REVIEW · SARANDA
Saranda Catamaran VIP to Krorez and Kakome Beach with Lunch
Book on Viator →Operated by SARANDA STAR CATAMARAN · Bookable on Viator
Catamaran days beat bar-hopping. This VIP catamaran day turns Saranda into a moving base camp for quiet coves, with serious swim time at Krorëza and Kakome before you head to more secluded bays. I love the mix of turquoise beaches plus a no-stress onboard schedule, and I also like that the crew seems ready for food swaps (even gluten-free). One thing to watch: this is not a party boat, and if you want non-stop entertainment, you may find the day pleasantly calm but a bit slow.
The route is built around beaches that feel far from crowds. Krorëza sits above Kakome with rocks on three sides, and Kakome Bay is basically a green-framed blank canvas. If you’re the type who likes to talk to your beach neighbors for five minutes, then disappear into the water again, you’ll like this.
My practical caution: drinks are not included and they’re cash-only at the bar, so plan a little spending money. Also, not every crew member may be fluent in English, so having a basic plan for what you want to do at each stop helps.
In This Review
- Key Highlights You’ll Care About
- Why This Saranda Catamaran Route Feels Like a Day Off, Not a Tour
- Your Morning on Limion Port: Timing, Group Size, and Getting Settled
- Stop 1: Krorëza Beach for Quiet Water and a Rocky Little Fortress
- Stop 2: Kakome Beach and Kakome Bay—Deserted by Design
- Stop 3: Plazhi i Manastirit (Soldier’s Beach) for a Short Scenic Reset
- Stop 4: Qefal Beach Moments—Clear Water and Golden Sand
- VIP-Style Time on Board: Sunbeds, Shade Tactics, and Space to Breathe
- Lunch on the Water: Seafood Linguini, Wine, and Real Food Swaps
- Drinks and Snacking: Plan for Cash and Cooler Sips
- Price and Value: What $106.92 Buys You in Real Terms
- Who Should Book This Catamaran and Who Might Want a Different Day
- Before You Go: Small Things That Make a Big Difference
- Should You Book the Saranda Star Catamaran VIP to Krorëza and Kakome?
- FAQ
- How long is the Saranda Catamaran VIP to Krorëza and Kakome Beach with Lunch?
- What beach stops are included during the day?
- Is lunch included, and what kind of food should I expect?
- Are drinks included in the price?
- Where do I meet the tour, and what time does it start?
- How many people are on the boat?
- Final Take
Key Highlights You’ll Care About

- Beach-hopping without the taxi scramble: you get multiple remote swim stops in one stretch.
- Krorëza + Kakome time on the water: long enough to actually enjoy the coves, not just touch the sand.
- Lunch on board with real options: pasta with seafood, plus swaps like caprese salad and non-alcoholic drink alternatives.
- Snorkeling gear available: so you can explore when conditions look good.
- Go near the bar for later shade: bean bag chairs can be great early, but you’ll want coverage after sun.
- Max 29 people: you’re not fighting for space on a huge boat.
Why This Saranda Catamaran Route Feels Like a Day Off, Not a Tour

This catamaran tour is one of those rare formats that feels more like a day plan you’d make for yourself—just with the hard parts taken care of. You start in Saranda, then spend the bulk of the day bouncing between beach settings that feel secluded, even though you’re only a short ride from town.
What makes it feel “VIP” in practice is the pace. You don’t rush between stops like a checklist. You get time to swim, dry off, snack, and do nothing. That matters in Albania’s summer light, because the best moments aren’t always the ones with the most structure.
Also, the boat setup helps. Sunbeds are on board, and there are places to lounge between swims. If you’re traveling with people who can’t agree on beach style—soft sand person vs. rocky-water person—this route keeps everyone happy.
Your Morning on Limion Port: Timing, Group Size, and Getting Settled

The tour runs about 6 hours, starting at 9:30 am and returning to the same meeting point in Sarandë. The meeting point is at Limion Port (Limion Port, Sarandë, Albania), and you’ll end back there too.
This is a smaller group experience with a maximum of 29 travelers. That makes a real difference for two reasons: you find space easier, and the boat feels social rather than chaotic. It also helps during lunch and around the bar area when people are thinking about shade.
You’ll get a mobile ticket, and confirmation is typically within 48 hours (subject to availability). Since the tour is weather-dependent, keep your day flexible in case the company needs to adjust due to poor conditions. In that case, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Stop 1: Krorëza Beach for Quiet Water and a Rocky Little Fortress
Krorëza Beach is one of the kind of places you dream about: deserted, isolated, and visually dramatic. It sits on the Albanian Riviera above Kakome Bay, and the shoreline is protected by rocks on three sides. That natural setup helps create that calm-water feeling you want for an easy swim.
You’ll have around 1 hour here. That’s enough to do a proper swim, rinse off (at least mentally), and then settle into a rhythm—float, swim, towel, repeat. If you’re a photographer, this is also a nice spot for quick shots without needing crowds to cooperate.
The trade-off is that it’s deserted, meaning there’s not much to do besides swim and relax. If you’re hoping for lots of on-beach activities, you’ll need to supply the fun yourself. The good news: that’s exactly why the water and the scenery feel like the whole point.
Stop 2: Kakome Beach and Kakome Bay—Deserted by Design

After Krorëza, you move into Kakome Beach in Kakome Bay. This is where the route leans hard into “secluded cove” energy. The bay has beautiful green surroundings, and the beach is essentially deserted.
You’ll have about 2 hours at Kakome, which is the most generous swim block in the day besides the first boat time. Two hours lets you do more than a quick dip. It gives you time to find your comfort zone—whether you prefer to swim right away, soak up sun first, or just sit near the waterline and watch the light shift.
There’s also a pier for people who want a jump-from-the-pier moment (rather than a full-on scramble to shore). Beyond that, there’s nothing built into the beach scene. That means you’re not distracted by loud activities, vendors, or random entertainment. You’re there for water, sand, and quiet.
Practical tip: if you’re prone to getting cooked, use your first 30-40 minutes to get sunscreen on and then plan your shade strategy. The boat has options later in the day, but at a quiet cove, shade can be limited.
Stop 3: Plazhi i Manastirit (Soldier’s Beach) for a Short Scenic Reset

Plazhi i Manastirit is often called Soldier’s Beach, and it’s near Saranda. This stop is much shorter—about 30 minutes—so think of it as a scenic reset between longer swim periods.
What you’ll get here is the sense of contrast. After the longer cove time at Krorëza and Kakome, Soldier’s Beach gives you a taste of another bay character. It’s part natural beauty and part atmosphere, since the name carries a hint of the place’s identity along the Ionian coast.
In a half hour, you can still do something worthwhile: a quick swim, a few minutes of wandering along the shoreline, and then back to the boat without feeling you lost the day. If you love efficient travel—short stop, good payoff—that’s how this one works.
Stop 4: Qefal Beach Moments—Clear Water and Golden Sand
Your final coastal stop is Qefal Beach, where you get clear water and a stretch of golden sand. This one is also around 30 minutes, so again, it’s a stop built for a quick enjoyment window.
Because the tour timing is structured, this is likely your last chance for a final swim and a bit of sand time before heading back. If you want to compare beach vibes—rockier vs. sandier—you’ll feel it immediately here. Some people love a final sandy landing after a day that includes more secluded rocky corners.
Bring the mindset of finishing strong. The boat ride back is where you’ll appreciate a calm pacing, cool drinks if you’ve planned for them, and that sense of “we really did it” without exhaustion.
VIP-Style Time on Board: Sunbeds, Shade Tactics, and Space to Breathe
On the boat, you’ll have sunbeds and open space to relax. It’s designed for laid-back cruising, not constant movement. The vibe in the morning tends to be energized but not frantic—people get settled, then the first swim makes the day feel like it starts for real.
One useful tip from experience: avoid the bean bag chairs if your goal is comfort later. Early on, they can be fun, but after hours in the sun, you’ll want shade. A smarter move is to pick a spot closer to the bar where shade is more likely when the light gets stronger. Then use the nets as a lounging option when you’re just trying to hang out between swims.
Snorkeling gear is available, so if the water clarity looks good, you can add an extra activity without planning anything in advance. Even if you’re not a serious snorkeler, having the option changes how you feel about swim stops—you’ll be more willing to stay in longer.
Lunch on the Water: Seafood Linguini, Wine, and Real Food Swaps
Lunch is included, and it’s a big part of the value. On board, you’ll be served something like seafood linguini. But the more impressive detail is that the crew can handle substitutions.
If you’re gluten-free, you may not get the same pasta option, but you can still end up with a full lunch—like a caprese salad style meal. If someone doesn’t drink alcohol, wine can be swapped for another non-alcoholic drink without drama. That’s not just politeness; it changes the experience from buffet-style awkwardness to actually feeling taken care of.
There’s also an alcohol component: lunch can come with a glass of local white wine. Drinks beyond lunch are not included, and they’re cash-only at the bar, so don’t count on freebies there.
And then there are the snack moments. One review highlighted watermelon and cantaloupe served after the first swim stop. That’s the kind of simple touch that makes the day feel smoother—cool fruit when you’re already warm from the sun.
Timing-wise, lunch lands in a natural spot, so it doesn’t feel like an interruption. It feels like fuel, and then you go back out with energy.
Drinks and Snacking: Plan for Cash and Cooler Sips
You’ll get lunch included, but drinks are not. That means if you want soda, water beyond what’s provided, beer, or cocktails, you’ll pay at the bar.
The key detail: it’s cash only. That’s the sort of rule that can ruin a good mood if you forget. I suggest bringing small bills and a plan to buy as you need rather than waiting until you’re desperate and overheated.
Coffee may also be available later in the afternoon, based on one report of getting strong espressos without a fuss. Still, don’t assume it’s guaranteed—use it as a nice-to-have, not a firm plan.
Price and Value: What $106.92 Buys You in Real Terms
At about $106.92 per person, this isn’t the cheapest way to spend a day on the water from Saranda. But it’s also not trying to be the cheapest. Here’s what you’re really paying for:
- Multiple secluded beach stops in one day, so you’re not coordinating transfers.
- Catamaran time plus onboard sunbeds.
- Lunch included, including a meaningful meal and not just a sandwich.
- A smaller group size (up to 29), which makes it easier to enjoy your spot.
- Extra practical touches like fruit after a swim and snorkeling gear availability.
If you were to build this yourself—boat rental, fuel, driver, lunch—your cost would likely jump fast. Even compared with other half-day formats, the fact that this stretches to about 6 hours and includes a real lunch gives it solid value, especially if you care about the beach quality.
If you’re a budget traveler who mainly wants quick beach access, you may find cheaper options. But if you want a calm day that feels like a mini vacation inside your vacation, this price starts to make sense.
Who Should Book This Catamaran and Who Might Want a Different Day
This tour fits best if you want:
- A relaxed day at the beach without constant logistics.
- Several swim stops, especially quiet ones.
- Onboard comfort (sunbeds) and decent food.
- A day that’s social enough to be fun, but calm enough to unwind.
It may be less ideal if you want:
- Lots of onshore activities and built-in entertainment.
- Clear, detailed explanations at every stop. English support can vary, so don’t count on a long, scripted commentary.
Also, since it’s weather-dependent, this works best when you pick stable forecast days. Albania’s sea days are fantastic when conditions cooperate, and the company will adjust if poor weather cancels it.
Before You Go: Small Things That Make a Big Difference
Bring cash for drinks. That one item solves a surprising amount of friction.
Pack sun protection even if you think you’ll stay shaded. Between swimming stops and sunbathing time, you’ll feel it.
If you care about language, come with simple expectations: you’re here for beaches, swims, and lunch. You don’t need a lecture at every cove to have a great day.
Finally, decide your seating strategy early. Pick a spot you’ll enjoy in the morning sun, but also think about where you’ll want to sit after hours outdoors. The bar-side shade plan is a smart trick.
Should You Book the Saranda Star Catamaran VIP to Krorëza and Kakome?
Yes—if your ideal day includes quiet beaches, real time in the water, and lunch that doesn’t feel like an afterthought. The route makes sense for people who want to see the Albanian Riviera beyond Saranda’s immediate shoreline, without the hassle of planning multiple legs.
I’d especially recommend it if you’ll appreciate small onboard perks: sunbeds, snorkeling gear, fruit between swims, and the crew’s ability to handle basic food needs. With a capped group size, you should get that relaxed “easy day” feeling.
Skip it if you’re the type who needs constant entertainment, or if cash-only bars are a deal-breaker for you. Otherwise, this is a strong choice for a straightforward, scenic day on the water.
FAQ
How long is the Saranda Catamaran VIP to Krorëza and Kakome Beach with Lunch?
It’s approximately 6 hours.
What beach stops are included during the day?
The tour includes Krorëza Beach, Kakome Beach, Plazhi i Manastirit (Soldier’s Beach), and Qefal Beach.
Is lunch included, and what kind of food should I expect?
Lunch is included. You may be served seafood linguini, and there are reported options for people who need different meals.
Are drinks included in the price?
Drinks are not included. They can be purchased at the bar, and payment is cash-only.
Where do I meet the tour, and what time does it start?
You start at Limion Port in Sarandë. The start time is 9:30 am, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.
How many people are on the boat?
The tour has a maximum of 29 travelers.
Final Take
If your main goal is a smooth, beach-focused day with multiple secluded swim stops, this catamaran route delivers. It’s not about rushing or partying—it’s about getting good water time, decent food, and a calmer pace you’ll feel immediately from the first cove.



