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→ "Advanced sea kayaking tour to Menies and Gramvousa with remote coastline"

🟧 ADVANCED Level — Trips for Skilled Paddlers

Advanced sea kayak trips in Chania for experienced paddlers seeking demanding routes.
These full-day adventures cover significant distances in remote locations, requiring solid kayaking skills, good endurance, and comfort with changing sea conditions.

Experienced tour

Ancient Diktynna – Afrata to Menies

Long coastal sea kayak adventure from Afrata Beach to Menies via Sfakos Beach and a sea cave — ideal for experienced paddlers seeking distance, exploration and remote coastline.

From 160 € / person
Duration: 6–7 hours
Paddling: 4–5 hours
Distance: 20–21 km (round trip)
Good fitness · Previous kayaking experience
Experienced paddlers

Highlights

Long-distance sea kayak adventure along one of Crete’s most remote coastlines.
Emerald waters and rugged limestone cliffs of the Rodopou Peninsula.
Secluded beaches for swimming and snorkeling away from the crowds.
Explore Menies Beach and the ancient Diktynna ruins overlooking the bay.
Description

Embark on an unforgettable sea kayak journey from Afrata Beach to Menies, with stops at the secluded Sfakos Beach and a coastal cave. Covering approximately 20–21 km, this tour is designed for experienced paddlers with good fitness.

Paddle beneath towering limestone cliffs, explore crystal-clear emerald waters and discover quiet coves along the remote Rodopou Peninsula. At Menies, enjoy a longer stop for swimming and a visit to the ancient sanctuary of Diktynna overlooking the bay.

A perfect blend of physical challenge, wilderness coastline and exploration in one of the most isolated areas of Crete.

Trip information
  • Duration: Approximately 6–7 hours (Sea kayaking: 4–5 hours)
  • Distance: 20–21 km (Afrata → Menies → Afrata)
  • Pick Up & Drop Off: + €20 per person
  • Pick Up Time: 08:30 (final times sent the previous day)
  • Drop Off Time: ~15:00
  • Level: Experienced paddlers / advanced distance
  • Age Requirement: 14+
  • Requirements: Swimming knowledge and solid basic fitness
  • Meeting Point: Afrata Beach (launch site)
Itinerary
09:00
Meet at Afrata Beach for safety briefing and equipment check.
09:15
Start paddling along the rugged coastline toward Sfakos Beach.
10:15
Arrive at Sfakos Beach — break for swimming, snorkeling and rest.
10:45
Continue along the peninsula with a stop at a coastal cave (conditions permitting).
11:15
Reach Menies Beach — swimming, relaxation and walk to the ancient Diktynna ruins.
12:30
Begin the return paddle toward Afrata.
14:00
Arrive back at Afrata Beach. Debrief and return equipment.
Pricing

Price per person

  • €160: Without pick-up (meet at Afrata)
  • €180: Including pick-up & drop-off service

Included

  • Professional guide
  • Kayaking equipment (kayaks, paddles, life jackets)
  • Safety briefing & basic instruction

Optional

  • Pick-up & drop-off service (+ €20 per person)

Not included

  • Snacks & beverages
Take with you

Essentials

  • Swimsuit
  • Hat
  • Towel
  • At least 1 liter of water
  • Sunscreen
  • Shoes that can get wet
  • Light long-sleeve shirt

Recommended

  • Snacks such as fruit, sandwiches or cheese pies
Experienced tour

Gramvousa & Balos Beach

Full–day sea kayak expedition around Gramvousa and Balos Beach – a demanding route for experienced paddlers seeking distance, wild scenery and Crete’s most iconic lagoon.

From 250 € / person
Duration: ~8 hours
Paddling: ~6 hours
Distance: ~28–30 km (round trip)
Experienced sea kayakers · Good fitness
Experienced paddlers

Highlights

Challenging full–day sea kayak expedition in one of Crete’s most iconic areas.
Dramatic limestone cliffs and wild shoreline along the Gramvousa peninsula.
Visit Gramvousa Castle with panoramic views over the bay and Balos lagoon.
Relax on the white sands and turquoise waters of Balos Beach.
Description

Embark on an exhilarating sea kayak adventure to the stunning Gramvousa peninsula and the world-famous Balos Beach. This expedition is designed for experienced paddlers who are comfortable with long distances and changing conditions.

Paddle along towering limestone cliffs, visit the historic Gramvousa Castle, and enjoy the unique turquoise waters of the Balos lagoon — one of the most photographed beaches in Greece.

Total distance: approximately 28–30 km depending on exact route and sea conditions.

Trip information
  • Duration: Approximately 8 hours (Sea kayaking ~6 hours)
  • Distance: ~28–30 km (round trip)
  • Pick Up & Drop Off: + €20 per person
  • Pick Up Time: 08:30 (final schedule sent the previous day)
  • Drop Off Time: ~18:30 (depends on conditions and pace)
  • Level: Experienced paddlers / advanced distance
  • Age Requirement: 14+
  • Requirements: Mandatory swimming ability and good physical condition
  • Route Highlights: Gramvousa Island, Gramvousa Castle, Balos Beach & lagoon
Itinerary
09:00
Meet at the starting point for safety briefing and equipment check.
09:30
Paddle along dramatic limestone formations toward Gramvousa Island.
11:00
Arrive at Gramvousa. Optional hike up to Gramvousa Castle for panoramic views.
12:00
Continue paddling toward Balos Beach, exploring rugged coastline along the way.
13:00
Arrive at Balos. Free time for swimming, snorkeling and relaxation.
14:30
Start return paddle along coastline back toward the launch point.
18:30
Arrive back, debrief and return equipment.
Pricing

Price per person

  • €250: Without pick-up
  • €275: With pick-up & drop-off service

Included

  • Professional guide
  • Sea kayaking equipment (kayaks, paddles, life jackets)
  • Safety briefing and technique instruction
  • Free time for swimming, snorkeling and exploration

Optional

  • Pick-up & drop-off service (+ €20 per person)

Not included

  • Snacks & beverages
Take with you

Essentials

  • Swimsuit
  • Hat
  • Towel
  • At least 1 liter of water
  • Sunscreen
  • Shoes that can get wet
  • Light long-sleeve shirt

Recommended

  • Snacks (fruit, sandwiches, pastries)

Trips for the Experienced paddlers

 

For paddlers with good fitness and previous kayaking experience, exploring long distances, big coastline features and Crete’s most remote locations.

Why choose an experienced tour?

Experienced-level trips are designed for paddlers who want long distances, remote coastline, and a full day of exploration.
You paddle along dramatic limestone cliffs, caves, rugged shorelines and secluded beaches far from the crowds.

All experienced tours include:

  • Full equipment

  • Safety briefing

  • Long distances 

  • Remote coastline & wild scenery

  • Caves, cliffs and geological formations 

  • Swimming, snorkelling and breaks

  • Small groups

  • Suitable for fit paddlers with experience

Founded by Haris Karagiannis in 2023,
Contact Crete embodies a passion for exploration, preservation, and the art of creating immersive experiences

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