Snorkeling Experience Haxhi Aliu Cave & Ionian Cliffs

1 — Departure from Vlorë

Hotel Bologna → Saint Theodore Beach | 30 min

We depart from Vlorë and cruise across the bay toward the Karaburun Peninsula.

After around 30 minutes, we arrive at Saint Theodore Beach, a small scenic beach on the inner side of Karaburun, known for its clear water, rocky coastline, and small sea cave.

This is the first main stop of the tour and the perfect place to begin snorkeling on the calmer Adriatic side.

Highlights:
30 min boat ride · Saint Theodore Beach · Small cave · First snorkeling stop · Adriatic side

2 — Saint Theodore Beach Stop

Snorkeling & beach time

At Saint Theodore Beach, you have time to enjoy the clear water, swim, snorkel, and explore the small cave area.

This stop is ideal for warming up before we continue toward the wilder coastline of Karaburun.

Highlights:
Snorkeling · Clear water · Small beach · Small cave · Calm bay

3 — Coastal Excursion to Haxhi Aliu Cave

Saint Theodore Beach → Haxhi Aliu Cave | 20 min coastal navigation

After the first snorkeling stop, we continue along the coastline of Karaburun toward Haxhi Aliu Cave.

This is a scenic navigation section, not a long stop. We cruise close to the coast, passing rocky cliffs, clear blue water, and wild coastal scenery before reaching one of Albania’s most iconic sea caves.

Highlights:
Karaburun coastline · Rocky cliffs · Scenic navigation · Approach to Haxhi Aliu Cave

4 — Haxhi Aliu Cave Visit

Cave visit | 15 min

We enter Haxhi Aliu Cave by boat and stay inside for around 15 minutes.

This giant sea cave is one of the most famous landmarks of the Albanian Riviera, known for its massive natural dome, deep blue water, and the legend of the pirate Haxhi Aliu.

Duration:
20 min coastal excursion + 15 min cave visit = 35 min total

Highlights:
Giant sea cave · Photo stop · Pirate legend · Karaburun landmark

Note: Cave access depends on sea, weather, and local authority regulations.

5 — From Haxhi Aliu Cave to Fisherman Bay

Ionian side coastal excursion + snorkeling stop | 45 min total

After Haxhi Aliu Cave, we continue around the cape toward the western side of Karaburun, where the landscape becomes wilder and the water turns into a deeper Ionian blue.

We navigate along the Ionian shore for around 15 minutes before arriving at Fisherman Bay, one of the most beautiful gorge-and-cave areas of Karaburun.

At Fisherman Bay, we stop for around 30 minutes for snorkeling, swimming, and enjoying the dramatic rock formations.

Duration:
15 min coastal excursion + 30 min snorkeling stop = 45 min total

Highlights:
Ionian side · Fisherman Bay · Snorkeling stop · Gorges and caves · Corals and marine life

6 — Ionian Cliffs Coastal Exploration

Fisherman Bay → Boats Bay → Hilqe Cliffs | 30 min

After Fisherman Bay, we continue the coastal exploration along the wild Ionian side of Karaburun.

This section is mainly a scenic coastal cruise with short pauses to admire the landscape.

We pass by Boats Bay, a crystal-clear gorge where the water is so transparent that boats can appear to float above the sea.

Then we continue toward the Hilqe Cliffs, one of the most dramatic cliff areas of the western shore. In good sea conditions, we may also admire the nearby cave formations along this coastline.

Highlights:
Ionian cliffs · Boats Bay · Clear-water gorge · Hilqe Cliffs · Short scenic pauses

Note: Access to caves and close coastal passages depends on sea and weather conditions.

7 — Return to Vlorë

Hilqe Cliffs → Hotel Bologna | 30 min

After exploring the Ionian cliffs, we begin the return journey to Vlorë.

The ride back takes around 30 minutes, completing a full 3-hour snorkeling and coastal adventure across both sides of Karaburun.

Highlights:
30 min return ride · Ionian side to Vlorë · Full 3-hour experience completed



 

Good to Know Before You Go

Is this tour beginner-friendly?

Yes. This tour is suitable for beginners and first-time snorkelers. The crew will explain the stops clearly, and guests can choose how much they want to swim, snorkel, explore, or simply relax on the boat and beach.

Boats & Access

We use RIB boats and fast adventure boats, ideal for navigating the Karaburun–Sazan Marine Park.

These boats allow us to safely access:

• Narrow gorges
• Sea caves
• Hidden bays
• Rocky coastal areas
• Shallow beach stops

Their size and maneuverability make the experience more immersive than a standard large boat tour.

Safety on Board

Your safety comes first.

• Life jackets available for every guest
• Licensed professional skipper
• Licensed national tour guide
• Clear safety instructions before and during the tour
• Stable boats designed for coastal navigation
• Easy sea access with a large front ladder, similar to a pool ladder, making it simple to enter and exit the water

Snorkeling Equipment

Snorkeling masks are included in the tour.

Guests are also welcome to bring their own snorkeling equipment if they prefer.

Drinks & Cooler

The boat is equipped with a large ice cooler to keep drinks fresh during the tour.

Included drinks depend on the tour package, but additional drinks can be purchased on board:

• Water: €1
• Cola / Fanta / Ice Tea: €2
• Beer: available on board

What to Bring

Bring only what you need for a comfortable sea adventure:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Hat or sunglasses
• Dry clothes for after swimming
• Phone or camera for photos
• Light snacks if you want
• Cash for extra drinks or personal expenses

Water shoes are recommended if you prefer extra comfort on rocky beaches.

Important Notes

The itinerary may be adjusted depending on:

• Sea conditions
• Wind and weather
• Safety decisions from the skipper
• Local authority regulations
• Access rules for protected areas and caves

Swimming or snorkeling stops may vary depending on conditions, but the crew will always choose the safest and best available spots of the day.