Kayak South West
Updated: 23 February, 2024 By: Stelios

Kayak South West

Duration: 4 days Level: Easy Overnight: Wild camping Price: 500€

An excellent trip that gives you the chance to paddle in one of the most amazing coastlines of Crete including the coast next to the famous Samaria gorge. The scenery of the trip is outstanding. We will visit some beaches that for years been in the top 50 in the world in various travel guides like the Lonely Planet and Tripadvisor. Not to be missed.

Overview of the trip

Overnight in small apartments or tents. The listed price does not include the cost of accommodation. Usually is about 40-50€ per night for two persons. If you do prefer to stay in small apartments please be sure you will be in touch with us the earliest possible as the availability in rooms is very limited from June to September.

EXPERIENCE NEEDED

The whole trip is about 80km. This equates to about 20km/day in 4 days. You need to have some previous experience in sea kayaks and especially to be able to track the kayak in a straight line. 

Participants without any experience are recommended to join a 2 days sea kayaking course (extra 160€ per person for 2 days) prior taking this trip.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

The trip fee includes all of the paddling equipment & the guide. High quality composite kayaks from Nigel Dennis & 3kymia are available. There are also plastic Valley Etains 17-5 & 17-7 for those that prefer them.

 Air or ferry to Heraklion on the island of Crete, lunches, drinks and any kind of food, personal clothing and accessories, baggage and trip cancellation insurance, airport taxes and gratuities are not included.

CAMPING & FOOD

The expedition is self catering. Usually we each look after our own breakfast, lunch and snacks and prepare a group evening meal in turn.

Meals in seaside towns, or beach side taverna's, are a possibility but not every day if weather is bad and we have to change the plan. You will be informed on time anyway by our guide about getting or not supplies.
During off season (late October to late April) we will need carry supplies for at least 2 days.

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURES

You will have to meet us to our base in south west and more specific at Ilingas beach.

The best place to fly to is in Chania city. From Chania there is a bus every day getting to Chora Sfakion which is located very close to us. We can pick you up from there at no cost.

Of course you can also get a taxi to get there. If you do fly from Heraklion airport due to driving distance is recommended to overnight somewhere nearby the day before.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be able to leave my suitcase with you?

Ideally try to have all your stuff for the trip inside multiple and small dry bags (10-15lt max) and those inside a suitcase or any other rucksack where you can leave it to the hotel near our base.

When in your opinion is a good time to do the expedition?

Any month apart from November to February which usually gets strong westerly and south winds.

Can I rent all camping equipment?

We can provide all the equipment for camping apart from sleeping bag for an extra cost. 

You can get a high quality 3 or 4 season tent for an extra 50€ for the whole duration of the trip and also the mattress.

Stove (complete set from Trangia) and gas canister are an extra 30€ and is suitable for 2-3 persons.

What to bring for the trip?

  1. Swim suit 
  2. Sun hat 
  3. Sun screen 
  4. Sun glasses 
  5. Towel 
  6. Wet shoes (neoprene) along with an extra normal shoe for hiking.
  7. Light clothes as well as some warmer ones (ie. fleece) depending the season. 
  8. Head torch 
  9. Sleeping bag 
  10. Mosquito repellent 
  11. Any medication needed for special personal medical condition.

What sea conditions should I expect during the trip?

Expect to paddle up to 1 meter waves occasionally and in some head winds. This is the easiest trip in terms of winds as it takes place in the most protected area of the island.

How can I pay to book/confirm for the trip?

Please fill the booking form as it has extra information that we need. 

Once you fill the booking form we will let you know within 1-2 days about the availability and will send you a link where you can pay the 20% of the total price to confirm booking. 

You can pay us the rest of the money either in cash or with your credit card two days before the starting date as we need to have the funds cleared before the trip.