SUP in Kardamyli
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 the 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 Trip
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, enjoying 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.
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 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.
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.
- 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.
Know before you go
- 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, 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 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 arranged for another day.
How can I book a trip?
You can fill out the online booking form for the SUP & Snorkeling Kardamyli or the trip you wish to participate.
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 Paddleboarding 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
Best tour guide in kalamata! We went on the SUP in Kardamili. Very nice and friendly guide George. Amazing views, beaches and caves! love Clara & Albin!
Exploring the immense beauty of Messinia with this amazing team of dedicated, professional and fun individuals will be the highlight of your days. i paddled with them once in Kardamyli and then kept returning for more and more of the amazing experiences they offer in sea and mountains! Get to know them and get to know the world they 'll show you!
My son and I had the most awesome morning SUPing around Kardamyli and Kalamitsi bay. Yannis gave us really great instructions and no pressure at all to stand up! He is so calm and cheerful, we really enjoyed our session and had a beautiful picnic provided too. Yannis was also very knowledgeable about the Mani so we learnt more than SUP. I highly recommend booking a trip!
Einzigartiges Erlebnis! Tolle Kajaktour vor der Küste Kardamylis. Schöne Buchten, interessante Infos über die Gegend, nettes Picknick an einem wunderschönen kleinen Strand, supernette und erfahrene Guides. Und das Highlight: schwimmen in der blauen Höhle. Kann man nicht beschreiben, muss man machen. Absolute Empfehlung!
Explore Messinia ist ein toller und fairer Anbieter mit super netten Guides. Uns hat George einen Tag vor der Küste von Kardamili geführt - wie sonst beschrieben mit Besuch einer Höhle und vielen Geschichten zur Region und vielen Fotos. Und Klasse war auch, dass er uns ganz unterschiedlich gefordert und gefördert hat. Der grosse Teenager durfte sein Kräfte testen, der kleine hat Unterstützung und Tipps bekommen. Toller Anbieter, mit viel Spass und grosser Sorgfalt, und auch im.Vorfeld die Organisation war sehr einfach und verlässlich! Danke für einen wunderschönen Urlaubstag - trotz kaltem Nordwind war uns immer warm.
It was an amazing experience to SUP on the crystal clear waters of Kardamyli while taking in the beautiful scenery all around. I liked that it was a small group and our guide Giannis was friendly, helpful and knowledgable about the history of the area. Loved the refreshing swims which helped to cool you off and enjoyed the delicious picnic lunch on a pretty beach. I would recommend bringing your own snorkeling mask as I couldn't get a good fit with the one that they provided. Overall a great way to spend 4 hours out on the sea!
Show all 15 reviews
We had an excellent day out with Yianis our guide. Even though we are regular SUPers it was wonderful to have a guide. We felt safe and he told us lots of interesting things about the local area, which is stunning. The lunch was delicious and the secluded beach we ate on was beautiful. Thoroughly recommend.
This SUP-tour was AMAZING. This tour started with a very lovely guide, Rock. Starting the tour and already had the feeling knowing him for a long time. In one of the most beautiful - fifty shades of blue - seas started our trip: hidden hotspots, caves and a lunchbreak on a magical place with plenty of beautiful fish. I highly recommend this trip! 5-STARS for sure! ⭐️
The experience was great. We loved paddle surfing surrounded by such a beautiful landscape, and being able to enjoy a small picnic in the tranquility of a practically deserted beach. We were lucky enough to agree with Roque, who tried very hard to give us all the explanations in our language. He also gave us a lot of good facts about the Mani Peninsula. Fully recommended!
Individual, flexible and empathetic, fun, great class , it was so great that you can hardly describe it in words.
Brilliant mini adventure - my first proper go at paddle boarding and despite being a bit unsure I’d manage it our guide Roque was just the best: patient, reassuring and a great tutor in the art of SUP with a good sense of humour and so much knowledge of the area and its geography and history. Our party I think all felt really safe with Roque but also encouraged to get as much out of the trip as possible. Best bit: probably swimming in the perfect luminous blue water of a cave pool. Being gently persuaded to rather nervously try standing up on the board! Really recommend this activity with a good company and excellent leader.
Best tour guide in kalamata! We went on the SUP in Kardamili. Very nice and friendly guide George. Amazing views, beaches and caves! 🤩🙌 love Clara & Albin!
We had a very good Greece-experience also due to the sup trip we made together with you. We would like to thank you very much for the wonderfull pictures you have send us. The sup trip was one of the most exciting activities we have had in Greece. Thank you for your good care, your excellent knowhow and for the way you can make people feel at eas.
If you want to make your sup and snorkling experience an adventure, then you need to book this activity with Explore Messinia. Our guide George showed us the basics of supping and took us to hidden caves. So beautiful and exiting. Meanwhile he took pictures and filmed everything so that we can share our memories with our friends and family. He organized a nice Greek lunch on the beach and told us everything we wanted to know about Greece and Mani. Thank you so much. We will never forget this.
Fantastic experience! At the beginning we got a good technical explanation. After supping at sea we went with the supboards in a cave and later after some scrambling, we went swimming in another cave. Tasty lunch with fresh ingredients. The guide Georgios was very nice. Nice stories and you could have a good laugh with him. The many photos he had taken were forwarded via email. I recommend it to everyone!
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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