Vlore: Explore Sazan Island & Haxhi Ali Cave by Speedboat

Exciting Speedboat Tour from Vlore to Sazan Island and Haxhi Ali Cave

This 5-hour adventure offers a vibrant glimpse of Albania’s untouched coastline, departing from Vlore with Armando Speedboat Adventure. The tour price includes guidance, snorkeling equipment, and drinks, making it a convenient way to explore key natural and historical sites by sea. While lunch and beach amenities are not included, the tour emphasizes stunning scenery, underwater exploration, and time to relax on some of the region’s best beaches.

The tour is particularly suited for those seeking adventure, cultural highlights, and beautiful coastal views. It’s ideal for travelers comfortable with speedboat rides and outdoor water activities, but not recommended for those with back, heart, or mobility issues. A key highlight is snorkeling inside Haxhi Ali Cave, a natural formation famous for both its grandeur and pirate legends, promised to be a memorable experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Duration of 5 hours with multiple stops for sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling
• Visit Albania’s largest island, Sazan, with its abandoned bunkers and military history
• Explore the legendary Haxhi Ali Cave, carved into the cliffs of Karaburun, with underwater snorkeling included
• Relax on two beautiful beaches at Karaburun Peninsula, with over 2 hours for swimming and sunbathing
• Includes snorkeling gear, a drink, water, and a guide; transport is by speedboat
• Not suitable for infants under 1 year, seniors over 70, or travelers with certain health conditions

From Vlore to Sazan Island: A Coastline with a Hidden Past

The journey begins directly from Vlore, with a scenic 40-minute speedboat ride that sets the tone for the trip. Travelers get to enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline and the chance to spot marine life before reaching Sazan Island. Known as Albania’s largest island, it once served as a military base, and remnants such as bunkers and abandoned structures still tell stories of its secret past.

While exploring Sazan, the focus is on walking through the island’s historical sites and capturing photos of the rugged shoreline. The 35-minute stop allows for free time to walk, visit, and swim. It’s a chance to see a part of Albania that remains largely untouched and to understand its strategic importance.

Snorkeling Inside Haxhi Ali Cave: Natural Wonder and Pirate Legends

Next, the tour speeds to the famous Haxhi Ali Cave, a natural feature carved into Karaburun’s cliffs. Entering this massive rock formation, visitors are greeted by spectacular rock structures and crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkeling. The guided visit lasts around 35 minutes, during which the guide shares tales of pirates and local legends associated with the cave.

Snorkeling inside the cave offers a unique underwater experience, allowing a close-up view of the submarine rock formations. The sunlight filtering through the water creates a magical effect, adding to the cave’s mystique. It’s a popular highlight, praised for both its scenic beauty and the adventure of swimming through a historic site.

Relaxing at Karaburun’s Best Beaches

The final major stop is at Karaburun Peninsula, where travelers enjoy more than 2 hours of free time. The beaches here are renowned for crystal-clear waters and stunning coastal views. Visitors can choose to swim, snorkel, or sunbathe on the white sands, with the peaceful setting providing a perfect break from the boat rides.

While lunch is not included, travelers are encouraged to bring their own food, and beach amenities like sunbeds and umbrellas can be rented at extra cost. This stretch of coastline offers a serene environment to relax, take photos, or explore the shoreline on foot.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Logistics: Easy Meeting and Return Points

The tour departs from a central location in Vlore, with the meeting point on the second floor of an office decorated with posters. It ends back at the same spot, making logistics simple for travelers. The entire activity lasts approximately five hours, with the schedule including multiple speedboat rides and stops at each site.

The tour is flexible with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later to keep your plans open. Participants should bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, a towel, camera, and sunscreen for the best experience.

What’s Included and What To Consider

The tour fee covers a guide, snorkeling equipment, a bottle of water, a beer or soft drink, and life jackets. Lunch and beach sunbeds are not part of the package, so travelers should plan accordingly. The extra cost of umbrellas at the beach varies between 10 and 20 euros for two sunbeds and an umbrella.

Because Sazan Island is a military zone from June to November, visits are only possible during this period. Outside those months, travelers will see the island from the boat, but not land on it. Weather conditions can also affect the tour’s schedule, so checking the forecast is advised.

The Experience with Armando Speedboat Adventure

This tour is led by Armando Speedboat Adventure, which has received rave reviews for knowledgeable guides and smooth, safe rides. The friendly staff help create a relaxed atmosphere that enhances the overall experience. Snorkeling gear is provided, and the scenic routes are consistently praised for their stunning views.

The tour’s popularity is reflected in its high rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on 22 reviews, with many describing it as unforgettable and well-organized. Travelers specifically appreciate the guides’ storytelling and the variety of stops that include both historical sights and natural beauty.

Suitable for Adventure Seekers and Nature Lovers

This speedboat trip appeals to those who enjoy outdoor water activities and scenic exploration. The fast-paced boat rides and opportunities to swim and snorkel make it perfect for active travelers. However, the tour is not recommended for people with back or heart problems, wheelchair users, or babies under 1 year.

Participants should be prepared for sun exposure and cold water if snorkeling. Since the tour involves several stops and physical activity, a moderate level of mobility is helpful. The guide’s explanations add an engaging element, making the trip both informative and fun.

Final Thoughts on the Vlore Speedboat Tour

This 5-hour excursion from Vlore offers a compact yet diverse experience of Albania’s coastline, combining historical exploration, natural wonders, and time for relaxation. The cost includes snorkeling gear and drinks, providing good value for the highlights offered.

Travelers who enjoy adventure on the water, marine scenery, and cultural stories will find this tour particularly rewarding. Its high review score and positive feedback confirm its status as a popular choice for those visiting the region.

While lunch and beach amenities are extras, the main attractions—Sazan Island, Haxhi Ali Cave, and Karaburun beaches—are well worth the trip. This tour is a reliable and scenic way to experience the best of Albania’s coast in just a few hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, including boat rides, sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling stops.

What is included in the price?
Guidance, snorkeling equipment, a bottle of water, a beer or soft drink, and life jackets are included.

Is lunch provided?
No, lunch is not included, so travelers should bring their own food or plan to buy at the beach.

Can I visit Sazan Island year-round?
Visits to Sazan Island are only possible from June to November due to military restrictions. Outside this period, the island can only be seen from the boat.

Are there any physical limitations?
The tour not suitable for individuals with back, heart, or mobility issues, or babies under 1 year or people over 70.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sun hat, towel, camera, and sunscreen. Be prepared for sun exposure and water activities.

Do I need to reserve in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to reserve your spot and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s best for older children and teenagers, as the trip involves speedboat rides and swimming that require some physical comfort.

How scenic is the coastline?
The route offers breathtaking views of Albania’s coastline, with plenty of photo opportunities at every stop.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of historical sites, natural caves, and beaches, along with friendly guides and snorkeling gear, makes this a memorable way to see Albania’s coast.

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