What you get on this adventure: Experienced kayaking guides with extensive knowledge of the area 8-day sea kayaking Santorini adventure Accommodation (7 nights in family-owned inns or hotels) Transportation during the tour Support vehicle Most meals (detailed in the itinerary) All kayaking equipment Instruction Entry fees into archeological sites and the National Geological Park of New Kameni (the volcano) What’s not included: Transportation to the meeting point (Port of Santorini) Lunches Drinks and one dinner Full medical, baggage, and trip cancellation insurance Airport taxes Single supplement (available to add upon checkout) Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be and what if I’ve never kayaked before?

Some basic kayaking experience is required to join this kayaking adventure in Santorini. You will be able to try out new skills, learn new techniques and stretch your comfort zone. You’ll have expert guides by your side to help you expand your skills and take on new challenges. You may encounter short open water crossings. Your heart rate goes up, but no special conditioning is necessary! Daily distances are achievable as long as you’re reasonably fit. If you’re looking for a Greek kayaking adventure that’s a bit easier than this one, check out this sea kayaking tour in Crete .

What do I need to bring?

All kayaking equipment for the sea kayaking Santorini tour will be provided to you by your guides. Here’s a list of personal equipment and clothing you need to bring: Day pack large enough to carry everything you might need throughout the day (around a 25-40L bag) Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) Footwear Clothing that lets you move comfortably Spare clothes for layering Waterproof rain jacket Sunhat Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Sunglasses Camera — optional (but recommended) 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 sea kayaking tour in Crete, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 7:1. The maximum group size is 15. The cost does not decrease as the group grows. Price of the tour is based on shared occupancy, but single supplement is available at an additional fee, which can be added upon checkout. Sea kayaking in Santorini can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors older than 8 may be permitted to join the sea kayaking Santorini tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to Santorini, you can either fly into Santorini Airport (JTR) or take a ferry from mainland Greece. Your adventure begins at the Port of Santorini on Day 1.

Safety measures in Greece

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans. We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. For more information on travel recommendations and restrictions in Greece, please refer to Greece’s Foreign Travel Advice . If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!

SANTORINI | GREECE

Santorini Kayaking Journey: Circle Around the Island

5.00 ()

Season

June through October

Duration

8 days

Difficulty

Accommodation

Family-owned inns and hotels

Guides

Andrew Leary, Taylor Sweitzer, The Northwest Passage

Questions, additional dates, private groups

Book a call

From $4,795 () / 8 days

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Reviews
Things to know

The magical island of Santorini is what most people imagine when they think of Greece. Whitewashed houses with azure domes, fairytale villages over rugged cliffs, cobblestone streets with bright pink flowers, and endless turquoise seas. But Santorini is more than just a pretty face, as you will learn on this 8-day adventure—just hop into your kayaks and circle the island! Explore its volcanic remains and ancient historical sites. Visit a winery, sample Greek dishes, and bask on black sand beaches. Alongside an expert guide who knows the best authentic spots and traditional tavernas in Santorini, you’ll end up feeling like a local in no time.

Adventure highlights

Visit Europe’s favorite island

Santorini is the most visited island in the Mediterranean, but you’ll ditch the crowds by cruising its waters in a kayak
Delicious wine & food

Greece ranks at the top of practically every foodie’s list, for a reason—enjoy your dinners at terraces with sunset views
One of the biggest volcanoes

Santorini’s caldera is mostly submerged, but the rugged cliffs and volcanic islands are reminders of the eruption

Itinerary

Santorini is Europe’s most popular destination, and for a good reason. Its beauty is unparalleled, its beaches perfect for soaking up the sun, and its history is fascinating. Join this 8-day kayaking tour that circles around the entire island, allowing you to witness it from every corner. Breakfasts and dinners are included in the tour as well as accommodation and all island transport. Having an experienced, knowledgeable guide by your side means that you’ll be taken to Santorini’s best spots, tavernas, and wineries. Ready for a Greek summer vacation?

Your Santorini kayaking adventure officially begins at 5 pm at the Port of Santorini. Meet your guide there and the rest of the team over welcome dinner and drinks. Guests who arrive early in the day may choose to hike the scenic and historic footpath overlooking the caldera from Firostefani to the famous town of Oia.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Family-owned inn or hotel
Following a delicious breakfast, start the circumnavigation of Santorini! You’ll begin at the beautiful Caldera Beach on the southwest coast and then paddle west towards the point of Faros. Enjoy a breathtaking caldera view with the cliffs of Santorini on your left and the smaller islands of Thisaria and Nea Kameni on your right. Spot colorful doors of traditional Greek boat houses carved right into the seaside cliff walls.

Turn back east along the coast to your cappuccino stop at Pigadia Beach. Your lunch stop is at the historic Akrotiri Beach, where you’ll take some time to visit the ruins of Akrotiri. The destination for the night is near the southernmost tip of the island of Fira, where your friendly hosts await you in their beautiful villas. After a swim and a shower, visit a fine Santorini winery, beautifully perched atop cliffs, for some wine tasting and one of many caldera sunset. Head back to a seaside taverna for dinner.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Family-owned inn or hotel
After a hearty breakfast by the pool at your hotel, get into your kayaks and start paddling north to the world-famous black volcanic sand beach of Kamares! Here is where you’ll enjoy a cappuccino stop prior to ascending by van to the ancient Roman site of Thira. Explore this fascinating and well-preserved ruin.

You’ll spend the next two nights in the outskirts of Oia. In this famous cliff-dwelling town, you will have the opportunity to have the quintessential Santorini experience: sunset viewing, jewelry and art shopping, fine food, and sipping on some delicious cocktails. The recognizable white-washed houses and blue church domes that you’ll see here are on all Santorini postcards.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Family-owned inn or hotel
Enjoy your breakfast and return to the boats to round the northern tip of Santorini. Your destination is the charming Ammoudi Bay, which sits just below your beautiful cliffside hotel in Oia. Walk or ride up to your room for yet another amazing sunset. Tonight you have an evening on your own, granting you the opportunity to explore the town at your own pace, maybe visit the castle, try out traditional products from artisan shops, or have dinner at one of the numerous restaurants.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Family-owned inn or hotel
Walk down to Ammoudi Bay and begin your day’s journey into the spectacular Santorini caldera. First stop of the day is the historic Armeni Bay for a morning cappuccino. Admire contrasting colors of cliffs that show different layers or volcanic materials. The impossibly warm, luminescent sea against the caldera’s sheer cliffs creates an inviting stage for photographs and swimming.

Paddle along the interior of the caldera to the Port of Thira for your lunch stop, which is also a great opportunity for some shopping and people watching. After lunch you will cross the caldera to the island of Thirassia, a time-capsule of the Greek islands from decades ago. Tonight you’ll stay at the only inn on the island, where your charming host will extend his heartfelt Greek hospitality. Enjoy the glimmering lights of Oia and Thira on the “big” island and relish the delicious dinner at a local taverna.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Today you’ll circumnavigate Thirassia and have a picnic lunch along the shore. As the day draws to a close, you’ll go on a sunset hike that takes you to a historic monastery with one of the most spectacular views in the Greek islands.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Family-owned inn or hotel
Say goodbye to Thirassia and make your final crossing back to Santorini. On the way back, you’ll explore “new” volcanic islands which have recently arisen in the caldera. The youngest one of those, Nea Kameni (the New Burnt Island), is only 300 years old and it’s surrounded by hot springs.

After a swim in the volcanic springs that empty directly into the sea, hike to the core of the volcanic crater and have a hearty picnic lunch overlooking the sea. Finally, cross back to your departure spot at Santorini’s caldera beach and enjoy a well-deserved celebratory dinner!

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Family-owned inn or hotel
Breakfast officially marks the end of your Santorini kayaking adventure! Feel free to stay longer and explore on your own—your guides would give you recommendations. If not, head to your flight or a ferry and leave the beautiful Santorini.

After a swim in the volcanic springs that empty directly into the sea, hike to the core of the volcanic crater and have a hearty picnic lunch overlooking the sea. Finally, cross back to your departure spot at Santorini’s caldera beach and enjoy a well-deserved celebratory dinner!

Meals: Breakfast
As with all adventure travel, some activities are dependent on appropriate wind and water conditions. But fear not, your guides have many alternative activities available in case the weather is not cooperating.

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Meet your guides

5.00

Andrew Leary

Andrew has worked professionally in the outdoors since 2005—he is the Greece kayaking guide and Lead Climbing Guide for the Northwest Passage. Doing everything from guiding urban youth in Chicago, ski patrol and avalanche mitigation in Utah, to working numerous collegiate outdoor programs, Andrew has many interests. He is a certified Wilderness EMT and ACCT Challenge Course Manager whose passion runs deep for rock climbing, backcountry skiing, and board games.

5.00

Taylor Sweitzer

Taylor has been extremely fortunate to grow up in an adventurous family that exposed him to the wonders and beauty of the outdoors since day one. Throughout the years, his passion has blossomed to encompass several different outdoor activities and he has found himself guiding a variety of trips all around the world. Being with The Northwest Passage has provided Taylor with the unique opportunity to pursue moments in time that help to make life rich.

5.00

Northwest Passage was founded in 1984b on the belief that there is no better way to fully experience the world than by engaging with it on its own terms. Whether that means clambering over a pressure ridge on one of their North Pole expeditions or exploring a sea cave by kayak in Crete, they have an adventure of a lifetime that fits your activity and skill level. Northwest Passage has a family of guides who are passionate about sharing their love of the outdoors with others, and provide a supportive environment that enables travelers to stretch their perceived boundaries.

5.00 (5 reviews)

Don R. (source: Guide’s website)

You did a wonderful job of rolling with the “windy punches”. Without hesitation, I’d recommend you to those who trust me. Warmest regards”

Michael W. (source: Guide’s website)

Sun, sand, surf, serenity, solace, serendipity and some social sipping with special sea-going souls. A surprising surfeit of super times.

Jonathan S. (source: Guide’s website)

Kayaking through the caldera on calm seas. A dream. The whistle of the monastery in the distance. A blessed trip. Thank you.

BJ M. (source: Guide’s website)

Thanks for all your great leadership and for introducing us to this marvelous place. We appreciate your felxibility and helping us be so successful with this adventure!”

Norby and Harold P. (source: Guide’s website)

So many special memories. Each day brought a newness to the trip experience. Your expertise, humor and excellent flexibility is beyond reproach. Thank you for an excellent trip.

Things to know

What you get on this adventure:
- - Experienced kayaking guides with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 8-day sea kayaking Santorini adventure
  - Accommodation (7 nights in family-owned inns or hotels)
  - Transportation during the tour
  - Support vehicle
  - Most meals (detailed in the itinerary)
  - All kayaking equipment
  - Instruction
  - Entry fees into archeological sites and the National Geological Park of New Kameni (the volcano)
What’s not included:
- - Transportation to the meeting point (Port of Santorini)
  - Lunches
  - Drinks and one dinner
  - Full medical, baggage, and trip cancellation insurance
  - Airport taxes
  - Single supplement (available to add upon checkout)
  - Guide gratuities — optional
Some basic kayaking experience is required to join this kayaking adventure in Santorini. You will be able to try out new skills, learn new techniques and stretch your comfort zone. You’ll have expert guides by your side to help you expand your skills and take on new challenges.

You may encounter short open water crossings. Your heart rate goes up, but no special conditioning is necessary! Daily distances are achievable as long as you’re reasonably fit.

If you’re looking for a Greek kayaking adventure that’s a bit easier than this one, check out this sea kayaking tour in Crete.
All kayaking equipment for the sea kayaking Santorini tour will be provided to you by your guides. Here’s a list of personal equipment and clothing you need to bring:
- - Day pack large enough to carry everything you might need throughout the day (around a 25-40L bag)
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  - Footwear
  - Clothing that lets you move comfortably
  - Spare clothes for layering
  - Waterproof rain jacket
  - Sunhat
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  - Sunglasses
  - Camera — optional (but recommended)
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 prices:
- - For this sea kayaking tour in Crete, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 7:1.
  - The maximum group size is 15.
  - The cost does not decrease as the group grows.
  - Price of the tour is based on shared occupancy, but single supplement is available at an additional fee, which can be added upon checkout.
Sea kayaking in Santorini can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors older than 8 may be permitted to join the sea kayaking Santorini tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Santorini, you can either fly into Santorini Airport (JTR) or take a ferry from mainland Greece. Your adventure begins at the Port of Santorini on Day 1.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more.

Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.

We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. For more information on travel recommendations and restrictions in Greece, please refer to Greece’s Foreign Travel Advice.

If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!
A 30% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 3 months (90 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.
- - If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to thirty (30) calendar days prior to the departure date, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of 50% (fifty percent) of the total amount of the adventure.
  - After that deadline, Client is not entitled to any refund. Any reimbursable expenses arising out of the Booking incurred by Guide prior to the date of cancellation (including but not limited to plane tickets, car rental payments, and lodging or transportation fees) are non-refundable as soon as they are incurred by the Guide.