Guided sea kayak excursion Marseille: paddle Côte Bleue creeks

Paddle into creeks most people can't reach by land

A half-day guided sea kayak excursion from l'Estaque in Marseille takes you along the Côte Bleue coast, through small coves and creeks of the Parc Marin, to a secluded beach where you swim in transparent water before paddling back offshore for a panoramic view of the bay. The guide leads the route, provides all equipment including life jacket and dry bag, and the morning departure suits beginners since the sea is calmer then.

The Experience

You launch from the port of l'Estaque with a state-certified guide who handles the route and safety briefing. After gearing up with a sea kayak, paddle, life jacket and waterproof bag, you follow the coastline of the Parc Marin de la Côte Bleue, moving in the direction of Carry-le-Rouet. The morning tour is recommended for beginners—the water is calmer and the pace lets you take in the limestone cliffs and small inlets as you go.

The route takes you through creeks and coves that are difficult to reach any other way. You stop at a small beach for a break where you can swim in the clear water, then paddle back a little further offshore on the return leg. This shift outward gives you a panoramic view of the Côte Bleue and the bay of Marseille stretching behind you. The whole outing runs about three hours.

Equipment is recent (2021 to 2023) and includes everything you need to paddle safely. If you want to snorkel at the swimming stop, you can rent a mask and snorkel for 5 euros, or buy a waterproof phone pouch for 10 euros. Bring a swimsuit, closed shoes, sunscreen and a hat; the guide will brief you on safety rules and the navigation area before you launch.

What’s included

• State-certified guide in English or French.
• sea kayak, paddle, life jacket and dry bag.
• safety briefing and route instruction.
• swimming break at a remote cove.
• optional mask and snorkel rental (5 euros) and waterproof phone pouch (10 euros for purchase).

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by SUD KAYAK

Is this one for you?A free afternoon in Marseille works well for this half-day paddle: you launch from l'Estaque in the morning when the sea is calmest, swim at a cove you can't reach by road, and return by early afternoon with the bay stretched out behind you.

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Top questions

Is the morning or afternoon tour better for someone new to sea kayaking?

The morning guided tour is recommended for beginners because the sea is calmer in the morning, making it easier to paddle and enjoy the route without fighting rough water.

What happens at the beach stop during the half-day excursion?

You paddle to a small beach that is difficult to reach by land, where you take a break and swim in transparent water before heading back out to paddle the return leg.

What's included in the sea kayak excursion from l'Estaque?

The excursion includes a state-certified guide, sea kayak, paddle, life jacket, dry bag and all safety instruction; you bring your own swimsuit, closed shoes, sunscreen and hat.

How long does the guided kayak tour take from start to finish?

The half-day excursion takes about three hours total, including the safety briefing and equipment setup at the launch.

Can children join the sea kayak excursion on the Côte Bleue?

Children are welcome from age 3, and specialized infant seats are available if you need them for younger paddlers.