Exploring South Albania by SpeedBoat (Full Day Tour)

When most people think of Albania, their mind jumps straight to its stunning beaches along the famous Riviera, and for good reason. But seeing the south coast by boat?! That’s a completely different kind of magic. The kind you need to experience at least once while you’re here!

I recently joined a full-day tour along the Karaburun Peninsula, and it’s honestly one of the most beautiful experiences I’ve had in Albania so far.

The sea changes colour with every turn, a beautiful shade of blue one moment, green the next, and every stop feels like a postcard. Some places you can swim and snorkel, others you just admire from the boat, but all of them are worth seeing.

If you’re planning a trip to Albania and want to see the coastline at its best, I’ll share some of THE BEST destinations in the South of Albania you can see by boat, and that are totally worth it.

💡 For more ideas, check out our Magic Towns Albania; we share tips on where to stay, what to eat, how to plan your perfect trips & more.

Haxhi Ali Cave

Haxhi Ali Cave is a big sea cave on the Karaburun Peninsula, and one of the most famous in Albania. You can only get there by boat, so the trip itself is already exciting. The views along the way are stunning, with clear water all around.

The cave is huge, and the rock shapes are incredible; it makes you stop and wonder how nature has its very own breathtaking architecture. You can’t swim inside as it’s not allowed, but you can definitely take some great photos.

Dafina Bay

We stayed here for about an hour and a half. It’s a small bay with crystal clear water, where you can swim and snorkel (just watch out for the jellyfish, as there were quite a few when we visited). The beach itself is beautiful, but the large rocks make it a bit uncomfortable to sit on, and a few bees buzzing around didn’t exactly help with relaxing.

Gjiri i Skafistëve

This was one of my favourite stops. A beautiful bay surrounded by steep cliffs and filled with crystal-clear water in shades of turquoise and green. It was a quick stop from the boat, worth slowing down to take in the view and snap some photos. The contrast between the rock formations and the clear sea makes it one of the most photogenic spots along the Albanian Riviera, in my opinion.

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Englishman Bay

Englishman Bay is a small, quiet cove surrounded by high cliffs and incredibly clear water. Even though we didn’t stay long, it’s the kind of place that feels peaceful the moment you arrive.

The bay also has a bit of history behind its name. During World War II, there was a hidden cave nearby called “Englishman’s Cave,” which was used by Allied soldiers as a secret base. Locals would bring supplies and messages here in secret, helping the soldiers stay hidden.

So while it’s now a calm, beautiful spot, it was once part of an important chapter in Albania’s wartime history.

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Blue Cave (one of my favourites!)

This place is just unreal. The water is bright blue and seems to glow when the sunlight hits it. We had some time to spend here, swimming and enjoying this natural wonder. It’s easily one of the most beautiful places I’ve seen in Albania so far, and it’s the kind of spot you’ll keep thinking about long after you’ve left.

Grama Bay

Grama Bay is one of those places that feels beautiful the moment you see it. The water is crystal clear, and the cliffs around it make you feel completely tucked away from the rest of the world. What makes it even more unique are the ancient inscriptions carved into the rocks by sailors hundreds of years ago, little pieces of history you can still see today. You can swim, take photos, and just enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. It’s the perfect last stop before heading back.

P.S.: Lying on the rocks isn’t exactly comfortable, so bring something soft if you plan to relax on the shore.

Before you go

A few things to keep in mind for your south Albania by speedboat trip:

• Most beaches on this route are rocky, so laying down is very uncomfortable, unless you have a mat or something comfortable
• Jellyfish can sometimes be around
• Be careful when you
• You’ll be out in the sun all day, so sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are a must
• Be careful if you decide to swim at one of the stops where it’s allowed; in some of the spots, there are rocks around the water, and you could hurt yourself if you’re not cautious.

Conclusion

A boat trip along the Karaburun Peninsula isn’t just about ticking spots off a list; it’s also about seeing Albania’s coastline in a way you can’t from land. Every stop feels different, and each has its own little story.

If you’re planning a trip to Albania, keep this itinerary in mind. It’s the perfect adventure to explore the Southern gems and get the most out of this experience, whether you’re here for a weekend or staying all summer.

💡 Want to make the most of your time in Albania? In Magic Towns Albania, you’ll find our travel guides, tips on where to stay, and even local secrets you won’t hear from the usual tourist brochures.