Club sea kayaking trip Kefalonia, Greece – 18-25 September 2024

Trip status at 12/4/24

This trip is now full.  You can be added to the reserve list by completing this online form in cases places become available if someone has to drop out.

About this trip for Club members

A 7-night holiday on the Greek island of Kefalonia with 4 days easy sea kayaking and time to relax/explore this diverse Ionian island with a splendid coastline.

• A tried and tested local company will provide sea kayaks and all necessary equipment, and their experienced guides will lead the paddling.
• Accommodation will be in fully equipped self-catering studios within walking distance of the kayaking base, tavernas, mini market, shops, and beaches in the Trapezaki area on the south coast of the island.
• On non-paddling days you can relax, swim or explore this green island using local buses or taxis [or hire car].
• There are direct flights to Kefalonia, or if you prefer to avoid flying you can go by train through Italy and ferry.   

If you want to explore further afield before or after the trip there are regular services to Athens and other destinations via the port of Poros to Kyllini in the Peloponnese.  

Who this trip is for

Mixed ability paddlers from novices to people with basic skills and some kayaking experience.

It is not designed for more advanced paddlers although if you’re happy with a more relaxed pace and easier conditions, you would be welcome to join in the fun and paddle with other Club members.

The trip is based on a maximum of 12 participants.

About the sea kayaking

There will be four different easy sea kayaking trips over the week with all necessary equipment [inc dry bags, long sleeve tops for sun protection] provided, transfers to/from the launch points and picnic lunches. 

The trips will be led by professional guides who will give paddling advice and tips, as required, to help you get the most out of the day.  [Nb the trip is not designed as a course.]

The local company offers more than 10 different day trips [see examples] to different parts of the island and will decide the destinations according to the group’s abilities and local weather/sea conditions.

About Kefalonia

Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian islands and well known as the location for the novel and film, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.  There are beautiful beaches, picturesque villages and hidden coves backed by olive groves, vineyards and the pine clad hills of Mount Ainos [1628m] which dominates the island.

You can go turtle spotting along the quay in the capital of Argostoli or take a walk around the ruined Venetian castle of St George for fantastic views of the island.  There are hiking possibilities, and whilst there are some touristy areas they can easily be avoided leaving so much to enjoy on this lovely island.

In September the sea will be warm, the average day temperature is 24C and the sun is no longer at its fiercest.  A little rain is a possibility – that’s why the Ionians are so green – but it won’t stop us paddling.  

How the trip is organised

We are working with the company Sea Kayaking Kefalonia who will provide a package of 4 kayaking day trips to different destinations, plus self-catering accommodation through their usual suppliers.

As the organiser, I’ve previously paddled with them on separate occasions [both day trips and a course] and have always been very satisfied the quality of the activity, their friendliness and overall professionalism.  I’ll liaise/co-ordinate with them and you over general trip-related matters, and take part in the trip.

• This trip is based on their regular ‘day trips’ – this means there will be some flexibility to choose which days you paddle.  With 12 people they can offer us an exclusive trip, but below this number we may be joined by others who have booked a day trip.  
• To plan the following days we’ll meet up post paddle over a beer or a glass of wine [ouzo anyone!] and find out what people’s preferences are.  On non-paddling days and in the evenings you will be free to choose what you would like to do whether it’s joining up with others in the group or doing your own thing.  
• Once we have agreed numbers for the trip, your details will be supplied to Sea Kayaking Kefalonia – they will then communicate with you directly and you will pay them a 20% deposit of the total price within the agreed timescale, and the balance approximately two months prior to the trip – please see their terms and conditions.
• You will be responsible for your own travel arrangements to/from Kefalonia.  

We recommend that as a minimum you have a GHIC card that will cover you for emergency healthcare in Greece.  You may also want to arrange your own travel insurance to cover you in the event of travel disruption, cancellation etc.

COSTS

Package of 7 nights accommodation and 4 day sea kayaking trips based on twin share: 540 euros per person [approx. £470.00 at 2/11/23]

Single supplement: 175 euros [approx. £152.00 at 2/11/23].

Names of confirmed participants will be passed to Sea Kayaking Kefalonia and you will need to pay the deposit of 20% for the kayaking trip – you can see their terms and conditions here.  Approximately 2 months before the trip you’ll need to pay the balance of the trip costs.

Accommodation: fully equipped self-catering studios with kitchenette – details of the actual accommodation will be provided once we have confirmed numbers, in the meantime you can follow the links from this page to see examples.

Other expenses to budget for in Greece: breakfast, evening meals, lunch on non-paddling days, drinks, snacks, local transport.  Airport transfer approx. 20 euros.

Travel

Update: At 7/12/23 - Easyjet offers the best times/prices.

Wednesday direct flights –- prices per person - a cabin bag should be enough for the trip, swimwear and a few casual clothes are all that’s needed - see a packing list. 

Easyjet [price at 7/12/23 inc small cabin bag max. 45 x 36 x 20cm - no weight restriction]

18/9 dep LGW 0955 arr Argostoli 1525 £53.99
25/9 dep Argostoli 1405 arr LGW 1540 £78.27
or dep 1610 arr LGW 1745

Ryanair [price at 7/12/23]

18/9 dep Stanstead 1640  arr Argostoli 2200: £104.51
25/9 dep Argostoli 2250  arr Stanstead 0020 [26/9] £96.69  Total price £91.71

Jet 2 [price at 7/12/23]

18/9 dep Stanstead 0555  arr Argostoli 1130:  £125.00 

25/9 dep Argostoli 1230  arr Stanstead 1400: £279.00  

You can buy single tickets on both airlines, or if you want to extend your holiday, return from a different airport.

Rail/ferry alternative to flights: see Seat 61 – scroll down the page to see London-Kefalonia.

What to do next

If you missed the original booking deadline you can be added to the reserve list by completing this online form.  Although the trip is full places may become available if someone has to drop out.

Any questions?

Please contact the organiser, Mary Wray.