North of Dhermi, the mountains of the Karaburun Peninsula drop straight into the sea. Along this wild coast, one of the first caves you reach by boat is Thunder Cave, known in Albanian as Shpella e Bubullimës. Here’s what it is, where it is, and how to see it on a boat trip from Dhermi.
Where is Thunder Cave?
Thunder Cave is on the coast of the Karaburun Peninsula, north of Dhermi, between Plasa Beach and Saint Andrea Bay. This coast is part of the Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park, Albania’s first national marine park. There is no road here, so the only way to see the cave is from the sea.
You may also see it called Thunder Canyon or Smugglers Canyon. It’s the same place.
Why is it called Thunder Cave?
When waves roll into the narrow mouth of the cave, the water hits the back wall and makes a deep, booming sound that echoes like distant thunder. On a completely calm day the cave is quiet; with a little swell, you can hear it from the boat.
How to visit Thunder Cave from Dhermi
Thunder Cave is one of the stops on our Grama Bay & Secret Blue Cave boat tour, a 4-hour trip along the Karaburun coast. On the way you’ll see:
- Plasa Beach
- Thunder Cave
- Saint Andrea Bay, with a swimming stop at the beach
- Blue Gem Cave
- Grama Bay, with a swimming stop and ancient inscriptions in the rocks
- The Hidden Cave, which the boat sails inside
- The Secret Blue Cave, with a swimming stop
The tour leaves at 10:00 from our office on Dhermi beach and returns around 14:00. Read more about the rest of the route in our guide: Secret Blue Cave and Grama Bay: what to expect.
Prefer the boat just for your group? Thunder Cave is also on our private boat tour to Grama Bay & Secret Blue Cave.
Good to know
- Thunder Cave is a visit from the boat, not a swimming stop. You’ll swim at Saint Andrea Bay, Grama Bay and the Secret Blue Cave.
- The Karaburun coast is open sea, so the tour depends on the weather. If the sea isn’t safe, we’ll let you know in advance and offer another time or date, or a full refund.
- The Grama Bay tour is not recommended for children under 12.
- July and August are the busiest months, so book a few days ahead.