Vlore: Speedboat Adventure Sazan Island & Haxhi Ali Cave

Travelers looking for a lively mix of adventure, stunning scenery, and authentic coastline experiences will find this speedboat tour from Vlorë a compelling choice. It promises an action-packed 4.5-hour journey that covers some of Albania’s most intriguing spots along the Ionian Sea, from the mysterious Sazan Island to the breathtaking Haxhi Ali Cave and pristine beaches of the Karaburun Peninsula.

What we love about this tour is how it combines the thrill of a speedboat ride with the chance to explore unique natural formations and secluded beaches. The guides are generally praised for their friendliness and knowledge, helping to bring the landscape and legends to life. A second big plus is the incredible scenery—crystal-clear waters, rugged cliffs, and hidden coves—that make for fantastic photo opportunities.

One potential consideration is that the experience involves a rather lively speedboat ride, which might not suit those prone to seasickness or seeking a more leisurely cruise. Also, some reviews indicate that the activity can be crowded and that certain stops, like the cave swim, are limited due to strong currents. Still, for those craving adventure and authentic seaside exploration, this tour hits the mark.

This experience is best suited for active travelers, adventure-lovers, and anyone keen to see Albania’s coastline beyond its beaches. It’s less ideal for pregnant women, people with back issues, or those who prefer calm, slow-paced sightseeing. If you’re up for a speedy, scenic, and memorable day on the water, this tour offers terrific value.

Contents hide

1 An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

2 The Practical Side: What to Expect

3 What Travelers Are Saying

Key Points

Authentic exploration: Offers a chance to see Sazan Island, once a military zone, now open for visitors
Natural wonders: Features the legendary Haxhi Ali Cave with its stunning sea grotto
Secluded beaches: Access to pristine, hard-to-reach beaches along the Karaburun Peninsula
Value-focused: At around $26 per person, it delivers a mix of adventure, scenery, and culture
Guided insight: Knowledgeable guides share local legends and marine life info
Active experience: Expect swimming, photo stops, and a lively boat ride

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An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

This tour kicks off from Vlora’s “3 Fiori” port, where you’ll meet your guide and assemble your group. The entire trip lasts roughly four and a half hours, making it a good half-day activity that can easily slot into a broader Albanian itinerary. The journey begins with a 40-minute speedboat ride that sets a lively tone — the boat’s powerful engine will give you a thrill, so be ready for a quick splash and some wind in your hair.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Vlore.

Sazan Island: Albania’s Forbidden Treasure

The first major stop is Sazan Island, a spot loaded with history and mystery. Once a military zone, it’s now open for visitors who want to explore its abandoned tunnels, crumbling structures, and rocky shores. The reviews mention that this part of the trip “feels like walking through a ghost town,” which appeals to those interested in history and a sense of adventure. The stop lasts about 35 minutes, with options for photos, a brief walk, and some leisure time to soak in the eerie atmosphere.

One reviewer notes, “The scenery is beautiful, but we couldn’t swim in the cave and we didn’t stop to go snorkeling. The description is misleading,” which highlights that some activities may be limited by conditions or safety considerations. Still, the opportunity to walk around and gaze at this largely untouched environment makes the visit worthwhile.

Haxhi Ali Cave: Nature’s Blue Cathedral

Next, your boat heads toward Haxhi Ali Cave, a striking sea grotto named after a 17th-century Albanian pirate. The 15-minute cruise takes you into this natural wonder, where sunlight filters through the water and illuminates the cave walls, creating a mesmerizing blue glow. According to reviews, “sunlight dances on the cave walls,” and the scenery is “breathtaking.”

Visitors can take a guided tour or simply enjoy the panoramic views from the boat. Swimming is often discussed, with some reviews suggesting it’s not always possible due to currents. However, the cave’s dramatic appearance alone makes it a highlight, especially for photographers and lovers of natural formations.

The Karaburun Peninsula: Untouched Shores and Secluded Beaches

From Haxhi Ali Cave, the journey continues along the Karaburun Peninsula, which is part of a protected marine park. The boat slows down for a longer stop of about 2.5 hours, giving travelers ample time to relax, sunbathe, or swim in the crystal-clear waters.

The beaches here are described as pristine and secluded, accessible only by boat, which offers a sense of privacy and peace that’s hard to find on crowded beaches elsewhere. Several travelers mention that they enjoyed swimming and snorkeling in these quiet bays, appreciating the untouched beauty of the coastline. One reviewer notes, “The last stop on the island was a bit too long, but the scenery makes up for it,” emphasizing the allure of these lesser-visited spots.

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Return Journey: Wrapping Up with Scenic Views

The boat ride back to Vlora takes about 25 minutes, offering one last chance to take photos and soak in the landscape. Many reviews praise the stunning vistas, rugged cliffs, and the overall feeling of being on a true adventure.

The entire trip includes port fees, a drink, and a life jacket—simple essentials that make the experience worry-free. Guides speak both English and Albanian, enriching the trip with stories about the coast, legends, and marine life.

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The Practical Side: What to Expect

The tour’s price of $26 per person is quite reasonable given the scope of sights and the natural beauty encountered. It offers good value, especially when you consider the chance to visit hard-to-access beaches and explore a ghostly island with historical intrigue. The guides are known to be friendly and knowledgeable, which enhances the overall experience.

In terms of logistics, packing a hat, towel, sunscreen, waterproof camera, and beachwear is recommended. The boat ride is lively, so it’s not suitable for pregnant women, those with back problems, or anyone prone to seasickness.

The tour is flexible with cancelation up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later—a helpful feature for uncertain travel plans.

What Travelers Are Saying

Based on the 17 reviews, most travelers feel this tour offers a memorable adventure with beautiful scenery and friendly guides. Many mention the good value for money and the unique opportunity to see areas only accessible by boat.

A French traveler praised the “captain’s friendliness” and the “heavenly water,” while others found the stops interesting but noted limitations—like not being able to snorkel in the cave or feeling a bit crowded. The consensus is that this trip strikes a balance between excitement and relaxation, particularly suited for those eager to explore Albania’s coast from the water.

This speedboat adventure from Vlora is a well-rounded option for travelers who want an active, scenic, and culturally interesting experience. The combination of exploring Sazan Island’s abandoned structures, marveling at the vibrant Haxhi Ali Cave, and relaxing on secluded beaches offers a genuine taste of Albania’s coastal charm.

It’s particularly valuable for those valuing good guides, stunning views, and affordable prices, making it an excellent half-day outing for families, couples, or solo travelers eager for a bit of adventure.

While it’s not suitable for everyone—especially if you prefer calm waters or are prone to seasickness—it remains a solid choice for anyone looking to add a splash of excitement and natural beauty to their Albanian journey.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 4.5 hours, including travel time, sightseeing, and free time at the beaches.

What is the price?
The tour costs $26 per person, which includes port fees, a drink, and a life jacket, offering good value for the variety of sights.

Can I swim during the tour?
Swimming is available at the beaches along the Karaburun Peninsula, but swimming in the caves may be limited due to currents or safety reasons.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It depends on the child’s comfort with boat rides and water activities. The lively speedboat ride might be a bit much for very young children or those sensitive to motion.

What should I bring?
Pack a hat, towel, sunscreen, waterproof camera, and beachwear. Be prepared for a fun, sometimes bumpy, boat ride.

Are there opportunities for photos?
Absolutely, the scenery offers plenty of photo stops, especially at Sazan Island, Haxhi Ali Cave, and the beaches.

Is there a guide?
Yes, guides speak English and Albanian, sharing stories about the coast, local legends, and marine life.

Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not permitted on the tour.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving flexibility if your plans change.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant women or those with back problems?
No, due to the lively speedboat ride and physical activity, it’s not recommended for pregnant women or people with back issues.

This speedboat trip offers an engaging way to experience Albania’s coast—from mysterious islands and dramatic caves to tranquil beaches—at a reasonable price. If you’re craving adventure, stunning scenery, and a taste of local legends, it’s worth considering for your Albanian itinerary.