REVIEW · CATAMARAN CRUISES WITH LUNCH & BBQ
Saranda Catamaran VIP to Krorez and Kakome Beach with Lunch
Krorëza and Kakome give this catamaran trip its main appeal: you reach quiet bays along the Albanian Riviera that are difficult to visit by land. I like the clear turquoise water and the generous time set aside for swimming, especially at Kakome. I also like the freshly cooked lunch, with seafood pasta, wine, fruit, and some flexibility for special diets.
The main drawback is that the service can be uneven. Drinks cost extra and are cash only, and some guests found the English commentary limited. Booking arrangements have also caused confusion for some people, so keep your phone close and confirm the meeting details before departure.
- Four coastal stops: Swim and relax at Krorëza, Kakome, Soldier’s Beach, and Qefal Beach.
- A real meal onboard: Lunch may include seafood pasta, kebabs, fruit, wine, and alternatives for dietary needs.
- Sunbeds and nets: The catamaran gives you several ways to sit, with shaded areas and open spots in the sun.
- About six hours on the water: The schedule runs from a 9:30 a.m. start to roughly 4 p.m.
- Small-to-medium group size: The boat takes up to 29 people, rather than hundreds.
- Good weather matters: The trip can be moved or refunded if conditions are poor.
Why this catamaran reaches the best quiet bays

Saranda has plenty of boat trips, but this one is aimed at people who want a calmer day on the Ionian coast rather than a loud party cruise. The route takes you south along the Albanian Riviera to beaches backed by rocks, green hills, and clear water.
The strongest part of the experience is the access. Krorëza and Kakome are isolated, and their lack of development is exactly what makes them appealing. You will not find a long row of shops or a large beach complex waiting for you. Instead, you get a boat, open water, a few natural bays, and time to swim.
The catamaran carries a maximum of 29 people. That is not a private charter, but it is small enough to feel more personal than a large excursion boat. The six-hour length also works well. You spend much of the day at sea, but the schedule does not appear designed to keep you onboard until exhaustion.
I would choose this trip if you value slow swimming stops, a comfortable boat, and lunch served at sea. If you want guided history, constant activities, or a full day of entertainment, you may find the experience too quiet.
Starting at Limion Port at 9:30 a.m.
The meeting point is Limion Port in Sarandë, listed at map reference VXCQ+WQG. The scheduled start is 9:30 a.m., and the tour returns to the same point at the end of the day.
Give yourself enough time to find the correct departure area. One booking issue reported on this trip involved passengers being told to wait while the boat group moved toward the port. They eventually found the right departure by following other people heading to the boat. That is not an ideal start, so I would confirm the exact meeting instructions in advance and avoid arriving at the last moment.
The tour is offered in English, but the amount of spoken explanation may vary. One person found that the staff did not explain the stops or possible activities in English. You should therefore treat this as primarily a scenic boat and swimming outing, not a guided coastal lecture.
The booking confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability. The activity is near public transportation, and most people can participate. No special level of fitness is stated, but you should be comfortable boarding a catamaran, sitting in the sun, and getting in and out of the water.
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Krorëza Beach and its turquoise water

The first main stop is Krorëza Beach, also written as Krorez in some tour details. The beach sits above Kakome Bay and is enclosed by rocks on three sides. That setting gives it a sheltered, remote feel.
You get about one hour here. This is enough time for a proper swim and a look at the beach, but not enough for a slow half-day visit. The water is the reason to pay attention. It is described as clear and turquoise, and the coast around Saranda can be especially attractive from the water, where the rocky shoreline makes more sense than it does from town.
There is no admission fee. More important, there are no listed beach facilities included at this stop. Bring what you need from the catamaran, including sun protection and any personal swimming items.
Krorëza is a good first stop because it gets you into the water early. If you prefer a longer stay at one beach, you may find one hour brief. If you like a changing route with several different bays, the shorter stop keeps the day moving.
Two quiet hours at Kakome Bay

Kakome is the longest beach stop, with about two hours planned. That extra time matters. You can swim without feeling rushed, sit on the shore, and enjoy the bay’s green surroundings.
The beach is described as completely isolated, with very little to do beyond swimming and enjoying the setting. There is a pier used for jumping or entering the water, but there are no listed shops, attractions, or organized beach activities.
That simplicity is the point. You are not coming here for a line of restaurants or water sports. You are coming to sit beside a quiet bay and use the clear water. I would make Kakome the part of the day when you put away your phone, claim a comfortable place, and take your time.
Do not expect the boat to provide a full beach club experience. Sunbeds are available onboard, not necessarily on the beach. If you want shade, keep track of your preferred place on the catamaran and bring any personal cover you need.
Soldier’s Beach adds a short change of scene
Plazhi i Manastirit, also called Soldier’s Beach, is scheduled for 30 minutes. It is presented as a small bay with a connection to the area’s military past, though the available tour information does not give a detailed historical explanation.
The short stop works as a change of pace after Kakome. You can swim, look around, and take in another section of the Ionian coast before returning to the boat. Do not expect a long beach visit or a formal history talk.
This is also where the itinerary becomes a little less clear. The main description refers to Soldier’s Beach, while the later stop is labeled Qender and described as Qefal Beach. The route includes both a Soldier’s Beach stop and a Qefal Beach stop, but the precise naming may not always be explained clearly onboard.
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Qefal Beach and the final swim

The final stop is listed as Qender and described as Qefal Beach. You get around 30 minutes here. The beach is associated with clear water and golden sand, offering one more short chance to swim before the return to Saranda.
The timing is sensible for a six-hour outing. After two longer stops, a final half-hour in the water can refresh you without turning the return journey into a late finish. Still, you should see this as a quick coastal pause, not a full beach visit.
Because the descriptions use two names, ask the crew to confirm which beach you are visiting when the boat arrives. That small question can help you understand the route and avoid wondering if a stop has been missed.
What lunch is like on a moving catamaran
Lunch is one of the better reasons to consider this trip instead of a simple boat transfer. Food is prepared on the catamaran, and the meal may include seafood linguini, kebabs, fruit, and a glass of local white wine.
Seafood pasta is the main dish described, but the crew has shown some flexibility. Chef Mario prepared a caprese salad for a gluten-free diner and made a pasta variation with pesto, tomatoes, and pecorino for someone who did not want seafood. Those options are not a guaranteed fixed menu, so tell the operator about dietary needs before departure and remind the crew onboard.
Fruit such as watermelon and cantaloupe may be served after the first swim stop. That is a useful touch on a sunny day when you want something cool and light before lunch.
The wine is included with the meal, and non-alcoholic substitutions have been provided. Some accounts also describe free water, but the formal tour details say drinks are not included and can be purchased at the bar for cash only. Because of that conflict, bring cash and do not assume bottled water or every drink is included.
Coffee may be available onboard. Strong espresso was prepared on request during one trip, but coffee is not listed as a standard inclusion. Think of it as an extra service, not something to plan your day around.
Finding the best seat onboard
The catamaran includes sunbeds, beanbag-style seating, nets, and a bar area. That gives you more choice than a standard ferry seat, but your choice of location affects the day.
If you sit in full sun early, you may want shade later. A practical approach is to choose a spot near the bar or another shaded area first, then use the nets during the swim breaks when they open up. Beanbag seats can be comfortable, but they may leave you exposed to the sun for much of the trip.
The nets are a fun place to stretch out above the water when the boat is stopped or moving in suitable conditions. Follow the crew’s instructions, since the safest use of any open section depends on the sea and the boat’s movement.
The group limit of 29 helps. The boat may still feel busy on a popular departure, but you should have more room to move than on a large sightseeing vessel. The atmosphere is described as relaxed, with some music and dancing at points, but not as a dedicated party cruise.
How the price compares with a simple beach boat

The listed price is $106.92 per person. That is higher than some basic coastal boat trips, so the value depends on what you use.
You are paying for a catamaran outing of about six hours, several stops, onboard sunbeds, and lunch cooked on the boat. The meal can include a main dish, fruit, and wine, which helps explain the higher price. You also spend time at isolated bays that are not presented as simple walk-up beaches from Saranda.
I would consider the price fair for someone who wants a comfortable full-day outing with food included. It is less attractive if you plan to spend most of the time on the beach and do not care about the boat, meal, or multiple stops.
The group size and service flexibility add value, but the drink policy reduces it slightly. Bring cash for purchases, and check what is included before boarding. That avoids an awkward surprise when you are already out at sea.
The trip’s strongest points and its limits
The best features are clear:
- The water and scenery: Krorëza and Kakome offer the most memorable settings.
- Time in the water: Two hours at Kakome gives you room to relax instead of rushing through every stop.
- Fresh food: Cooking lunch onboard makes the meal feel like part of the outing, not an afterthought.
- Comfort: Sunbeds, nets, and different seating areas help you manage the long day in the sun.
- A moderate group: Up to 29 people is a reasonable size for a shared catamaran.
The weak points also deserve attention. English explanations may be limited, so you may not learn much about the coast or the history connected with Soldier’s Beach. Communication around departure arrangements has also been inconsistent for some bookings.
There is another practical issue: you need to manage the sun. The boat has shaded areas, but the experience is built around open water and outdoor seating. A hat, sunscreen, and a plan for finding shade will make a real difference.
Who should book this Saranda boat trip
I would recommend it to couples, friends, and families who want a comfortable day on the water with swimming, food, and several coastal stops. It also suits anyone who prefers a relaxed boat atmosphere to a loud party cruise.
You will get the most from it if you enjoy simple beaches. Kakome, in particular, has no long list of activities. Its appeal is the quiet bay, the water, and the time to sit around without a packed schedule.
This is less suitable if you need detailed guiding in English, dislike boats, or want a private experience. The catamaran is shared, and the maximum group size is 29 people. It is also not the right choice if you want guaranteed beach facilities or a fixed menu with every drink included.
The weather matters. If poor conditions cancel the trip, you can receive a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.
Should you book it?
Book this catamaran if your ideal Saranda day means clear water, quiet bays, a fresh lunch, and plenty of time outside. The two-hour stop at Kakome, the meal prepared onboard, and the choice of seating make it more than a basic beach transfer.
Before paying, confirm the departure instructions, ask what drinks are included, and mention any dietary needs. Bring cash, sun protection, and modest expectations about English commentary. If those points suit you, the $106.92 price buys a well-paced day along one of Albania’s most attractive coastal stretches.
FAQ
Where does the catamaran tour start?
The tour starts at Limion Port in Sarandë, Albania. The listed map reference is VXCQ+WQG.
What time does the tour begin?
The scheduled start time is 9:30 a.m.
How long does the experience last?
The catamaran trip lasts about six hours and returns to the original meeting point. The schedule is generally around 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Which beaches does the tour visit?
The route includes Krorëza Beach, Kakome Beach, Plazhi i Manastirit, also called Soldier’s Beach, and a final stop listed as Qender and described as Qefal Beach.
How long do you stop at each beach?
The planned stops are about one hour at Krorëza, two hours at Kakome, 30 minutes at Soldier’s Beach, and 30 minutes at Qefal Beach.
Is lunch included?
Yes. Lunch is included, and it may include seafood pasta, kebabs, fruit, and a glass of local white wine.
Are drinks included?
The formal tour details state that drinks are not included and can be bought at the bar with cash. Some onboard meal arrangements may include wine or a non-alcoholic substitute, so confirm the exact drink arrangements before departure.
Is the tour offered in English?
Yes. The experience is offered in English. The amount of spoken explanation may vary, and detailed commentary about the stops is not guaranteed.
What happens if the weather is poor?
The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can receive an alternative date or a full refund.
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