Review · SARANDA

Saranda Catamaran VIP to Krorez and Kakome Beach with Lunch

★ 4.5 · 41 reviews 6 hours (approx.) From $106 per person Operated by SARANDA STAR CATAMARAN · Bookable on Viator
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Saranda’s best beaches are often easiest to reach by boat, and this six-hour catamaran trip takes you to coves that are isolated from the road. The main rewards are clear Ionian water, long swimming stops, and a relaxed day away from Saranda’s busy waterfront.

I like the freshly cooked lunch, which can include seafood linguini, fruit, wine, and simple alternatives. I also like the spacious boat, onboard sunbeds, and the chance to use snorkeling gear. The main caution is organization: meeting instructions and communication may not always be smooth, and drinks cost extra in cash.

Key points to know before you book

Saranda Catamaran VIP to Krorez and Kakome Beach with Lunch - Key points to know before you book

  • Krorëza and Kakome are the main attractions: These isolated bays offer the clearest water and the strongest sense of getting away from town.
  • Lunch is cooked on board: Seafood linguini is a common option, with some adjustments possible for dietary needs or preferences.
  • The boat has room to spread out: You can choose sunbeds, bean bags, or the front nets, though the best shaded spots may go quickly.
  • Swimming time is generous: The schedule allows about an hour at Krorëza, two hours at Kakome, and shorter stops later in the day.
  • Drinks are not included: You can buy them from the onboard bar, but bring cash.
  • This is a calm day at sea, not a party cruise: Music and dancing may happen, but the overall feel is laid-back.

Leaving Saranda from Limion Port at 9:30

Saranda Catamaran VIP to Krorez and Kakome Beach with Lunch - Leaving Saranda from Limion Port at 9:30

The tour begins at Limion Port, listed at VXCQ+WQG in Sarandë, with departure scheduled for 9:30 a.m. The boat returns to the same meeting point after roughly six hours, usually putting you back around the middle or late afternoon.

That timing works well for a beach day. You leave early enough to reach the quieter bays before the afternoon heat peaks, yet you are not committed to a full day at sea. Six hours is long enough to enjoy several swims and lunch without feeling like you have surrendered the entire day.

The group can reach up to 29 people. That is not a private sailing, but it is a manageable size for a catamaran. A larger boat also gives you more choice in where to sit. You may prefer the nets at the front, a shaded area near the bar, or a sunbed where you can stretch out.

I would arrive ready to board rather than cutting it close. One booking issue has been inconsistent meeting communication, with some people receiving unclear directions after arriving at the port. The activity begins at the port itself, and the boat returns there, so confirm the exact departure point and keep your phone available on the morning of the trip.

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Krorëza Beach and its turquoise water

Krorëza Beach is the first major stop and usually receives about one hour. The beach sits above Kakome Bay and is enclosed by rocks on three sides. That setting helps explain why it feels so separate from Saranda.

The water is the star here. It is clear and turquoise, and the rocky sides give the bay a sheltered appearance. You can swim from the boat or head toward the beach, depending on the crew’s arrangement and sea conditions.

An hour passes quickly, especially if you want to swim, take photographs, and walk on shore. I would treat Krorëza as your first chance to get in the water rather than expecting a long beach visit. Bring a towel, sun protection, and footwear you can use around rocks if you have sensitive feet.

There are no admission charges at the beach. That does not mean you should expect a developed resort. The appeal is the lack of buildings and commercial activity, not a long menu of facilities. If you need shade, the boat is likely more practical than the beach.

Two quiet hours at Kakome Bay

Saranda Catamaran VIP to Krorez and Kakome Beach with Lunch - Two quiet hours at Kakome Bay

Kakome Beach gets the longest stop, about two hours, and this is where the tour settles into its most restful rhythm. The bay is isolated, surrounded by green hills, and described as completely deserted apart from a pier used for jumping into the water.

That pier gives the stop a simple focus. You can swim, sunbathe, use the pier, and enjoy the setting without a long list of organized activities. If you prefer a quiet cove to a packed beach club, Kakome is likely the strongest part of the day.

Two hours also gives you time to do less. You can return to the boat for a sunbed, sit in the shade, or swim again without watching the clock. This is useful because the first stop may leave you wanting more time in the water.

The tradeoff is that isolation means few amenities. Do not expect shops, changing rooms, or a beach promenade. Drinks can be purchased at the catamaran bar, but the payment arrangement is cash only. Since drinks are not part of the tour price, carry enough local cash for what you want.

Lunch on a moving kitchen

Lunch is one of the better reasons to compare this trip with cheaper boat outings. The crew prepares food on board rather than handing you a basic packed meal. Seafood linguini is a featured dish, and a glass of local white wine may come with lunch.

The meal can be flexible in some cases. A gluten-free diner was served caprese salad, and a person who did not want seafood received pasta with pesto, tomatoes, and pecorino. A non-alcoholic drink was also substituted for wine without trouble in one reported case.

I would still tell the operator about dietary needs before departure. The available alternatives are not presented as a formal dietary menu, so you should not assume every request can be met. The same applies to drinks. Some accounts mention water being available, but the stated policy says drinks are purchased at the bar, cash only. Plan on paying for your beverages.

Fruit may also appear after the first swim, including watermelon and cantaloupe. Coffee, including espresso, has been available later in the day. These small touches matter on a boat trip because six hours in the sun can make a simple meal and a strong coffee feel like part of the experience rather than an afterthought.

Mario is identified as both a crew member and chef. Staff interaction can vary, and English communication has not always been strong. You may get a friendly, informal service style rather than a detailed explanation of every bay.

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Soldier’s Beach for a shorter swim

Saranda Catamaran VIP to Krorez and Kakome Beach with Lunch - Soldier’s Beach for a shorter swim

Plazhi i Manastirit, also called Soldier’s Beach, receives about 30 minutes. It is presented as a small bay on the Ionian coast near Saranda, with a connection to local military history in its nickname.

This is a brief stop, so think of it as a final swim or photo break rather than a full beach visit. After lunch and the longer time at Kakome, half an hour is enough to get back into the water without making the day drag.

The short stop also keeps the schedule moving. If you prefer one beach for several hours, the sequence may feel a little busy. If you like seeing several coves in a single outing, it adds variety without taking too much time from the main bays.

Qender and the Qefal Beach description

Saranda Catamaran VIP to Krorez and Kakome Beach with Lunch - Qender and the Qefal Beach description

The final listed stop is Qender, described in the details as Qefal Beach. The beach is associated with clear water and golden sand, and the visit lasts about 30 minutes.

The naming is worth noting because the stop may appear under Qender while the beach description refers to Qefal. If you are comparing boat trips or asking for directions, use both names so there is less chance of confusion.

This is another short stop, best used for a quick swim and a final look at the coast. By this point, you will have had the longest swims earlier in the day, so the shorter visit can feel well timed. It gives you one last chance to cool off before the return to Limion Port.

Finding the best place on the catamaran

The boat is described as spacious, with sunbeds and bean bag chairs available. The front nets are appealing for views and the sensation of being close to the water, but they are exposed to full sun.

One practical tip is to claim a shaded place near the bar early, then use the front nets later if they open up. Bean bags may look comfortable, but they can leave you in direct sun for a long stretch. I would choose shade first, especially if you burn easily or plan to spend most of the day swimming.

Sunbeds are included, which is a real advantage over a basic transfer boat. You have somewhere to dry off and rest between stops. Still, seating is not assigned in the information provided, so arriving on time gives you a better choice.

The atmosphere can include music and dancing, but this is not sold as a high-energy party cruise. The overall character is more relaxed. You can socialize if you want, yet there is also room for a quiet afternoon on the water.

Snorkeling gear is reported as available for everyone. Because the official inclusions specifically list sunbeds but do not clearly detail the gear, I would confirm availability if snorkeling is central to your plans. The clear water makes it a worthwhile possibility, but the beaches and swimming time remain the main focus.

What the $106.92 price really covers

At $106.92 per person, this is not the cheapest way to visit the Albanian coast. The value depends on how much you will use the boat and what is included in your day.

You are paying for a catamaran outing, several beach stops, swimming time, sunbeds, lunch, and the convenience of reaching isolated bays from Saranda. A meal cooked on board, a glass of wine, fruit, and a boat with room to sit make the price easier to justify than a simple beach transfer.

The cost is strongest for you if you want a full service day with minimal planning. You do not need to arrange separate transport to Krorëza or Kakome, and you can combine four coastal stops in one outing.

The value is weaker if you mainly want to sit on one beach or if you do not drink, eat the included meal, or use the sunbeds. You will also need extra cash for beverages. Compared with similar boat trips, it may cost more, but the food and more relaxed pace help explain the difference.

Who should book this catamaran day

I would recommend it to couples, friends, and solo visitors who want a comfortable beach day with several stops rather than a basic boat ride. It suits people who enjoy swimming, sun, clear water, and unbuilt coves.

It is also a good fit if you want lunch handled for you. The option of seafood pasta, fruit, wine, and possible meal adjustments adds practical value, especially when there is no easy shore restaurant at the isolated beaches.

Families may appreciate the long swimming stop at Kakome, though the boat, pier, and rocky shore require normal care around water. The tour is not described as a dedicated children’s activity, so choose it for the coastline and swimming rather than special family programming.

I would hesitate if you need detailed guiding at every stop. One account describes limited English from staff and little explanation about what to do at each beach. You may need to make your own plans once the boat anchors.

The trip also depends on good weather. If conditions are poor, the operator offers another date or a full refund. Cancellations by you are refundable when made at least 24 hours before the start time, but late cancellations and changes are not accepted.

My practical verdict for Saranda

The strongest part of this outing is the combination of isolated bays and a proper cooked lunch. Krorëza supplies the turquoise water, Kakome gives you time to settle in, and the shorter later stops add variety before the ride home.

The weak points are not the coastline. They are the possible confusion around meeting arrangements, uneven English communication, and the extra cost of drinks. Keep cash with you, confirm the port details, and do not expect a formal guided commentary.

Book this trip if you want a relaxed, food-inclusive catamaran day and value reaching beaches that are difficult to access on your own. Skip it if you prefer a private boat, a highly organized guide, or a low-cost ride with no extras. For most people who want to swim, eat well, and see several quiet bays outside Saranda, the price is reasonable when you make full use of the boat.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start and finish?

It starts at Limion Port, VXCQ+WQG, in Sarandë, Albania. The tour returns to the same meeting point.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 9:30 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately six hours.

Which beaches and bays does the tour visit?

The route includes Krorëza Beach, Kakome Beach, Plazhi i Manastirit, also called Soldier’s Beach, and Qender, which is described as Qefal Beach.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, and seafood linguini is one of the dishes served on board. Some dietary or preference-based alternatives may be possible.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks can be purchased at the onboard bar, and payment is cash only.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 29 people.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

Because the experience requires good weather, a cancellation caused by poor conditions results in the choice of another date or a full refund.

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