Mediterranean · SPEEDBOAT TOURS IN ALBANIA
Good speedboat tours in Albania fill up weeks ahead and the small boats go first. Below: the 11 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Take a private-group speedboat from Vlora to Haxhi Ali Cave with guides such as Kola, Aldo, and Steven, then swim and snorkel at Shen Vasil Beach. The cave visit lasts about 20 minutes, while the Karaburun stop gives you time to relax by clear water. Cave swimming is no longer allowed.
“Highly recommended!!! Nice trip with a boot, music, swimming time!”
From Olympia Tiki Bar in Vlore, you’ll ride a speedboat to Haxhi Ali Cave, hear the story of its Albanian pirate namesake, then spend time at St. Vasil and St. Koli bays. Guides such as Brendo, Santi, Mali, and Ermal are known for friendly service, music, and practical help on the boat. Bring water shoes, sunscreen, and your own snorkeling gear.
“The skipper was very nice and carring. We had a lot of fun !!!”
Set out from Vlorë with an English, Italian, or Albanian-speaking guide for a seven-hour speedboat trip along the Karaburun Peninsula. Visit Haxhi Ali Cave, Dafina, Bristani, Englishman Bay, Llovizi, and the Blue Cave, then spend two to three hours swimming and relaxing at Grama Bay. Aldo, Benjamin, Neka, Daniel, and other guides may lead the boat.
“Aldo was the best skipper. Great trip, nice hidden locations, good beer”
Spend about eight hours on a speedboat from Vlorë, visiting Haxhi Ali Cave, Blue Gem Cave, Dafina Bay, Englishman’s Bay, and Grama Bay. Guides such as Bushi, Edison, Olsen, and Teddy lead the trip in English, Italian, or Albanian. Expect fast rides, swimming stops, music, drinks, and rocky beaches reached only by sea.
“This secluded gem was the perfect escape! Crystal-clear turquoise water, no crowds, and total relaxation. The crew found us the best quiet spot to swim and float for hours. Fresh fruit and cold drinks made it even better. Thanks Edison!!!”
Set out from Vlore on a fast boat to Haxhi Ali Cave, Sazan Island, and Karaburun Peninsula. You’ll hear local stories, see a former military base, swim in clear water, and stop at a beach restaurant. Snorkeling and scuba equipment are advertised, but bring cash for lunch, drinks, umbrellas, and sunbeds.
“Great way to spend a day at the beach. We stayed for 1 hour at the first beach, Sazan. Then on to Haxhi Ali cave, which was very cool! We stopped there for about 15 min or so. Next stop Karaburun, just in time for lunch. You'll need to bring some cash if you want to eat at the restaurant there. Lunch ran us 2600 lek and we shared a plate of food. You can also rent an umbrella and 2 lounge chairs for 2000 lek. We spent 4 hours on Karaburun. Note that snorkel gear was not provided”
Travel from Durrës to Vlorë, then ride a speedboat to Sazan Island, Haxhi Ali Pirate Cave, and Karaburun Peninsula. Guide Mario leads the English tour, sharing Albanian history between swims, snorkeling stops, music, and scenic coastal runs. Bring water shoes, sunscreen, and cash for lunch or sunbeds.
“Trip was amazing, tour guide is really informative and friendly. All locations are beautiful as well”
Cruise from Vlore to Haxhi Ali Cave, then spend 2.5 hours around the Karaburun Peninsula for swimming, snorkeling, walking, and beach time. Guides such as Aldo, Kristi, Armi, and Erike are known for lively boat handling and friendly service. Bring sunscreen, cash, and beachwear.
“Relo was really great. He even proposed to take videos and pictures of us! Amazing service 😀”
Travel from Tirana, Durrës, or Golem to Vlora, then race by speedboat to Sazan Island, Haxhi Ali Cave, and Karaburun Peninsula. You get a snorkeling mask, onboard drink, hotel pickup, and two to three hours at the beach. Guides such as Marsel add useful local help, but sea conditions can change the stops.
“A great day out! The speedboat ride was super fun and all three stops were great and had enough time at each one. The boat guide gave us a quick talk about each stop. Our driver and guide Marsel was nice and friendly. He provided us with a traditional Albanian snack during our coffee stop which was delicious! He also took us to the Old Town in Vlorë afterwards during our 1 hour free time. One thing to note: Your group may be mixed with another group. Our speedboat ended up having 25 people excluding the skippers and guide, which made it a tight fit on the boat.”
From Orikum Marina, join a small speedboat group of up to 10 or 12 people for a four-hour trip to Haxhi Ali Cave and Karaburun. Guides speak Albanian, English, Italian, and Spanish. You will snorkel, stop at quiet coves, swim from the boat, and spend about 90 minutes at a secluded beach.
“Dario ha sido un guía excepcional, muy simpático, muy atento y con muchas ganas de contarnos cosas de Albania! Sin duda repetiríamos!!”
From Orikum Marina, you’ll ride by speedboat to Sazan Island, tour its old town when seasonal access allows, swim in Haxhi Ali Cave, and stop at Saint Jani Bay and Karaburun. Guides speak Albanian, English, Italian, or Spanish. Silvia and Derhi have been praised for friendly guiding and excellent photos.
“Très belle journée avec un super guide Derhi Bonne activité à faire ++”
Set out by speedboat with an English-speaking guide for Haxhi Ali Cave, Dafina Cave, Brsitan Bay, and Karaburun’s rocky coves. You can snorkel, swim, see an abandoned Communist-era military site, and receive drinks, packed food, photos, and videos. Confirm the exact departure point, since the details mention both Vlora Tourist Port and Orikum Marina.
“Sadly the initially booked tour was cancelled and we were booked on another one. When we arrived at meeting point we were advised that we couldn’t go to the island which was the main attraction of that tour. The cave was decent but no insight from the guide. The choose snorkelling point was deceiving and we had to request another spot. Finally we spent 2 hours and a half on a deceiving looking beach compared to what we were expecting from initial tour. Rocky beach is with no sun-beds. Lying down or walking was not very pleasant. We read that the guides were really insightful in other comments, that was…”
A coast, a kind of hull, or a day you already have in mind.
