Sarandë → Ksamil

Sarandë to Ksamil, the scenic route.

You can bus from Sarandë to Ksamil in 25 minutes. Or you can cruise there on a full-day boat tour that also covers 7 other Riviera stops the bus passengers never see.

Book on WhatsApp · €30 Sarandë boat tours

The bus vs boat comparison

Bus: fast, cheap, drops you at a crowded beach with a chair fee. Boat: 5 hours of moving scenery, cave stops, snorkel reefs, private-beach lunch, and a pass through Ksamil's postcard channel. Different day entirely.

What you see on the boat route to Ksamil

Southbound: Turtle Cave, Anchor Cave, Kepi i Qefalit reef. Lunch at Krorëz private beach. Return leg passes all four Ksamil islands with a swim stop in the channel before heading back to Sarandë.

When to pick each option

Just want to swim at Ksamil for the afternoon? Take the bus. Want the whole Riviera day? Boat, every time.

What's included

✓Sarandë harbour departure
✓Passes all 4 Ksamil islands
✓7 more Riviera stops
✓Private Krorëz beach lunch
✓Snorkel gear included
✓Small groups
✓Return by 3:00pm
✓€30 all-in

Frequently asked

How long does it take by boat from Sarandë to Ksamil?

The Ksamil channel is roughly 15-20 minutes by boat from Sarandë. On our full-day tour we go there via the southern Riviera stops first and pass through Ksamil on the return leg.

Is there a direct boat from Sarandë to Ksamil?

Small water taxis exist in season, but they're basically shuttles. For an actual day out, the full-day tour is the better use of your day.

Can I get dropped off in Ksamil after the boat tour?

The tour returns to Sarandë harbour where it started. If you want a Ksamil drop-off, we can arrange a private charter.

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 →