Haxhi Ali is the largest and most spectacular sea cave on the Albanian coast: an enormous mouth of rock at the northern tip of the Karaburun peninsula, where the water takes on the colour that gives the tour its name. If Capri has its Blue Grotto, Vlore has Haxhi Ali — bigger, wilder, and with a fraction of the crowds.
How the tour works
Boarding on the Vlore promenade and a 30–40 minute navigation towards the tip of Karaburun, with Sazan Island sliding past on the left. Then the cliff draws close, the bow points straight at the rock, and suddenly you are inside the cave: a wide natural vault the boat enters easily, the water below glowing that impossible blue-green, fish visible metres down. Skippers cut or slow the engine for a few minutes of silence and photographs; on the right days you can also swim inside or just outside the cave. Legend says the corsair Haxhi Ali hid here — the story makes everything better, and skippers love telling it.
Indicative prices 2026
| Option | Duration | Indicative price |
|---|---|---|
| Short Blue Cave tour | 1.5–2 hours | from €25 per person |
| Cave + Karaburun swim stop | 3–4 hours | from €25–30 per person |
| Combo Sazan + Haxhi Ali + Karaburun | 4–5 hours | from €30 per person |
| Children 0–10 | any shared option | -30% |
Prices indicative, confirmed exactly on WhatsApp. Our honest advice: the €30 combo includes the cave and adds Sazan and the beach — for the same morning out, it is almost always the better choice.
What is included
- Speedboat with local skipper from the Vlore promenade
- Entry into the cave with time for photos and (weather permitting) a swim
- The story and legends of Haxhi Ali, told by people who grew up with them
- Life jackets for everyone, children included
- On the longer version: a swim stop at a wild Karaburun beach
When to go: light is everything
The cave is at its best with the high sun of late morning, when light enters the mouth and sets the water alight: skippers know it and recommend departures between 9:00 and 11:00. In the afternoon the water is warmer and the sea often calmer. Season May–October; in very rough seas entering the cave is not safe and the tour is rescheduled — skippers are honest about this, and we warn you in good time. Booking early in your stay leaves room to move if the weather turns.
Combines well with
The short cave tour is perfect in the morning, leaving the afternoon free for the promenade or the sunset tour (a full day of sea for ~€50 total). If you want the best of everything in a single outing, the Sazan + Haxhi Ali + Karaburun combo from €30 remains our number-one pick for price-to-content. Message us your date and group size: we confirm time, boarding point and exact price within minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Does the boat really go inside the cave?
Yes — the Haxhi Ali Cave is big: speedboats enter comfortably and stay a few minutes under the vault for photos and swimming. In rough seas entry is not safe and the skipper stays outside or reschedules: safety comes before the photo.
Why is it called the Blue Cave?
For the colour of the water when the sun enters the mouth: a luminous blue-green reminiscent of Capri's Blue Grotto. The best light is between mid-morning and noon — which is why we recommend morning departures.
Can you swim in the cave?
On calm days, yes — inside or just outside the mouth; it is one of the bay's most beautiful swims. The skipper decides based on conditions at the time; the beach swim stop at Karaburun is guaranteed anyway on the longer version.
Can children and older travellers join?
Yes — the short tour is the easiest of all: little navigation, no demanding walking. Life jackets come in all sizes and children 0–10 pay 30% less.
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Ready to set sail from Vlore?
One message is enough: tell us your dates, where you are staying and what you want to see. We reply in minutes with real options and indicative prices, confirmed before you book. No online payment.
Plan my boat trip on WhatsAppor call: +39 351 476 6918