Spend a few hours exploring the Mediterranean coastline on this short afternoon kayaking trip. The route takes you through some of the Calanques National Park’s most scenic inlets, with stops for swimming, relaxation, and enjoying the surrounding cliffs. It’s a relaxed yet active excursion suitable for anyone, including complete beginners.
The journey begins near Port-Miou, where the guide will introduce equipment and provide a short safety briefing. Once everyone is ready, you’ll move along the coastline at a comfortable pace, taking in the rock formations, small beaches, and wildlife along the way. The route is designed to combine light physical activity with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the views.
A stop at the Calanque de Port-Pin gives time to stretch, take photos, and briefly explore the shoreline. The area is framed by pine-covered cliffs, offering shade and a calm setting before heading toward the final destination. It’s a nice chance to pause and appreciate the natural features of the park.
The final stop at the Calanque d’En-Vau allows 20 to 45 minutes for swimming and resting. The clear blue water and dramatic cliffs create a perfect backdrop for a short break. Afterward, the return trip follows the same coastal route back to Port-Miou, ending the excursion with a gentle paddle.
This experience takes place entirely within the Calanques National Park, located between Marseille and Cassis in southern France. The park is a protected area known for its steep limestone cliffs, hidden inlets, and clear Mediterranean waters, offering a unique coastal landscape for visitors to enjoy from the water.
Launching near Port-Miou provides access to some of the park’s most visited calanques. Travelling by kayak allows you to reach small coves and quiet corners that are otherwise hard to access, offering a different perspective of this iconic coastline.
Participants should be comfortable being outdoors for a few hours and able to paddle at a gentle pace. No previous kayaking experience is required, as guidance and basic instruction are provided at the start of the trip.
Bringing appropriate swimwear, sun protection, water and snacks is recommended. There are no facilities along the route, so preparation is key to making the most of the experience.
Experience guiding comes from over twenty years of leading outdoor activities across both coastal and mountain environments. This depth of knowledge ensures trips are safe, well-paced, and adapted to different levels of experience while still offering an enjoyable challenge.
The guide has spent summers navigating the Mediterranean coastline and winter seasons in the mountains, building a wealth of expertise in outdoor sports. Small group sizes allow for personalised attention, sharing insights about the Calanques, and helping participants connect with the landscape in a relaxed and engaging way.
This excursion covers a short section of the Calanques coastline suitable for a 3-hour trip. The route takes you from Port-Miou, past Port-Pin, and ending at En-Vau before returning, offering a mix of paddling, sightseeing, and time for breaks.
Although the distance is manageable, the trip still provides a sense of adventure and access to areas that can only be reached by water. Regular stops along the route ensure that the pace is comfortable and suitable for beginners.
Yes, the excursion is designed for people with no previous kayaking experience. Before leaving Port-Miou, the guide will explain the basics of paddling, steering and safety in the kayak.
The calm pace and supportive guidance make it easy for beginners to enjoy the water and scenery without feeling rushed. Small group sizes also allow the guide to provide personal attention as needed.
Swimming is included during the stop at the Calanque d’En-Vau. Participants typically have 20 to 45 minutes to enjoy the water and relax on the shore.
The guide ensures everyone has time to safely enter and exit the water, and swimming is optional for those who prefer to stay on the shore.
Essential items include a swimsuit, water shoes, sun protection such as a hat and sunglasses, and enough water to stay hydrated. Bringing a snack is also recommended for the short break.
Clothing should be comfortable and suitable for being in and around water. A change of clothes for after the trip is a good idea.
Groups are limited to a maximum of twelve participants. This allows for a more relaxed experience and ensures the guide can give advice and attention to everyone.
Smaller groups also make it easier to move along the calanques and enjoy the scenery without feeling crowded.
Stable sea kayaks suitable for beginners are provided. They are easy to control and perform well in the calm waters of the Calanques.
Paddles, buoyancy vests and spray decks are included, as well as dry bags to keep small personal items safe and dry.
Many of the Calanques’ hidden beaches and coves are difficult to reach on foot. Kayaking provides access to these areas while offering a different perspective on the cliffs and coastline.
Exploring by sea also allows participants to pause for swimming directly from the kayak, giving a unique way to experience the clear Mediterranean waters and rugged limestone formations.
About the centre
Cassis
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