The 14 Kayak Trips in Albania That Earn Their Price

1.Berat Rafting, Kayaking & River Tubing – Osumi Canyons

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 336 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $54Our pick

From Berat, you travel to the Osumi Canyons for a guided rafting trip through waterfalls, narrow canyon walls, and clear river stretches. Guides such as Enver, Bledi, and Renato lead the activity, provide safety gear, and may photograph the adventure. Low summer water can change rafting into canyon exploration.

“We had a fantastic day rafting at Osumi Canyons. We were collected from the centre of Berat and taken for a 2 hour drive to Osumi Canyons. The drive was an adventure in its own right, speeding along winding roads and though the mountainous Albanian countryside up to the gorge itself. Once there we were provided all the kit we needed, wetsuits, helmets and life jackets and given a safety brief before another short drive with the boats down to the waters edge. The water was quite low when we were there but, although the river wasn’t going to provide the adrenaline, the scenery certainly did. With the gorge towering…”

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2.Stand Up Paddle-boarding around Ksamil islands (3 times a day)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 96 reviews · 1 hour 20 minutes to 2 hours (approx.) · from $66

Meet guide Ari at Kristal Seafood Restaurant in Ksamil for a 1 hour 20 minute to 2 hour stand-up paddleboarding trip around the Ksamil Islands. You’ll receive basic instruction, paddle across clear water, swim if conditions allow, and finish with complimentary coffee or tea. Morning, afternoon, and sunset options suit different schedules.

“It was my first time paddle-boarding and I highly recommend the sunset tour. It was a small group of just 3, the water was calm and clear and our guide Ari took very good care of us. He's very professional and a genuinely nice human being, his instructions were very easy to follow so getting your footing on the board was also easy and he lends a helping hand whenever you struggle paddling against the current like I did. 😅”

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3.Kayak Sup Tours Lukova Caves – Kroreza

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 49 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $42

Paddle from Lukova along Albania’s clear blue coast to remote Kroreza Beach, stopping at wild coves and small caves. Guides including Lora, Laura, Max, and Timo help with navigation and snorkeling. Kayaks, snorkel gear, waterproof phone cases, and dry bags are included. English is spoken.

“Esperienza stupenda, spiagge molto belle. Le guide sono davvero molto gentili e parlano in inglese, cercano di farti capire tutto. Esperienza memorabile, da provare.”

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4.Kayak,Raft,Hiking,Canyon Exploration in Albania -6 day tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · from $1,173

Spend six active days exploring Albania from Tirana to Berat, Mount Tomori, Osumi Canyon, Këlcyrë Gorge, Permet, the Vjosa River, and Pellumbas Cave. Guides provide transport, accommodation, meals as specified, and all river equipment. Expect small-group travel, local food, rough roads, cold water, and moderate physical effort.

“Our stay at Castle Park Hotel was fantastic! The food and service were excellent. Staying in a castle created a truly special atmosphere. Alma, the owner of Albania Rafting, was always present and personally attentive to her guests. The eRead more”

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5.Kayaking in Vjosa River,Albania Kayak Permet,Gjirokaster (ARG)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15 reviews · from $153

Set out near Tepelenë for a guided three-hour run on Albania’s free-flowing Vjosa River. You’ll receive thermal wear, a neoprene suit, helmet, bottled water, and hotel transfers. The route includes the Kelcyra canyons and a stop at the turquoise Blue Eye. Expect scenic river travel with some rapids, but not a full-on whitewater thrill ride.

“It was really good fun. The instructors were very friendly and funny. We felt safe at all times and we had a great time. In addition they took photos and sent them to us at the end of the tour.”

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6.Kayaking in Berat,Tomori Lake & Jeep Safari -ARG

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $120

Start in Berat with a private 4x4 ride into Tomorr National Park, then hike to a mountain lake for kayaking, swimming, and stand-up paddleboarding. Guides such as Sajdi share local legends and prepare a fresh four-course Albanian picnic. The route is scenic and rough, so expect adventure rather than a polished road trip.

“The trip was superb. The landscape is so beautiful. And ours guides was so nice and interesting . I'm sure you'll have the same pleasure with this organisation, that I recommend.”

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7.Kayaking and Hiking at Koman Lake, Valbona and Theth in 4 Days Tour from Tirana

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · 4 days (approx.) · from $842

You’ll leave Tirana at 5:00 am for Koman Lake, kayak to remote Berisha, then continue through Valbona and Theth. Expect mountain hiking, village life, stone tower homes, local meals, wooden cabins, and a small group of up to 18 people. Moderate fitness is needed.

“Wonderful place to visit in albania - Even with rain. The tour guide was very helpful and flexible and made the trip perfect. I would highly recommend this hiking tour”

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8.Sunset Saranda and Night City Glow Kayak or Sup Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · from $29Best value

Start at Saranda’s Promenade Beach at 6 pm and choose a kayak or SUP for a guided paddle to Bistricë Beach. Spend about 30 minutes taking in the sunset, then return along the coast as Saranda lights up. Kayaks, boards, life vests, and waterproof phone cases are included.

“It's a great activity to do and the team is super nice. You'll get a beautiful view of Saranda and the sunset while enjoying the sea and the breeze. At the meeting location, you can leave your belongings. They also provide you with a waterproof Read more”

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9.Kayak in Cape of Rodon,Tirana Albania Tour (ARG)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · from $91

Leave Tirana in an air-conditioned vehicle for Cape of Rodon, where guides such as Arti and Iken lead a kayak trip through clear water and quiet bays. You will also hike near Skanderbeg Castle and St. Anthony’s Church, with kayaks, safety gear, waterproof bags, and a local lunch included.

“Amazing trip! Great way to get out on the sea in an idyllic part of Albania. Easy trip from Tirana or Durres. Guides were friendly and informative. Amazing big lunch afterwards.”

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10.Multi Day Kayaking In Vjosa River ,Camping -6 Days

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · from $1,838

Paddle the Vjosa and its branches from the Greek border through Permet, Kelcyre, Bënça, and the Drinos River. The program includes Class II to III+ rapids, thermal baths, local food, camping, transport, and full kayaking equipment. Alma, Zamo, Era, and Endri are among the guides associated with the operator, though your exact guide should be confirmed before booking.

“Without a doubt the best experience in Kakome! Alma , Zamo & Era are an incredible guide- funny, easy to get along with, knowledgable and incredibly easy going! They taught us so much about Kayak, Stand up paddle & Alma with her sRead more”

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11.Stand Up Paddle at Skadar lake and Hiking from Valbona to Theth in 4 Days

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · from $636

This private four-day trip from Tirana combines a Koman Lake ferry ride, the 20-kilometer Valbona to Theth hike, Theth’s Gurnas Waterfall and Lock-In Tower, and stand-up paddling on Skadar Lake. Guides such as Andi and Joseph lead at a steady group pace, with guesthouse stays, local meals, and pickup included.

“A really amazing journey. Andi is a great guide and was knowledgeable, charming and very enthusiastic. The 4 day tour was as described, a decent level of fitness is required but Andi goes at his group’s pace. Guest houses, accommodation Read more”

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12.Kayaking at Narta Lagoon from Vlore

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $68

Meet Reality Escapers Albania in Vlore, ride 30 minutes to Narta Lagoon, and paddle for about three hours with guide Arnold. You’ll kayak through one of Albania’s key wetland areas, watch for herons, pelicans, and flamingos, and stop at St. Mary’s Monastery. The small group is limited to nine people.

“Great experience. We kayaked for about 3hours and saw lots of herons and some flamingoes flew past. Everything was very smooth and Arnold was a great guide. The lagoon is a beautiful and peaceful place, I would highly recommend it.”

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13.Stand Up Paddle Board or Kayak Rental in Shkodër

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 1 to 2 hours (approx.) · from $33

Start at Drini TimesShirokë at 9:00 am, choose a kayak or stand-up paddle board, and explore Lake Skadar at your own pace. Dimi and guide Aurora can help with route ideas, break spots, safety, and return transport. Equipment, life jackets, waterproof bags, and phone cases are available.

“Great experience on Lake Skader. I was able to kayak wherever I would like without restrictions. Life jackets were provided and I had a choice of whichever kayak or SUP I would like. The views are incredible, the lake itself was beautiful and quiet and I would highly recommend the experience. Staff were well organised and great communication throughout.”

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14.Albania Birdwatching, Kayaking, Bicycle National Park Divjaka Karavasta(ARG)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $62

Meet your private guide at 10 a.m. in Divjaka for a gentle kayaking trip across Karavasta Lagoon, bird watching, a watchtower visit, and a local fish lunch. The tour includes water, park fees, transport, and bicycle use. Add a 3 to 4 hour bicycle tour or SUV safari for an extra fee.

“Went there with a friend from the city of berat to the small citadel of divjaka, i must say a short and nice drive from the city to the forest wich i enjoyed. The thing i liked most is the quietness of the area the kayaking was great the pelikans were minding their own business aRead more”

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