Himare is a true jewel along Albania’s stunning Riviera. Its clear waters, dramatic cliffs, and secluded coves make it perfect for boat adventures. Whether you want to explore caves, relax with a sunset view, or party on the water, Himare has options that fit almost any taste. We particularly enjoy tours that combine scenic beauty with authentic experiences — like visiting the Pirate’s Cave, swimming in hidden bays, or enjoying a sunset over the water. For those craving a more personalized trip, renting a boat for the day lets you explore at your own pace, while guided tours provide insight into the area’s history and secret spots.
If you’re wondering which tour will suit your style, don’t worry — we’ve broken down the best options below. From family-friendly excursions to lively party cruises, this list covers what makes Himare’s waters special.
1. Himara Coastline 3.5-Hour Small-Group Boat Tour (North & South)
This 3.5-hour small-group boat tour offers a relaxed and intimate way to see the coast. With a rating of 4.8 out of 5 from 76 reviews, it’s clear many travelers appreciate the personalized experience. The boat is equipped with all the main amenities, ensuring comfort as you explore pristine beaches, unexplored caves, and striking landscapes. Highlights include seeing Livadhi, Aquarium, Jale, Goat Beach, and the Secret Caves from the water. You’ll also visit the Gjipe Canyon, Monastery Caves, and the famous Pirate’s Cave. The guide provides commentary on the area’s history and geology, which makes the experience more enriching.
This tour is ideal if you want a comprehensive, well-paced trip with fewer crowds. The price of $58 per person offers good value for a 3.5-hour adventure in such a scenic part of Albania. It’s perfect for families, couples, or small groups looking for a relaxed yet interesting day on the water.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those seeking a shorter, intimate trip with all the comfort perks and plenty of photo opportunities.
2. Boat Tour to Himara, Explore Albanian Riviera & Caves
This tour, rated 5 out of 5 from 24 reviews, dives deep into the best of the Albanian coast in just 3.5 hours. It’s a guided adventure that combines swimming, sightseeing, and cave exploration. You’ll start at Himara Mini Dock and visit spots like Livadhi Beach, Gjiri i Akuariumit, Jale Beach, and Celestina Beach — with plenty of stops for swimming and photos.
One standout experience is swimming in Dove’s Cave and Crystal Bay, which are crystal-clear and perfect for a refreshing dip. The tour also visits lesser-known caves like Saint Theodore’s and Pirate’s Cave, along with Gjipe Canyon and the monastery caves. The itinerary balances sightseeing with relaxing on beautiful beaches, making it a well-rounded day.
Guests consistently praise the tour for its stunning scenery and the chance to swim in waters only accessible by boat. The emphasis on natural beauty and personal guides makes this trip a favorite among travelers who want to see the coast in comfort and style.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect for those who want a guided experience that mixes adventure, photo ops, and swimming—best suited for travelers who value small-group service.
3. Himara: Sunset Cruise
Rated 5 out of 5 from 3 reviews, this 2.5-hour sunset cruise offers what many travelers seek — a peaceful way to end the day. Departing from Himara Mini Dock, you’ll sail toward Gipe Beach or Porto Palermo, enjoying stunning views as the sky turns orange and pink.
The highlight? Watching the sun set over the water, with the silhouette of Porto Palermo’s Ali Pasha Castle providing a dramatic backdrop. The cruise includes a cool box of drinks and GPS-guided commentary about the landmarks you pass. It’s a quiet, relaxed experience, perfect for couples or anyone who loves a romantic view.
During the trip, the gentle sea breeze and calm waters make for a memorable and tranquil experience. It’s not as action-packed as other tours but stands out for its scenic magic and peaceful atmosphere.
Bottom Line: Ideal for a romantic evening or a calming break from daytime sightseeing, especially if you want breathtaking sunset views over the water.
4. Party Cruise from Himara to the Pirate’s Cave
With a perfect rating of 5 out of 5 from 5 reviews, this 3-hour party cruise is for those who want more than just sightseeing. It’s a lively, music-filled experience designed for fun-loving travelers. You’ll start from Lozi Boat Trip and visit Secret Cave, Pigeon Cave, and Manastiri Cave while dancing to summer tunes.
The main draw is the energetic vibe, with opportunities to swim, relax, and socialize. Along the way, you’ll enjoy swimming in turquoise bays and exploring the coastline’s hidden spots. The tour is especially popular with younger travelers or groups seeking a lively, social atmosphere.
Guests rave about the positive energy and the chance to combine the sea’s beauty with a party environment. It’s a different way to experience Himare’s waters — loud, fun, and memorable.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers looking to combine ocean exploration with a lively, party atmosphere in a short, 3-hour window.
5. Himara: Albanian Riviera Boat Tour with Swimming stops
Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 11 reviews, this 2.5-hour tour focuses on swimming and exploring caves along the coast. Starting from Himara, you’ll visit Livadhi Beach, Jale Beach, and Turtle’s Cave, with plenty of opportunities for snorkelling and relaxing on the beaches.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on swimming stops, which are perfect for cooling off in the clear waters of the Albanian Riviera. The captain shares stories about local legends and area history, enriching the experience. The tour’s duration makes it accessible for travelers with limited time but who still want a taste of the coast’s underwater beauty.
Guests value the friendly crew and the chance to snorkel and explore caves like Pigeons Cave and Crystal Beach. It’s a good fit for active travelers who want to combine sightseeing with water activities.
Bottom Line: Excellent for snorkelers and swimmers wanting a short adventure packed with natural beauty and cultural tidbits.
6. Himare, Jale: All Day Boat Rental
Rated 5 out of 5 from 4 reviews, this full-day rental is perfect for those who want total flexibility. Rent a small motorboat for 2-4 people and explore the coast independently. The rental comes with a safety briefing and all necessary gear.
This option shines for its freedom — you can visit secluded beaches, jump off cliffs, or just relax on your own schedule. It’s especially suitable for families, friends, or couples who enjoy adventure without guided constraints. Many reviewers appreciate the helpful staff and the opportunity to craft their own itinerary for the day.
Potential downsides? No guided commentary, so you’ll need to prepare or have some basic boating skills. But for those comfortable with navigation, it’s a fantastic way to discover hidden spots inaccessible to larger tours.
Bottom Line: Perfect for independent travelers who want to set their own pace and discover lesser-known beaches and caves.
7. Himare: Exciting Boat Tour from Himare to Gramma Bay
Rated 5 out of 5 from 4 reviews, this speedboat experience offers a 5.5-hour journey to some of the coast’s most stunning spots. You’ll visit Aquarium Beach, Marble Beach, Gjipe Beach, and Pirates Cave, with plenty of swimming and sightseeing.
The tour is high-energy, with skippers sharing local stories and pointing out hidden caves and beaches. It’s perfect for travelers who want a longer, more comprehensive day on the water, with the ability to snorkel and relax at different stops. The itinerary includes a significant time at Grama Bay, where you can swim or just soak up the scenery.
Most reviews highlight the fun and fast-paced nature of the trip, making it ideal for those who love adventure and exploring multiple sites in one day.
Bottom Line: Best suited for active, curious travelers who want a full day of adventure and a variety of scenic stops.
8. Himare: Pirates Cave Boat Tour — Let’s Swim to the Caves
With a 5-star rating from reviews, this 2.5-hour tour emphasizes discovering hidden beaches and caves. It’s all about swimming, relaxing, and exploring the coastline’s natural beauty. Starting from Himara Mini Dock, you’ll visit Livadhi Beach, Jale Beach, and Secret Stop, with multiple chances to swim and snorkel.
The tour’s main appeal is the chance to dive into crystal waters and see caves like the Pirate’s Cave and Secret Beach. It’s perfect for travelers who want a shorter, active experience focused on swimming and exploring in a lively atmosphere, often with a friendly guide leading the way.
Reviewers mention how accessible and fun the experience is, especially for those who love swimming and discovering caves in a relaxed setting.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a quick but immersive adventure to see and swim in the coastal caves.
9. Albanian Riviera Boat Tours
Rated 3.8 out of 5, this 4-hour tour offers a broader overview of the coast’s highlights, including Gjipe, Pirates Cave, and Livadhi. Starting from Himara, it includes a stop at Pigeons Cave and a long stretch at Gjipe Beach for swimming and relaxing.
This tour is a good choice for travelers wanting a comprehensive look at the coast in a manageable timeframe. The itinerary allows for exploring multiple caves and beaches, giving a well-rounded experience. It’s beneficial for those who want to see the key sights without a packed schedule.
Some reviews suggest the experience can be less personalized, but the value lies in the variety of stops and the scenic routes.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for travelers who want an overview of the coast’s main sights in a comfortable, 4-hour trip.
10. Himare to Grama Bay: All Day Boat Trip with Drink & Snorkel
Rated 4.6 out of 5, this full-day adventure is designed for those seeking relaxation, snorkelling, and a touch of luxury. The trip includes guided tours, snorkeling gear, and refreshing drinks on a luxury speedboat. You’ll visit Grama Bay and other secluded locations, with over 7 years of experience behind the helm.
The value here is in the quality of the experience — the safety gear, the expert guidance, and the long duration allow for an immersive day. Perfect for travelers who want to spend the entire day exploring, swimming, and enjoying scenic views, all in comfort.
Reviewers highlight the friendly crew and the chance to see some of the clearest waters around.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a full-day, all-inclusive boat experience with plenty of time for swimming and relaxing.
11. Saranda Private Boat tour with snorkeling
This 5-hour private boat tour has a high rating of 4.7 out of 5, with a focus on personalized exploration and snorkeling. Starting from Bulevardi Hasan Tahsini, you’ll visit Cave of Turtles, Krorez, Soldiers, and Roidhe Beaches, with the flexibility to customize stops.
It’s perfect for travelers who want a more intimate experience and the chance to snorkel in the Ionian Sea’s clearest waters. The private aspect allows for tailored itineraries, making it suitable for families, couples, or small groups seeking exclusivity.
The standout feature is the ability to relax in less crowded beaches and see marine life while swimming. It’s a more luxurious, flexible choice for enjoying Albania’s coast.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a private, customizable experience with snorkeling in crystal waters.
12. Sarandë: Ionian Coast Hidden Beaches and Caves Boat Tour
Rated 4.7 out of 5, this 3-6 hour tour offers a flexible, smaller-group experience exploring hidden beaches and caves. Starting at Emilio Boat Tour, you’ll visit Turtle Cave, Ushtarit Beach, Kepi i Qefalit, and Kakome Beach, with swimming and sightseeing at each stop.
The highlight? The chance to escape crowded beaches and relax in secluded spots with crystal-clear waters. The tour emphasizes scenic drives and scenic views along the coast, with multiple opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying sunshine.
It’s perfect for those who want to customize their experience and spend as much time as they like in these unique locations.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers who want to experience the coast’s quieter, less accessible beaches and caves with a flexible schedule.
How to Choose Your Perfect Boat Tour in Himare
When picking your ideal trip, consider your budget, available time, and interests. For instance, if you love snorkeling and swimming, tours like the Himara: Albanian Riviera Boat Tour or Himare to Grama Bay are excellent choices. If you want a romantic sunset experience, the Himara Sunset Cruise offers a peaceful, beautiful evening.
For those seeking adventure and exploration, the Party Cruise or the Exciting Boat Tour to Gramma Bay deliver longer, energetic days with multiple stops. Budget travelers may prefer renting a private boat for total flexibility.
Booking early is wise, especially in peak summer months. Consider your fitness level and whether you prefer guided tours or independent exploration. Most tours run from late spring to early fall, when the weather is warm and the sea is inviting.
Final Thoughts
Himare offers a variety of cruise and boat tour options that suit almost any traveler. From short, scenic trips to full-day explorations, you can find experiences that focus on caves, beaches, or sunset views. For a lively atmosphere, the Party Cruise is unbeatable, but those seeking tranquility might prefer the Sunset Cruise.
If your aim is total freedom, renting a boat for the day allows you to customize your adventure and explore secluded spots at your own pace. Whichever you choose, booking in advance is recommended to secure the best times, especially during peak season. With so many options, you’re sure to find a water adventure in Himare that makes your trip memorable.