Shala river & Komani lake -Day trip departure from Tirana/Shkodra
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Named "the Thailand of Albania", Shala River is definitely one of the most beautiful destinations of Albania. Reachable only by boat and surrounded by mountains, this river is a perfect getaway for those who want to get rid of the mobile connection. The source of this river is in the Albanian Alps.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Kindly note that this tour is not suitable for children under 4 years old
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Komani Lake and Shala River Day Trip is ideal for people seeking a fresh peaceful day with scenic views of Komani Lake and Shala River. You will get a chance to do the Boat Trip in Komani Lake and then swim and relax in the fresh crystal clear waters of the Shala River with views of dreamlike nature. The tour starts in Tirana, Lezha and Shkodra city and involves a 3-hour and 20-minute car ride(from Tirana) with a short stop on the way to the Komani Lake, which was formed in the 1970s by damming the Drini valley.
Shala River
Visitors will then board a boat and embark on a ride through a series of deep gorges and interconnected lakes, passing between high mountains and enjoying the tranquil beauty of the natural surroundings. The ride will continue for approximately 1 hour until reaching the Shala River, which is known for its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking scenery. FREE TIME/LUNCH: You’ll have around 3 hours of free time at Shala River to enjoy the stunning nature, relax, have lunch, or take a refreshing swim in the clear waters. An optional hike is available, led by the tour guide upon arrival. It takes about 45 minutes (both ways) and is well worth it—the view from the top balcony is truly breathtaking.
What‘s Included
Pick up from Shkodra city center at Shkodër bus station (in front of Neptun shop))
English speaking tour guide
Pick up and drop off from the hotel located in Tirana
Transportation to the destination locations
Pick up from Lezha city (At the roundabout on the main street)
Boat ticket
Foods and drinks
Tips for the tour guide & driver
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Departure from Lezha
Duration: 10 hours: Trip duration may vary due to traffic. We recommend not planning anything in Lezha before 19:00 to avoid any risk of delays
Starting from Lezha: We offer pick-up from the meeting point at the roundabout at the entrance of Lezha city, after which the tour will begin.
Van/Bus: Depending on the group size, we use different types of vehicles for the trip. All vehicles are air-conditioned
Pickup included
Departure from Tirana
Duration: 14 hours: Trip duration may vary due to traffic. We recommend not planning anything in Tirana before 20:30 to avoid any risk of delay
Start the tour from Tirana: We offer pick-up from your hotel or accommodation if it’s located within Tirana city, and then we’ll begin the tour.
Van / Bus : Depending on the group size, we use different types of vehicles for the trip. All vehicles are air-conditioned.
Pickup included
Shala river from Tirana - Private tour
Lunch at shala river
Pickup included
Departure from Shkodra
Duration: 10 hours
Departure from Shkodra
Van/Bus
Pickup included
Reviews
309 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Spectacular Day Trip
R9260PVbeatricel,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We joined the Shala River & Komani Lake day trip departing from Tirana/Shkodra and it was one of the most memorable excursions we’ve done in Albania. The day starts early with a scenic drive through northern Albania’s dramatic landscapes — expect a few hours on the road, but the views and guide commentary make it feel worthwhile. Once at Shala River, you get several hours to explore, relax, swim, or enjoy lunch at riverside restaurants. The turquoise water is refreshing (bring swim shoes — the riverbed can be rocky), and there’s a relaxed, almost untouched feel to the area that’s easy to appreciate. It’s long but beautifully organized, with outstanding scenery and plenty of chances to unwind by some of Albania’s most pristine waters. Would book again.
Great I recommend it.
L1393PKluciaa,,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent guide, a very entertaining day. Very happy to have attended with my friends. I will return to Albania soon and repeat another tour.
Best tour guide ever!!!
V3058SKchloem,,Oct 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide was bledi- absolutely amazing guy!! Made everyone feel welcome, told us some history on our bus journey which just made it so much better then looking out the window in silence. Sadly, the weather did stop us from going all the way to shala river HOWEVER, bledi still took us as far as the shallow water would allow the boat go, we got out and explored some caves and stopped off at the restaurant. Bledi really pulled it out of the bag for us, kept in high spirits all day. Had everyone laughing. Was happy to discuss anything!! And answer any questions you ask. If I could give more than 5 stars I would!!!! BOOK WITH BLEDI!! YOU WILL NOT BE DISSAPOINTED. Top guy!!
Pleasant stay in nature, but can be worked out even better. Excursion from 5am to 9pm to be free for only 3am.
jeniferd293,,Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Fun day trip full of nature accompanied by a spontaneous guide (Blidi). Only downside is the trip there. Leaving at 5am and arriving after 8pm. Boat trip is pleasant in the beautiful landscape, although the boats are sometimes completely packed. There are a few activities on site, but they don't always appear to be open. So you can mainly eat and drink something, but also limited. So in the end very long day to only be there for 3 hours.
Grandiose excursion on the river
547kirstinw,,Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was an incredibly beautiful trip. The view on the river was magnificent and the tour guide Bledi was in a very good mood and provided us with a lot of information. The 3-hour stay invites you to linger with many beautiful restaurants. Particularly noteworthy was the good mood on the boat (round trip). Here we were also entertained with very good music. It was very worth it and I would book it again and again. 😊💪🏻
Great day!
X6099VTjos b,,Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a wonderful trip! Even though the weather wasn’t the best for this experience, we still had a great time. Our tour guide, Bledi, was really nice and funny, always bringing good vibes. On the shuttle to the boat he also gave a short lecture on Albania history which I found very interesting! Would strongly recommend :)
Guide and perfect excursion
luclX5127BZ,,Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great excursion, thank you to the guide Bledi for accompanying us throughout the day and for teaching us many stories about Albania.
Excellent
thaaraj2025,,Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is the. first time we are being in Albenia shala river. Good experience. We had lot of fun.Enjoyed well. Amazing veiwes tour guide explained very well about history and given lots of information
A fantastic day trip - beautiful impressions and good mood guaranteed
911evelynp,,Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Despite cloudy weather, the team has given everything that it has become a wonderful experience. From the pickup in Shkodra to the return journey, everything was well planned and worked out relaxed. Many thanks to the whole team and this unforgettable adventure
Money worth
marieeI3683DW,,Sep 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Super completed tour. Cute guide who could tell about Albania. Works easily to get from Shkodër. A bit for the expensive side but it was all worth the money :)) can definitely recommend this trip.
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Operated by Smart Tour Albania