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The Ride Itself

The boat leaves the Ferry Terminal at Koman and follows the reservoir south. For the first 20 minutes or so it's open water -- wide, green, quiet. Then the cliffs close in. Some of them are 200--300 metres straight up, and you're weaving between them at water level. It's genuinely unlike anything most travellers have seen before.

Shala River itself is at the end of a narrow canyon. The colour of the water changes as you enter it -- from the green of the reservoir to a clear, almost luminous turquoise. You can see the bottom at 6--8 metres.

Total ride time: around 75 minutes each way. Some guests fall asleep. Most spend the whole journey with their camera out.

Boat navigating between limestone cliffs on Koman Lake heading to Shala River in northern Albania
Dramatic fjord-like limestone cliffs rising from Koman Lake, Albania Crystal-clear turquoise waters of Shala River, Albania Private boat charter through Albanian Alps on Koman Lake

Boat Ticket Prices

Straightforward pricing, no hidden fees. Children under 6 always travel free.

Shared Boat -- Day Trip
€20/person

Return same day. Best for solo travellers and couples. You'll share the boat with other guests, which most people enjoy.

Shared Boat -- Overnight
€25/person

One-way to Shala, return next day or later. Gives you time to swim, eat, and actually relax.

Private Charter -- One Way
€150/boat

Entire boat, up to 8 people. Best for families or groups. Works out cheaper per person than shared once you hit 4+.

Private Charter -- Round Trip
€300/boat

Both directions in your own boat. Maximum flexibility -- depart when you want, stop where you want.

Group of 5 or more on a shared tour? Contact us -- we can usually arrange a discount.

Departure Schedule

We run two departures a day in each direction. Arrive 30 minutes early at Blini Parking, then head to the Ferry Terminal in time for boarding -- the boat will not wait. If you miss it, the next one is half a day away.

🚢 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 small car park at the water's edge
  • We'll be the ones with the boats
  • Open in Google Maps →

⛵ From Shala River

Return to Koman Lake

Early Morning07:30
Afternoon15:00

What to Bring

Sunscreen The boat is open. There's no shade for 75 minutes. Even in May, the sun reflects off the water and you'll burn faster than you expect.
Swimwear You're going to want to get in. The water at Shala River is the clearest most people have ever seen.
Cash (€ or Lek) The restaurant at Shala doesn't take cards. €15--20 covers a good meal. There's no ATM.
Camera Your phone will do, but a camera with a bit of zoom captures the cliffs better. There's no second chance for the first view around the bend.
Shoes Not for the boat, but for walking around Shala. The riverbanks are rocky.
Light Jacket Even in July, 7am at Koman Lake can be chilly. The ride warms up quickly, but it's worth having.

Common Questions About the Boat Tour

Is it worth going if the weather is cloudy?

Honestly, yes -- sometimes more so. Mist over the cliffs looks dramatic, and you avoid the worst of the sun on the open water. The one weather condition that affects tours is high wind, which can make the ride choppy and occasionally causes cancellations.

How different is a private charter vs shared?

The scenery is identical. The difference is pace and privacy. On a shared boat, we keep to a schedule. On a private charter, if you want to stop and float in a cove for 20 minutes, we do that. It's especially worth it for families with young children who need flexibility.

Can I just buy a ticket on the day?

Usually yes for shared tours, but July and August can fill up -- particularly the morning departure. We recommend booking 48 hours ahead in peak season. Private charters need at least 24 hours' notice regardless of time of year.

Is the ride suitable for people with mobility issues?

The boat itself is low and stable -- boarding is straightforward from the dock. Shala River involves some walking on uneven ground if you want to explore. Let us know when you book and we'll make sure to explain what to expect at both ends.

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