Travel Guide
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🌿 Season: May 1 -- November 1 · Daily Departures
Boat Tours from Koman Lake to
Shala River, Albania
A 75-minute boat ride through the Albanian Alps takes you to Lumi i Shalës -- the most spectacular swimming spot in north Albania.
€20tickets from / person
75 minboat ride
2departures daily
50+countries visited
Why Shala River
Albania's Most Beautiful Boat Journey
Our guides have worked these waters since 2012. Shala River is in north Albania, one of the quietest corners of the Balkans.
Albanian Alps Fjords
Dramatic limestone cliffs rising 300m straight from turquoise water. Called the "fjords of Albania" by travellers from around the world.
Learn more →Crystal Clear Swimming
Shala River water is cold, clear, and clean enough to see the bottom at 6 metres. The swimming here is genuinely exceptional.
Learn more →Stay Overnight
Guesthouse Zgiboza sits directly on the riverbank, accessible only by boat. Local food, no Wi-Fi, and one of the quieter places in Europe.
Learn more →All in One Place
Boat tour + canoe rental + accommodation + riverside restaurant. Everything bookable in one place.
Learn more →
Boat Ticket Prices
Simple, Transparent Pricing
No hidden fees. Children under 6 travel free.
🧮 How much will my trip cost?
Drag to set your group size -- we'll find the best option instantly.
Daily Departures
Departure Schedule
Two departures daily in each direction. Arrive 30 minutes early -- the boat will not wait.
🚢 From Koman Lake
Ferry Terminal, Koman Lake
Morning09:30
Afternoon16:30
📍 Meeting Point
How to find us
- GPS: 42.10327°N, 19.81881°E
- Look for the car park at the water's edge
- Open in Google Maps →
⛵ From Shala River
Return to Koman Lake
Early Morning07:30
Afternoon15:00
Verified Guest Reviews
What Travellers Say
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Albania Travel Guides
Plan Your Albanian Adventure
Expert guides to help you make the most of your visit to Shala River and the Albanian Alps.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
About 75 minutes each way from Koman Lake. The return journey is the same duration. Total time at the river depends on which departure you take -- the morning boat gives you the most time.
Yes -- and it's one of the best day trips in northern Albania. From Shkodër, take a transfer or taxi to Koman Lake (about 90 minutes), then the boat to Shala River. It's a long day -- around 10 hours total -- but genuinely worth it.
On a shared boat, you travel with other guests on a fixed schedule. On a private charter (from €150), it's just your group -- you can set your pace, stop where you want, and request a flexible departure time.
Yes -- Guesthouse Zgiboza is located directly on the riverbank, accessible only by boat. Rooms from €70/night with authentic Albanian mountain cuisine.
We strongly recommend it, especially in July and August when tours fill up. Submit your request online and we'll confirm within 24 hours. Private charters need at least 24 hours' notice.
Less so than it used to be. It's been written up in major travel guides. But go in May, June, or September and you'll often have whole stretches of river to yourself.