I entered Albania Valona bay, near Vlores. When I was a few miles away from Vlores harbour,(N 40 27 E 19 29), I communicated with the harbour master on VHF channel 12. I asked him for permission to proceed straight to Orikum Marina (N 40 20 E 019 29) and deal with the formalities there. The harbour master answered in good English, asked me the regular Trip Report questions, and granted me permission to proceed to Orikum Marina, which saved me 2 sailing hours, and the hassle involved with entering the commercial port at Vlores.

Arriving at Orikum Marina, I was welcomed by the Marina operators, who assisted me with the regular mooring process. No issue with available mooring space.

I found a modern marina, well protected, electricity and water on the pontoon, mooring lines etc. They asked us to come to the office once we were ready, assisted us with the regular paperwork, took the filled forms and arranged for the formal in and out clearance with the Vlores authorities. We were not asked to pay any extras for the paperwork and there was no requirement for an agent to handle the formalities.

The marina fees were 40 Euros per day. Services around the marina included a modest grocery and nearby restaurants, which served great sea food at prices much much cheaper than any restaurant in the surrounding countries. Boats near us that needed technical assistance, received this from a professional team.

We stayed in Orikum for two days, and visited the country including Tirana and Durres with the assistance of local taxis, for which we paid reasonable prices.

Cellular phone reception was good all along the country and waters.

As to security, we encountered no problem nor felt any threat. This was true for the marina as well as for the rest of the country.

I really think that boats cruising the Adriatic, should stop in Albania on their way from Croatia to Greece.

The Orikum Marina manager, Luan, can be contacted on +355 6840 93801. He speaks Italian like many Albanians, his wife speaks English.

Dan Kav

S/V Familia