Sea Kayak Expeditions
We run a number of multi-day trips and Sailing-Kayaking expeditions in the islands of Greece. Such trips offer the added pleasure of wild camping or sailing, the element of adventure and the experience of spending long times in nature, away from modernities we’re used to in everyday life. Multi-day sea kayaking trips are for sure one of the best ways to connect with nature and experience the Greek islands. We are able to run these trips in early May and late October-November.
Circumnavigation of Antiparos & Despotiko
Antiparos and Despotiko offer a fantastic option for a circumnavigation trip as we will see volcanic coasts with big cliffs, arches and caves, remote beaches and chapels, rock formations and also visit an ancient temple of Apollo (500BC). This trip can be done in 3-4 days as we have some flexibility in adding or subtracting some coastal parts. It can also be combined with one or two single day trips on the island of Paros.
Itinerary: Circumnavigation of Antiparos & Despotiko (3-4 days)
Option:+ 1 or 2 day trips in Paros
Paddling level: Some experience required: paddling in windy conditions and knowledge of assisted deep water rescue
Distances on average: 13-20km per day
What is included:
- Paddling equipment, kayaks (singles or doubles), paddles, spraydecks, pfd’s, dry bags, pumps.
- Transportation to the launching site and back.
- Certified sea kayak guide – Sea kayak leader or Advanced sea kayak leader (Paddle Uk).
- Group tarp, stoves, cutlery, pots, snorkeling equipment, laminated maps, photos of the trip
What you need to bring:
- Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Long sleeved top for paddling
- Swimming suits & t-shirts
- Extra layer of clothes: trousers and paddling trousers, fleece top, wind-proof jacket, paddling jacket
- Sandals or some water suitable pair of shoes
- Camping equipment: Tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag
Please note that in case of strong wind conditions throughout the whole week the trip’s itinerary might be altered for safety reasons in a greater or lesser degree.
Sailing and sea kayaking in the Cyclades
A Unique way to experience the Greek islands
This is a week long sailing trip with sea kayaks on board combining vacations in a sailing yacht and sea kayaking. Get on board a 43 foot sailing yacht and visit Greek islands in one of the richest ways to experience the impressive Cycladic coastline and culture, by boat and sea kayak.
In a glimpse:
- 7days on a sailing yacht with kayaks on board
- Sailing through different islands in the Cyclades, Aegean Sea
- Sea kayaking every day
- Accommodation and food atop the yacht (a couple days on taverns)
- Maximum 4 participants in double bed cabins
- Hosted by a skipper and a sea kayak guide (Advanced Sea leader, Paddle UK)
Itinerary: A selection of Cycladic islands depending on preference and weather
Kayaking days: 6 days
Paddling level: Some experience required, paddling in the wind and assisted deep water rescue.
Distances on average: From 4 to 12km per day as there is lots of coastline exploration
Kayaking
Atop the yacht we carry our sea kayaks and their equipment:
- Single sit in sea kayaks
- Sprayskirts
- PFDs
- Split paddles
- Paddling jackets
- Pumps & Safety equipment (VHF, repair/first aid kits etc)
Once on location we put the sea kayaks in the water to paddle along the sheltered coastline and witness remote beaches, crystal clear water and impressive rock formations or sea caves. The sailing boat will be waiting for us at the end of our route. Paddling distances can range from 4 to 12km depending on our preferences, available time and weather conditions. Usually there is such an impressive coastline to discover: rock gardens, caves and rock features that need time to explore and as a consequence drop our average speed considerably. We will make stops to rest, swim and snorkel. Back on board the yacht we get comfortable, rest and enjoy the simplicity of living afloat.
Sailing
The boat, a Jeannau Sun Odyssey 43, is equipped to comfortably accommodate and safely sail us in the Greek seas. We will meet in Paros island and take off to visit a selection islands, mainly depending on the weather forecast. The following islands are in our distance range: Antiparos, Despotiko, Folegandros, Sikinos, Poliegos, Kimolos, Milos, Naxos, Donousa, Koufonisia, Schinousa, Iraklia, Amorgos, Keros, Sifnos
In each island we have great options to paddle, visit villages, see archaeological sites and anchor in remote bays. From island to island depending on the wind conditions we will make the most with sailing and everyone will be able to participate in that process and learn if new to this environment. The spirit of this trip is for a joint powers-teamwork type of vacation as the boat is a more enjoyable and efficient transportation means if all members lend a hand and get involved. However this is not obligatory as George and Alex can easily take the workload on them.
Accommodation & food
Accommodation is in the boat in double bed cabins with one toilet/shower per two cabins. Cabins are equipped with bed linen and towels and the galley (kitchen) is capable of hosting a great cooking variety. You are able to make your own breakfast, lunch and snacks and we take in charge several meals as we love to prepare and offer you tastes which are connected with the marine and fishermen culture of Greece. About twice in the trip we set foot on small fishing ports to resupply and these are opportunities to try local delicacies in village taverns.
When the time is right we enjoy snacks like mezes, small bites of Greek products which are usually accompanied by a local spirit. After a day of activity, food and relaxation we are ready to welcome a bright starry night whilst anchored on a secluded bay.
The Skipper and Kayak guide
The hosts are father and son George and Alex. George has been sailing and working in the yacht chartering sector for 45years as a skipper, boat owner, yacht broker and yacht charter company owner. Alex is running sea kayaking trips in the Cycladic island Paros after having created Sea Kayak Paros in 2014. He is a Paddle Uk advanced sea kayak leader and Sea kayak coach. Both are very happy to be able to work together in this joint project, looking forward to spending some quality time in the sea and show and share as much of their knowledge of the area, activities and Greek culture.
Small Cyclades Expedition
An island hopping adventure
The Small Cyclades is a group of small islands with short distances in between them that are located East – South East of their bigger brothers Paros and Naxos. They offer an ideal island destination for sea kayaking trips as we can take advantage of the ferry transportations in between them and formulate our trip plan using the wind conditions to our advantage.
The expedition is 5 days long and consists of circumnavigation and exploration of 4 to 5 islands and open crossings in between them. Nights are spent wild camping out on remote beaches and food is prepared by ourselves. Villages and small fishing ports will be visited where we can resupply with provisions and opt for dinners in taverns.
- Kayaks and paddling equipment
- Available camping equipment (stoves, group tarp), you need your own tent, sleeping bag & sleeping mat.
- Paddle Uk certified Sea kayak leader
- Laminated maps, snorkelling gear, photos of the trip.
Not including:
- Food, accommodation in Paros and plane/ferry boat tickets.
- The itinerary and islands visited may be altered depending on wind conditions and our motivation.
What you need to bring:
- Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Long sleeved top for paddling
- Swimming suits & t-shirts
- Extra layer of clothes: trousers and paddling trousers, fleece top, wind-proof jacket, paddling jacket
- Sandals or some water suitable pair of shoes
- Camping equipment: Tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag