From €25
Full day · 9:00–17:00
Shala River Classic
Our signature trip. Cruise across Koman Lake, glide into the Shala canyon and enjoy three hours of swimming, sun and lunch on the white pebble beach before the return ride.
Explore the Albanian Alps
Make your day on the Shala River
unforgettable!
Cruise the fjord-like Koman Lake and spend the day on the crystal-clear Shala River — a hidden corner of northern Albania you can only reach by boat.
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Tour
Date
Guests
- 37 km
- of river through the Alps
- 3 h
- of free time on the river
- 8
- guests per boat, maximum
- 4.9
- average guest rating
Tours
Boat
Tours
Pick the ride that fits your day — every tour leaves from the Koman ferry port.
From €15
Half day · 3 hours
Koman Lake Cruise
A relaxed scenic loop through the narrow gorges of Koman Lake, with stops at the best viewpoints and mirror-still water for photos. Ideal if you're short on time.
From €200
Flexible · up to 8 guests
Private Boat
Your own captain, your own schedule. Choose the departure time, linger where you like and add a stop at the hidden cave or a riverside lunch at a local family's guesthouse.
From €40
Evening · 18:30–22:30
Sunset & Stars
Leave as the cliffs turn gold, watch the sun drop behind the Alps and drift back under one of the darkest, clearest skies in Europe. Blankets and warm tea included.
12k+
Guests hosted
Travellers from over 60 countries have ridden with us since 2017
About
A family of
river captains
We were born on this water. For three generations our family has ferried neighbours, goods and — more recently — travellers between Koman and the villages of Shala. Today we run a small fleet of wooden boats so you can experience the river the way we know it: slowly, safely and with people who call it home.
9
Seasons on the water
Every captain has grown up navigating these gorges
How a day
on the river works
No transfers to organise, no surprises — just show up at the port and we take it from there.
Step 1
Pick a date & tour
Book online in two minutes. Pay a small deposit; the rest on the boat.
Step 2
Meet at Koman port
Arrive 20 minutes before departure. Free parking and coffee at the dock.
Step 3
Cruise Koman Lake
About an hour through the gorges, with photo stops along the way.
Step 4
Free time on the Shala
Swim, paddle, hike a little, eat well — three hours are yours.
Step 5
Return by evening
Back at the port with time to reach Shkodër or Valbona for dinner.
Shala Boats
Why ride
with Shala Boats
Plenty of boats leave from Koman. Ours are the ones the locals recommend — here's why.
Local captains
Every captain grew up on this lake and knows its moods, its shortcuts and its stories.
Honest prices
What you see is what you pay. No hidden port fees, no surprise charges for the return ride.
Small boats
Maximum eight guests. More space, more quiet, more time at the places that matter.
Fully insured
Licensed by the Albanian maritime authority, insured, and equipped with life jackets for every age.
Overall rating
What travellers
say about the ride
Real reviews from guests who spent a day with us on the water.
4.9
Based on 800+ verified reviews across Google, TripAdvisor and GetYourGuide.
“The best day of our Albania trip. The water is unreal and our captain Gjon stopped wherever we asked for photos.”
Laura M.
“Small boat, no crowds, a proper swim in freezing turquoise water and a lunch at a family house. Perfect.”
Thomas K.
“Booked the sunset tour on a whim. Watching the stars come out over the lake was something I will never forget.”
Sofia R.
“Organised, punctual and genuinely kind people. They even helped us with the bus connection to Valbona.”
Daniel P.
FAQ
Frequently
asked questions
Everything you need to know before you get on the boat.
Koman is about 2 hours by car from Shkodër. Daily minibuses leave Shkodër at 6:00–7:00 and there is free parking at the port. We can also arrange a private transfer on request.
Ready to ride?
Send us your dates and group size. We reply within a few hours, every day of the season.
Phone & WhatsApp
+355 69 000 0000
Daily 08:00–19:00
Email
hello@shalaboats.al
Reply within a few hours
Season
1 May – 31 October
Departures from 9:00
Meeting point
Koman Ferry Port
Shkodër County, Albania
Contact