Vlore sits at the point where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet, at the northern entrance to the Karaburun Peninsula — one of the last undeveloped stretches of coastline in southern Albania. Everything along it is accessible only by boat, which is what makes the tours departing from Vlore genuinely different from most coastal boat trips in the Mediterranean.
There are four tours available from our office in 2026. This guide breaks down each one honestly — what you actually see, how long it takes, and which type of visitor it suits best.
1. Grama Bay, Blue Cave & Haxhi Ali Cave — Full Day Tour
This is the flagship tour and the most complete single-day experience available from Vlore. It departs at 10:30 AM and runs for approximately 8 hours, covering the entire Karaburun coastline with eight distinct stops.
The route starts at Haxhi Ali Cave — a large sea cave where the speedboat enters directly through the limestone arch. From there the tour moves south to Dafina Bay, then Bristan Bay, Church Cave and the Canyon of Smugglers — a narrow rock passage that only small speedboats can navigate. Continuing south, the route reaches Englishman Bay, then the Secret Blue Cave in Lloviz Bay, where sunlight enters through a narrow underwater opening and illuminates the interior with an intense blue glow. The final stop is Grama Bay, where guests have around 2.5 hours of free time.
Grama Bay is the furthest point on the route — about 1 hour and 20 minutes by speedboat from Vlore. It is a completely secluded bay enclosed by limestone cliffs, with 2,000-year-old Greek and Roman inscriptions carved into the rock at the waterline.
Food and drinks are included on this tour. This is the best option for anyone with a full day in Vlore who wants to see as much of the coastline as possible in a single trip.
2. Sazan Island & Haxhi Ali Cave — Half Day Tour
Sazan Island is Albania's largest island, sitting at the entrance of the Bay of Vlore. For most of the 20th century it was a closed military zone — a Soviet submarine base, then an Albanian military installation. The soldiers left in the 1990s, leaving behind intact barracks, a school, a hospital, a cinema and thousands of concrete bunkers. The island opened to visitors in 2010 and still has an active naval post, which means landing is only permitted from June to November. Outside that window the boat approaches the island pier but passengers remain on board.
This half-day tour pairs the island with a visit to Haxhi Ali Cave and time at a Karaburun beach. It runs 5 hours with three daily departures at 09:00, 11:30 and 14:30, making it a flexible option that can fit around other plans in Vlore. One drink and a bottle of water are included on board.
3. Haxhi Ali Cave & Karaburun — Half Day Tour
The most focused half-day option. This tour goes directly to Haxhi Ali Cave for the cave entry, then continues to a beach on the Karaburun Peninsula for free swimming time. Total duration is around 4 hours with three daily departures at 09:00, 11:30 and 14:30.
It is the right choice for visitors who want to see the cave specifically without committing to a full day, and for those who want a shorter, simpler tour with maximum time in the water. The cave visit itself involves the speedboat entering through the arched entrance — the interior is dramatically lit when the sun is in the right position, typically around midday.
4. Sunset Wine Tour — Evening
A short evening tour to Haxhi Ali Cave timed to arrive at the cave entrance around golden hour. The boat departs approximately 50 minutes before sunset — the exact time varies by date and is confirmed at booking. Duration is around 1.5 hours.
Wine and fresh fruit are served on board during the trip. It is the only tour that visits the cave in evening light, which gives the limestone arch and the water a distinctly different quality to the midday visits. The tour runs one departure daily and works well as an add-on for visitors who have already done a daytime tour or who want a shorter, more relaxed experience on the water.
Which Tour Is Right for You?
The answer depends almost entirely on how much time you have and what you want to prioritise.
If you have a full day and want to see the maximum amount of the coastline in a single trip, the Grama Bay full-day tour is the one to book. It covers more ground than any other tour available from Vlore and includes destinations — the Canyon of Smugglers, Englishman Bay, the Secret Blue Cave — that are not on any other tour.
If you have half a day and Sazan Island is a priority, the Sazan Island tour is the next best choice. The Cold War history of the island adds a dimension that the other tours do not have. Remember to check the season — landing on the island is only possible June through November.
If you want something focused and flexible, the Haxhi Ali Cave & Karaburun tour gives you the cave and a beach stop with three departure times to fit around your day.
If you have already done a daytime tour or arrive in the afternoon, the Sunset Wine Tour is a different kind of experience — shorter, more relaxed, and timed around the quality of the light at the cave entrance.
When to Visit Vlore for a Boat Tour
June and September are generally the best months. The sea is calm, the water temperature is comfortable and the main tourist crowds of July and August are reduced. April, May and October are also good options for visitors who prefer quieter conditions.
July and August are the peak season. The tours run daily and the weather is reliable, but booking ahead is essential — slots fill quickly, particularly for the full-day Grama Bay tour which only has one departure per day.
April, May and October are shoulder season options for visitors who prefer cooler conditions and fewer people. Water temperatures are lower but the coastline is quieter and the light in April, May and early October is excellent for photography.
Practical Information
Meeting point: Maris Vlora office, Rruga Shaban Demiraj, Vlore . All tours depart from here and the skipper walks you to the boat.
Payment: Cash or card on arrival at the office. No prepayment required at the time of booking.
What to bring: Swimwear, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. Snorkeling equipment is provided on tours where snorkeling stops are included. Cash if you plan to eat at the restaurant at the last stop on the full-day tour — they do not accept card.
Weather: Tours run daily subject to sea conditions. If conditions are unsafe the skipper will contact you to reschedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
The full-day Grama Bay tour is the most complete experience available from Vlore, covering 8 stops across the entire Karaburun coastline including Haxhi Ali Cave, the Secret Blue Cave, the Canyon of Smugglers and Grama Bay itself. If you only have half a day, the Sazan Island and Haxhi Ali Cave tour is the next best option.
June and September are generally the best months — calm sea, comfortable water temperature and fewer crowds than July and August. April, May and October are also good for visitors who prefer quieter conditions.
Booking ahead is recommended in July and August when tours fill up quickly. Outside peak season, same-day booking is usually possible. Payment is made on arrival — no prepayment required.