Albania · Boating

Shala river & Komani lake -Day trip from Tirana/Durres/ Shkodra

14 Hours Round trip from Pickup service provided in Tiranë. Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Full-day trip to Komani Lake and the Shala River
  • 02 Scenic boat ride between steep mountain landscapes
  • 03 Visit the crystal-clear waters of the Shala River
  • 04 Free time to relax and swim in a stunning natural setting
  • 05 Travel with an English-speaking guide
  • 06 Air-conditioned transportation and boat ticket included

Discover one of Albania’s most scenic waterways on this full-day trip to Komani Lake and the Shala River. Often described as the “Thailand of Albania,” the Shala River is reached by boat through dramatic mountain landscapes, deep interconnected lakes, and shores with very few signs of human activity.

Travel from Tirana, Durres, or Shkodra and enjoy a boat journey through the rugged beauty of northern Albania before arriving at the crystal-clear waters of the Shala River. With time to relax and swim, this is an ideal escape for travellers looking for nature, fresh air, and unforgettable views.

Travel from Tirana, Durres, or Shkodra and enjoy a boat journey through the rugged beauty of northern Albania before arriving at the crystal-clear waters of the Shala River.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 14 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Durres, Tirana, Lake Skadar (Albania)
Languages English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

We will start our Tour from Tirana at 06:00 . After the breakfast on the way the first attraction is Komani lake . It was formed when the rugged Drini valley was dammed in the early 1970s, allowing Albania to quickly develop its own industrial base and become an energy exporter. We start the boat trip , who passes between 1000-1500m-high mountains and through a series of deep gorgeous and interconnected lakes, with hardly any signs of human activities on the shores . The way to Shala river is 1h 30 min by boat and the same time back .Shala’s River is a touristic destination that is described by many visitors as the most beautiful pearl of Koman’s lake, as Thailand of Albania . The hazy color of water and it’s crystal clean water is characteristic of this river. The steep huge rocks, worn by trees and green plants, seem to rise to the sky to protect this beauty that so generously mother nature has offered to our eyes and hearts. Don’t forget to bring your swimming suits with you as some of us will dare to swim in this paradise so called the Albanian Thailand. We get back on the boat to Komani Damn at around 15:30 pm. From here we drive back to Tirana after a long but unforgettable experience.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Pickup service provided in Tiranë. 3 cities · 14 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Pick up and drop off from the hotel located in Tirana
  • Meeting point pick up from Shkodra city center and Lezha City
  • English-speaking guide throughout the entire tour
  • Digital tour booklet in your selected language
  • Boat ticket at Komani lake
  • Air-conditioned transportation

What's Not Included

  • Foods and drinks
  • Sunbeds
  • Kayaks

Know before you go

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not stroller accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • No public transportation nearby
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Infant seats unavailable
  • Not recommended for people with back problems
  • Not recommended for people with heart conditions
  • Kindly note that this tour is not suitable for children under 2 years old
  • Departure from TIRANA: Pick-up is directly from your hotel, as the tour starts early in the morning.
    Departure from DURRES OR GOLEM: Pick-up is directly from your hotel, as the tour starts early in the morning.
    Departure from LEZHA: Pick-up at 07:00am is from a central meeting point — the roundabout on the main street.
  • Departure from SHKODRA: Departure: 07:00 AM from the center of Shkodra city Meeting Point: Pick up from Shkodra city center at Shkodër bus station (in front of Neptun shop)
  • Please be on time, as this is a shared tour and the bus cannot wait for late arrivals.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Pickup service provided in Tiranë.
Tour start
Pickup service provided in Tiranë.
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 14 hours finish where they began, in Pickup service provided in Tiranë..

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