SUP in Kalamata
Paddleboarding, and exploring. An exciting half-day trip to the east coast of Kalamata
The Place
Kalamata, home of the famous black olives and the southernmost city in Greece, combines a unique coastline along with the imposing views of Mount Taygetos. The city offers a diverse coastline with calm weather conditions, an ideal environment for Stand-Up Paddleboarding. Our SUP & Snorkeling in Kalamata trip here is a super fun experience suitable for everybody along the tranquil coast of Kalamata.
The Trip
We meet at the east end of Kalamata’s main beach next to Philoxenia Hotel. After a short introduction to Stand Up Paddleboarding, where you will learn the basic paddling techniques, such as how to turn, how to stop, and stand up until you become confident on your board, we are ready to go. Starting at a slow pace, we shall practice our skills, stop occasionally to enjoy the beautiful landscape, and take pictures. The view from a Paddleboard is unique, giving the paddler a different perception of the water.
It is very often happening 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 diverse coastline is stunning, offering endless spots in hidden coves to swim and play around. We take a break at the beach we like for relaxing, swimming and snorkeling. The warm sea and the crystal clear waters make snorkeling here a must-do and enjoyable activity. A delicious picnic is also scheduled during our relaxing time, sourced from farm-fresh, local producers, carefully prepared by your guide.
What's included
- Paddleboards (SUPs).
- Full SUP equipment: paddle, life jacket, leash, dry bags.
- Land and water-based Paddleboarding instructions.
- British Canoeing (BC) trip leaders also hold a 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.
Not included
- Water (please bring your own full bottle of water).
- Transfer to the meeting point.
- Tip or gratuity.
Know before you book
- A minimum number of 2 participants is required for this activity to take place.
- Previous experience is not required.
- Knowing how to swim is compulsory for this activity.
- Relatively good physical condition is needed.
- Parental accompaniment is required 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.
Know before you go
- 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, 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 in Kalamata trip is easy to catch up, and beginners can complete a decent journey on their first-time SUP trip. The Paddleboards 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, a 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 who will guide us?
Professional local SUP 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 SUP trip is either canceled, and we return your money, or rescheduled for another day.
How can I book a trip?
You can fill out the online booking form for SUP & Snorkeling in Kalamata or the trip you wish to participate in.
Sustainability
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.
Read more
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 SUP experiences continue to be eco-friendly and enriching for all.
You can read more about our Sustainability Policy and Code of Conduct here.
What our guests say
We had an awesome time riding through the olive groves of Kalamata. The equipment was top notch, including a last generation e-bike and a perfectly functional bike helmet . The bike ride was super doable even for someone who doesn't usually go bike riding. Our guide, Fotis, never lost a beat. He was very passionate and new everything there was to know about harvesting olives. During our trip he offered us a healthy snack and some tasty bread with local oil and veggies for lunch. Would definetly suggest to anyone who loves adventure!!
What guests say about their days with Explore Messinia — from trips across our program:
Read all of them on TripAdvisor and Google — also featured by Lonely Planet and National Geographic Traveler.
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