Sea Kayaking day trips in Ithaca island

It is the all-time classic day trip in Ithaca. During this trip, we explore two of the most famous beaches of Ithaca: Gidaki and Filiatro. We visit Lazareto islet in the middle of Vathy harbor, we paddle around Skartsoumponisi island at the exit of the harbor, we pass from the traditional chapel of Saint Andrews and we stop in Shinos bay for swimming and snorkeling. Then we explore the fossilized sedimentary coastline before Gidaki beach and we swim and snorkel in the light blue waters of Gidaki bay.

Finally, we arrive at Filitro bay where we can relax before we will head back to Vathy town. If the group has only strong paddlers that they are happy to paddle more we can continue to Sarakiniko beach and paddle along the vertical rocky coastline of cape Skotaria. There are more than 10 beaches in our way to stop for snorkeling swimming or just a break and we try to choose depending on the conditions the most secluded and beautiful ones.

• Paddling distance:6 nautical miles
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Duration*: 5-6 hours.
• Price Per Person: 60€
• Beach bar available at the end of the trip (June to September)

This is a sorter trip for those that they want to paddle less but to visit the most beautiful beach of Ithaca. Platinammos beach is located 30 minutes away from the only launching spot in Afales bay where the road almost reaches sea level. It is a breathtaking location with vertical cliffs and many sandy/tiny pebble beaches.  

At Platinammos beach we can practice sea kayaking techniques as rolling or rescues, do cliff diving, play around the sea–rock garden with the kayaks, snorkel, or just relax and have a picnic on the secluded beach.

• Paddling distance:3.5 nautical miles
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Duration*: 3-4 hours.
• Price Per Person: 45€

A relaxing trip at the South East bay of Ithaca island. We start from Sarakiniko and we paddle South to the Pera Pigadi area where the Homeric Arethousa Krini fresh water spring is located. On our way to Talaros beach, we enter with the kayaks the small blue Manaras cave.

Just before our stop, we pass between Ligia island and the coast of Ithaca: The light blue color of the water is stunning there. Talaros beach is one of the most relaxing spots on the island and doesn’t miss the opportunity to go snorkeling.

Before we start heading back depending on the conditions we can explore the South or the North capes of the bay and paddle next to the amazing vertical rock formations.

• Paddling distance:6 nautical miles
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Duration*: 5-6 hours
• Price Per Person: 60€
• Beach bar available at the end of the trip (June to September)

A really interesting trip for those who want to start from Frikes and explore the North East area of Ithaca. Marmakas bay with Saint Nicholas island is one of the highlights of the trip and Voukentis beach is an amazing place to stop and relax. On our way back to Frikes we can explore Triamoudi bay and Limenia beach (one of the most popular wild camping spots on the island). One of the most unique spots of the trip is the “dragon’s jump”.

• Paddling distance:6 nautical miles
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Duration*: 5 hours.
• Price Per Person: 60€
• Restaurants/bar available at the end of the trip (May to October)

A great trip to explore the northern peninsula of the island: A secluded wild area that you can only access with a boat or with an off-road vehicle. Don’t miss the opportunity to paddle in the turquoise crystal clear waters of Afales bay. Maneuver in the rock gardens of Platinamos beach and stop there to swim and snorkel at the most beautiful beach on the island. Then visit the North cape of Ithaca and the unique Papanikolis cave and relax at Marmakas bay.

The ultimate sea experience for intermediate paddlers. The North Peninsula is more exposed to the open sea waves so there is always a possibility to get some conditions and play with the kayaks. At the end of the trip, Frikes village is waiting for you for a cold beer or refreshment.

• Paddling distance: 7 nautical miles
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Duration*: 5-6hours.
• Price Per Person: 65€
• Restaurants/bar available at the end of the trip (May to October)

We start paddling in Frikes the morning and we exit Frikes bay. Then we visit the traditional Kioni village, one of the most elegant villages of the Ionian Sea, where we can stop for a quick coffee. On our way South to Vathy we will explore the coastline of the highest mountain of Ithaca island, Mt. Nirito.

There are many wonderful beaches to discover their secrets by snorkeling. We stop for a break at the crystal light blue waters of Nisaki beach.

Before we cross from the North to the Southside of the island we stop at a tiny beach opposite the entrance of Vathy harbor. At the last part of the trip, we pass from Lazareto and Skartzoumponisi islands and then we finish the trip at Odyssey Outdoor Activities shop.

• Paddling distance: 9 nautical miles
• Difficulty Level: Advanced
• Duration*: 7 hours
• Price Per Person: 65€
• Restaurants/bar available at the end of the trip (May to October)