Overview of the trip
Paddling distance: The distance of the trip if the group has no or limited experience is about 15 km while it can easily extended up to 21 km for those looking to paddle more.
Equipment: Single or tandem (double) kayaks are available. People with no experience will be given a tandem kayak as those are easier to paddle unless you want to try a single. Experienced paddlers can get superb boats from Nigel Dennis, Valley, North Shore, P&H and 3kymia sea kayaks. We use mainly composite kayaks in our trips.
Wild life: Many times we are lucky enough to see sea turtles. Out of the seven species in the world, only three can be regularly found in the Mediterranean. Of these three only the loggerhead sea turtle nests in Greece. Some of the most important nesting beaches are on Crete (Rethymno, Bay of Chania and Bay of Messara).
Plan of the trip:
When we meet in Bali there will be a short introduction to kayaking which includes a brief description of paddling strokes and the basics about safety. We will then adjust our paddles,kayaks and buoyancy aids and get ready for the kayaking trip. The options that we got are either to paddle towards the eastern part or west.
The west is more exposed and usually a better option for the experienced paddlers. If we end up paddling on this part you will need to pack your lunch as there isn't anything (not even a single house) to stop apart from some nice remote pebble beaches. You will be notified by email if you need to puck your lunch.
General speaking, weather is calm until late May, early June. Avoid booking for this trip during July & August as the "Meltemi" blows hard during those months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
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 t-shirt 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. It is not required to wear shoes but they will help as the majority of the beaches are with small pebbles.
Where do we meet?
Check out the following link for the exact meeting point, it is just next to Livadi beach near Bali.There is a big parking (free access) about 10 minutes walking from the bus stop.
A near by taverna gives you the option to change clothes if you wish too.
Google map link:
https://goo.gl/maps/1J1tsn7wZN72
How do I book?
Use the "BOOK NOW" link 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 the same day) with a confirmation. The payment can be done either by cash when we meet or via credit card payment two days prior to the starting date as we need the funds to have cleared by the date of the trip.
What time do we meet & finish?
We start by 10 am and finish between 4-5pm. If time change for any reason you will be notified by email.
You will have to be on the beach a few minutes before 10 am.
Do you provide transfer?
Transfer is available for an extra 20€ per person assuming you are relatively close to Heraklion and on our way to the starting point (see map above). If you are not sure if your location is covered from our transfer service please get in touch with us. From Chania or Rethymno regions we don't provide transport, you will need to get either by bus or taxi. From Chania is about an hour and fifteen minutes, from Rethymno about 30 and from Heraklion around 45 minutes.
Do you run this trip all year long?
For a minimum of 4 participants we can run the trip all year long.
