Kayaking in Cassis: Calanques National Park

Paddle three calanques in one morning, swimming between limestone cliffs

Guided sea kayaking in Cassis takes you through Calanques National Park, paddling between En-Vau, Port-Pin and Port-Miou calanques with a live guide in English, Spanish or French. The four-hour outing includes kayak, paddle, lifejacket and waterproof bag. You swim and rest on the beaches at each stop and watch for marine life in the coves. Children from age seven are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. En-Vau Calanque45m
2. Port-Miou Calanque25m

Sea kayaking in Calanques National Park

• Discover En-Vau creek by kayak
• Photo session on kayaks
• Break at beach for swim and sunbathing
• Visit Port-Pin cove by kayak
• Photo shoot at Port-Pin
• Swim and discover marine animals
• Explore Port-Miou creek by sea kayak
• Learn history of Cassis stone
• Observe cliff jumps and blower hole

The experience

How do you see three separate calanques without a car or a boat tour where you just sit? You paddle yourself. The guide leads you through turquoise water between En-Vau's sheer cliffs first, where you stop to swim and photograph from the kayak before heading to Port-Pin's smaller cove to spot urchins, anemones and starfish in the shallow fault. The route ends at Port-Miou, where the guide points out the famous cliff jumps and the blower hole while explaining the history of Cassis stone quarrying.

Four hours on the water means you're back by early afternoon, leaving the rest of your day free. The kayak, paddle and lifejacket are provided, and waterproof bags keep your phone and keys dry. You'll need a moderate level of fitness (paddling is steady but not strenuous), and the guide adjusts the pace to the group. Children from seven onward can join. The guide speaks English, Spanish or French depending on the group.

What’s included

• Kayak, paddle, lifejacket and waterproof bag.
• live guide in English, Spanish or French.
• swimming stops at each of the three calanques.
• photo time on the water.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday, Friday and SundayDeparts at 08:30

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (7 to 12 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish, Spanish 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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by kayak aventure calanques cassis

Is this one for you?The four-hour duration leaves your afternoon free for lunch in Cassis or a visit to the village, so this works well if you want water time without losing the whole day. You paddle at your own pace with the guide's instruction, not as a passenger on a boat, so the experience suits anyone who wants to move through the landscape under their own power.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

13 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (7 to 12 years). Children under 7 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.

What are the three calanques I'll paddle to in Cassis?

En-Vau Calanque comes first, where you swim and take photos from the kayak surrounded by limestone cliffs. Port-Pin Calanque is the second stop, a smaller cove where you can see marine animals like starfish and anemones in the shallow water. Port-Miou Calanque is the final destination, known for its cliff jumps and the blower hole, plus the history of the local stone trade.

Is four hours enough time to actually swim, or is it mostly paddling?

You stop to swim and rest at each of the three calanques, so swimming is built into the itinerary, not squeezed in. The guide times the paddle and the breaks so you have real time in the water at each location.

Do I need kayaking experience to book this?

No experience is required. The guide is a trained instructor who leads the group and adjusts the pace to everyone's ability. You do need a moderate level of fitness, since you're paddling for four hours, but the water is calm and protected.

What's included and what do I need to bring?

The kayak, paddle, lifejacket and waterproof bag are all provided. Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen and water. The waterproof bag keeps your phone and keys safe while you're on the water.