Sea Kayak the Mani Coast

Details

Day 1: Arrive to Athens or Kalamata

 ATH or KLX Athens or Kalamata Airport

Jump on a flight to either Kalamata or Athens airport where your adventure begins! Your guide eagerly awaits you for a straight ride to our kick-off point, the charming city of Kalamata. Arrive in the afternoon, get comfortable in your cozy seaside hotel, and feel the welcoming aura of Kalamata. Join your guide for a delightful local meal at a nearby restaurant and get all the exciting details for our upcoming journey. Can’t wait to see you there!

Day 2: Kayak from Kalamata to Kardamyli

18km

Awake and energize with a Greek breakfast overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Meet your trip leader at the hotel and get ready to set sail. Your kayaks are already waiting for you on the beautiful sandy beach. Adjust your kayak to your size and get ready to embark on a thrilling float. We’ll start our expedition from the serene Messinian Gulf, heading southeast. For the first 7 kilometers, we’ll paddle alongside charming coves until we reach the fishing village of Kitries, known for its iconic lighthouse. As we leave the lighthouse behind, get ready for a breathtaking and challenging landscape. We have 12 kilometers to go until we reach the village of Kardamyli. Along the way, we’ll discover a hidden sandy beach, where we can take a break, savor a delicious picnic, and explore the underwater wonders while snorkeling. Afternoon arrival in Kardamyli where we set up our camp and prepare our dinner under the star dome.

Day 3: Kayak from Kardamyli to Ag. Nikolaos

11km

Breakfast and departure for an exhilarating day. Starting from Kardamyli’s ancient harbor, we embark on a southward paddle along a spectacular coastline. This leg of our journey promises stunning sights, concealed coves, pristine beaches, and enigmatic sea caves, some of which we will explore by traversing their entrances with our kayaks or venturing ashore to enter on foot. Approximately covering a distance of 10 km, we will navigate through crystal-clear and warm waters. We will also have the opportunity to visit Stoupa, renowned for its stunning Kalogria beach, and Agios Nikolaos, boasting a charming harbor. To conclude the day, we will paddle to the port of Agios Nikolaos and settle into a seaside guesthouse. Later in the evening, we will reunite for dinner, sharing our impressions of the adventures experienced throughout the day.

Day 4: Kayak from Ag. Nikolaos to Limeni

19 km

Awake and energize with a delightful breakfast offered by the hospitable hotel keeper. Today, we leave behind a friendly coastline and enter a dryer region with an even rougher coastline. As we paddle along, the distance between seaside villages increases and the number of available exit points diminishes. Along the way, we have the opportunity to explore Katafygi cave, which is the old bed of an underground river that now flows into the sea 200 meters away. We also pass by the village of Chotasia, known for its natural salt pits, where people in the past used to collect sea salt as a means of living. After paddling a total distance of 19 km, we reach the picturesque village of Limeni, which is literally built on the edge of the land, with waves gently lapping at the foundation of the houses. We conclude the day by setting up our campsite at a wonderful location that provides a stunning view of the picturesque Limeni.

Day 5: Kayak from Limeni to Mezapos

  18km

We start our day by enjoying a delicious breakfast at the picturesque beach of Limeni. Afterward, we embark on an exciting paddling adventure along the magnificent coastline. As we paddle, we are greeted by countless coves nestled between impressive cliffs and a mesmerizing navy-blue sea. Along the way, we can’t help but marvel at the beauty of the Diros Caves, one of the largest sea caves in the world, adorned with gleaming stalagmites and stalactites. Although visiting the Diros sea caves is not part of our plan, we all secretly wish for a quick stop to explore this natural wonder. Continuing our journey south, our aim is to find a small fjord that will not only serve as an exit point but also provide us with a unique spot to unwind, snorkel, and indulge in a picnic of fresh local delicacies. With a total distance covered of 19 km, we finally reach the sheltered bay of Mezapos, where we set up camp and prepare a satisfying dinner.

Day 6: Kayak from Mezapos to Gerolimenas

  16km

Early breakfast and departure kick-start our adventures for a rather challenging day, indeed. On the fifth paddling day, brace yourself for the most stunning views of the whole trip! We’ll navigate our way around Cavo Grosso, an enormous solid rock that gracefully forms a continuous cliff for almost ten thrilling kilometres. It’s no secret that this paddling day is considered the most challenging, as we’ll paddle a big leg without an actual exit point. But fear not! The coves of Ohia and a couple of fjords await, offering us the chance to approach and relish in this completely raw and secluded spot. After a day well spent, we’ll arrive in Gerolimenas, ready to indulge in a tasty dinner at a traditional tavern. And fret not about our accommodation—our overnight stay at a guesthouse has already been reserved with your comfort in mind.

Day 7: Kayak from Gerolimenas to Cape Tenaro

  18 km

Departing from Gerolimenas, we head south towards Cape Tenaro, one of the southernmost tips of the European mainland. As we paddle along the coast, we can admire the fortified settlements on the land, feeling the defensive atmosphere of the region. Over the hill, the village of Vathia stands proud with its numerous tower houses, offering us glimpses into the past and the way the locals used to live. Halfway through, we take a break to rest and enjoy a picnic on the beautiful remote beach of Marmari. We pass by the legendary gates of Ades, one of the mythical gateways to the underworld, and soon arrive under the cape’s lighthouse. Heading north for the first time after six days, and after a few kilometers, we reach the finish point in the early afternoon, preparing ourselves for a drive back to Kalamata.

Day 8: Departure

As we share our sincere farewells over a final breakfast at the magnificent Mani Peninsula, let’s avoid saying goodbye; instead, let’s promise “to meet again!” We’ll handle your return trip to the airport, making certain that you leave with a suitcase packed with indelible memories and a heart brimming with the urge to travel! Keep in mind, every ending is simply the start of a new journey

Day 1 

This journey is appropriate for individuals with minimal sea kayaking experience. We welcome novices as well, as the focus of the trip is on teaching and developing skills. Throughout the expedition, you’ll have the opportunity to enhance your abilities. A moderate level of fitness is necessary as you can anticipate up to 6 hours of sea kayaking daily, punctuated with shoreside breaks to rest and stretch. Teamwork is essential as participants will be expected to help with transporting the kayaks to and from the water. Most of our kayaking will take place in coastal waters with limited open water crossings, and you may experience some rougher seas during your adventure. Should inclement weather prevent kayaking, your guide will propose an alternate activity, such as a leisurely hike.

Transportation

Start your adventure in Greece’s Peloponnese region with a warm welcome on Day 1 at either Kalamata Airport or Athens Airport. Our friendly host will be there to pick you up and take you to your hotel in town. And on Day 7, we’ll make sure you’re back at the airport with plenty of time for your onward flight.

If you’re arriving on Day 1 and departing on Day 8, transfers to and from the airport are included. But don’t worry if your travel dates don’t fit this schedule – just contact us for details on arranging an airport transfer outside of these days.

Travel Options

Athens Airport is the easiest way to get to Greece. Kalamata Airport is the gateway to the mesmerizing Peloponnese region. With daily direct flights from the major European hubs throughout the summer season, getting here is a breeze. If you’re traveling from the US, fear not. You can fly direct to Athens and then have a quick hop over to Kalamata. And if you prefer a scenic journey, why not hop on the express bus service from Athens to Kalamata? It’s a three-hour ride filled with breathtaking views.