Sea Kayak the West 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 Marathopoli to Vromoneri

   12 Km

Wake up  in Kalamata, and savor your morning meal with a stunning view of the Ionian Sea. After breakfast, join your guides for a short drive to the coastal village of Marathopoli which serves as the launch point for our first kayak day. This day serves as an introduction to our paddle journey. A brief 2 kilometers away, we’ll find ourselves at the island of Proti, an area with a rich history and rumored to be a refuge for pirates. We’ll navigate around the island’s perimeter, continuing our journey southward until we reach the exquisite Vromoneri beach. Here, we’ll immerse ourselves in activities such as swimming and snorkeling, taking in the captivating, turquoise waters. We’ll end the day establishing our camp on the beach, indulging in a delightful dinner, and spending the night under the glittering display of countless stars.

Day 3 – Kayak from Vromoneri to Navarino Bay

 11km

Rise and head straight for a swim. Take a moment to prepare yourself a traditional Greek breakfast. From Vromoneri, we’ll paddle south, tracing the coast of the open Ionian Sea. Here, a chance meeting with a sea turtle or a dolphin isn’t a rarity. After a few hours of journeying, we’ll land on the renowned, dream beach of Voidokilia. Shaped like the Greek letter omega (Ω), its sandy expanse forms a stunning semicircular dune strip. Adjacent to the dunes is the Gialova Lagoon, a sanctuary for birds. This spectacular beach has earned the title of “A Place of Particular Natural Beauty”. Why not indulge in some relaxation, swimming, or exploration? Don’t miss out on the trail beyond the sand dunes at the far end leading up to Nestor’s Cave – the legendary hiding spot of cattle stolen from Apollo by Hermes. The pictures you’ll capture here will be nothing short of mythical. Afterward, we’ll continue southward towards Navarino bay, closely skimming past the medieval walls of Palaiokastro. Our day ends upon reaching Gialova, a quaint fishing village where the local fishermen are always keen on sharing tales of the region’s marine life. We’ll spend our night at a welcoming beachfront hotel and enjoy a delightful dinner on the patio

Day 4 – Kayak from Navarino Bay to Methoni

 19 km

Wake up and enjoy breakfast at your hotels patio. Our journey today takes us through the breathtakingly beautiful Navarino Bay and onto the deserted isle of Sphacteria. The bay is a must-see, adorned with pristine landscapes, glittering waters, and sun-kissed beaches that often serve as nesting grounds for sea turtles. We’ll kick-start our adventure from Gialova, making our way to the commanding monolith, ‘Fanari,’ located at the bay’s southern edge. Here, we’ll explore a magnificent natural stone arch and observe a diverse range of birds nesting and resting. We’ll make an exciting detour to explore the sea caves, tunnels, and arches around the islet before heading to the uninhabited Sphacteria island. Here, we’ll leave our kayaks behind and venture on foot to explore the island’s hidden treasures. Fancy a dip in a secluded beach, snorkeling, or even cliff diving for the thrill-seekers among us? We’ll then continue on our way, paddling south with the majestic Niokastro fort’s walls in our view. We conclude our day at the historical Methoni citadel, a significant trade and marine hub during medieval times. We’ll dine and rest at a seaside hotel, bidding the day goodbye

Day 5 – Kayak from Methoni to Foinikounda

 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 Foinikounda to Cape Akritas

 20 km

Following an enchanting evening of beach camping under a galaxy of stars, we kick off the day with a rejuvenating dip in the sea. Breakfast is savored beachside before we set out, moving south from Foinikounda towards Cape Akritas, a southern tip of the European mainland. The journey takes us across a channel, with the uninhabited island of Venetiko and its rocky shoreline on the other side. Our route then turns northeast, tracing a shoreline dotted with sandy beaches and tucked-away coves until we arrive at Kalamaki Beach. Gradually, the snowy tips of Taygetos and the expanse of the Messinian Bay reveal themselves. Our day concludes at Amoudi beach, the site of our next beach camp. Under a sky glowing with stars, we enjoy our dinner and prepare for another magical night in our open-air, million-star hotel.

Day 7: Kayak from Cape Akritas to Koroni

 18 km

After a magical night spent on the beach under the stars, we wake up to the sound of the waves and start our day with a refreshing swim in the sea. Today we are heading to the charming coastal town of Koroni, which boasts a majestic Venetian fortress taking pride of place on the hilltop. We’ll venture northward aboard our kayaks, traversing rock gardens and reefs teeming with diverse marine life. With a bit of luck, we might spot the renowned Caretta Caretta sea turtle gliding beneath our kayaks. Our journey continues as we paddle near towering white limestone cliffs and uncover secluded coves dotted with the region’s most exquisite golden beaches. Once we reach Koroni’s shores, we’ll marvel at this enchanting castle town, nestled amidst olive groves, fortified walls, and dramatic cliffs, adding to its unique allure. The town possesses an extraordinary charm that’s simultaneously compelling and captivating. We conclude our journey with a drive from Koroni to Kalamata, where a heartfelt farewell dinner and overnight stay have been organized.

 Day 8: Departure

As we enjoy our last breakfast together on the stunning West Peloponnesian coast, let’s refrain from goodbyes. Instead, let’s vow to “see each other again!” We’ve got your trip back to the airport covered, ensuring you depart with a bag full of unforgettable experiences and a heart eager for more adventures! Remember, every journey’s end is merely the beginning of a new one.

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.