Kalyves
This trip is located just a few minutes away from Chania town in west Crete. If the group has no or limited experience with sea kayaks it will be a shorter distance (about 15 km) in a less exposed coastline. Experienced paddlers will be able to do a linear trip starting from Kalyves and ending in Georgioupoli village (27 km). To join the longer trip your skills need to be at 3* level (based on British Canoeing) or higher as it is getting fairly rough outside the Souda bay and cape Drapano.
Overview of the trip
Plan of the trip: There will be a short introduction to paddling for those that have no experience and afterwards we will start paddling towards cape Drapano. On our way we will make stops for both; swimming and snorkelling. If the group is experienced any we end up doing the long version (27 km) of the trip, then less stops will be done in order to be on time back. The close we get to the cape the higher and nicer the cliffs are. You need to pack your lunch for this day trip as there will be no taverna's during the paddle.
Single or tandem (double) kayaks are available. People with no experience will be given a tandem kayak as those are easier to paddle. Experienced paddlers can get superb boats from Nigel Dennis, Valley, North Shore, P&H and 3kymia. Bear in mind that this trip gets too wavy most of the times during June-September and a much better option if you are staying in Chania city or anywhere in the region is the Sfakia trip. That is the calmest area in the whole island with spectacular views.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
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 the main beach in Kalyves. There is a big parking (free access) by the sea.
Google map link:
https://goo.gl/maps/oYBdvGuJkbH2
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?
We pick up clients from Heraklion and near Rethymno (from motor way). 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. From Chania we don't provide transfer, you will need to get either by bus or taxi.
Do you run this trip all year long?
Yes but we need a minimum of 4 participants.
