the beachside restaurants (meals are paid on the spot). Many guests say this is the most beautiful beach they visit in Albania, and the clear water makes it one of the best spots for snorkelling near Saranda.