Vlora County dive sites

Yes, diving is permitted in designated zones of the marine park and must be arranged through authorised dive operators based in Vlora. The park was established in 2010 and covers 12,428 hectares around the Karaburun Peninsula and Sazan Island. Some zones, particularly around Sazan's military installations, have restricted access and require special permits. The no-take policy throughout the park has allowed marine life to recover significantly since its establishment.

The waters around Karaburun and Sazan contain several World War Two era wrecks, including Italian naval vessels and a German transport ship. The most accessible wreck lies at around 28 metres and is well colonised by marine life. Due to the area's strategic importance controlling the Strait of Otranto, numerous vessels were sunk during both world wars. Some wrecks are at recreational depths while others require technical diving qualifications. Archaeological surveys continue to discover new wrecks in the area.

Sazan Island was Albania's most important military base throughout the Cold War and was completely off-limits to civilians until recently. The island housed submarine pens, bunkers, and military installations, some of which are now accessible as part of guided tours. For diving, the waters around Sazan offer some of the best visibility and marine life in Albania, as decades of military restriction effectively created an unintentional marine reserve. Access to the island itself requires coordination with park authorities.