Ksamil · Albanian Riviera

Ksamil, Albania — see it by boat, skip the crowds.

Ksamil's four little islands and postcard-blue water are the most-photographed spot on the Albanian Riviera. The problem? By 11am the beaches are full and the ferry is a scrum. Our full-day boat tour from Sarandë harbour cruises the same Ksamil channels — plus 7 more Riviera stops the day-trippers never see.

Book on WhatsApp · €30 Sarandë boat tours

Why visit Ksamil by boat instead of by road

The road route to Ksamil means a taxi, a paid sunbed, and a fight for space on a 30-metre beach. From the water you get the same turquoise, a swim stop in the island channel, and the freedom to move on to quieter coves like Kakome Bay and our private Krorëz beach.

What the Ksamil day looks like with DES

10:00am departure from Sarandë harbour. North to Turtle Cave and Anchor Cave. Snorkel stop at Kepi i Qefalit reef. Long swim at Kakome Bay. Lunch and sunbeds at private Krorëz beach. Cruise past Ksamil's islands on the way home. Back in Sarandë around 3:00pm.

Ksamil beaches, islands, and swim spots — what you'll actually see

The famous 4-island channel with its shallow turquoise water, the small sandy beaches on Ksamil's northern islet, plus a photo pass close to the shore. Bring a phone or GoPro — this is the section everyone wants pictures of.

All-in €30 · nothing to add at the dock

One price covers the boat, English-speaking local captain, snorkel gear, life jackets, unlimited drinks on board, and sunbeds and umbrellas at Krorëz. No ferry ticket, no beach-club chair fee, no upsells. Pay cash on the day.

What's included

✓Cruise past all 4 Ksamil islands
✓Swim stop in the Ksamil channel
✓7 more Riviera stops in one day
✓Private Krorëz beach for lunch
✓Small groups · no party boats
✓Free snorkel gear & drinks on board
✓€30 per person all-in
✓WhatsApp booking · no deposit

Frequently asked

Is Ksamil worth visiting?

Yes — the water around Ksamil is the best on the Albanian Riviera. Most guests enjoy it more from a boat than from the crowded beaches, which is why the Sarandë-Ksamil boat tour is the most-booked day trip on the coast.

How do I get from Sarandë to Ksamil?

Three options: bus (cheap, slow, drops you at a crowded beach), taxi (€15-20 one way), or boat tour (€30 all-in, includes Ksamil plus 7 more stops). For a single day of sightseeing the boat tour is the best value.

What's the best way to see Ksamil's islands?

By boat. The islands are close to shore but the sandbar between them is shallow and busy in season. From the water you see the full channel, swim in quieter spots, and move on when you're ready.

How long do you spend in Ksamil on the boat tour?

About 30-40 minutes cruising and swimming near the islands on the return leg — enough time for photos and a dip. The rest of the day is spent at the other 7 Riviera stops that most visitors to Ksamil never see.

Is it better to stay in Ksamil or Sarandë?

Sarandë has more restaurants, nightlife, and the boat-tour harbour. Ksamil is quieter and closer to the beaches. Most travelers stay in Sarandë and visit Ksamil for a day — by boat.

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

Sarandë boat tours →

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 →