Olympos Canoe Tour
Departing daily from the Olympos coast, we set out on a journey to explore the region’s mysterious caves and pristine coves.
You paddle out from Olympos beach into the open sea, reaching corners of the coastline you have never seen before. Coves too shallow for boats to enter, caves with no land connection, the seabed visible through turquoise water. A kayak is the slowest and most heartfelt way to truly feel the sea.
The Olympos kayak tour, organized twice daily in morning and afternoon sessions, covers approximately 3 hours of sea exploration with a guide, including snorkel and life jacket. Throughout the tour, your guide also takes photos for you free of charge.
Olympos Kayak Tour: Sea Kayaking to Caves and Hidden Coves
The Olympos kayak tour is the calmest and most personal experience among the sea activities in the region. There is no motorboat noise, no large crowds; only the sound of your paddle touching the water and the Mediterranean opening up before you.
Starting from Olympos beach, the tour follows the coastline to reach caves and the surrounding hidden coves. During the approximately 30-minute break given at the caves area, both swimming and snorkeling can be enjoyed. Exploring the seabed with snorkel gear in this area, where underwater visibility is high, is one of the tour's standout moments.
A professional guide accompanies the group throughout the tour. The guide both manages the route and takes photos free of charge during the tour. Life jacket, snorkel, and goggles are provided within the tour.
Kayak Tour Program Details
Departure and Route
The tour starts from Olympos beach. Sea conditions are assessed each morning and the route is confirmed accordingly. The general route follows the coastline extending to the caves area and surrounding coves. The route may show minor variations from day to day depending on sea conditions.
Caves Stop
A break of approximately 30 minutes is given at the caves area, the most notable stop of the tour. During this time, guests enter the caves by kayak, swim, and snorkel. Conditions for observing the seabed in the shallow waters around the caves are very favorable; the angle of light, particularly in the morning hours, enhances underwater visibility.
Guide and Photography
A professional guide accompanies the group throughout the tour. The guide both ensures safety and takes photos free of charge during the tour. The photos taken are shared with participants after the tour.
Session Times and Duration
The kayak tour is organized in two daily sessions depending on sea conditions:
- Morning session: 10:00
- Afternoon session: 14:00
Each session lasts approximately 3 hours.
What's Included in the Kayak Tour
- Single or double sea kayak
- Life jacket
- Snorkel and diving mask
- Professional guide accompaniment
- Free photography
All you need to bring is your swimwear and a towel.
What is a Sea Kayak?
A sea kayak is a stable and easy-to-use watercraft designed for paddling through calm waters. Unlike motorized vehicles such as boats or jet skis, it moves entirely by human power, allowing coastal exploration without harming the environment or marine life.
The sea kayaks preferred for the Olympos kayak tour are wide-bottomed, high-stability models. Even those who have never used a kayak before can learn the basic paddling techniques within a few minutes. The guide explains the basic operating information before the tour begins.
A sea kayak is the only way to reach the shallow coves and caves of Olympos that motorized vehicles cannot enter. From this perspective, the kayak tour offers the opportunity to explore an area that a boat tour cannot show.
What You Need to Know About the Kayak Tour
- Knowing how to swim is mandatory; non-swimmers cannot participate in this activity.
- No kayaking experience is required; the guide explains the basic operation at the start of the tour.
- Life jacket, snorkel, and goggles are provided within the tour.
- The tour is conducted with a professional guide.
- Free photography is provided throughout the tour.
- Two sessions are available each day: 10:00 in the morning and 14:00 in the afternoon.
- The tour may be postponed or cancelled when sea conditions are not suitable.
- Reservations must be made at least 1 day in advance.
- It is recommended to bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.
- Those wishing to bring a waterproof phone case or action camera can take photos during the caves stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does the Olympos Kayak Tour Cost?
Please contact us for current pricing information.
How long does the Olympos kayak tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours. Two sessions are available each day: 10:00 in the morning and 14:00 in the afternoon.
Is swimming required for the kayak tour?
Yes. Knowing how to swim is mandatory in order to swim and snorkel during the caves stop. Non-swimmers cannot participate in this activity.
I have never used a kayak before — can I still join?
Yes. No kayaking experience is required. The guide explains the basic paddling techniques before the tour begins. Wide-bottomed sea kayaks, with their stable design, are highly practical for beginners as well.
What is included in the kayak tour?
The tour includes a sea kayak, life jacket, snorkel, diving mask, guide accompaniment, and free photography. All you need to bring is your swimwear and a towel.
Should I choose a single or double kayak?
Both are available. Solo participants or those who prefer more independence can opt for a single kayak. For couples and groups of friends, the double kayak is both a more social option and practical in terms of sharing the paddling effort.
What can be done in the caves?
During the 30-minute break at the caves area, swimming and snorkeling are available. The caves can be entered by kayak. Marine life and the seabed can be observed with snorkel gear in the shallow, clear waters.
How are the photos delivered?
The photos taken by the guide throughout the tour are shared with participants after the tour. Photography is included in the tour price.
Is the kayak tour cancelled in bad weather?
The tour may be postponed or cancelled when sea conditions are not suitable. Sea conditions are assessed early in the morning and the session decision is made accordingly. In the event of cancellation, the reservation is moved to an alternative day.
Can children join the kayak tour?
Yes. Children who know how to swim and are aware of basic water safety can participate in the tour. Young children must be under adult supervision at all times. Life jackets are provided to all participants.