Is Gjiri i Ushtarit good for kids?+
Yes, the water is calm and shallow near the boat, and life jackets are provided free on the DES Boat Tour.
Why is it called Soldier's Bay?+
The name Gjiri i Ushtarit comes from a former military watchpoint on the cliffs above, closed since the 1990s.
How long do you stay at Gjiri i Ushtarit?+
25 minutes, plenty of time for a proper swim, a snorkel along the cliffs, or a drink beside the boat.
Is snorkeling good at Gjiri i Ushtarit?+
Yes, the rocky edges of the bay hold small fish and urchins, with visibility often above 8m.
Is Gjiri i Ushtarit part of the €30 Sarandë boat tour?+
Yes, it's one of the eight stops included in the all-inclusive DES Boat Tour from Sarandë.
Where's the best place to snorkel in Soldier's Bay?+
The east cliff wall — the rock drops sharply into deeper water and small fish shelter along the ledges. The captain positions the boat to keep it a short swim from the ladder.
How hard is the swim at Gjiri i Ushtarit?+
Easy. The bay is fully protected on three sides so there is almost never chop or current, and the middle is only 5-7m deep.
What should I bring for the Soldier's Bay stop?+
Swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. The tour's masks, snorkels, life jackets and drinks are all free on board — you don't need to bring your own gear.
What are the best photo spots at Gjiri i Ushtarit?+
Shoot from the swim ladder looking up at the cliffs on either side, or use a floating action camera above the reef on the east wall for the shallow-water shot.
Is Gjiri i Ushtarit suitable for older guests and families?+
Yes — the calm water and low-step ladder make it one of the easiest swim entries of the day, and kids can safely paddle within a few metres of the boat in life jackets.
Is snorkelling included at Gjiri i Ushtarit?+
Yes — Gjiri i Ushtarit is a swim stop. Free masks and snorkels are on board for every guest, and the crew hands them out before you get in. Visibility is usually 8–12 m on a calm day.
What time do we arrive at Gjiri i Ushtarit from Sarandë?+
We depart Sarandë port around 09:30 (please arrive 15 minutes early). Gjiri i Ushtarit is stop 6 of 8, reached about 3 hours after departure. The full tour returns to Sarandë by early afternoon.
What should I bring for Gjiri i Ushtarit?+
Swimsuit, towel, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a phone or camera (a dry pouch is handy). Everything technical — snorkel gear, life jackets, cold drinks, shade — is already on the boat, so pack light.
What's included at Gjiri i Ushtarit in the €30 price?+
Free cold drinks and welcome refreshment on board, free snorkelling masks, free life jackets in every size, bimini shade on the boat and a reserved sunbed + umbrella at our Krorëz private beach later in the day — all part of the €30 per-person price. No extra fees at Gjiri i Ushtarit.
