Sazan-Karaburun cruise boat
from €20
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Sazan & Karaburun tour: the Vlorë classic by speedboat
The excursion everyone does in Vlorë — but the difference is how you do it: on a 12-seat speedboat with 3-4 swim stops, not on a 60-passenger vessel with a single stop. Same price, different experience.
Direct booking with local operators: no hidden fees, free cancellation up to 48h before.
At a glance
Duration5-6 hours (10:00-15:30/16:00)
Pricefrom €25 per person
Boat12-15 seat speedboat
DepartureVlorë harbour, Triport area
Swim stops3-4
Sazan landingJune-November
SeasonMay-October
Sazan was a secret military base for 50 years: first Italian, then Soviet, with bunkers, barracks and a small hospital abandoned in the Mediterranean scrub. The landing (June to November) lasts about an hour: the guide tells you the island's story, then you're free among ruins and beach.
Haxhi Ali Cave is the second stop: 60 metres high, the boat enters and the skipper cuts the engine for a few minutes of unreal silence. In the afternoon, swims in the bays of Shën Vasil or Dafina, with free lunch at the beach taverna (about €10-15).
Tour itinerary, hour by hour
- 09:45Meet at Vlorë harbour (Triport)
- 10:00Departure, crossing to Sazan (about 40 minutes)
- 10:45Landing at Sazan, St. Nicholas bay: 1 hour between military citadel and beach
- 12:00Haxhi Ali Cave: boat entry
- 12:45Shën Vasil bay: free lunch at the taverna and swim
- 15:00Swim stop on the return route
- 15:45Return to Vlorë harbour
What's included
- Speedboat with skipper
- Fuel and marine park fees
- Life jackets
- Sun canopy
What's NOT included
- Taverna lunch (€10-15, optional)
- Drinks
- Snorkeling gear (bring your own or rent for €5)
What to bring
- Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen
- Comfortable shoes for Sazan island (dirt paths)
- Cash for the taverna
- Water
Who it's for (and who it's not)
Everyone: it's the most suitable tour for families with children, couples and groups. Only those with severe seasickness should think twice: the Sazan crossing is the most exposed part.
Weather & cancellation
Rough south-westerly sea = tour rescheduled or 100% refunded. We decide the evening before and let you know on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
Why do some tours cost €20 and others €35?
It depends on the boat and the stops: large vessels (40-60 seats) cost less but make 1-2 stops; small speedboats cost a bit more but make 3-4 stops and get you close to the caves.
Can you visit the interior of Sazan?
Landing is in St. Nicholas bay, with about 1 hour: you visit the military citadel and the beach on foot. The island's interior remains a military zone.
Is there a toilet on the boat?
On small speedboats no (you use the taverna facilities at the lunch stop). If an on-board toilet is essential, choose the cruise boat.