Local guide · 2026

The Sarandë snorkeling guide.

A local's map of the five best snorkel stops on the Sarandë boat tour — what fish you'll see, how clear the water gets, and the gear you don't need to bring.

Book on WhatsApp · €30 Sarandë boat tours

The 5 best snorkel stops on the Sarandë coast

Kepi i Qefalit for the reef fish and rock arches, Kakome for the deep-blue drop-off, Krorëz for shallow easy entries, Gjiri i Ushtarit for the grotto shafts, and Rrojdhe for the clearest, quietest cove of the day. All five are boat-only.

What gear we already have on board

Full-face and traditional masks, adult and child fins, dry snorkels, and life jackets in every size — all included in the €30 tour. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and maybe your own snorkel mouthpiece if you're picky.

What you'll actually see under the water

Sea bream schools drifting through light shafts, wrasse hiding in reef cracks, damselfish defending their patch, the occasional octopus if the captain spots one, and unreal aquamarine light inside the sea caves.

First-time snorkeler? Read this

Wear the life jacket for stop one, breathe slowly through the snorkel above water, then just put your face in and look down — no need to swim anywhere. The crew will be in the water beside you if you want a hand. Most first-timers stay in for the full 30-minute stop.

What's included

✓Free snorkel gear · adult + child
✓5 dedicated snorkel stops
✓15–20m visibility on most days
✓Life jackets in every size
✓Sea caves + reef + private beach
✓Full-day tour · €30 all-in
✓Beginners welcome · crew in the water
✓WhatsApp booking · confirmed in minutes

Frequently asked

Where is the best snorkeling near Sarandë?

The five best snorkel stops on the DES boat tour are Kepi i Qefalit (reef fish), Kakome bay (deep blue drop-offs), Krorëz cove (calm and shallow, great for kids), Gjiri i Ushtarit (soldier's bay grottoes), and Rrojdhe (the day's quietest, clearest water). None of them are reachable by road.

Do I need to bring my own mask and fins?

No — masks, snorkels, adult and child fins and life jackets are all free on board. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard if you burn easily; the €30 tour price covers everything else.

How clear is the water for snorkeling in Sarandë?

Visibility is regularly 15–20 metres and can push past 25 on calm mornings in June and September. Post-storm days drop to 8–10 metres, still plenty for spotting fish.

What fish will I see snorkeling in Sarandë?

Sea bream schools, damselfish, wrasse in reef cracks, the occasional octopus tucked into a hole the captain will point out, salemas grazing on rocks, and sometimes small squid near the sea caves. Rarely: a curious sea bass or moray peeking out.

Is snorkeling in Sarandë safe for beginners and kids?

Yes. The captain picks calm, shallow entries, life jackets are worn for the swim stops if you'd like to float and look down, and the crew is in the water with first-timers. Under-10s always wear life jackets by our policy.

Keep reading

Where to go next

Kakome Bay Swim Notes — From the Captain

The deepest, bluest swim stop on the Sarandë boat tour. Entry tips, the best snorkel line and what to expect in the water.

Read the guide →

Recommended itinerary stop

Kepi i Qefalit

See the full stop guide — photos, swim notes and where it sits on the DES 8-stop Sarandë boat tour route.

Open stop guide →

Full itinerary

The full 8-stop Sarandë boat tour itinerary

Hour-by-hour route from Sarandë harbour — every cave, cove and swim stop in order.

See the itinerary →

Related tours, stops and booking answers

Every DES Boat Tour from Sarandë shares the same all-inclusive €30 price and the same friendly captain — the differences are the angle and the stops. Pick a related tour, dive into a stop guide or read the top booking questions.

Related tours

Other Sarandë boat tours

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Related stops

Neighbouring stops on the route

See the full 8-stop itinerary →

Answers before you book

Everything about boat tours in Sarandë & the Albanian Riviera

Sarandë boat tours

The highest-rated Sarandë boat tour on the Albanian coast

Looking for the best boat tour in Sarandë or searching Google for Saranda boat tours? DES Boat Tours departs daily from Sarandë harbour and covers the wildest stretch of the Ionian coast, sea caves, hidden coves, and our own private beach at Krorëz. Small groups, expert local captain, everything included for €30.

Guests consistently rate us the #1 boat trip in Sarandë because we skip the crowded ferry routes and take you to spots most operators don't know about, including Secret Beach, only reachable by boat.

Sarandë boat tours →Book a Sarandë boat tour →

Albania boat tours

Why the Albanian Riviera beats Croatia, Greece & Ksamil ferries

The Albanian Riviera is the last unspoiled coastline in the Mediterranean. Water clarity rivals the Maldives, prices are a fraction of Croatia or Greece, and the coves stay quiet even in high season. DES Boat Tours is proudly local, an Albania boat tour run by Sarandë captains who grew up on these waters.

Compared to a packed Ksamil ferry, you get a small-group experience, real free time at Kakome Bay and Gjiri i Ushtarit, and a captain who actually pauses for photos.

About DES Boat Tours →See Riviera photos & videos →

Private boat itinerary

Private boat tours & custom itineraries from Sarandë

Prefer a private boat tour in Sarandë? We run private charters for families, couples and small groups, same 8 stops or a fully custom itinerary. Sunset cruises, wedding proposals, half-day snorkeling loops, or a Ksamil detour on request.

Every private itinerary still includes free drinks on board, life jackets, snorkeling gear, and access to Krorëz private beach with reserved sunbeds and umbrellas.

Request a private charter →Private tour FAQ →

Best 5-star guides

Local captains rated 5★ by travellers from 20+ countries

DES Boat Tours is run by 5-star rated local guides based in Sarandë. Every captain grew up on the Ionian, speaks English fluently, and knows every cove, cave and reef between Sarandë and the Greek border by name. That's why we consistently rank as the top-rated boat tour guide in Albania.

Read guest reviews on the home page, browse the full Riviera itinerary, or send a message on WhatsApp, we usually reply within minutes.

Meet the captain →Reserve your spot →