Full Day Tour to Grama Bay and Entire Marine Park

Explore South Albania’s Marine Wonders on a Full-Day Boat Tour

A day spent exploring Vlorë County‘s Karaburun National Marine Park offers a blend of breathtaking scenery, underwater adventures, and cultural insights. This 8-hour tour takes you through Haxhi Ali Cave, Dafina Bay, Bear Bay, the Grand Canyon, and the famous Blue Cave, ending at Grama Bay with its ancient rock engravings and wildlife. With snorkeling gear, refreshments, and local drinks included, this experience is ideal for those wanting a comprehensive taste of Albania’s coastal treasures.

While the tour features many highlights, it involves speedboat rides, some stops require physical activity like swimming and snorkeling, and hotel pickup is not included. It’s best suited for travelers comfortable with boat travel and outdoor exploration, aiming to enjoy Albania’s natural beauty, the marine environment, and historical sites all in one day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Full-day adventure covering the top highlights of Karaburun Marine Park
• Includes snorkeling equipment, snacks, local drinks, and fresh fruits
• Stops at notable locations such as Haxhi Ali Cave, Dafina Bay, Bear Bay, and Blue Cave
• Visits to historical and natural sites, including ancient rock engravings in Grama Bay
• Ideal for active travelers comfortable with boat rides and outdoor activities
• No hotel pickup included, with meeting point at Vlora’s old port

Starting Point and Duration of the Tour

This 8-hour tour begins at FCPJ+5Q Vlora’s old fishing port, where a guide awaits to lead the group. The tour includes multiple speedboat rides and stops at 20 different locations, from caves to bays and natural formations. The timing is flexible depending on availability, with specific start times that can be checked upon booking.

The tour ends back at the Vlorë port, making it easy to plan your day around this comprehensive journey. No hotel pickup or drop-off is included, so travelers should make their own arrangements to reach the meeting point.

Haxhi Ali Cave: Albania’s Largest Sea Cave

The adventure kicks off with a visit to Haxhi Ali Cave, recognized as the largest sea cave in Albania. Inside, you’ll find stunning stalactites and stalagmites along with a vivid display of colors, making it a perfect spot for snorkeling and exploring. The guide provides insights into the cave’s fascinating history, and the crystal-clear waters offer excellent visibility for marine life viewing.

A guided 30-minute visit allows ample time to soak in the sights, swim, and take photos. After exploring, the group relaxes with drinks, enjoying the spectacular coastal scenery. This stop is a highlight for lovers of nature and underwater photography.

Dafina Bay and Dafina Cave: Secluded Beach Escape

Next, the tour heads to Dafina Bay, a hidden gem with transparent, emerald waters and a nearby Dafina Cave. This secluded beach offers a peaceful environment away from crowds. Visitors can swim, snorkel, or simply relax on the small beach.

The cave exploration provides a chance to witness natural formations up close, while the photo opportunities are abundant. Lunch options include traditional food or snacks, which can be enjoyed in the tranquil surroundings. This stop typically lasts about an hour, giving enough time to unwind and take memorable pictures.

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Bear Bay: Cliffs, Bunkers, and Deep Blue Waters

Bear Bay, also called Bristani Bay, features towering cliffs and military bunkers that hint at Albania’s historical past. The deep turquoise waters make this a favorite for snorkeling and swimming, with the dramatic landscape serving as a beautiful backdrop.

The group has time here to capture photos, explore the coast, or relax on the boat. The bunkers above the bay add a touch of history, contrasting with the pristine environment below. The stop lasts about 15 minutes, but the scenery leaves a lasting impression.

The Grand Canyon and Hidden Cave

Continuing along the coast, the Grand Canyon area presents a natural rock formation resembling a canyon, with unique geological features. At the end of the canyon, a small cave awaits exploration, perfect for photo stops and wildlife viewing.

The waters here are crystal clear, ideal for swimming or snorkeling. The 15-minute stop offers a quick but visually striking experience, with plenty of opportunities for pictures and relaxing on the boat.

The Enchanting Blue Cave

Among the tour’s most celebrated stops is the Blue Cave, ranked among the top 5 attractions in Albania. Inside, a distinct blue light is cast by an underwater gap in the rock, creating a surreal atmosphere. The maximum depth of only 1 meter makes it accessible for all visitors, including children.

Visitors can snap photos, enjoy a refreshing swim, or simply marvel at the natural light display. The 50-minute stay outside the cave allows enough time for exploration and relaxation on the nearby beach, making it one of the highlights of the day.

Gjiri i Inglezit and Gjiri i Llovizit: Coastal Photo Stops

This tour includes short stops at Gjiri i Inglezit and Gjiri i Llovizit, both known for their scenic coastal views. These stops are perfect for photo opportunities and seeing more of the coastline’s natural beauty.

At Gjiri i Inglezit, visitors can visit, swim, or snorkel, while Gjiri i Llovizit offers similar activities, with snorkeling trails that let you observe marine life. Each stop lasts around 20 minutes, providing a quick snapshot of Albania’s rugged coast.

Shpella Blu and Wildlife Encounters

The Shpella Blu (Blue Cave) stop includes a 50-minute break for photo opportunities, swimming, and wildlife viewing. The location provides chances to observe local marine creatures and enjoy the serene environment outside the cave.

This stop is ideal for those wanting a relaxing moment in nature, with plenty of space for snorkeling and exploring the surroundings.

Grama Bay: Ancient Rock Engravings and Nature’s Serenity

The tour concludes at Grama Bay, where ancient rock engravings add a historical element to the natural beauty. The surrounding mountains and beaches create an almost heavenly atmosphere.

Here, visitors have plenty of time to take photos, enjoy drinks, and explore the wooden restaurant. Activities include hiking, swimming, snorkeling, and soaking in the sunset. The 2-hour stay allows a full immersion into the peaceful environment.

Practical Details: What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour package features snacks, snorkeling equipment, alcoholic beverages, soda, and fresh fruits. It does not include restaurant meals or hotel transfers, so travelers should plan accordingly.

The meeting point is at the Vlora old port, and the tour is led by guides fluent in Albanian, Italian, and English. Booking is flexible with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity, and the pay later option provides added convenience.

Final Thoughts on the Marine Park Boat Tour

This full-day adventure offers a comprehensive look at Albania’s coastal treasures, combining natural beauty, underwater exploration, and historical sights. The variety of stops keeps the day engaging, with highlights like the Blue Cave and Grama Bay standing out for their unique scenery.

While the pace can be lively with multiple speedboat rides and water activities, the organized stops ensure you get enough time to enjoy each site. It’s best suited for active travelers comfortable with outdoor activities and boat travel who want an all-in-one Albanian coastal experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour begins and ends at Vlora’s old port; hotel pickup and drop-off are not provided.

What should I bring?
Travelers should bring a hat, camera, beachwear, breathable clothing, and any personal items needed for snorkeling and swimming.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with a cold, babies under 1 year, or those with certain health limitations.

How long is each stop?
Most stops range from 10 to 50 minutes, depending on activity and location, with the Grama Bay stop being the longest at 2 hours.

What activities are included?
Participants can snorkel, swim, explore caves, and photo all the scenic spots with snorkeling gear provided.

Is food included?
Light snacks, fruits, and drinks are included, but restaurant meals are not, though food tasting is available at Dafina Bay.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What languages do guides speak?
Guides communicate in Albanian, Italian, and English.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, but small children should be comfortable with boat rides and outdoor activities; babies under 1 year are not permitted.

How physically demanding is the tour?
It involves swimming, snorkeling, and walking at stops; travelers should be comfortable engaging in water activities.

This full-day boat tour in Vlorë offers a well-rounded experience of Albania’s marine environment, combining adventurous water activities, scenic views, and a touch of history — perfect for those eager to explore the coast from the water.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby