Reviewed · RIVIERA & BEACH TRIPS
Saranda Catamaran VIP to Krorez and Kakome Beach with Lunch
The best part of this Saranda outing is the chance to reach four quiet Ionian beaches in one morning, places that are difficult to visit without a boat. Krorëza and Kakome are the stars: rocky bays, clear warm water, and very little beyond sand, stone, and sea.
I like the relaxed catamaran setup, with sunbeds, open space, and nets over the water. I also like the lunch, cooked aboard by crew member Mario, with seafood linguini, fruit, and a glass of local white wine among the offerings. The main caution is organization: meeting instructions and rescheduling have not always been smooth, and drinks are generally bought separately at the cash bar.
Key points to know before you book

- Four swimming stops: Visit Krorëza, Kakome, Soldier’s Beach, and Qefal Beach during roughly six hours on the water.
- A maximum of 29 people: This is not a tiny private charter, but it should feel calmer than a crowded party boat.
- Lunch is cooked aboard: Seafood linguini has been a main dish, with alternatives such as caprese salad or modified pasta available in some cases.
- Mario may be your chef: His cooking and friendly service have helped make the meal a highlight.
- Bring cash for drinks: The bar is cash only, and drinks are not generally part of the basic price.
- Choose shade early: Beanbag chairs sit in the sun, while shaded areas near the bar become useful later in the day.
Four quiet beaches beyond Saranda

This is a six-hour coastal outing for people who want to get away from Saranda’s busy waterfront for a while. You leave from Limion Port at 9:30 a.m., spend the day along the Ionian coast, and return to the same meeting point.
The route is less about sightseeing from a distance and more about getting into the water. You spend time swimming, sitting on the boat, and stepping ashore at isolated beaches. That makes the trip a good fit if your ideal day includes warm water, a simple lunch, and no urgent schedule.
The catamaran carries up to 29 people. That is small enough for a more easygoing feel, though you should not expect the privacy of a boat rented just for your own group. The atmosphere can shift between quiet sunbathing and music or dancing, depending on the people aboard that day.
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Krorëza Beach, the dramatic first stop
Krorëza Beach sits above Kakome Bay and is enclosed by rocks on three sides. Its turquoise water is the main attraction, with the rocky setting giving the beach a sheltered, remote feel.
You have about one hour here. That is enough time for a proper swim and a look around, but not enough for a long walk or a full afternoon on shore. There is no admission charge, and the appeal comes from the natural setting rather than shops, facilities, or organized entertainment.
I would treat Krorëza as a water stop first. Bring swimwear, a towel, and anything you need for sun protection. The beach is described as deserted, so you should not count on finding a store or café when you arrive.
The clear water makes this one of the most appealing places to swim on the route. If you prefer quiet coves to developed beach clubs, this is likely to be one of your favorite stops.
Kakome Bay, two hours to slow down

Kakome Beach receives the longest stop, about two hours, and that extra time changes the pace of the day. The beach sits in a completely isolated bay surrounded by green hills and has very little built around it.
The main feature is a pier used for jumping into the water. Beyond that, there are no listed activities, so you need to be happy with swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the setting. For some people, that sounds perfect. If you need constant action, Kakome may feel quiet.
The long stop is useful because you are not forced to rush through lunch, swimming, and beach time. You can spread the afternoon out, take another swim, or stay aboard the catamaran and rest.
The word isolated matters here. The lack of shops and facilities is part of Kakome’s charm, but it also means you should board with the basics you need. Drinks are not included in the listed price, and the onboard bar accepts cash only.
Soldier’s Beach and the shorter stops
Plazhi i Manastirit, also called Soldier’s Beach, is a small bay near Saranda with a connection to the coast’s military past. You get about 30 minutes here.
That short stop is best viewed as a quick swim and photo break rather than a full beach visit. The bay combines natural scenery with a sense of history, but the schedule gives you limited time to explore on land.
The final stop is listed as Qender and described as Qefal Beach. It has clear water and golden sand along the coast, with around 30 minutes available. Again, think of this as a brief chance to get wet and enjoy the view before the boat continues.
These shorter visits add variety to the day. You see more than one type of bay and beach, but you should not expect deep exploration at every stop. The tour works because Krorëza and Kakome receive the bulk of the time.
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A catamaran made for sun and swimming
The boat includes sunbeds, which is a major advantage on a six-hour outing. You can stretch out instead of sitting upright the whole time, though the best spots may go early.
One practical tip is to avoid claiming a beanbag chair immediately if it sits in full sun. A spot near the bar can provide shade when you need a break from the heat. The nets over the water are also useful, and they may become available once people move from their chairs to the beach or water.
The boat has a bar, but drinks are not included in the stated price and payment is cash only. Pack cash before leaving Saranda. The supplied information is not completely consistent about complimentary water, so I would not rely on free bottled water. Ask the crew at boarding, then buy what you need.
Snorkeling gear has been available aboard, according to the tour experience details. Since the trip centers on swimming, ask the crew where to collect it rather than assuming it will be placed at every seat.
Lunch cooked on board
Lunch gives this trip more value than a simple boat transfer between beaches. Seafood linguini has been served as the main meal, and the food is cooked aboard rather than brought in cold.
The meal can include a glass of local white wine. If you do not drink alcohol, a nonalcoholic replacement has been provided. Food changes have also been possible: a caprese salad for a gluten-free diner and a pasta dish with pesto, tomatoes, and pecorino for someone who did not want seafood.
Those examples suggest useful flexibility, but you should still tell the crew about dietary needs as early as possible. Do not assume every special request is guaranteed unless it has been confirmed before departure.
Fresh fruit has also been served after the first swim stop, including watermelon and cantaloupe. That is a smart touch on a hot day, when a cool snack can be more welcome than another heavy plate of food.
Coffee has been available later in the afternoon, including strong espresso. Again, this appears to depend on the onboard service, so bring cash if you expect to buy drinks or coffee.
The crew and the mood aboard

Mario has been both a crew member and the chef, and his cooking has received particular praise. The wider crew is described as friendly and attentive, though the level of English communication may vary.
That language point matters. One account found that the staff did not explain each beach or available activity in English. If you want a detailed coastal commentary, this may not be the right choice. The trip is stronger as a scenic swimming day than as a guided cultural tour.
The mood can be laid-back, with music and occasional dancing, but it is not presented as a dedicated party cruise. That makes it a better match for a mixed group, couples, and people who want some energy without spending six hours in a nonstop club atmosphere.
You may find the boat half full or closer to its 29-person limit. A less crowded departure makes it easier to find a seat and use the sunbeds, but the operator can accept a larger group. Reserve ahead if your date matters, since the experience is often booked well before departure.
Price and what you receive for $106.92

At $106.92 per person, this is more expensive than some standard boat trips from Saranda. The price makes more sense when you count what is included: a catamaran cruise, four coastal stops, swimming time, onboard sunbeds, and lunch.
You are paying for comfort and a slower schedule, not simply transportation. The boat gives you space to rest between swims, and the six-hour format lets you spend meaningful time at Kakome rather than racing through several coves.
The value is strongest if you would otherwise pay separately for a beach trip, lunch, and access to a boat. It is weaker if you plan to spend most of the day on the sand or want a very cheap, high-energy excursion.
Drinks are the main extra cost to plan for. The bar is cash only, and the basic tour price does not include drinks. Carry enough local cash for water, soft drinks, wine, coffee, or anything else you expect to buy.
Timing, meeting point, and small practical concerns
The meeting point is Limion Port, at VXCQ+WQG in Sarandë. The tour ends back there, so you do not need to arrange a separate return from the coast.
The stated start time is 9:30 a.m., with the full outing lasting about six hours. One detailed account described a day running roughly from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., so allow most of the day even if boarding or departure shifts slightly.
The biggest practical concern is communication around the start. Some passengers have experienced a rescheduled date or confusion about where to wait, with no one immediately appearing at the meeting point. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability, but I would still check your messages before departure and arrive at Limion Port with time to spare.
The tour operates in English, although the quality of spoken explanations may vary. It is near public transportation, and most people can participate. Good weather is required, so a poor forecast can lead to a different date or a full refund.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not accepted for a refund.
Who will enjoy this boat day most
I would choose this outing if you want to see several isolated beaches without arranging your own boat. It suits swimmers, sun lovers, couples, and small groups who like a comfortable boat with lunch and a few hours of open water.
It is also a good choice if you want a calmer alternative to a party cruise. You may hear music and see dancing, but the schedule leaves plenty of room to sit, eat, swim, and rest.
You may want another kind of excursion if you need detailed history at every stop, dislike shared boats, or want a packed schedule of water sports. The beaches are the activity. At Kakome especially, the pleasure comes from having little to do.
Should you book the Saranda catamaran?
Book it if clear water, quiet coves, a cooked lunch, and a comfortable catamaran sound like a good use of six hours. Krorëza and Kakome offer the strongest beach time, while Soldier’s Beach and Qefal add two shorter stops to the route.
At this price, I would book for the combination of comfort, food, and access to remote beaches, not for detailed guiding or perfect logistics. Confirm the meeting details, bring cash for drinks, claim shade before the boat fills, and tell the crew about food needs early.
If you want a relaxed day away from Saranda with enough swimming to make the trip worthwhile, this is a solid choice. If you want a private boat or a highly structured tour with constant commentary, spend your money elsewhere.
FAQ
Where does the catamaran tour start?
It starts at Limion Port in Sarandë, Albania, at the location marked VXCQ+WQG.
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 and ends back at the meeting point.
Which beaches does the catamaran visit?
The route includes Krorëza Beach, Kakome Beach, Plazhi i Manastirit, also called Soldier’s Beach, and Qender, described as Qefal Beach.
Is lunch included?
Yes. Lunch is included, and seafood linguini has been served aboard. Other meal options have also been provided in some cases.
Are drinks included?
Drinks are not included in the stated tour inclusions. They can be purchased at the onboard bar, which accepts cash only.
How many people can join the tour?
The maximum group size is 29 people.
Is snorkeling equipment available?
Snorkeling gear has been available for use aboard the catamaran.
What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?
Because the experience requires good weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund if the operator cancels due to poor conditions.
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