8-days Sea Kayak Expedition with Camping in South Crete, Greece

Tour Description

This is our best-selling kayak expedition and there are several reasons for this but the major one is the outstanding landscape. A big part of the route is protected from the strong north winds by the massive White mountains (48 summits above 2000 meters!) with plenty of remote beaches and of course sunshine! This eight days expedition is suitable for new paddlers as well but you will need to be able to travel with 6km/hour to join the trip. Will be great to have experience in winds as part of the trip is exposed to katabatic winds. Will try to avoid them by doing proper timing/planning but occasionally that is not possible. If you are in doubt about your skills contact us and will let you know if you will be fine to join the expedition.

The villages/towns of Palaiochora,Sougia,Loutro, Sfakia, Agia Roumeli,Rodakino,Plakias,Agia Galini, and Matala are just a few that we will pass during our trip. If we don’t paddle a day or so due to bad weather there are plenty of hiking options including the famous Samaria gorge which in most cases we are able to hike all or part of it.

EXPERIENCE NEEDED: INTERMEDIATE

The whole expedition is about 135km. Due to driving distance on the 1st day we won't be able to paddle more than 10k and the same for the last day.

That give us roughly 20km per day excluding those 2 days. Bad weather days will make it necessary to increase the daily kilometers up to 30 or more.

• Fit enough to paddle up to 25km/day
• Have experience in sea state 3 (~1.25-meter waves)
• Able to control the boat downwind & across the wind

Notes: Our trip officially begins in the morning at the Heraklion city where our staff will meet you. The exact meeting time will be determined depending on participants' flights. The best place to fly to is Heraklion airport as it is much easier from there to deal with transport. The second biggest airport in Crete is the one in Chania city. Plenty of charter flights going there as well and if you do find a much cheaper flight for that airport then go for it! Bear in mind that in this case, you will need to meet us at the starting point (roughly 10-15€ by bus - takes nearly 2 hours to get there). We will meet in a central place near Heraklio (will be sent you the exact spot by email). Once everybody is ready for departure we will enjoy a great drive across north and southwest Crete down to the Palaiochora village. This is about 4 hours driving. During the drive will make a stop for a coffee and we will review the itinerary for the week and answer whatever questions you may have.

CAMPING & FOOD

The expedition is self catering. Usually we each look after our own breakfast, lunch and snacks and prepare a group evening meal in turn.

You are welcome to bring some food from home if you wish, however I suggest we buy most of the food, and especially water, after we meet in Heraklio.

We will buy 2 days worth of food and water at the beginning as there we will be able to restock during the route.

Meals in seaside towns, or beach side taverna's, are a possibility but not every day if weather is bad and we have to change the plan. You will be informed on time anyway by or guide about getting or not supplies.

During off season (late October to late April) we will need to carry supplies for at least 3 days.

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE DATES

Our trip officially begins in the morning at the Heraklion city where our staff will meet you. Exact meeting time will be determined depending participants flights.

The best place to fly to is Heraklion airport as it is much easier from there to deal with transport. The second biggest airport in Crete is that one in Chania city. Plenty of charter flights going there as well and if you do find a much cheaper flight for that airport then go for it! Bare in mind that in this case you will need to meet us in the starting point (roughly 10-15€ by bus - takes nearly 2 hours to get there).

We will meet in a central place near Heraklio (will sent you the exact spot by email). Once everybody is ready for departure we will enjoy a great drive across north and south west Crete down to the Palaiochora village. This is about 4 hours driving. During the drive will make a stop for a coffee and we will review the itinerary for the week and answer whatever questions you may have.

CAN I RENT ALL CAMPING EQUIPMENT?

We can provide all the equipment for camping apart from the sleeping bag for an extra cost. You can get a high quality 3 or 4 season tent for an extra 30€ for the whole duration of the trip and also the mattress. The stove (complete set from Trangia) and gas canister are an extra 30€ and are suitable for 2-3 persons.

What's included?

The trip fee includes all of the equipment listed below. The price does not include flights, this must be booked by you. Food is also not covered in the price.

• Experienced Kayak guide
• All paddling equipment
• Nigel Dennis, Valley, Northshore and P&H kayaks
• Transport from Heraklion

Exclusions

• Anything not mentioned above
• Transport from and to the airport
• Food and drinks

Please note

If you do a multi day trip with us, then it is wise to have with you all from the following list: Swim suit Sun hat Sun screen Sun glasses Towel Sandals or wet shoes (neoprene) along with an extra normal shoe for hiking. Light clothes as well as some warmer ones (ie. fleece) depending the season. June to early September you don't need a jacket. A rain jacket. Some times it doesn't rain for months but it is good to have just in case. During April and October the chances for rain are bigger as compared to May,June, July and August. Of course during the winter months it is rain, not often but when it rains it rains a lot! Head torch Sleeping bag Mosquito repellent Any medication needed for special personal medical condition.

What do I need to bring?

• Water flask
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Light clothes as well as warmer ones depending the season
• Shoes for hiking
• Shoes that you do not mind getting soaked (we suggest sandals or neoprene)• Swim suit
• Rain jacket
• Torch
• Sleeping bag
• Personal hygiene products
• Towels
• Mosquito repellent
• Any medication needed for a special personal medical condition