Karaburun Peninsula Boat Trip

A private boat day along Europe's last wild coastline.

The Karaburun peninsula, together with the neighbouring island of Sazan, forms Albania's only marine national park — thirty kilometres of untouched coastline of dramatic sea cliffs, hidden coves, sea caves and water so clear that the seabed reads twenty metres down. Because the peninsula is inaccessible by road, the only way to experience it is by boat, and a private charter is the only way to experience it properly.

Morning — departure from Orikum or Radhime. We meet at the marina at Orikum or Radhime (a short drive from any Vlora hotel), where a private motor yacht is waiting. After a safety briefing and coffee on board, we head out across Vlora Bay towards the northern tip of Karaburun.

Mid-morning — the sea caves. The peninsula's western flank is a series of grottoes carved into the limestone. We enter the Haxhi Ali cave — a vast blue-lit chamber named for a legendary Ottoman-era hero who is said to have lived here — before continuing to smaller, more secluded coves for a first swim in water that shades from turquoise to indigo.

Midday — snorkelling and a hidden cove. We anchor in a quiet cove for a longer swim and snorkel — masks and fins are provided — and enjoy an on-board lunch of grilled fish, salads, fresh bread and cold Albanian wines, prepared by the crew.

Afternoon — Sazan Island (weather permitting). Sazan, once a closed military island, is now open to visitors on organised itineraries. A guided walking loop takes in Cold War bunkers, a chemical shelter and viewpoints out to the Otranto Strait, before returning to the boat for a final swim and the run back to the marina.

Return. Back in port by late afternoon, and to your hotel by early evening.

How it runs. A privately chartered motor yacht (group size determines the vessel); professional captain and crew; snorkelling equipment; on-board lunch and beverages; and a flexible itinerary that follows the day's sea conditions. Departures run from late May through mid-October.