Shala river & Komani lake -Day trip from Tirana/Durres/ 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
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 2 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
Meeting point pick up from Shkodra city center and Lezha City
English-speaking guide throughout the entire tour
Pick up and drop off from the hotel located in Tirana
Air-conditioned transportation
Boat ticket at Komani lake
Digital tour booklet in your selected language
Foods and drinks
Sunbeds
Kayaks
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 Departure:Tirana/Durres/Golem: We offer pick-up from your hotel or accommodation if it’s located within Tirana city, Durres city or Golem area. 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
337 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Relaxing and enjoyable
698ashikar,May 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Guide Ervin and driver Klodian were amazing. Made us feel really comfortable, the entire trip was smooth and relaxing. The views were quite scenic. Would definitely recommend!!!
Espetacular
Marina M,May 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was well organized and the guide was great!
A Perfect Mix of Nature, Fun, and Insight
223adlat,May 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a fantastic tour and very well organized. Our guide, Lola, was not only friendly and informative, but also had a great sense of humor—she kept everyone laughing throughout the experience. The natural surroundings were absolutely beautiful and definitely worth seeing. Highly recommended!
An amazing day
Resort60752810777,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience with a very well organized day! A breathtaking view and a top excursion with a good guide 😃
Great value, wonderful views
P C,May 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Beautiful scenery. Really. Really good value. I think there could be more activities to do at the Destination to make it more worthwhile to travel. It may be especially better in the peak of summer
It passes by faster than you could imagine
708zuzian,May 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00It was okay, bus was comfortable. Pickups were quick & easy. The stops were at a place with resonable prices ( coffe for 100 lek). Views were amazing. The boat trip was a little to long. Jacket is a must have for the boat as its really windy on the way there.
A cold windy boat ride to shala river ⛰️
Sana K,May 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The Place is beautiful and the guide is really helpful and good but we went on a wrong time😭 Raining non stop , so cold and windyy😭 couldn’t enjoy the spectacular place shala river with activities. Must visit when in summer 💯
Komani lake in May
Vacation62057708030,May 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The views are amazing, highly recommend to disconnect from the rush of the city to enjoy the nature and cold but beautifully blue waters.
Exxellent tour, made even better by a superb guide
Waleed S,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is one of the best excursion trips I’ve been on. It’s got a bit of everything, a very interesting drive, a tunnel walk, a lovely boat ride and then there’s even a hike at the end to top it off. Fjona our guide is hands down the best guide I’ve travelled with, she kept the groups energy up, she was very knowledgable and continued to brief us at important moments, and despite the bad weather, her and her teammate Erwine, went out of the way to help us. When I got a bad seat on the boat, she insisted, I was moved further down, where I could feel warmer and that’s the characteristics of someone who’s not just a very good guide but an excellent human being. She made sure all of us were comfortable and mind you, she’s also an excellent photographer. As advertised on her hoodie, she’s not just princess of guides, she’s The Queen. Special shoutout to Mondi, our driver, the roads were dangerous and winding, and at one point, we got stuck with some asphalt pavers working on one side, but he expertly handled the situation, and drove us out of their safely. Very professional company, very professional staff. Can’t recommend them enough.
Beautiful and informative Albania
aprilsW8778KM,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great tour of Lake Komani and Shala River. Very beautiful scenery, very peaceful. Our guide, Bledjan, was amazing! Very knowledgeable, friendly, funny and the best looking tour guide! We also had a lovely meal at the restaurant by the river. I highly recommend this tour when visiting Albania.
From €55.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Smart Tour Albania