Cassis Calanques: Kayak Tour with Local Guide & Photos

Kayak through cassis calanques national park with a local

You’ll paddle through Cassis’s famous calanques with a local guide who knows every cove and story. Expect calm seas, hidden pine-scented stops at Port-Pin, dramatic cliffs at En-Vau, and plenty of time to just float or laugh with your group. All gear is included, plus luggage holding and downloadable photos you’ll want to show off long after you’re home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak tour of Cassis Calanques

• Depart from Port Miou
• Visit Calanque de Port-Pin
• Explore Calanque d’En-Vau with local guide
• Optional full day: visit caves and natural beaches

The experience

Ever wondered what the sea smells like when you’re right down at water level, paddling past those pale cliffs near Cassis? I didn’t, not really, but that’s the first thing that hit me as we set out from Port-Miou. Our guide, Luc (who grew up here), handed us our paddles and gave this quick grin before warning us about the “600 meters of kayak-carrying.” Honestly, it sounded worse than it was. The early sun bounced off the limestone and I could hear someone tuning a guitar on a boat nearby: kind of set the mood.

Paddling was easier than I expected. The sea was calm, almost glassy, so even if you’re not some kayak pro (I’m definitely not), you’ll be fine. Luc kept pointing out little things: like how Port-Pin got its name from the pine trees clinging to impossible angles above us. We stopped there for a bit. Salt on my lips, pine in the air. There were a few other groups around but it never felt crowded. At En-Vau, those cliffs just shoot up, white against blue, and I caught myself staring way too long. Someone in our group tried to pronounce “calanque” properly and Luc just laughed. It’s harder than it looks.

The best part? Maybe just floating quietly for a minute in En-Vau’s cove while Luc told us about smugglers hiding here ages ago (I guess every place has its stories). My arms were tired by then but in that good way: like you’ve actually done something real with your morning. We headed back slowly. I remember thinking how different everything looked from the water compared to hiking above last year. Oh, and they take photos along the way so you don’t have to worry about your phone getting wet, which is good because I nearly dropped mine twice.

What’s included

Your day includes all sea kayaking equipment and safety gear, luggage holding inside a van while you paddle, guidance from a local expert familiar with every corner of Cassis’s calanques, and access to an online photo gallery so you can download memories without risking your phone near saltwater.

Options for this experience

2 options

Climbing in Cassis, half day (3 hours)Guide in English or French · 09:00Lasts 3 hours

Climbing tour in Cassis, full dayGuide in English or French · 09:00Lasts 6 hours

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (18 to 79 years) · Child (12 to 17 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by EXPENATURE

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (12 to 17 years). Children under 12 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does the Cassis Calanques kayak tour last?

The standard tour is half-day. Full-day options are available if weather allows.

Is this kayak tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, stable sea kayaks are used and no prior experience is required.

What calanques do we visit on this kayaking trip?

You’ll visit Calanque de Port-Miou, Port-Pin, and En-Vau.

Is there an age limit for this Cassis kayak tour?

Children under 12 are not accepted on this tour.

Do I need to carry my own kayak?

You’ll be asked to carry your kayak about 600 meters at the start.

Are photos included in the Cassis Calanques kayak tour?

Yes, access to an online photo gallery with downloadable images is included.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No lunch is included. Bring snacks if needed.

Can people over 120kg join this kayaking tour?

This tour is not recommended for people over 120kg.