Sailing and Rock Climbing in Kalymnos

Things to know

• Covid measures in Kalymnos, Greece

  57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

  We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Greece, please refer to the Discover Greece website.

  Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

• What’s included?

  What you get in this adventure:

  • • VST well-proven organization (world-leading Sail & Climb guided tours since 2013)
    • An experienced, U.I.A.G.M. certified mountain guide with extensive knowledge of the area
      Skipper
    • Accommodation on a sailing boat — double size bed or bunk beds sorted and arranged by and among guests
    • VTS T-shirt
    • Insurance covering the crew and the group during sailing and climbing

  If you have any dietary restrictions, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
  Due to the nature of this adventure, the guide requires that a part of the cost of the trip, 300 euros, is paid upon boarding in cash. This will cover the costs of:

  • • Food and pantry service
    • Bedsheets and towels
    • Boat fuel
    • Final cleaning of the boat
    • Other incurred costs during the trip.

  If you have any questions about this, contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible!
  What’s not included:

  • • Travel expenses to reach/leave the harbor of departure
    • Meals on land (skipper’s and guide’s cost of the meal on land divided among all guests)
    • Harbor fees (one or two stops at the harbor during the week)
    • Alcoholic beverages on board
    • Personal items and equipment
    • Climbing gear
• How fit do I need to be?

  Good physical shape is important but don’t worry — it doesn’t matter the grade you can climb on, you’ll always find a partner matching your level, and if that’s not the case, your guide will be there for you. Rock climbing is more about using good movement technique rather than muscling up a cliff using brute strength. To ensure you have a fun retreat, your guide will be there to supervise the climbing and to help all the climbers to improve their skills, and to choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level. You don’t need any knowledge of sailing — the skipper will take care of everything!

• What if I’ve never climbed or sailed before?

  Kalymnos has plenty of options for beginner climbers. Whether you’ve never climbed before or are transitioning from the gym to outdoor climbing, your guide will customize the day to suit your skill level and objectives. With a guide by your side, you’ll learn something new, stay safe on the rocks, and most importantly, have fun!

  For intermediate to advanced climbers, Kalymnos has loads of routes to spend the day on. Your guide will discuss your objectives and customize the day to your goals. Let your guide plan the day so you can focus on developing your skills while climbing the classic routes or best hidden gems the area has to offer.

  If this is your first time on a sailing boat and you don’t know what to expect, here is what you can expect:

  • • On board , everyone is responsible to clean up after themselves.
    • Teamwork makes the dreamwork! Be ready to participate in cooking, prepping food, washing the dishes, etc. Don’t worry if you don’t know how to cook or if you hate to wash the dishes, you can always swap the job with another crew member.
    • You may be asked to use water and electricity with moderation while out at the sea
    • Don’t worry about any sailing knowledge. The skipper will be there to ensure your safety and will give you precious tips on how to live on board.
    • If you wish to learn how to sail or if you are an experienced sailor and want to help your skipper, they will be glad to operate the sails with you and teach you anything you want to know!
• What about required equipment?

  Here’s what you’ll need:

  • • Helmet
    • Ropes
    • Climbing hardware (quickdraws, cam devices, stoppers, etc.)
    • Belay device
    • Chalk bag
    • Harness with a locking carabiner
    • Rock shoes

  Here’s a list of the equipment we suggest you bring:

  • • Pack large enough to carry all the items listed (no rigid suitcases — make sure your suitcase is foldable to save space on board)
    • Backpack for daily tours, climbs and hikes
    • Hiking shoes
    • Clothes for a week of sailing and climbing
    • A warm pullover and a waterproof jacket
    • A pair of long pants and a pair of shorts
    • Bathing suit
    • Bathing towel
    • Water bottle
    • Toiletries (sunscreen, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
    • Sunglasses
    • Camera — optional

  Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • • For this group adventure, the max client to guide ratio is 9:1, and cost is per person.
    • Costs per person doesn’t decrease as the group grows.
    • It takes a minimum of 7 people for the tour to operate.

  Climbing days can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.

  Min. age requirements:

  • • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
    • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to climb on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

  If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• Deposits

  There is a $600 deposit for reserving your place onboard. Once the tour is confirmed, your guide will notify you via email. The remaining amount of the trip cost will have to be paid within 90 days prior the departure.

  If the minimum number of 7 participants is not ensured, you’ll have the option to either receive a full refund of the deposit or to switch to another tour with Vertical Sailing Tours.

• Cancellation policy

  All policies regarding cancellation will be clearly laid out by your guide after booking your adventure.

  If the tour is cancelled by the guide due to the lack of participants, the down payment will be fully refunded. Please note the trips for 2023/2024 are expected to reach the minimum number of people soon, and the likelihood of trip not happening is very low. Once the tour is confirmed, the down payment cannot be refunded anymore.

  If Client cancels the Booking forty (40) calendar days or less in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, Client is not entitled to any refund.  

• Getting there and meeting location

  To get to Kalymnos, most people fly into Kos International Airport, about 30 minutes away from the marina. You can also fly to Athens International Airport, Greece, and then fly to the island of Kalymnos just an hour away. Once you get there, you can rent a car or motorbikes to get to the Kos marina.

  Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet. You should be at the Kos marina at 4 PM on the first day.