Kayak & canoe · KAYAK AND SNORKEL TOURS IN ITALY
Good kayak and snorkel tours in Italy fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Set out from Lungomare Luigi Rizzo at 10 a.m. for a seven-hour boat trip around Lampedusa. Expect swimming stops, SUP, snorkeling, a seafood lunch, and views of La Tabaccara. Pietro, Marino, or Giuseppe may be among the crew, though staffing can vary.
Paddle east from Maiori with guides including Danilo, Salvatore, Danny, and Nicola, passing the Norman Tower, Acquachiara beach, and Grotta di Pandora. You’ll get kayak instruction, safety gear, snorkeling equipment, fresh fruit, water, and photos sent by email. Expect a friendly half-day outing with some real paddling.
“Incredible experience. Well worth the money, it was my favorite part of my trip. The guides are incredibly kind and friendly, and everything is run very well. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to go on a little adventure and see one of the most beautiful places in the world in a really exciting way.”
Join Carnassa Cinque Terre Kayak Tour in Monterosso for two hours on a sit-on-top kayak, with local guides such as Chiara sharing stories about the coast, villages, and sea. You’ll paddle past caves and waterfalls, stop to snorkel, and return to showers and changing rooms at the meeting point.
“This was a wonderful excursion for our family of 4 (including 2 teenagers). Chiara kept us going at a good pace, and we had plenty of time to swim & snorkel. Our kids even got to jump off some high (not too high) rocks. She shared information about what we were seeing and had great recommendations during our visit. I highly recommend!”
Set out from Cala Suaraccia near San Teodoro with guides such as Luca, Antonio, Gabriele, or Marta. Paddle through the Tavolara marine area, visit Proratora Island, enter a sea cave, snorkel with fish and starfish, and enjoy seasonal fruit. Double kayaks suit beginners and small children, while single kayaks suit stronger paddlers.
“Efficiently run, guides were friendly and fun with clear directions on how to find them. Need car to reach though.”
Start at Stella Marina Beach Bar in Monterosso with guides such as Chiara and Sisi. Paddle past the old town and tourist beach, stop to swim and snorkel, and look for fish, jellyfish, caves, and a waterfall. Kayaks, safety gear, changing rooms, showers, and dry bags are included.
“Fantastic time! The guides were helpful, informative and clearly knowledgeable! Felt completely safe the whole time. Highly recommend.”
Paddle from Minori along the Amalfi Coast with local guide Alessio, passing Norman Tower and Sulfur Cave before entering Pandora Cave. Swim and snorkel at water-access-only Dead Horse Beach, where you’ll enjoy fresh fruit, lemonade, and a lemon spritz. Kayaks, safety gear, dry bags, photos, and two bottles of water are included.
“Liked the historical inputs from our guide Alessio, about the cities we passed along the way and the pace of the kayaking. The cave we saw was amazing, and very much enjoyed the beach we ended up on as it was very few people there besides our tour and a beach that only was reachable from the sea. Very good drinks also, both with and without alcohol. A very chill and relaxed excursion. Highly recommended.”
From Maiori, you’ll kayak with local guides such as Dani, Nicola, Federico, Carmelo, and Francesco along the coast to Acquachiara beach and Pandora Cave. Expect a safety briefing, sea caves, swimming, snorkeling, fresh fruit, photos, and a steady paddle back. Beginners can join, but you should be comfortable swimming and ready for a real workout.
“Had the best experience today with Salvatore and his mate. We came as a group of friend and they got us equipped with the tools and adequate instructions from the beginning. Great for newbies and experienced kayakers alike! My friend who came had a great time (we’re not very outdoorsy people by the way). The tour was definitely an exercise, but the tour guides were very informative and funny so it didn't feel strenuous at all. They were very nice and accommodating to the very end so dont worry if you tend to have seasickness or motion sickness etc, they will not leave you behind. Overall we highly recommended this…”
Set out from Cala Suaraccia with a professional guide in a single or double kayak. Paddle around Isola di Proratora, snorkel among fish, octopus, and starfish, then share a regional aperitif on the beach. Guides speak English, French, Italian, and Spanish, and a short video is included.
“nice! we were late and our guide was so kind to wait for us. The group was small and visited different nice spots. The guide was very kind. Recommendable.”
Starting in Minori, guide Alessio leads a small-group kayak trip past Maiori’s Norman Tower, the Sulfur Cave, and Pandora’s Cave. You’ll paddle open water, swim and snorkel at Dead Horse Beach, and enjoy fruit, snacks, and a lemon drink. Kayaks, safety gear, dry bags, and photos are included.
“Truly a unique experience and one I’m so glad I was able to do. Expect a good amount of background history during your kayak ride to Pandora’s cave. It was pretty amazing inside the cave. I won’t say much more because I want you to enjoy the experience. And the private beach for snorkeling and lunch was a delight. I HIGHLY recommend. Our guide, Alessio was awesome. We had some choppy waters and safety and comfort was his first priority. He was warm and caring of our group. I wish we had more time at the beach but overall, it was a top notch adventure. Not too hard and not…”
Meet your English or Italian-speaking guide at Niasca Beach in Paraggi for an easy sea-kayak outing toward Portofino, the Olivetta, and the lighthouse. Guides such as Laura, Manuel, Sarah, and Felipe have led past tours. Add snorkeling in Paraggi Bay, or choose sunset kayaking with focaccia and local wine.
“The personal attention and enthusiasm of the staff was evident in all the work they put into the tour.”
Meet Alessandro at Pinus Village beach for a four-hour guided sea-kayaking trip along Chia’s wild coast. After a 10-minute lesson, paddle past cliffs and small coves, stop at a sea-access beach for swimming and snorkeling, then enter a cave by kayak. Small groups, photos, gear, and English, Italian, or Spanish guidance are included.
“Great guides and group! Such a lovely experience and views- we loved the surprise at the end too :)”
You’ll paddle west from Amalfi in a stable double kayak with an English or Italian-speaking guide. Expect a short lesson, coastal arches, watchtowers, Conca dei Marini, Runghetiello Grotto, snorkeling, fruit, photos, and about three hours on the water. Guides Tao and Alex have also led groups on this route.
“Absolutely breathtaking! Kayaking along the Amalfi Coast was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The crystal-clear waters, hidden coves, and expert guides made it unforgettable. Highly recommend!”
Paddle from Cala Suaraccia to Proratora Island and Capo Coda Cavallo with local guides who support beginners. You’ll visit a sea cave, snorkel in clear water, and finish with Pecorino and other Sardinian treats served on the sea as the sun sets.
“Great activity with a beautiful view and very well organised. The guides were very supportive and kind.”
Paddle along Cagliari’s Sella del Diavolo with an instructor such as Marc, learning SUP basics before reaching sea caves, quiet beaches and natural pools. The 3.5-hour outing covers about 6 kilometers, includes snorkel stops, and supplies boards, equipment, beginner instruction, and shared photos and videos.
“It was the first time we realize this activity and we couldn’t be more satisfy. The activity was really amazing, also with your instructor Marc. Definetly we recommended and If we go again we will do this one more time. We can see all the beauty nature Sardinia can show. Thank you so much for this experience and for the photos! It’s good having memories to remember.”
Start at Moorea Beach Club in Maiori for a 3.5-hour guided kayak trip toward Atrani and Amalfi. Paddle past lemon groves, villas, watchtowers, natural arches, and sea caves, including St. Andrew’s Cave. The tour includes gear, photos by email, a fruit snack, water, changing rooms, toilets, and luggage storage.
“A most excellent, professional and exciting experience; the guidance was magnificent explained everything, took care of everyone and looked out for everyone. I would thoroughly recommend this trip great fun value for money.”
Pick a coast, a cave or a river.
