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Himarë Boat Tour: Pirates' Cave & Beaches

Only want a morning on the water? See the half-day Riviera boat →

5.063 Google reviewsDeparts from Himarë port

Himarë sits in the middle of the best stretch of the Albanian Riviera, which means a boat from here can go both ways in a day. North towards Gjipe and Dhërmi, south towards Porto Palermo and Qeparo, with something like ten stops depending on the wind.

Itinerary

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

  1. 09:00

    Board at Himarë port

    Life jackets and snorkels, a quick word about where the wind is coming from, and north out of the bay.

  2. 09:45

    The northern coves

    Three short stops between Himarë and Dhërmi, chosen for the clearest water on the day.

  3. 11:00

    Gjipe beach and canyon

    Ashore at the canyon mouth. Walk a little way into the gorge if you want, or stay in the water.

  4. 12:30

    Pirates' Cave

    Into the grotto, where the roof opens and drops a shaft of light onto the water.

  5. 13:30

    Lunch at anchor

    Served on board in a sheltered bay. Grilled food, salad, bread and fruit.

  6. 15:00

    South towards Porto Palermo

    The afternoon leg past Qeparo, with two or three more swim stops and the Ali Pasha castle on its isthmus.

  7. 16:00

    Back to Himarë

    Alongside around 16:00.

Experience & Highlights

  • Ten or more stops along the Riviera
  • Inside the Pirates' Cave by boat
  • Gjipe beach at the mouth of its canyon
  • Lunch served at anchor
  • Snorkelling gear and free drinks on board

Full Description

The Pirates' Cave is the one everyone asks about: a tall grotto in the cliffs with a narrow entrance and a pool of light inside where the roof opens. The boat goes in. Whether pirates ever used it is not something anyone can prove, and the guides are honest about that.

Gjipe is the other highlight, a beach at the mouth of a canyon where a dry river gorge comes down to the sea between 70-metre walls. There is no road, a 45-minute walk in from the top, or five minutes from the water. We take the water.

What's included

  • Seven-hour boat trip with skipper and crew
  • Lunch on board
  • Soft drinks, water and fresh fruit
  • Snorkelling masks and life jackets
  • Beach umbrellas at the long stops

Not included

  • Hotel pickup
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Towels

Good to know

  • The Pirates' Cave is only enterable in calm water. On a choppy day we look at it from outside and add a swim stop instead.
  • Ten stops is the good-weather figure. In wind it becomes six or seven longer ones, which most people prefer anyway.
  • Runs May through October. Cancelled in rough seas with a full refund.
  • Part of the deck is shaded but the bow is not. Hat, sunscreen and a shirt for midday.

Good questions, honest answers

Can you get to Gjipe beach without a boat?

You can walk in, about 45 minutes down a rough track from the parking area at the top of the canyon, and 45 harder minutes back up in the afternoon heat. Most people who have done both say the boat is the better idea.

What is the Pirates' Cave in Himarë?

A tall sea grotto in the cliffs with a narrow entrance and an opening in the roof that drops a column of light onto the water inside. The pirate connection is local legend rather than documented history, and our guides will tell you so.

Is Himarë a good base for boat trips?

The best on the Riviera, because it sits in the middle of the good stretch and a day boat can work both north towards Gjipe and south towards Porto Palermo. From Saranda or Vlora you only get one direction.

Plan the rest of your trip

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