Sarande: Blue Eye Kayak and walking tour & Lekursi Castle

The best part of this Saranda outing is the kayaking on the Blue Eye lake, not simply the quick look at the famous spring. You paddle in clear, cold water, then have time to swim, take photos, or sit back while the surrounding hills do the work. I also like the fine views from Lekursi Castle and the way guide Ledjon mixes local history with plenty of free time.

The main drawback is that the paddle itself is fairly gentle and some people find the kayaking distance shorter than expected. The water is also icy cold, the kayaks can take on water, and you must reach the Saranda meeting point yourself. Bring sturdy shoes, swimwear, cash, and a waterproof bag.

Key points at a glance

• Kayak for about 80 minutes: The session includes group instruction, free paddling, swimming, photographs, and time to relax.
• See Lekursi Castle first: Spend about 30 minutes at the hilltop site for wide views and an introduction to Albanian history.
• Enjoy an hour at the spring: After kayaking, walk to the Blue Eye for photos, sightseeing, and your own time by the water.
• Ledjon is the guide to look for: He wears a black hat at the OpenTour Albania office and speaks English and Albanian.
• Pay $45 for a full half-day: Transport, kayak equipment, safety gear, Blue Eye entry, and photos are included.
• Prepare for a wet, active outing: Comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sun protection, water, and a waterproof bag will make the day easier.

Why the kayak makes the Blue Eye worthwhile

The Blue Eye is one of Albania’s best-known natural sights, but the standard visit can be brief: walk in, look at the brilliant spring, take photographs, and leave. This tour adds a quieter hour on the nearby lake, which gives the visit a real sense of activity rather than a simple photo stop.

You begin kayaking as a group. The first few minutes are used to get comfortable with the equipment and the setting. After that, you have roughly 40 minutes to choose your pace. You can paddle farther, try a swim, take photographs from the water, or simply let the kayak drift while you enjoy the clear water and wooded surroundings.

The water is cold enough to make swimming optional, even on a hot Albanian day. One useful detail is that the kayaks are shallow, so water can splash or collect inside. Keep phones, wallets, shoes, and other small items in a waterproof bag rather than loose at your feet.

I would not book this expecting a demanding river trip or a long-distance paddle. The activity is calm and accessible to first-time kayakers, but you still need enough balance and strength to get in and out of the boat. If you want a peaceful way to see the Blue Eye area, the length works well. If you want a serious workout, you may find it mild.

Lekursi Castle sets the scene

Your first stop is Lekursi Castle, about a 10-minute drive from the OpenTour Albania office. The stop lasts around 30 minutes and includes a guided introduction, photographs, sightseeing, and free time to look around.

The castle’s main gift is its position above Saranda. From here, you get broad views toward the coast and surrounding hills, making it an excellent opening stop before heading inland. It also gives the outing some historical context. Ledjon explains parts of Albania’s past and the story of the castle, and several people find this short talk more useful than expected.

This is not a long castle tour. You will not spend hours examining rooms or taking part in a detailed archaeological visit. Think of Lekursi as a scenic viewpoint with a dose of history. That balance suits this tour because the main attraction is still the Blue Eye.

Bring your camera, but also give yourself a moment without it. The view changes as you move around the site, and a quick guided stop followed by free time lets you choose your own photographs rather than being hurried from one point to another.

The ride from Saranda to the Blue Eye

After the castle, the van takes about 30 minutes toward the Blue Eye area. The tour uses air-conditioned transport, and the vehicle has been described as clean and comfortable. That matters in summer, when the trip’s appeal depends partly on escaping the heat between outdoor stops.

Ledjon provides information during the outing and can explain more about Albania, Saranda, the castle, and the Blue Eye. The amount of talking is generally kept in check, so you get useful background without losing the free time that makes this trip relaxed.

The meeting point is the OpenTour Albania office. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan your route to the office before booking. Parking near the starting point can be difficult, and a taxi may be the sensible choice, particularly if you are coming from Ksamil or carrying bags.

You need to provide a valid WhatsApp number when booking. The company uses it to send important information before the trip, including practical details for the meeting point and departure.

What the 80-minute kayaking session feels like

The total kayaking section lasts approximately one hour and 20 minutes. It is not one continuous guided paddle. Instead, you start together, get used to the kayak, and then receive free time to decide how active you want to be.

That setup works well for a mixed group. A first-time kayaker can stay near the others and move slowly, while a more confident person can paddle more during the open period. The tour also avoids forcing everyone into a swim. You can remain dry, take photographs, or sit on the shore if the cold water does not appeal.

The kayaking is repeatedly singled out as the most memorable part of the outing. That makes sense. The spring itself can be crowded, while the lake gives you a more peaceful view of the Blue Eye setting. On quieter days, you might find the water especially calm and the whole session pleasantly unhurried.

There are a few practical points to keep in mind:

• Wear swimwear under your clothes because there is no changing room before kayaking.
• Bring a towel and a waterproof bag.
• Use comfortable or sturdy shoes, since flip-flops are not ideal for uneven ground and getting in or out of the kayak.
• Take water with you, or carry cash for drinks afterward.
• Swimming is optional, and the water can feel extremely cold.

The kayaks are shallow, so do not treat the boat as a dry storage box. A waterproof phone pouch or small dry bag is more useful than a normal backpack. The tour includes safety equipment, and the guide helps participants get comfortable, which is reassuring if you have never kayaked before.

Walking to the Blue Eye spring

After the kayaks are docked, the group continues to the famous Blue Eye spring. You have about one hour here for a guided visit, photographs, and time on your own.

The spring is known for its striking turquoise water and the way it rises from deep underground. Its colour is the main reason people come, and it photographs beautifully from the viewing area. You can look around the natural setting, enjoy the sound of the water, and take your time instead of being pushed straight back to the van.

Do not confuse the spring visit with a quiet wilderness stop. The Blue Eye is a popular attraction, and the main viewing area can feel busy. The kayaking helps solve that issue by giving you a more peaceful part of the visit before you reach the spring itself.

Swimming at the spring is not the focus of this outing, and the cold water makes a dip a personal choice. The tour specifically allows free time for swimming and exploring, but you should follow local instructions and be realistic about the temperature.

After the spring, you walk for about 17 minutes back toward the parking area. If you prefer not to make that walk, a small train may be available for €3. Some departures have included the train ticket, but the stated tour details advise you to be prepared for the walk and carry cash for local purchases.

Timing, comfort, and the value of $45

The activity lasts 270 minutes, or about four and a half hours. The plan includes the castle, transport, kayaking, the spring, the walk back, and the return to Saranda. It is a well-judged length for a morning or afternoon outing, though one person found there was little spare time for a proper lunch.

The $45 price is good value if you want several separate costs handled together. It includes:

• Round-trip transportation from the Saranda office
• Kayak and safety equipment
• Blue Eye entry
• English-speaking driver and guide
• Free time for swimming and sightseeing
• Photos during the experience

You still need to pay for food and drinks, and local bars, restaurants, and shops at the Blue Eye may not accept cards. Carry cash if you want refreshments or the optional train ride.

The price also makes sense for people who would otherwise need to arrange transport, entry, and kayaking separately. If you only want to see the spring and do not care about kayaking, a simpler visit could suit you better. The extra activity is what gives this tour its value.

The group size has been described as comfortable, though the exact maximum is not specified. The van has air conditioning, an important benefit in the hotter months. On the return journey, Ledjon may be able to make practical stops near hotels if the route allows, but hotel transport is not part of the official arrangement.

Who will enjoy this tour most

This is a strong choice for couples, friends, families with older children, and anyone who wants several types of scenery in one short outing. You get a viewpoint, a castle, a calm water activity, a natural spring, and time to wander without committing to a full-day excursion.

First-time kayakers should feel comfortable, provided they can manage getting into and out of the boat. Ledjon is patient with beginners and explains the activity clearly. You do not need to be an expert, but this is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

I would also recommend it for visitors who want more than a standard Blue Eye stop. The spring is beautiful, but the kayak gives you the more unusual part of the day. If you are mainly interested in Albanian history, the castle talk is useful but short, so you should choose a longer history-focused tour instead.

The tour also works well for people with limited time in Saranda. At four and a half hours, it leaves room for another activity, a beach visit, or an evening in town. Just remember to allow extra time to reach the office and arrange your own return from the meeting point.

What to pack for a smoother morning

The right packing list matters here. You move between a van, a castle viewpoint, a kayak, a spring, and an uneven walking route, so beach clothes alone are not enough.

Bring comfortable shoes with a secure sole, a sun hat, sunscreen, water, a camera, swimwear, and a towel. Put valuables in a waterproof bag before you leave Saranda. If you want to use the bar, restaurant, gift shop, or train, carry cash.

Wear your swimwear before the kayaking session because there is no changing room at the start. Toilets are available after kayaking, and you can use them to change clothes later.

Pets are not allowed in the vehicle, apart from assistance dogs. Smoking is also not allowed in the van, and food and drinks must stay out of the vehicle.

Booking flexibility and meeting Ledjon

You meet at the OpenTour Albania office in Saranda. Look for Ledjon wearing a black hat. The tour is offered in English and Albanian, and communication before the activity takes place through WhatsApp.

The booking terms are helpful if your plans may shift. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available. Check the current start time when booking, since departure times can vary.

The activity has a 4.8 rating from 278 ratings, with 90 percent giving the transport a perfect score. The most consistent praise is directed at the organisation, comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, clear explanations, and the mix of guided information with free time. The main cautions are equally clear: the kayaking may feel short to confident paddlers, the water is cold, and lunch is not built into the schedule.

Should you book the Blue Eye kayak tour?

Book it if you want the Blue Eye with something more active and personal than a quick walk to the spring. The combination of Lekursi Castle, a calm kayak session, free time by the water, and transport from Saranda gives you a lot for $45.

I would choose this trip especially if you have never kayaked before, enjoy taking photographs, or want an easy half-day outside town. Bring a waterproof bag, wear your swimwear in advance, and use proper shoes.

Skip it if you need wheelchair access, want a long or challenging paddle, or prefer a full historical tour with a long lunch stop. For most visitors who want scenery, a little culture, and a refreshing change from Saranda’s beaches, this is a well-planned and fairly priced outing.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is the OpenTour Albania office in Saranda. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How long does the activity last?

The tour lasts about 270 minutes, or four and a half hours.

What is included in the $45 price?

The price includes round-trip transportation, kayak and safety equipment, Blue Eye entry, an English-speaking driver, free time for swimming and exploring, and photos.

How long is the kayaking session?

Kayaking lasts approximately one hour and 20 minutes. This includes time to get comfortable, group paddling, and free time to paddle, swim, take photographs, or relax.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes. Swimming is optional during the kayaking and Blue Eye portions, but the water can be extremely cold. Bring swimwear and a towel.

Is there a walk at the Blue Eye?

Yes. After visiting the spring, you walk about 17 minutes back to the parking area. A train may be available for €3, and you should carry cash if you want to use it.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, a sun hat, water, a camera, swimwear, a towel, and a waterproof bag. Cash is useful for food, drinks, the gift shop, and the optional train.