Shala River Tour from Shkodra City

4.9 (141 Reviews)
From: €40,00
4.9
(141 reviews)
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Duration

About 11 hours

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

Albanian, English

About this tour

Book Your Trip in Advance for Free! Plan your adventure ahead and secure your spot at no cost. If your plans change or you need to cancel, just reach out to us, we’re here to help.

Book anytime – it’s never too late or too early! We are available every day and accept reservations at any hour. ✨

Reserve your tour easily:

  • Online: Use the booking system below
  • WhatsApp: Message us directly at: +355 68 368 0081

Make your Albanian adventure hassle-free and unforgettable!



Shala River Tour – Magical Journey from Shkodra City!

If you are looking for an unforgettable adventure in Albania, the Shala River Tour is the perfect choice. The journey starts every morning at 07:30 from Shkodra, right in front of Rozafa Hotel, where our comfortable transport awaits to take you to Komani Lake.

The ride lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, offering spectacular views of the Albanian Alps and picturesque villages along the way.

At 09:30, we begin the boat ride from Komani Lake towards the Shala River. During the trip, you will pass through majestic canyons, crystal-clear waters, and towering mountains reflected in the lake. This segment is one of the most beautiful parts of the tour and is considered among the most photogenic experiences in Albania.

Around 10:45, we arrive at the Shala River, a destination known as the “Thailand of Albania” due to its emerald-green water and untouched nature. You will have free time until 15:00 to swim in the fresh, clear waters, relax on the white pebble beaches, enjoy traditional food in local restaurants, or explore the nearby trails.

At 15:00, we start the return boat trip to Komani, and at 16:00 we depart by road back to Shkodra, arriving in the late afternoon. This tour is perfect for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and photography enthusiasts.

Why Choose the Shala River Tour from Shkodra?

  • Comfortable and organized transport from the city center
  • Stunning boat ride across Komani Lake
  • Several hours to enjoy one of the most beautiful natural spots in Albania
  • Opportunities for swimming, relaxation, and traditional food

🌊 Overnight at Shala River
Guests who wish to spend the night at Shala River can use the same tour ticket for the following day. Please inform us in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements. Meals and accommodation at Shala River are not included in the ticket.


Meeting Point & Departure Location
Our tours start from the designated meeting point in Shkodër. Please arrive a few minutes earlier to ensure a smooth departure.

📍 Departure Location on Google Maps: View Bus Station Location


We serve you with transport from the Hotel, Hostel, Camping or Holiday Home wherever you are in Shkoder. The price depends on the distance of your location.


📅 Book Now – Reserve Your Unique Experience!
Don’t miss the chance to explore one of Albania’s hidden gems. Book now and secure your spot for an unforgettable day at the Shala River.

Reserve your tour easily:

  • Online: Use the booking system below
  • WhatsApp: Message us directly at: +355 68 368 0081

Highlights

  • Scenic road trip from Shkodra to Komani Lake with stunning alpine views
  • Breathtaking boat ride through majestic canyons and turquoise waters
  • Visit the famous Shala River, known as the “Thailand of Albania”
  • Several hours to swim, relax, and enjoy the untouched nature
  • Perfect spots for photography and capturing unforgettable memories
  • Authentic local atmosphere with optional traditional food experiences

Included/Excluded

  • Round-trip transport from Shkodra (departure from Migjeni Theater)
  • Scenic boat ride across Komani Lake to the Shala River
  • Free time for swimming, relaxing, and exploring
  • Life jackets and safety equipment on board
  • Assistance from friendly local staff
  • Opportunities for traditional food tasting (optional, not included in price)
  • Meals and drinks at the Shala River
  • Personal expenses
  • Optional activities such as kayaking or zip-lining
  • Additional Services

Itinerary

07:30 - Departure from Shkodra City

Departure from Shkodra City
Meeting point in front of Rozafa Hotel. Transfer by vehicle towards Komani Lake.

09:15 - Arrival at Komani Lake

Arrival at Komani Lake
Arrival at Kapaj Boat Pier to prepare for boarding and begin the lake adventure.

09:30 - Departure from Komani Lake to Shala River

Departure from Komani Lake
Scenic boat ride across the emerald waters of Komani Lake, surrounded by dramatic mountains and breathtaking landscapes.

10:45 - Arrival at Shala River

Arrival at Shala River
Reach the stunning Shala River, where your free time begins. Enjoy swimming in crystal-clear waters, relaxing on hidden beaches, or exploring the unspoiled nature.

15:00 - Departure from Shala River to Komani Lake

Departure from Shala River
Return journey back to Komani Lake, once again enjoying the magical views of the canyons.

16:00 - Arrival back to Komani Lake

Arrival back to Komani Lake to Get the Bus for Shkoder

16:10 - Transfer back towards Shkodra City

Transfer back towards Shkodër by Bus.

Arrival back in Shkodra, end of the tour.

Tour Length

About 11 hours

Group Size

No Limit

Tour Type

Group Tour

Languages

Albanian
English

Frequently asked questions

A: The tour departs from right in front of Rozafa Hotel in Shkodra, which is easy to reach by taxi or on foot if you are staying nearby.

A: We recommend bringing swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, a hat, and a camera. Don’t forget water and snacks if you prefer, though local food options are available at Shala River.

A: Yes, all boats are equipped with life jackets and operated by experienced crews to ensure a safe and comfortable trip.

A: Private tours may be available upon request. Please contact the tour operator directly for options and pricing.

A: Meals are not included but can be purchased at local restaurants near Shala River during your free time.

A: Yes, the tour is family-friendly. Children should be supervised at all times, especially during the boat ride and swimming.

Tour's Location

Reviews

4.9/5
Excellent
(141 Reviews)
Excellent
131
Very Good
7
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
0
141 reviews on this Tour - Showing 121 to 140
Speedboat to Shala River
kompi269
06/10/2025

Perfect experience.

They pick up us at hotel, even if we book the trip just few hours before. They leave from Shkoder at 7:30 and you have 4,5 hour ať Shala river
Speedboat to Shala River
Elitsa Stereva
06/10/2025

Beautiful

A beautiful and atypical place to see. A nice cruise in boat to go there. The driver was really nice . We forgot a bag with iPhone inside , he bring it back to us 15 minutes after . Really thank you 🙏
Speedboat to Shala River
Marine Vossers
06/10/2025

We do recommend this company

We booked 2 trips with the website. 1 to the river and 1 to theth. Both going fro sköder. To be honest, the pick up point is a bit chaotic, there is no clear view or which Bus goes where and for which company. The trip to the river didn't end well for us as the police was there early in the morning to shut it all up. Big disappointment for us and big doubt as we were supposed to go to theth the next day with the same company. A bit unsure of what would happen, we went the next day to find our private guide waiting for us with a 4x4. He took us to the trail and we had an amazing experience! They definitely took great care of us even with the previous trip going wrong. We do recommend this company! The contact person was quick to respond and very helpful when needed!
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Speedboat to Shala River
Yirat Hendler
06/10/2025

Great Experience

Great experience, for sure it was the best choice to take a fast private boat. The guys were super professional and very friendly . We also took a shuttle from the hotel, it was comfortable but not necessary. If you have SUV you can drive there.
Speedboat to Shala River
אלכס פנסטור
06/10/2025

A truly charming place

Hi. , from Israel. My wife and I, enjoyed your kindness very much, the dreamy cruise on the lake. We were very impressed by your professional navigation on the river. Thank you and thank you. To all the Albanian people for the amazing and warm hospitality we had. A truly charming place, a recommended paradise. I wish you peace, success and happiness.
Speedboat to Shala River
Kryzstof Ignaczsewski
06/10/2025

I recommend this trip

I recommend the trip. The organization was great. Everything was as planned. The staff was very friendly and helpful.
Speedboat to Shala River
Veronika Pavlíćková
06/10/2025

The trip was perfect

Amazing experience. We are glad that Shala River Trip made this trip possible out of the season end of March.
Speedboat to Shala River
Bernd Scherer
06/10/2025

Professionally organised

We really enjoyed it. Our dog behaved very well and calmly. The road was really bad in places, which made the first part of the journey by Minibus a little strenuous. The boat trip was wonderful, the views of Lake Komani were magnificent. The destination on the Shala River was also scenically sensational. Of course, the destination was full of people. But that is (unfortunately) unavoidable at tourist hotspots. What saddened us was the amount of rubbish we saw on the water, on sandbanks and also on the ground in the restaurant area. In our opinion, something urgently needs to be done about this! Overall, the tour was well and professionally organised by the tour operator. We can recommend the excursion.
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Speedboat to Shala River
Mattia Gndolli
06/10/2025

Very well organized tour, I recommend!

We arranged to be picked up from Shkoder, which is a wise choice considering the conditions of the road to the ferry station and the difficulty in finding parking there. Booking the tour with bus shuttle included is very comfortable and will save you a lot of struggle. As per the boat part, just sit and enjoy the views! Once arrived at Blini Park we could rent a kayak for 10 EUR per hour, get refreshments, use the toilet etc. Bring cash (either EUR or LEK), cards are almost never an option.
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Speedboat to Shala River
Marnic Kool
06/10/2025

such blue water

I’ve never seen such blue water! I was picked up from Shkoder and we went sailing by boat. I was able to take super nice pictures.
Speedboat to Shala River
Sebastian
05/10/2025

I can only recommend the tour.

We were even picked up directly from the campsite for an extra charge. The bus journey is pleasant, the driver was very, very nice and you can tell he has the bus under control. You feel at ease on the journey. The boat trip to the Shala River is also very good and the organisation works very well. The timetable is adhered to very well and the experience on the Shala River is also cool.
Speedboat to Shala River
Przemysław Król
05/10/2025

A Must-Do Albanian Experience (With a Few Tips) ✨

🏞️This is truly one of those must-do experiences in Albania. The boat journey to get there is a highlight in itself—a wonderfully calming experience as you glide through serene blue waters, flanked by lush green mountains. The ride alone is worth the trip. You eventually arrive at the beautiful mouth of the Shala River. Be prepared, though, as the area is heavily commercialized, with paid sunbeds and numerous restaurants. It’s a great spot to take a dip in the chilly river to cool off, and while you can eat at the local restaurants, we found you can get much tastier and more affordable food elsewhere in Albania. For a great alternative to the crowds, consider a short hike. Our tour guide suggested a trail that leads uphill (about 15 minutes each way) and offers fantastic views of the river from a different perspective. A word of advice: the turn-off to the actual viewpoint isn't obvious, so it’s best to go with a guide or someone who knows the exact path. Numerous operators offer this tour. We arranged ours directly through our hotel in the area, Hotel Davids (which we also highly recommend!), and they conveniently picked us up right from the property. Overall, the Shala River trip is an essential Albanian adventure. (This was one of the key stops on our 2025 family road trip across the country. For our full itinerary and more tips, look for my detailed review of Skanderbeg Square in Tirana!)
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Speedboat to Shala River
Elisa Sterkaj
05/10/2025

Breathtaking scenery

Shala river trip in Koman is a must-do experience in Albania! The company is very professional and reliable, with excellent organization from start to finish. The boat ride across Koman lake offers breathtaking scenery, and the arrival at Shala river feels like discovering a hidden paradise. The staff was friendly, attentive and ensures everything runs smoothly. Truly an unforgettable experience, highly recommended!! :)
Speedboat to Shala River
Daniel Bartůněk
05/10/2025

It was amazing!

The organization was great. The pick-up went smoothly without any problems. The minibus ride was fun. The boat ride and the subsequent swimming in the river were great. We enjoyed the whole day and thank you for the perfect organization.
Speedboat to Shala River
Martina Procházková
05/10/2025

Absolutely divine experience.

Beautiful views, clear water, nice boats with a roof so you can hide from the sun and very nice staff. Everything was very well organized. We left the car in the parking lot where the boat driver took us directly to the port, showed us which boat we would take, gave us a beautiful trip, recommended a view of the river on the spot and then took us back to our car. I have nothing to complain about, on the contrary I would like to highly praise the company.
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Speedboat to Shala River
Maria Keller
05/10/2025

Wunderschön

Die Bootstour von Shkodra City zum Shala River war wirklich wunderschön. Die Landschaft ist atemberaubend, und das Personal war freundlich und hilfsbereit. Einen Stern ziehe ich ab, weil das Boot ein bisschen überfüllt war, aber insgesamt war es ein tolles Erlebnis und auf jeden Fall empfehlenswert.
Speedboat to Shala River
Clara Moreau
05/10/2025

Superbe expérience

Le trajet en bateau était à la fois relaxant et excitant, avec des paysages magnifiques et un personnel attentif.
Speedboat to Shala River
Jonas Eriksson
05/10/2025

Relaxing

The boat ride through Shala River is smooth, relaxing, and the scenery is breathtaking.
Speedboat to Shala River
Isabella García
05/10/2025

Impresionante

El recorrido en barco desde Shkodra hasta el río Shala ofrece vistas impresionantes y un personal muy amable.
Speedboat to Shala River
Thomas Becker
05/10/2025

Sehr schöne

Sehr schöne Bootstour! Die Landschaften entlang des Flusses Shala sind atemberaubend, und das Personal war sehr hilfsbereit

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From: €40,00
4.9 (141 Reviews)

Owner

Shala River Boat Tour

Member Since 2025

Information Contact

Email

info@shalariver.al

Phone

+355 68 36 800 81