Diving into Albania’s Underwater World: A Guide to Marine Life Let me tell you something a little unexpected about life here on the Albanian Riviera: the real magic doesn’t just happen above ground. Sure, the beaches in Saranda and Ksamil are absolu

Let me tell you something a little unexpected about life here on the Albanian Riviera: the real magic doesn’t just happen above ground. Sure, the beaches in Saranda and Ksamil are absolutely breathtaking (and yes, I’ve been lucky enough to sell countless seaview apartments with some of the best views you’ll ever lay eyes on). But once you dip beneath the surface of the Ionian Sea… it’s a different world. Quiet. Mysterious. Alive.

And it’s one of the things that makes living—or investing—in southern Albania so incredibly special.

Last week, I showed a client a stunning beachfront property tucked away near Manastir Beach. We were wrapping up the tour when she pointed out the water, crystal clear and still in the late afternoon light, and said, “Do people actually swim here in October?” I just laughed. Because here, many locals swim well into November. The sea stays warm, and the marine life? It’s still dancing just beneath the waves.

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A Hidden Gem for Divers and Snorkelers

Now, I’m not a professional diver or anything fancy like that. But I do know my way around a mask and snorkel. Living in Saranda for over a decade, I’ve explored my fair share of hidden coves and rocky coastlines. And one of the best-kept secrets? You don’t have to go far at all to see some incredible underwater sights.

Just off the shores of Ksamil, there are these small islets—locals call them the “Three Islands,” though technically there are more—and around them, the water is full of colorful fish, sea urchins (careful where you step!), and even the occasional octopus. I once saw a cuttlefish near Pulebardha Beach that changed colors right in front of me. Nature’s magic trick.

And get this—there are actual underwater ruins around here. Yep, right off the coast near Butrint. The ancient city that everyone visits for the ruins on land? It extends into the sea. A few divers I’ve worked with told me there are sunken walls and foundations visible if the water’s calm enough. How many places in the world can you snorkel past history like that?

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