About Us
Born on the Shala, at home on the water
Shala Boats is a family-run operator based at the Koman ferry port in Shkodër County, northern Albania.
About Us
Our story
Before the Koman dam filled the valley in 1985, our grandfather rowed the Drin to reach the mountain villages. When the lake rose, the boat became the only road — and the family became the ferry.
In 2017 we welcomed our first group of hikers coming down from Theth and realised the river we took for granted was one of the most beautiful places in the Balkans. We bought a second boat, then a third.
We still keep it small on purpose. Eight guests per boat means you hear the water, not an engine, and our captains have time to tell you where the eagles nest.
12k+
Guests hosted
Travellers from over 60 countries have ridden with us since 2017
9
Seasons on the water
Every captain has grown up navigating these gorges
About Us
What we care about
01
Safety first
Licensed captains, serviced engines, life jackets for every guest and a strict weather policy.
02
Leave no trace
We carry out everything we carry in, and we're part of the local river clean-up crew every spring.
03
Local, always
Lunches come from guesthouses in Shala, and every crew member lives within a boat ride of the port.
Not sure which tour to pick?
Tell us how much time you have and who's coming — we'll suggest the best ride for your day.