Boat Trip Vlore – Explore Sazan, Karaburun & Haxhi Ali Cave

Prices depend on the boat, itinerary, season and whether the tour is shared or private. Large daily cruises generally cost around €20–€30 per person. Longer shared speedboat tours to destinations such as Grama Bay and Blue Cave commonly range from €55 to €90 per person. Private speedboat prices vary according to the route, boat capacity and travel date, so always check the selected tour for the current price.

Most daily cruises travel from Vlore to Sazan Island, stop near Haxhi Ali Cave and continue to a beach on the Karaburun Peninsula. The beach stop may be at Shen Jan, Shen Vasil, Dhim Kushta or Zhanpovel, depending on the selected boat and operating schedule.

Most daily cruises depart between 09:30 and 10:30 and return to Vlore at around 18:00. The journey from Vlore to Sazan Island usually takes approximately 45–55 minutes, depending on the boat and sea conditions. Private tour duration varies according to the selected route.

Daily cruises generally stop at Sazan Island for around 1–1.5 hours, near Haxhi Ali Cave for approximately 15–20 minutes and at a Karaburun beach for about three hours. Stop durations may vary by boat, route and sea conditions.

Visitors can swim and relax at Sazan Island’s clean and scenic beach or walk uphill to explore the former military settlement, where the families of military personnel lived during Albania’s communist period, when the island was closed to civilians.

Along the way, visitors can see abandoned buildings, bunkers and military tunnels. The island is now open to visitors and no special permit is required for the publicly accessible areas. There are no regular bars, restaurants or shops on the island, so bring any water or food you may need.

Large passenger boats generally stop near the entrance for panoramic views because they cannot enter the cave. Some smaller boats and speedboats may enter when maritime traffic, sea conditions and local safety rules allow.

Swimming and diving inside Haxhi Ali Cave may be restricted, particularly when other boats are present. Entry into the cave does not guarantee a swimming stop, and visitors must always follow the captain’s instructions and current safety regulations.

Large boats follow scheduled routes inside Vlore Bay and carry more passengers. Some smaller cruise boats carry around 50–60 guests and offer basic drink service, while larger vessels may have multiple decks, bars, restaurants, toilets and entertainment areas. Speedboats carry smaller groups, travel faster and can reach remote bays, beaches and sea caves along western Karaburun.

Remote destinations such as Dafina Bay, Englishman Bay, Blue Cave and Grama Bay are generally visited by speedboat. These longer routes follow the western coast of the Karaburun Peninsula, outside Vlore Bay, and depend more heavily on suitable sea and weather conditions.

Inclusions vary by boat, so check the selected tour before booking. Sazan Island has no regular food or drink services. Some beaches inside Vlore Bay have independent bars, restaurants, umbrellas and sunbeds, usually available at an additional cost. These services are not operated by the boats and are not normally included in the tour price.