Saranda: Discover Secret Bays with Prince Ennio Yacht Tour

The best part of this Saranda boat trip is its string of quiet coastal stops. You sail past steep Albanian shores, pause at Qefali and Kakome, then spend the longest stop at beautiful Krorez Beach, where clear water makes swimming and snorkeling the main event.

I like the generous six-hour schedule and the friendly crew, especially Captain Kutim, who is named as a warm host and skipper. I also like that the yacht gives you several ways to spend the day: stretch out on the front deck, sit near the bar, swim from the boat, or walk ashore at a beach. The main drawback is that the vessel can fill up, and people seated near the anchor may deal with noise and oil splashes.

Key points to know

• Four coastal stops: See Qefali, Kakome, Krorez, and Ushtari, with swimming at three locations.
• Krorez is the main stop: Plan to snorkel, swim, sunbathe, or buy food at one of the beach bars.
• Six hours on the water: You get more than a quick sightseeing cruise, but it is a full sun-and-sea day.
• Food is extra: Meals must be ordered ahead when possible or purchased on board and paid for separately.
• Comfortable social setting: The yacht has room to sit or lie down, plus a bar area and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Bring practical gear: Pack sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a towel, water, and a camera. Avoid glass and plastic bottles.

A full day along Saranda’s quieter coast

For $43 per person, the Prince Ennio yacht tour offers a six-hour outing from Saranda into the more secluded bays north of town. That price is appealing if you want several coastal stops without arranging a private boat, and snorkeling equipment plus refreshments are included.

This is not simply a ride out and back. The appeal comes from the rhythm of the day: sail, stop, swim, sit in the sun, then move on to another bay. You get a look at several beaches that are difficult to reach by road, along with time to enjoy the water rather than only photograph it from a moving boat.

The mood is casual. You can sit toward the front, find a place at the back near the bar, or stretch out on the deck when space allows. The crew is described as friendly and accommodating, and Captain Kutim is singled out as a welcoming skipper. That social, relaxed tone suits couples, families with older children, and groups of friends.

Still, you should think of this as a shared yacht trip, not a private sailing charter. On busy summer departures, available deck space may be limited. If you want quiet, shade, or a guaranteed sunbed, this may not be the right format.

Finding the Prince Ennio departure point in Saranda

The meeting point is on Jonianët Street, directly across from Restaurant Limani. Look for the stand with the Prince Ennio logo. It is clearly visible, and staff are there to direct you to the boat and help organize the departure.

The trip begins in the morning, though the exact starting time depends on the date and availability. I would arrive early enough to avoid a rushed start, especially if you need to check in with a group or arrange food.

Your six hours include the boat ride and the stops. The boat remains anchored near Krorez while you use the water or the beach, so you are not hurried through the main swimming stop.

Qefali Beach begins the coastal tour

Qefali is the first stop, and the focus here is the view rather than a long beach visit. The boat pauses so you can admire the shore from the water and take photographs.

This is a good opening stop because it lets you settle into the day. You get the sea breeze, a first look at the rocky Albanian coast, and a quieter setting away from Saranda. The instructions describe Qefali mainly as a scenic stop, so do not expect the same amount of swimming time provided later.

Have your camera ready before arrival. The best photographs are often taken from the deck as the boat approaches the bay, when you can see the full curve of the coast and the clear water below.

Kakome offers a calmer bay and more time to swim

Next comes Kakome, a sheltered bay surrounded by undeveloped nature. This stop feels more about peace and space than organized beach activity. You can swim, sit quietly, or simply enjoy the water from the yacht.

Kakome is useful for breaking up the day. After the first scenic stop, you have a chance to get into the sea before reaching the main beach at Krorez. The water is described as clear, and the setting is quiet enough for a slower pause.

Bring your own towel and keep your belongings close. The tour provides snorkeling equipment, but the operator advises bringing personal gear if you prefer your own mask and snorkel. That is a sensible choice if fit and comfort matter to you.

Krorez Beach is the centerpiece

Krorez is the main stop and the reason many people choose this cruise. The yacht anchors nearby, giving you time to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or step onto the beach.

The water is clear and well suited to looking below the surface. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, so you do not need to bring a set, although personal gear is welcome. If you want to swim from the yacht rather than walk ashore, the boat provides access to the water by its steps.

Krorez also has bars and restaurants, which is useful because food is not included in the $43 price. Meals can be purchased on board, but food may need to be preordered. If breakfast was light, arrange a meal ahead of time or plan to eat at the beach stop.

Beach comforts cost extra. An umbrella is available, but a sunbed is not included. You can bring a beach towel to sit on, rent a bed for an additional charge, or stay on the yacht instead. That small detail matters if you expect a fully serviced beach day.

Krorez is also where you will want the most sun protection. Six hours on the sea can feel pleasant while still exposing you to strong sun from above and reflected light from the water. A hat, sunscreen, and drinking water are essential.

Ushtari Beach provides a quiet final stop

Ushtari is the last beach stop, described as small and peaceful. It gives the day a gentle finish after the longer pause at Krorez.

This is a good place to slow down rather than chase another major activity. You may prefer to swim, take a final set of photographs, or sit aboard the yacht while the coast passes by. Since the beach is small, it may feel more intimate but also less suited to spreading out if many people go ashore.

After Ushtari, the boat returns to Saranda harbor. The ride back gives you one last chance to enjoy the coastline from the deck and sort through the photographs from the day.

What the boat is like on board

The Prince Ennio is set up for both lounging and socializing. The front deck offers space to lie down when seats are available, while the rear has a bar where you can sit with a drink and watch the coast.

That layout is one of the strongest features of the trip. You are not forced to spend six hours in one seat. You can move around, find a sunnier or quieter place, and choose between an open view and the more social back section.

The atmosphere is friendly rather than formal. Music, refreshments, and a welcoming crew help make the ride feel like a relaxed day out instead of a strict sightseeing program. A free non-alcoholic drink is included, and additional food and drinks cost extra.

There are a few practical cautions. Smoking is allowed on board, including when children are present, so families should consider where they sit. Also, avoid placing valuables or bags near the anchor at the front. One passenger reported oil splashes during anchor operation, with stains on a bag and shoes. The anchor area can also be noisy, making announcements difficult to hear.

These issues do not define the entire trip, but they affect where you choose to sit. I would favor a spot away from the anchor and keep bags covered or stored safely.

Food, drinks, and what to pack

The tour includes refreshments and one free non-alcoholic drink, but it does not include a meal. Food is available for purchase, and preordering is important if you want a meal on the boat.

You have three practical choices: order food in advance, buy something on board if available, or eat at one of the bars and restaurants near Krorez Beach. If you are not sure how much food you will want, at least bring a good breakfast before departure.

Pack light, useful items:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• A camera or phone in a protective case
• Personal snorkeling equipment if you prefer it to the provided gear
• A refillable water container, while following the operator’s rule against plastic bottles

Glass objects and pets are not allowed. The sun, wind, and saltwater can be hard on phones, sunglasses, and cameras, so a small waterproof pouch is worth bringing.

Is $43 a fair price?

At $43, this is good value for a six-hour shared boat trip with four coastal stops, snorkeling equipment, refreshments, and one free non-alcoholic drink. The cost is especially reasonable if you would otherwise need to hire transport to several remote beaches or organize a private boat.

The value drops slightly if you do not plan to swim or spend time in the sun. Much of the experience depends on being comfortable around water, sitting outdoors, and enjoying a slow coastal schedule. You are paying for access, scenery, and time at the bays, not for a packed program of guided activities.

Food, beach beds, and extra drinks are separate costs. Add those to your budget before comparing the trip with other options. The tour price covers the main experience, but not a complete beach resort day.

Who will enjoy this yacht trip most?

I would recommend the Prince Ennio tour to anyone who wants to see several coastal bays in one day without renting a boat. It suits groups of friends particularly well, since the relaxed deck and swimming stops make it easy to enjoy the day together.

Couples should like the scenery and the choice of quiet places to sit. Families can enjoy the outing too, but smoking on board, sun exposure, and the possibility of a full yacht are worth considering. People who need step-free access may find the boat and beach stops difficult, as the activity is not suitable for those with mobility impairments.

This is also not a good choice if you are prone to seasickness. The tour spends six hours on the water, and the itinerary depends on sea conditions. If bad weather develops, the departure may be rescheduled or canceled.

Booking advice and cancellation flexibility

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option gives you some flexibility while arranging your Saranda plans.

Weather remains the key variable. The operator may change or cancel the trip in poor conditions, so avoid building an important same-day connection around this outing. Keep the day after arrival flexible if possible, or choose this cruise when you have room to move plans around.

Should you book the Prince Ennio tour?

Book it if you want a friendly, full-day coastal outing with several swims, clear water, and access to beaches that are not simple to reach independently. Krorez is the main prize, while Qefali, Kakome, and Ushtari give the day variety.

Skip it if you want a private boat, guaranteed quiet, included meals, or polished beach service. Also think twice if you dislike shared spaces, smoking near children, strong sun, or open-water travel.

For most visitors who want a good-value day on the Albanian coast, I would book it. Arrive early, order food ahead, sit away from the anchor, bring your own towel and sun protection, and treat the yacht as your base for a day of swimming rather than as a luxury charter.

FAQ

How long does the Prince Ennio yacht tour last?

The tour lasts six hours, including the sailing time and stops at Qefali, Kakome, Krorez, and Ushtari beaches.

Where does the boat depart from?

The meeting point is on Jonianët Street in Saranda, across from Restaurant Limani and beside the stand displaying the Prince Ennio logo.

Which beach is the main stop?

Krorez Beach is the main stop. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or spend time on the beach while the yacht remains anchored nearby.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, although you may bring your own if you prefer.

Is food included in the price?

No. Food is available to purchase, but meals are not included. Food on the boat may need to be preordered, and bars and restaurants are available at Krorez Beach.

What is included in the $43 price?

The price includes the boat trip to the coastal beaches, snorkeling equipment, refreshments, and one free non-alcoholic drink.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, water, and a camera. Personal snorkeling gear is optional. Plastic bottles, glass objects, and pets are not allowed.

Can the trip be canceled or rescheduled?

Yes. The trip may be rescheduled or canceled because of bad weather. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.