The place
Methoni was the “eye” of Venice in the Mediterranean and an important trade and marine center for the Venetians during the medieval years. The castle of Methoni is the most impressive fortress in the Peloponnese built in a rock that enters the sea and is separated from the mainland by an artificial moat. Across Methoni, the lush island of Sapienza is integrated into the Natura 2000 network, home to rare species of flora and fauna. Near its coasts, several shipwrecks are lying still visible with goggles and snorkels. Sea Kayaking here is sometimes a challenge even for experienced paddlers. Sea kayak Methoni is the way to explore the coasts of the area!
The activity
Meet your guide at the beach right in front of Methoni, next to which looms the impressive fortress. He will welcome you and brief you on paddling techniques, safety measures, and equipment before hopping onto our kayaks for a rather demanding paddling adventure. You glide your kayaks near the imposing walls of the castle which are adorned with impressive arcs and bastions. You travel back in time with pictures taken from the medieval past of the region. Soon you will be crossing the channel between Methoni and Sapienza where many ancient shipwrecks are scattered around. Here, you may take a chance to snorkel near the island’s rough coast in search of a few visible remains of shipwrecks. Heading south you shall reach the tranquility of the beautiful beach of the island. Here, you rest, swim, sunbathe, and taste our delicious homemade picnic of local delicacies.
Highlight
The island is a monument of nature covered by a dense, ancient arbutus forest, home of muffle (wild sheep), wild goats (kri-kri), partridges, pheasants, and many other species of which we may be lucky enough to meet. Once our break is over, you head east and paddle exploring the north coast of the island before returning to the starting point to end a paddling adventure in Methoni and the island of Sapienza.
Meeting time: 9:30 a.m.
Meeting point: Methoni beach.
Duration: 4 hours including breaks
Difficulty: Challenging
Suitability: Group friendly, Couples, Youths, Kids over 15 years old
Know before you book for Sea kayak Methoni
Activity requirements:
– A minimum number of 2 participants 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 15 years old may join this trip.
– A written waiver form is compulsory to be filled in before taking part in this activity
Includes:
– Super stable and easy to paddle single or double Kayaks with rudder
– Full Sea Kayak equipment: paddle, life jacket, spray-deck, waterproof jacket, waterproof bags
– Land and water-based Sea Kayaking paddling instructions
– British Canoeing (BC) Sea Kayak leaders 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
– 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 kayaked before?
Most of our customers are first-timers. The Sea kayak Methoni is easy to catch up and beginners can complete a decent journey on their first-time sea kayaking trip. The kayaks 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, 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 Sea Kayaking trip suitable for families with kids?
No! This is the most demanding Sea kayak daytrip we offer because of the sea state that can occur at the area, as Methoni in the south western cape of Greece. An ideal family sea kayak tour in the area is the Sea kayak in Navarino Bay.
What is the minimum age for a kid to join this sea kayaking trip?
Children from 14 years old may join a standard group trip or a private trip.
What is the trip best suited for me, how do I choose?
All of our trips are designed to be suitable for everybody. Each one has its own unique characteristics. Best way to choose a trip among others is to check which one departs closer from the place you are staying.
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 hike 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 really work best with groups of experienced hikers 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 Kayaking 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 condition for a specific trip.
What happens if the weather is unsuitable?
A hiking trip is either cancelled and we return your money back or arranged for another day.
How can I book for a trip?
You can fill up the online booking form for the Sea kayak Methoni or the trip you want to participate.
We are committed to promoting sustainable tourism and preserving the natural beauty of the coastline for future generations. Our Sea Kayaking 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 single or double kayaks 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.
