Kakome and Gremina Cave Boat Tour

This small-group boat tour focuses on a sea cave and two of the area's prettiest bays. The boat leaves Saranda, follows the shore to the Gremina cave, where you can look into the dark, echoing opening from the water, and continues to Kakome and Krorez for swimming and snorkelling. The cave stop is the highlight, and it gives the trip a different character from a simple beach run. Small groups keep the atmosphere friendly, and the skipper has time to answer questions and share local tips.

Sea caves on this coast form where the limestone cliffs meet the waves, and the water in and around them is usually clear and very blue. On a calm day the boat edges up to the entrance so that you can look inside, and confident swimmers may be allowed to swim in from the boat, depending on the conditions and the operator's rules.

Never enter a cave if the swell is up, and follow the skipper's instructions. The light inside and the colour of the water are surprising, even if you only look from the boat.

Kakome and Krorez are the beach stops. Kakome has a beach with pebbles and clear water, and it is usually calmer and more secluded than Ksamil in summer. Krorez is a sheltered bay with turquoise shallows and a small shore. Bring snorkelling gear if you have it, because the rocks at both stops are good for watching fish. Some operators serve drinks or snacks on board, so check what is included.

A sunset version of the tour is also available, in which the boat returns as the light fades. The sea is calmer in the evening, the air is cooler and the cliffs glow, making it a good option for couples and photographers. If you are choosing between morning and sunset departures, morning offers better swimming and clearer visibility, while sunset offers mood and fewer midday crowds.

Dress for the water, bring sun protection and keep valuables in a dry bag. The tour operates in the warm season and depends on weather, and in a strong wind the route may be cut short. If you only have time for one boat trip in Saranda, this one gives the best mix of sights, since it includes a cave, two beaches and plenty of time on the water.

Seasonal conditions strongly affect this tour. In calm summer mornings the cave is accessible and the water inside glows, while in rougher weather the skipper may stay outside for safety. Visibility for snorkelling is usually best before midday, when the sun is high and the surface is still. If you are travelling with a small child, ask whether the operator provides child-size life jackets and whether the cave stop is suitable for them.

Combining this tour with a quiet evening is a good plan. After the swim, rinse off, rest in the shade and then head to a harbour restaurant for grilled fish. If you enjoy photography, bring a waterproof case and a wide-angle lens or phone setting, because the cave entrance and the high cliffs look best from a distance.

Bring small bills for snacks sold from the boat, and ask the crew about the names of the bays you pass, since local names differ from map names and each has a story. Guests who like to snorkel should bring their own mask for hygiene and fit.