Paddleboarding, and Exploring. All parts of this exciting half-day trip to the coast of Mani.
The place
Kardamyli is nestled between tranquil blue bays, dark cypresses, and a sea of olive trees in south Peloponnese. On one side of the horizon is the calm Gulf of Messinia, on the other, the imposing presence of Mt Taygetos. Our Sup & Snorkeling Kardamyli trip here is a super fun experience suitable for everybody, combining Paddleboarding and Snorkeling along the beautiful cliff-lined coast of the Mani.
The activity
We meet at St John’s harbor of Kardamyli. After a short introduction to stand-up paddleboarding where you will learn the basic paddling techniques, how to turn, stop and stand up until you grow confident on your board, we are ready to go. Starting at a slow pace, we shall practice our skills, stop occasionally to enjoy the magnificent landscapes, and take pictures. The perspective from a Paddleboard is unique, giving the paddler a different perception of the water where it is common to see fish and sea turtles swimming below the surface. In addition, the view from on top of the water is equally impressive.
The beauty of the imposing cliffs around the coastline is so breathtaking that you feel as if you’ve left the real world behind you. Soon we will be exploring hidden beaches, and paddling inside coves with turquoise water. We will be paddling into sea caves, swimming into hidden caverns, enjoy gliding alongside the cliffs. Halfway we shall make a relaxing stop for swimming and snorkeling. Time to discover the richness of the underwater world. A delicious picnic is scheduled halfway, sourced from farm-fresh, local producers carefully prepared by your guide.
Meeting time: 9:30 a.m.
Meeting point: St John’s Kardamyli Harbor
Duration: 4 hours including breaks
Difficulty: Εasy
Suitability: Family friendly, Group friendly, Couples, Youths, Kids over 12 years old
Know before you book Sup in Kardamyli
Activity requirements:
– A minimum number of 2 participants is required for this activity to take place.
– Some previous experience.
– Knowing how to swim is compulsory for this activity.
– Relatively good physical condition.
– Parental accompaniment for minors to take part in this activity.
– Kids from 12 years old may join this trip.
– A written waiver form is compulsory to be filled in before taking part in this activity
Includes:
– Paddleboards (SUPs)
– Full SUP equipment: paddle, life jacket, leash, dry bags
– Land and water-based Paddleboarding instructions
– British Canoeing (BC) trip leaders also holding first aid certificate.
– Eco friendly cultural and educational guiding
– Picnic lunch with freshly baked bread, handpicked vegetables, extra virgin olive oil dips, local cheese, and fruits of the season
– Photographs from the trip
– All taxes
Excludes:
– Water (please bring your own full bottle of water)
– Transfer to meeting point
– Tip or gratuity
Upgrades and discounts:
Private trips available.
Discounts available for families and kids.
Hotel pick up / drop off upon request.
Cancelations:
We reserve the right to modify or cancel any outdoor activity due to bad weather or any other reason beyond our control.
See our terms and conditions
Know before you go
What to bring with you:
– Bottle of water (A reusable bottle helps in minimizing plastic waste)
– Medication you are on
– Hat or cap
– Short or long sleeve t-shirt
– Sunscreen
– Towel
– Swimwear or shorts
– Change of dry clothes (to be used after the activity)
– Sea shoes or flip flops or sandals (Avoid bulky shoes, trainers and socks)
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I’ve never paddle-boarded before
Most of our customers are first-timers. The Sup & Snorkeling Kardamyli trip is easy to catch up and beginners can complete a decent journey on their first-time SUP trip. The Paddboards you will be using are super stable and suit all levels of paddlers, even if you have never paddled before. Our experienced guides will take you through the basic skills so you have the knowledge and adequate paddling capability to enjoy a day at the sea.
What will be the pace?
All of our trips are about journeying. We paddle at a relaxed pace; we learn on the move and enjoy the marine environment. If you are a group of experienced paddlers wanting to complete a demanding journey then a private trip would be the best option.
What should I wear?
We suggest wearing clothes that you don’t mind getting a bit wet. Swimwear is essential if you wish to swim, a quick dry t-shirt, hat, sunglasses, and shorts. Running shoes and socks are not recommended as they tend to get soggy. Sea shoes, sandals or flip-flops are fine. A lightweight polypropylene or fleece layer should be included in early spring and late fall tours. Dry bags are provided where you can store your phone or some other personal belongings.
Who are the people that will guide us?
Professional local kayak leaders trained and certified by the British Canoeing (BC) with a great knowledge of the area and the marine environment.
Is this SUP trip suitable for families with kids?
Absolutely Yes! A family paddleboarding tour is fun, educational, stimulating, and surprisingly relaxing for parents who wish to have their kids engaged in the experience of exploring the marine environment and the outdoors in a safe and controlled way. We offer discounted rates for families with kids on some tours.
What is the minimum age for a kid to join this SUP trip?
Kids from 12 years old may join a standard group trip or a private trip. We always paddle with kids at a relaxed pace allowing them to learn and have fun.
Do you offer private trips?
Yes, we can organize a private tour, standard or tailor-made, just for you, your family, or your friends.
Should I book a standard trip or a private trip?
If you are happy to paddleboard with a mixed group or don’t want to spend as much money then booking a standard group trip is the best way to go. Private trips work best with groups of experienced paddlers or groups of friends who want to do something a bit different, would like to do a more advanced journey or just want to have privacy and enjoy the trip just themselves.
Is lunch provided?
Yes, simple, nutritious and flavorsome, the food is one of the pleasures during our trips. Halfway we make a relaxing stop at a nice place to taste a picnic with freshly baked bread, organic garden-grown fruits and vegetables, homemade olive oil, and cheese.
What route will we take?
We usually perform our tours within a certain route aiming to visit the most beautiful spots each trip has to offer however; your guide is likely to choose an alternative route that suits the conditions on the day and the experience and needs of the group. This is the safest and best way to operate SUP trips.
Where do I park my car?
You can park your vehicle safely and for free near our meeting point. Feel free to ask us about parking conditions for a specific trip.
What happens if the weather is unsuitable?
A hiking trip is either canceled and we return your money or arranged for another day.
How can I book a trip?
You can fill up the online booking form for Sup & Snorkeling Kardamyli or the trip you wish to participate.
We are committed to promoting sustainable tourism and preserving the natural beauty of the coastline for future generations. Our SUP activity embodies this green character in several meaningful ways. Notably, the activity is powered solely by human effort, ensuring no fossil fuel is consumed during your exploration. By opting for paddle power, we minimise our carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner environment.
Our super stable and easy-to-paddle SUPs are made from high-quality, durable materials designed to have minimal impact on the environment. Additionally, we supply reusable waterproof bags to keep your belongings dry, reducing the need for single-use plastics.
We strongly encourage all participants to bring a reusable water bottle to minimize the use of plastic throwaways. Hydration is crucial, but it doesn’t have to come at the expense of our planet’s health. Refillable bottles can be topped up before departure to ensure you have ample water for the journey.
Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond equipment and personal habits. We integrate environmental stewardship into our activities. During our trips, guides will provide space and bags for small beach clean-ups, encouraging participants to help maintain the pristine condition of the coastline. We ask everyone to collect any plastic or other debris encountered along the way, ensuring that we leave the places we visit better than we found them.
By following these sustainable practices, together we can ensure that the breathtaking beauty of the coastline remains undisturbed and that our sea kayaking experiences continue to be eco-friendly and enriching for all.
You can read more about our Sustainability Policy and Code of Conduct here.
