Club Sea Kayaking Trip to Southern Peloponnese, Greece

Saturday 19 – Saturday 26 September

Photo: Explore Messinia

About this trip for Club members

This two-centre trip gives you the chance to kayak along the best coasts of the southern Peloponnese and visit one of the archaeological gems of ancient Greece.  

Photo: Explore MessiniaFrom the vibrant city of Kalamata we’ll paddle the crystal-clear waters and coves of the Mani peninsular against the backdrop of the Taygetus mountains. Then we’ll transfer to Gialova on historic Navarino bay on the west coast of the Messinia region overlooked by Venetian and Byzantine castles.  On the transfer between the centres we’ll visit Ancient Messene, one of Greece’s most impressive archaeological sites, and Polylimnio waterfalls, a series of pools and cascades in a lush canyon.

The trip has been developed with Explore Messinia, the leading local paddlesports company who will provide single sea kayaks [or double if required], as well all necessary equipment, and their experienced guides will lead the paddling.  They will also transport us in their private minibuses to launch sites and transfer us between the centres.

You can fly direct to Kalamata from the UK, or connect via Athens.  You can also fly to Athens then take the regular coach service down to Kalamata in the southern Peloponnese.

Adding an extra day or so to your trip is also an option, either to relax or explore the area [as I live some of the year in the area and know it well, happy to advise or meet up], or spend a couple of days discovering Athens.

What paddling skills do you need?

Photo: Explore MessiniaThis is a mixed ability trip so paddlers will range from novices to those with basic skills and some kayaking experience.   The only essentials are basic swimming ability, moderate fitness, and a desire to explore the stunning coasts of the Peloponnese.   The British Canoeing-certified guides will provide coaching on the go.

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

Group size: minimum 12 - maximum 18 participants.

About the sea kayaking and outline itinerary

Day 1 – arrival, with transfer from Kalamata airport & welcome dinner at a traditional taverna.
Day 2 – Relaxed paddling in Kalamata Bay to the Kitries area and you might be lucky enough to spot a sea turtle.
Day 3 - Kardamyli and Stoupa, exploring the picturesque coastline with its coves, caves & beaches.
Day 4 - Agios Nikolaos & Trahila paddling along what is considered to be one of the wildest and most rugged coastlines in the area.-
Photo: M WrayDay 5 - Transition day from Kalamata to Gialova on Navarino Bay, taking in Ancient Messene, one of the most extensive and best-preserved archaeological sites in Greece on a self-guided visit, followed by Polylimnio waterfalls for a refreshing dip in the natural pools.
Day 6 – Paddling Navarino Bay, exploring this historically significant and sheltered bay bordered by the unique rock formations, archways and caves of  Sphacteria Island.
Day 7 - Leaving from Methoni’s Venetian fortress we’ll cross to the peaceful island of Sapientza to discover its sheltered coves and rocky shoreline, with time to swim and relax in this remote setting.
Day 8 – transfer by coach to Kalamata airport or bus station.

NB  The itinerary may vary according to the conditions at the time to ensure everyone’s safety.

Accommodation and food

Small, family-run hotels or guesthouses, each offering Greek hospitality and easy access to the water.  Rooms will have air-conditioning and private bathrooms. 

Breakfast is included along with picnic lunches on paddling days plus a welcome dinner on Day 1.

NB  The exact hotels in each area will be confirmed in due course.

How the trip is organised

We are working with the company Explore Messinia who will provide a complete local package of 5 kayaking day trips, all transfers to launch sites and between the two locations, plus accommodation through their local suppliers. 

Photo: Explore MessiniaPicnic lunches will be provided on paddling days.  In the evenings, apart from Day 1 when there’s a welcome dinner included, 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 minimum numbers and confirmed the trip, your details will be supplied to Explore Messinia and the LRNSC organiser/participant, Mary Wray, will liaise/co-ordinate with them and you over trip-related matters – please see the costs section for terms and conditions.

You will be responsible for your own travel arrangements to/from Kalamata.  

NB Explore Messinia requires all participants to have their own travel insurance which will cover you in event of cancellation, travel disruption, medical emergency etc.  You may also wish to have a GHIC card that will cover you for emergency healthcare in Greece https://www.gov.uk/global-health-insurance-card.  

Costs, terms & conditions

What’s included:

• Full sea kayak gear (kayaks, paddles, PFD’s, spray-decks, drybags etc.)
• 7 nights’ accommodation in a family-run hotel in Kalamata area and in Navarino bay area
• Daily breakfast at hotel
• 5 full-day guided sea kayaking excursions
• 5 Picnic-style lunches on kayaking days
• 1 dinner (welcome dinner)
• Admission fees at Ancient Messene site
• Airport transfers from/to Kalamata airport (Arrival/Departure)
• All local transfers as described in the plan.
• Vehicle & beach support (minibus & 4x4)
• Professional, English-speaking BC sea kayak trip leaders
• Safety equipment (first aid kit, repair kit emergency phone, VHF)
• High quality photographs from the trip
• Liability insurance coverage

Not included: travel to/from Greece [Kalamata], 24% VAT on payments made by credit card/bank transfer, evening meals apart from welcome dinner on Day 1, personal travel insurance [mandatory], any drinks/mineral water soft drinks/alcohol, tips for guides, anything not listed in the above section.

Kayaking package cost & terms based on 12-14 participants

• A deposit is required comprising 25% of the total trip cost plus 24% VAT by 5 February.
• The balance of the trip cost is paid in cash [euros] on arrival and excludes VAT.
• Trip costs are quoted in euros, the £ equivalent was based on the 5/12/25 rate
• Single room supplement 250 euros pp

Travel – arrival

There are direct flights to Kalamata from London Gatwick. Stansted, and regional airports, and indirect flights via Athens & other airports.  It pays to shop around and consider using different airlines for the outward & return flights, or to travel via Athens for one of the flights, or extend your trip by a day or so.

If you fly to Athens, you take a transfer bus to the bus station & then coach [around 3hrs depending on service] down to Kalamata.  NB For the return journey on weekends the earliest service is at 0630 so taking into account transfer time to the airport & check in times, you should book a flight no earlier than 1330.

As at 18/1/26 here are some London flight options:

Outbound - from London Gatwick
Easyjet dep 05:45 arr 11:25 - £171.99  
British Airways dep 15:00  arr 20:40 - £104
Return
Easyjet  dep 1210 arr 1405 - £371.00
British Airways dep 21:40 arr 23:35 - £248.70

Jet 2 also flies to Kalamata but only Wednesdays & Sundays from Stansted & Manchester, & Gatwick & Bristol on Wednesdays.  Easyjet flies from Manchester on Saturdays, and Edinburgh on Fridays & Mondays.

What to do next

Step 1
Register to participate in the trip by 30 January via this form.

Step 2
We’ll confirm if minimum numbers have been reached so the trip can go ahead by 1 February. Once you’ve been advised that you have a place[s] you will need to pay the non-refundable deposit by 5 February to the Club, who will make a block transfer to the supplier.

Step 3
Once the supplier has confirmed receipt of the deposit to secure the trip, we’ll tell you and you can then make your flight/travel arrangements when you wish.