Sarande Rib Boat Coastal Cruise: A Candid Look at the Himare Sunset Trip

Thinking of doing a rib boat cruise from Sarande to Himare for sunset? Like your exploring Albania’s gorgeous coastline by boat is high on your vacation list? Well, a private rib boat trip sounded dreamy. It seemed like a super unique way to see more than just the beaches close to Sarande, too. This is my take on whether it lives up to the hype, along with a few things you should keep in mind prior to booking.

What is a Rib Boat, anyway?

First things first, what even is a rib boat? So, rib is short for Rigid Inflatable Boat. As a matter of fact, they’re those sturdy-looking boats with inflatable sides and a solid hull. You know, the kind of boat you might see coast guards or maybe even special forces using. The design means they can handle choppy waters and, too it’s almost, zip around pretty fast. Rib boats have become more accessible, that is great for recreational activities such as coastal trips and sightseeing. Typically they are smaller than a ship, yet they can move quickly to multiple destinations in a day.

Booking My Trip

Booking the cruise seemed easy enough. Yet, that could be said of just about anything. I located a few outfitters on the web who offer this particular tour and I went ahead with one with decent reviews. It turned out the process of choosing and securing your place is generally a breeze. They needed a deposit to confirm. It wasn’t too difficult at all. Make sure you’re clear on what’s included: is that, for example, drinks, snacks, snorkeling gear, and whether the gas is extra?

The Sarande Coastline: Sights Along the Way

Sarande’s coastline is like your, pretty incredible. So, from the boat, you will notice a mix of rocky cliffs, cute beaches, and the clear turquoise water the Ionian Sea is pretty well known for. Anyway, the view of the city receding into the distance is nice. Yet, it’s really once you head farther south and get away from the built-up areas that things start to get pretty neat. The captain pointed out a few caves and beaches that, as a matter of fact, aren’t really accessible by road. It gave you a feeling that is almost as if you were spotting hidden gems. We stopped at a couple of spots for a quick swim. And also, for instance, the water was cold but very refreshing. One nice thing with a rib boat tour, is that the boats are smaller than larger ships which translates to small, quiet stops along the coastline.

Reaching Himare

The town of Himare is more or less, a good distance south of Sarande and so, the boat ride to reach there offered unique viewpoints that aren’t immediately apparent. It’s far enough that, too it’s almost, it feels like a bit of an expedition. The approach to Himare from the water is actually picture-perfect, seemingly, you notice the buildings hugging the hills. Too, it’s almost, the whole place looks like it has been lifted straight from a postcard.

Sunset Views

The cruise is timed so that you are heading back around sunset, a highlight of the trip. The sun seemed to melt into the sea. We actually watched the sky go through all colors, pinks and oranges to purples. Viewing the sunset from a boat made the moment all the more impressive. As I was saying, the water reflected the colors. This, seemingly, makes for awesome photo opportunities too, by the way.

Comfort and Safety

These trips generally are a bit bumpy. Too, it’s almost, that’s just the nature of being on a smaller boat that is moving at a decent speed. Basically, hold on tight, really. The seats can be a bit hard too, actually. As a matter of fact, after a few hours, you really notice that. The tour operators, basically, will provide life jackets and give a safety briefing before you actually leave, you know. One more thing, if the water is particularly choppy, so, the ride can get uncomfortable for pregnant women, people with back issues, and small kids too.

What to Bring With You

Consider bringing sunscreen, that is obvious. Sunglasses, and maybe something to cover your head is important too, since you will find there’s minimal shade on the boat, seemingly. It is advisable to bring a towel if you want to swim. Also, I’d say bringing a dry bag for your electronics, right, it might be a good plan too, that’s always sound advice near water. I think bringing water and some snacks would be ideal as well. Even if the tour operator provides that, and stuff, having a little extra to eat, maybe, might be ideal too, seriously.

Is It Worth It? My Verdict

Was the rib boat coastal cruise worth the money and time? I think so, too it’s almost, but with a few caveats, maybe. Clearly, if you’re somebody who loves getting out on the water and exploring the coastline, this can be a good option, okay. Viewing those spots that can’t be accessed any other way makes the whole experience more unique too, literally. One downside could be the comfort level. If hard seats and a bouncy ride bother you, or if someone in your party, actually, is a little bit unsure, I think this trip, for instance, wouldn’t be as fun.

Ultimately, for me, honestly, the good bits greatly exceeded any discomforts, you know. Seeing the sun setting from the boat, like, with that kind of light hitting the coastline, too it’s almost, was absolutely worth the cost. But too, it’s almost, it really helped to come well-prepared too, right?