Saranda Ionian Sea Tour Review: Lunch Included, a Detailed Look

Alright, so you are considering a day trip along the Ionian Sea from Saranda? The ‘Explore Secrets of Ionian Sea in Saranda’ tour – yeah, the one with lunch – appears quite tempting. So, is it really worth your hard-earned cash? We went on the tour so we could give you the lowdown. Let’s get to it, examining everything from the scenic spots and seaside stops to the dining, and basically, what you can kind of anticipate. Was it a highlight, or a bit forgettable? You’re about to find out.

Booking and Boarding: First Impressions

Booking, naturally, was relatively simple, and there seem to be quite a few vendors pushing similar outings around Saranda’s promenade. We booked a day ahead very easily, securing our spots for what sounded like, more or less, a peaceful day on the water. The morning of the tour, we headed over to the port; it’s actually pretty easy to locate, full of energy and anticipations, and people are gathering. Finding our boat wasn’t complicated, you see, and soon we were welcomed onboard by a team that seemed, just a little, prepared to start the day. You do get the feeling that, in some respects, the real experience would hinge more on what we actually encountered out there on the water. You understand?

A Glimpse of Paradise: Exploring the Ionian Coastline

Alright, as the boat pulled away from Saranda, you suddenly got some unreal views of the town melting away in the distance, with hills that could be, very, ringed by villas and hotels. The Ionian Sea greeted us with shades of blue so vivid it almost didn’t look real. Very shortly into the boat trip we started making our way towards our first major stop – Ksamil Islands.

Ksamil itself seems to be, like, a cluster of little islands which, could be, sitting just offshore, which are connected – some connected – to the mainland via narrow strips of sandy bliss. Here we made a swim stop, naturally. You have the option of leaping off the boat right into the crisp, unbelievably turquoise water, or taking a slightly more chilled route and hopping on over to one of Ksamil’s pretty beaches. As a matter of fact, it became clear that, typically, most people are here to unwind, bask a little under the Albanian sun, and just take photos of the picture-perfect settings. We did spot a lot of folks grabbing some cold drinks and ice cream from the beachfront vendors. That would have been great in the sun, I would say.

Hidden Gems: Caves and Secluded Beaches

Leaving Ksamil behind, we headed along the coastline, passing so many of the stunning remote coves and cool caves that dot this bit of the Ionian Sea. It almost felt like we discovered a secret. The captain would, usually, offer bits of information regarding some of the landmarks we passed, yet you had the option to just soak it all in, totally appreciating nature, like your own special movie playing on the water. I’m serious.

One highlight was a tiny, very small beach that you could only approach by boat, encircled by impressive cliffs – kind of cool. This spot was actually perfect for those wanting a little solitude, instead of a bit of peace. The water clarity made it excellent for those who brought snorkel gear, and seeing the marine life beneath was totally special. Honestly.

Lunch with a View: Culinary Delights on Deck

Right, so after some sea air and sunshine, comes the best thing – lunch. As I was saying, lunch was served on deck, and I’ll admit I had low expectations. However, it actually proved to be rather acceptable! We got an offering of simple salads, grilled meats, local cheeses, all good fresh stuff that seems fitting when you’re in the Mediterranean. The food was nice. More or less what I hoped.

Now, the highlight really was the setting. Think about enjoying some of these simple dishes, sitting, slightly, under the warm sun, with an unrestricted sightline of the never-ending blue Ionian Sea. It adds to the feeling, and makes things much better. No doubt. And soft drinks were readily available to keep everybody hydrated, something that is a very great idea in the Albanian sun.

The Social Scene: Making Friends on the High Seas

Beyond the view, another thing which, very, pleasantly surprised us, just slightly, was the vibe among the tour people themselves. Turns out, being confined to a boat for several hours, experiencing wonderful things together, usually results in a friendly environment. We saw, I’m not joking, couples and solo travellers beginning chats, sharing where they were from, trading travel recommendations, and really bonding over the experience.

The crew themselves, for their part, definitely motivated the easygoing mood, and tended to be, just, involved. Now, that creates the stage for a much more linked experience than you would assume on a regular tour. So it’s worth keeping in mind if you are traveling alone. We were lucky to see some dolphins together – I suspect most see dolphins often, but we got lucky. It felt pretty cool.

Value for Money: Is the Tour Worth It?

Now the important thing: cost! So, is this Ionian Sea tour a real bang for your buck? From what we saw, we were convinced. Think about the ease of getting entry to these, often inaccessible, sites, including in that cost is also a good enough lunch and a full day out on the sea. If you arranged something similar privately, naturally, it’ll add up, right?

Of course, just a little, things rest on your own preferences. If crowded touristy affairs don’t usually suit your interests, then perhaps exploring smaller private options or renting a boat yourself, possibly, could be more what you like. But for any travelers hoping for an all-inclusive day looking at beautiful views with no concerns, the tour looks a solid choice.

A Few Tips for Making the Most of Your Tour

Right, you’re sold – well that’s what I hope! Here are some of my tour tips to, clearly, allow the most of it.

• Bring sunscreen. Even though there might be shaded spots on the boat, the sun can still definitely get pretty strong, particularly during the summer months.
• Put on a swimsuit, because really you would feel regret if you don’t plunge in the Ionian Sea. Also include a quick-dry towel for the swimming visits.
• Keep a camera with some form of waterproofing nearby, alright? You may wish to record the surroundings as well as people having some good times, or, maybe, dolphins showing up!
• Finally, for a cooler time, have a bottle of water to prevent the warmth. Also it’s always a great idea to snack during boat journeys.

Conclusion

To sum things up, you know, the ‘Explore Secrets of Ionian Sea in Saranda’ tour provides a delightful experience. Now, while, in a way, lunch may not be fine dining, and there will typically be crowds, the spectacular natural scenes, swimming pauses at perfect spots, and also the friendly people make this worth the expense. If you find yourself in Saranda and hope to encounter the Ionian Sea’s magnificence without much tension, it’s a really great choice. Don’t forget to put on that sunscreen!