An half-day guided sea kayak exploration in the lacy coastline of the Mani, with a tasty pic-nic stop.
Kardamyli is a village in the Mani nestled between the blue waters of the Messinian Gulf and Mount Taygetos creating one of the prettiest settings in the Peloponnese. Sea kayaking here is a not to be missed trip. An inch-by-inch exploration of one incredibly beautiful and rich in images coasts. You paddle in warm crystal-clear waters, exploring hidden coves, sea caves, and impressive rock formations, visiting idyllic beaches scattered along the coast.
Meet your guides at the starting point right next to the water. Before departure, your guide will brief you on trip details, kayak paddling techniques, and safety measures. Soon we will be exploring the coast at a relaxed paddling pace. Your guides will narrate to you some of the legends and stories of the region. Each little cove hides a special surprise such as hidden sea caves, rock gardens, cliffs with spectacular formations. Fro your kayak you can see through the crystal-clear water the sea life and if you are lucky a sea turtle swimming under you. One of the top attractions of this trip is a visit to the Blue Cave. A spectacular natural phenomenon where sunlight passing through a crack in the cave reflects on the seafloor an aquamarine color. A swim in the cave is a must-do and a lifetime experience. On the way, we discover rock pyramids emerging from the sea. An option here for those daring is to try cliff diving. Halfway we shall make a relaxing stop for swimming, snorkeling and to taste a homemade picnic of fresh local delicacies. After lunch, we shall paddle back to the starting point to end a remarkable day at the coastline of Mani.
Meeting time: 9:30 a.m.
Meeting point: The old customs in St. John’s harbor
Duration: 4 hours including breaks
Difficulty: Easy
Suitability: Family friendly, Group friendly, Couples, Seniors, Youth, Kids over 5 years old
Know before you book
Includes:
– Super stable and easy to paddle single or tandem 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 with freshly baked bread fruits and vegetables, homemade olive oil, and cheese
– All taxes
Excludes:
– Water (please bring your own full bottle of water)
– Transfer to meeting point
– Tip or gratuity
There is a minimum of 2 participants for the implementation of this outdoor activity.
We reserve the right to modify or cancel any outdoor activity due to bad weather or any other reason beyond our control.
Private trips available.
Discounts available for families and kids.
Hotel pick up / drop off upon request.
Know before you go
What to bring with you:
– Bottle of water (1,5 litre per person)
– Any specific medication you are on
– Hat
– Short or long sleeve t-shirt (quick dry if available)
– Sunscreen
– Towel
– Swimwear or shorts
– Change of dry clothes
– 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. This trip is easy to catch it 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?
Absolutely Yes! A family sea kayak tour is fun, educational, stimulating, and surprisingly relaxing for parents who wish to have their kids engaged on the experience 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 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 at the trip you want to participate.