This is a trip suitable only to experienced paddlers. Your skills needs to be at least at 3* (based on British Canoeing) to join this trip. Big waves and strong winds are common in the area. The total distance is around 27 km with not many landing options.
British style sea kayaks available for the trip, either fibreglass from Nigel Dennis and Valley or plastics from P&H and Valley / North Shore. If you are not sure about your skills to join this trip please get in touch.
The trip starts from Milatos village and ends up near Elounda, passing from Spinalonga island (The island was subsequently used as a leper colony from 1903 to 1957). It is suitable for those staying anywhere in north Heraklion region including Chersonissos, Malia, Stalis, Sissi, Anissara and Heraklion town to name a few. Excitement is guaranteed on this trip.
Paddling towards Elounda
The island of Spinalonga as we heading towards Elounda
Lunch stop on the way from Milatos to Elounda
Getting ready for the kayaking trip.
OVERVIEW OF THE TRIP
As mentioned above the trip is suitable only to experienced paddlers thus the briefing will be focused on an overview of the trip and safety in rough water as most of the times the area gets strong katabatic winds (off shore) and decent size waves (1.5-2 meters) with short distance between them. We will start from Milatos village paddling towards Aforesmenos cape. After the cape we will make our first stop which will also be the lunch stop. That is about 15km with no landing. The landscape is wonderful, nice cliffs, a wild coast and great view to the eastern Crete. After lunch stop we will paddle towards the island of Spinalonga where depending the time we might do a quick stop before getting back to the shore near Elounda.
If you don't want to have lunch in the taverna be sure you pack your lunch. Other than that you will need 1.5lt of water (ideally in small bottles),sun glasses, hat, sunscreen, swimsuit,lycra shirt or any tshirt ideally with UV protection. You will also need shoes that you do not mind getting soaked as you will get your feet wet. Ideally a light neoprene shoe will work great. Is is not required to wear shoes but they will help as the majority of the beaches are with small rocks.
Check out the following link for the exact meeting point, it is in the marina of Milatos. There is plenty of space for parking https://goo.gl/maps/hV7yP8jHrjo
Use the "BOOK NOW" button located on the top of this page as the booking form has extra details that we need. After submitting the form you will get an email within 1-2 days (usually same day) with a link to pay the 20% of the cost to confirm booking. Rest of the money either by cash when we meet or via credit card payment two days prior the starting date as we need the funds to have cleared by the date of the trip.
We pick up clients from Heraklion only. Many times we are able to pick up clients from other locations as well but it needs to be on our way to the starting point. If you need transport and you are not sure get in touch with us. Remember to send us the exact location of your hotel, not just the name. Transport is provided for free.
Of course as long as you are comfortable paddling in force 4/5 winds and sea state 4. If your skills are not up to that level it will be better to choose one of our other trips.
