Grama Bay Boat Tour: Full-Day Snorkeling & Swimming from Vlora

Grama Bay (Gjiri i Gramës) is one of the most impressive bays on the Karaburun Peninsula. It is famous for its bright turquoise water, white-pebble beach and steep cliffs that rise directly from the sea. Because it is only reachable by boat, the bay feels wild and untouched – a true “hidden cove” for anyone visiting Vlora.

The name “Grama” comes from the Greek word grammata, meaning “letters”. For centuries, sailors carved inscriptions into the rocks around the bay, asking the gods for protection during their journeys across the Adriatic. Today you can still see some of these ancient markings on the cliffs, making Grama a rare combination of nature and history in the same place.

What You’ll Experience at Grama Bay

Our Grama Bay boat tour takes you along the wild coastline of Karaburun. As we approach the bay, the color of the sea slowly changes from deep blue to a vibrant turquoise. The captain anchors close to the shore, so you can swim in crystal-clear water or walk onto the pebbles and enjoy the view from the beach.

The water here is incredibly transparent, with visibility often more than 20 meters. The white stones on the bottom reflect the sunlight and make the sea look almost electric blue. Meanwhile, the high cliffs around the bay create a natural amphitheatre that protects you from wind and waves on most days.

Activities & Highlights

• Swim in bright turquoise water with excellent visibility.
• Walk along a remote white-pebble beach surrounded by cliffs.
• See the historic rock inscriptions carved by ancient sailors.
• Snorkel near the rocks to spot fish and underwater details.
• Relax on deck, sunbathe or enjoy a simple picnic with a view.

Because there are no buildings, roads or shops at Grama Bay, the atmosphere stays quiet and almost sacred. Only the sound of waves, seagulls and the echo from the cliffs break the silence. For many guests, this is the highlight of their entire stay in Vlora.

Video: Grama Bay from the Boat

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The Full-Day Grama Bay Tour

Our Grama Bay tour from Vlora usually lasts between 6 and 8 hours. On the way, we follow the coastline of Karaburun, passing caves, natural arches and smaller coves. We make several stops for swimming, snorkeling and photos before and after reaching Grama Bay itself.

After swimming in the bay, guests often relax on deck with music, cold drinks and snacks. On the way back, you can enjoy the golden afternoon light over the Ionian Sea and the silhouette of Karaburun — a beautiful way to end the day.

Best Time to Visit Grama Bay

Grama Bay is accessible from May to October, depending on sea conditions. However, June to September offers the warmest water and most stable weather. Midday sun makes the water extra bright and turquoise, while the cliffs create pockets of shade in the afternoon.

Safety & Conditions

Because Grama Bay is a more remote destination, safety is a top priority. Our skipper checks the wind and wave forecasts before the tour and decides whether it is safe to approach the bay. Life vests are available on board, and the crew is always ready to help guests in and out of the water.

If the sea is too rough to reach Grama safely, the route may be adjusted to other protected bays on the Karaburun Peninsula. In that case, you will still enjoy a full day at sea with beautiful stops, but we always choose the safest option first.

Plan Your Grama Bay Tour

Before booking, check routes and dates on our Vlora Boat Tours page. Each itinerary clearly shows whether Grama Bay is included, and which other bays or caves you will visit the same day. For prices and quick overview, visit the homepage.

If you prefer a private charter or want to combine Grama Bay with specific stops like Haxhi Ali Cave or Sazan Island, you can contact us for a custom offer. Our team will help you choose the best route based on season, group size and sea conditions.

Why Grama Bay Is So Special

Among all the stops on Karaburun, Grama Bay stands out for its unique mix of colors, silence and history. Few places in Europe offer such a combination of turquoise water, untouched cliffs and ancient inscriptions in one small bay.

Whether you are a couple, a group of friends or a family with older children, this destination offers both adventure and peace. Many visitors describe it as the most memorable day of their holiday in Vlora.