Author: ENEA KUMI

Want a boat just for your group in Dhermi? The easiest way is to book one with a skipper: no boat licence needed, fuel included, and a local who knows every cave and hidden beach on this coast. Here are your options and prices, and when a group tour is the better value for money.

Private boat with a skipper: prices

Each private tour is the whole boat for your group: one price for 2–4 people, up to 6 people in total. You choose the departure time, and the route can be adjusted to your requests.

Want something else, like a sunset trip or a longer day along the coast? Book a custom tour at 160€ per hour and plan the route with your skipper.

What’s included in a private boat

• Experienced local skipper
• Fuel
• Comfortable speedboat, just for your group
• Bottled water for each person
• Ice cooler
• Bluetooth audio system for your own music
• Snorkeling gear
• Swimming stops from the boat

What’s not included

• Food and drinks other than water
• Sunbeds and umbrellas on the beaches you visit
• Towels and sunscreen
• Anything not listed above

See all routes on our private boat tours page.

On a budget? Join a group tour

If you’re a couple or a small group, a group tour gives you the same caves and beaches for a price per person. You’ll share the boat with other guests, with an English/French-speaking guide on board.

What’s included in a group tour

• English/French-speaking guide on board
• Snorkeling gear
• Bottled water for each person
• Swimming stops from the boat

What’s not included

• Sunbeds and umbrellas on the beaches
• Food and drinks other than water
• Anything not listed above

Prices are per person. Children under 12 pay 25€ on the caves tours and 60€ on the Grama Bay tour. Pay online in advance and you get an early booking discount. See all group tours.

Private boat or group tour: which is better value?

• Couples: a group tour is much cheaper. Grama Bay & the Secret Blue Cave in July costs 144€ for two on the group tour, or 450€ for a private boat.
• Groups of 5–6: a private boat is close in price. For the caves in July, six people pay 198€ on the group tour, or 269€ for a private boat just for you, at your own time and pace.
• Families with young children: the caves tours are short and easy, and great for kids. The Grama Bay tour goes along the open coast and is not recommended for children under 12.
• Special occasions: birthdays, proposals or a day with friends are easier on a private boat, with your own music and your own stops.

Good to know

• All tours leave from our office on Dhermi beach.
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before group tours and 48 hours before private tours.
• All boat tours depend on the sea. If the sea isn’t safe, we’ll let you know in advance and offer another time or date, or a full refund.
• July and August are the busiest months, so book a few days ahead.
• Questions? Message us on WhatsApp at +355 67 201 8245.

By Enea

Dhermi sits in the middle of the Albanian Riviera, between Vlora and Saranda. Getting here is part of the adventure: the road over the Llogara mountains (or through the new tunnel) opens onto one of the most beautiful views of the Ionian coast. Here’s how to reach us from the main starting points.

From Tirana and Tirana Airport

• By car: about 180 km, around 3.5 to 4 hours. You drive south through Fier and Vlora, then take the coastal road (SH8). The Llogara Tunnel saves you around 40 minutes. If it’s closed, the road goes over the Llogara Pass (1,027 m), which is slower but has an unforgettable view. You can rent a car at Tirana Airport: besides the official rental desks in the airport lobby, there are many rental companies near the airport.
• By bus: buses for Himara leave from the South & North Bus Terminal in Tirana several times a day, run by Riviera Tours (+355 69 306 2500) and Olgeno Travel & Tours (+355 69 609 2899). Ask the driver to drop you off in Dhermi. The trip takes about 3 to 3.5 hours and costs around €15–16, paid in cash. Arrive early in July and August, because seats are not reserved.
• By taxi: some electric taxi companies will take you from Tirana to Dhermi for under €100, which is a good choice for 2–4 people traveling together. For example: Lux Taxi +355 48 333 333, Green Taxi +355 800 2000, Blue Taxi +355 67 444 4444.
• By private transfer: around €130–160 for a car with up to 4 people. Book at least 48 hours ahead.

From Vlora

• By car: about 50 km, around 1 hour 15 minutes through the Llogara Tunnel.
• By bus: the buses from Tirana to Himara pass through Vlora and stop in Dhermi.
• By plane: Vlora’s new airport is not operating yet. For now, the closest airports are Tirana and Corfu.

From Saranda

• By car: around 2 to 2.5 hours north along the coastal road, through Himara. There are many car rental companies in Saranda. Book in advance, because in high season it can be difficult to find a car to rent.
• By bus: take an Olgeno Travel & Tours bus (+355 69 609 2899) along the coastal road, and ask the driver to drop you off in Dhermi. Some buses from Saranda take the inland road, so check before you get on.
• By taxi: around €70–90. Make sure you agree on a fixed price with the driver before you get in.

From Corfu (Greece)

Take the ferry from Corfu to Saranda. There are departures in the morning, at 9:00 and 10:00, and in the afternoon, at 15:00 and 16:00. You can choose between two kinds of boats:

• Hydrofoil (fast boat): about 35 minutes, around €20–30 per person.
• Small ferry: about 1 hour. You can bring a motorbike or a car with you, but it will be expensive.

Two ferry companies run the route in both directions: Ionian Seaways, based in Corfu, and Finikas Lines, based in Saranda. You can buy tickets online or at their offices in the port. There are fewer departures in winter, so check the timetable before you travel. From Saranda, continue by car, bus or taxi as described above (about 2 to 2.5 hours).

When you arrive in Dhermi

• By bus: the bus stops on the main road, next to Market Neco. From there, it’s about a 20-minute walk downhill to Dhermi beach.
• By car: there are plenty of parking places in Dhermi, and a full day costs about €5–8. Parking Dhermi is right behind our office, with direct access to the beach.
• Taxis in Dhermi: a short local ride can be expensive. Even 1–2 km can cost up to €15, so agree on the price before you get in. For a local taxi, you can call Taxi Service Dhermi at +355 69 543 1024.
• Getting around: renting a bicycle is not recommended, because Dhermi is very hilly. A small motorbike or scooter is a better way to get around. You can rent one at Rent Moto Drymades (+355 69 297 4793).
• Our office: all our boat tours leave from our office on the main promenade of Dhermi beach, right in the center. 📍 View on Google Maps

Planning your days here? See our guides to things to do in Dhermi and the best time for a boat tour.

By Tina

We’re proud to share that Dhermi Boat Tours is featured in the new Lonely Planet guide to Albania, published in March 2026. In the section about Gjipe Beach, the guide names us as the way to visit Gjipe by boat from Dhermi.

For a local company that started on Dhermi beach in 2017, this means a lot. Thank you to all the guests who have sailed with us over the years. You made this possible.

What the guide says

Lonely Planet writes that Gjipe is still free of major development, because you can’t drive down to the beach. Visitors can walk down from the parking lot near the Monastery of Saint Theodore, or take a boat tour with Dhermi Boat Tours, with a stop at the Pirates Cave on the way.

Our Gjipe tour today

Tours and times change a little from season to season. If you have the guide in your hands, here’s what our Group Tour of All Caves & Gjipe Beach looks like now:

• Departure: 12:00 from our office on Dhermi beach, returning at 15:00.
• Stops: Pirates Cave, the Monastery’s caves, Pigeons Cave, a swim at the Secret Cave, and a stop of around 90 minutes at Gjipe Beach.
• Included: an English-speaking guide, snorkeling gear on request, bottled water, and swimming from the boat.
• Prices: see the current prices and the Early Booking Discount on the tour page.

Want to read more about Gjipe before you go? See our guide: How to visit Gjipe Beach: by boat vs. walking.

More ways to explore the coast with us

• Group Tour of the Caves: a short trip to the sea caves south of Dhermi, great for families.
• Grama Bay & Secret Blue Cave tour: the wild Karaburun coast, with ancient inscriptions and swimming in blue light.
• Private boat tours: the boat just for your group, north or south of Dhermi.

How to find us

All our tours leave from our office on Dhermi beach. You can book online on our website, or contact us on WhatsApp at +355 67 201 8245. Please note: some people pretend to be Dhermi Boat Tours online. Read how to make sure you’re booking with us.

You can find the guide on the Lonely Planet website.

By Tina

Most summer days in Dhermi are sunny and calm, but sometimes the wind picks up and the sea gets rough. When that happens, boat trips have to wait, because safety comes first. The good news is that there’s still plenty to do on land. Here are our favorite ideas for a rough-sea day in Dhermi.

First: what happens to your boat tour?

If the sea isn’t safe, we’ll let you know in advance and offer you another time or date, or a full refund. Many guests simply move their tour to the next calm day, so it’s a good idea to book your boat tour early in your stay.

In Dhermi

1. Walk through the old village

A rough-sea day is the perfect time to explore the old village above the beach: stone houses, narrow streets, old churches and wide views over the sea. Start on the water mills trail next to the Ionios Hotel. Read our guide: Self-guided walking tour of Dhermi.

2. Visit an old olive oil workshop

In the neighborhood of Alonia, see how olive oil was made at the old workshop “Eleotrivio Lolo. G. Dhima.” Call +355 69 210 7597 to book a visit.

3. Watch the waves from above

A wild sea is beautiful to watch from a safe place. Have a coffee at Fiori Coffee Place, with its balcony view over the sea, or go up to the balcony of Saint Dhimitri Square, with its view over the bell tower of Saint Spiridhon Church and the sea.

4. Catch the sunset next to Saint Thanasi Church

The sunset photo spot next to Saint Thanasi Church is a must-go place for every Instagrammer.

5. Enjoy a long lunch or dinner

• Zoe Hora cafe-restaurant: a great view over the old village, or a romantic dinner by the pool.
• Angjelos Grill Taverna: by the main road.
• Balcony Dhermi: by the main road.
• Restaurant Tre Forchete: Italian cuisine by the sea.

6. Evening cocktails on Saint Dhimitri Square

In the evening, people meet at the bar on Saint Dhimitri Square to have a cocktail and make new friends.

Near Dhermi

7. Llogara National Park

Drive up the mountain road to the Llogara Pass, above Dhermi, for pine forests, fresh air and amazing views over the whole Riviera.

8. Hike to Gjipe Beach and Canyon

Gjipe Beach isn’t reachable by car, but you can walk there. Park at the paid parking lot near the Monastery of Saint Theodore (5–10€, depending on the season) and walk down the steep track to the beach and the canyon. Wear good shoes and bring water, and don’t swim if the sea is rough. Read our guide: How to visit Gjipe Beach: by boat vs. walking.

When the sea calms down

As soon as the sea is calm again, join one of our group boat tours to the sea caves, Gjipe Beach or Grama Bay and the Secret Blue Cave. Contact us on WhatsApp at +355 67 201 8245 to check the sea conditions and the next available tour.

By Enea

When booking a boat tour in Dhermi, a few simple checks can save you from paying more than you expected, or getting a different trip than the one you were promised. Dhermi is a safe and friendly place, and most people you’ll meet here are honest, but in the busy summer months it’s worth being careful. Here are our local tips.

Important: people pretending to be Dhermi Boat Tours

Please be careful: some boat tour operators and individuals pretend to be Dhermi Boat Tours, or claim to be us, on their websites, on Instagram or on WhatsApp. If you want to book with us, make sure you are really talking to us. These are our only official contacts:

• Website: dhermiboattours.com
• Instagram: @dhermiboattours_official
• WhatsApp and phone: +355 67 201 8245
• Email: [email protected]
• Our office: on Dhermi beach, where all our tours start.

If someone says they are Dhermi Boat Tours but uses a different website, Instagram account or phone number, it is not us. When in doubt, contact us on one of the official contacts above before you pay.

1. Agree on the full price before you go

Always ask for the total price before the trip starts, and ask whether it’s per person or for the whole group. Check if there are any extra charges, for example for children, extra people, snorkeling gear or drinks.

2. Ask exactly what’s included

Ask which places you’ll visit, how long the trip lasts, and how long each stop is. A clear itinerary means no disappointment later. A good tour company will be happy to tell you, and you’ll often find it written on their website.

3. Choose a licensed company

Ask if the boat company is licensed. A licensed company has a registered business, and its boats and skippers are allowed to take passengers. If in doubt, choose a company with an office you can visit.

4. Check the boat and the safety equipment

Before you get on board, look at the boat. There should be life jackets for everyone, including children, and the skipper should know what to do if the sea gets rough. A good company will also cancel or postpone a trip when the sea isn’t safe.

5. Read real reviews

Check the company’s reviews on Google before you book. Look at the number of reviews, not just the score, and read a few recent ones.

6. Book directly

Book directly with the tour company, not through a big booking platform or someone on the street, to get a better price and a clear contact person if something changes.

7. Know the cancellation rules

Ask what happens if you need to cancel, or if the trip is canceled because of the weather. Make sure you know whether you get a refund or a new date.

8. Don’t pay someone with a sign under a tree

Don’t book or pay for a tour with someone standing with a sign under a tree or on a bridge. If they don’t look legit, they probably aren’t. Book with a real company that has an office, a website and reviews.

How we do it at Dhermi Boat Tours

• Clear prices: all our prices, itineraries and what’s included are on our website.
• A real office: you’ll find us at our office on Dhermi beach, where all our tours start.
• Licensed since 2017: we were the first licensed boat tour company when we started in 2017.
• Safety first: if the sea isn’t safe, we offer another time or date, or a full refund.
• Free cancellation: until 24 hours before your tour.

By Tina

Planning a boat trip in Dhermi? Here’s when our tours run, how prices change during the summer, and how to book so you get the date you want and the best price.

The boat tour season in Dhermi

Our boat tours run from June until mid-September. Here’s what to expect in each part of the season:

• June: the start of summer, and the lowest prices of the season.
• July: summer is in full swing and the tours get busier.
• August: the busiest month of the year, with the highest prices. Book ahead.
• September: the end of the season, with July prices again.

Prices by month

Prices are per person. On the Caves and Gjipe tours, children under 12 pay 25€ in every month.

Book off-season and save 15%

The best way to save is to book early. Book during the off-season, before the summer starts, and pay the full amount to get our 15% Early Booking Discount. You’ll find the discount code on each tour page, right above the booking form.

Which time of day?

• Morning: the Grama Bay & Secret Blue Cave tour leaves at 10:00, and the Caves tour has a 10:00 departure.
• Midday: the Caves & Gjipe Beach tour leaves at 12:00, with a stop of around 90 minutes at Gjipe.
• Afternoon: the Caves tour also leaves at 14:00.

Private tours: book at least 7 days ahead

Availability for private boat tours is limited, so please book well in advance, at least 7 days before your tour. In July and August, the earlier the better.

What if the sea is rough?

Safety comes first. If the sea or the weather doesn’t allow a safe trip, we’ll let you know in advance and offer you another time or date, or a full refund. The Grama Bay tour goes along the open coast of Karaburun, so it depends the most on the sea conditions.

You can also cancel free of charge until 24 hours before your tour.

Booking tips

• Book directly with us on our website, not through a big booking platform, to get a better price.
• Book group tours a few days ahead in July and August.
• Book private tours at least 7 days ahead.
• Book off-season to get the 15% Early Booking Discount.
• Children from 7 years old can join the Caves and Gjipe tours. The Grama Bay tour is not recommended for children under 12.
• All tours leave from our office on Dhermi beach. Please arrive 10 minutes early.