Kayaking Chania Venetian Harbor: Lighthouse & Lazaretta Island

Paddle the Venetian Harbor, then swim at an island offshore

Sea kayaking tour in Chania that starts at Honolulu Beach and paddles along the Venetian coastline, passing the Lighthouse and Firka fortress before stopping at Lazaretta Island for a swim. The four-hour outing includes all kayak equipment, a local guide in English, and is open to beginners age 12 and up who can swim.

The experience

The paddle starts at Honolulu Beach, near where Chania's traditional tanneries once stood. After a briefing and equipment setup, you'll launch into calm water and glide past the Venetian Harbor from the sea: a view most visitors never get. The Lighthouse and Firka fortress rise above the water as you paddle, and the old shipyards and colorful facades of the Old Town unfold along the coast. The route stays outside the harbor itself, so you're paddling open water with the medieval architecture as your backdrop.

Lazaretta Island sits just offshore, and that's where the swim stop happens. The water there is clear enough to see the bottom, and the island itself is small and quiet: a local spot that doesn't show up on the usual tourist map. After you've swum and rested, the paddle back to Honolulu Beach closes the loop. The whole outing runs four hours from start to finish.

Your guide is a local who knows the coast and speaks English. The group stays small, which means you're not paddling in a line of twenty kayaks. All the equipment (kayak, paddle, life jacket) is provided, and you'll wear the jacket the whole time. The tour suits beginners and experienced paddlers alike. What matters is that you can swim and are at least twelve years old.

What’s included

• All sea kayak equipment (kayak, paddle, life jacket).
• local English-speaking guide.
• safety briefing and equipment setup.
• swim stop at Lazaretta Island.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00Last departure this season: 24 Dec

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Senior (66 to 79 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Under 12: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 8 · max 6 per booking

Live guideEnglish

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.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Sea Kayaking Chania

Is this one for you?The tour departs from Honolulu Beach near Chania's Old Town, and public transportation reaches it, so you don't need a car or a hotel pickup to join. If you're staying in the city or nearby without your own transport, this is how you get on the water.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years). Under 12: they 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's the Venetian Lighthouse and Firka fortress like when you paddle past them?

The Lighthouse and Firka fortress are medieval structures that rise directly from the water on Chania's harbor side. Paddling past them from the sea gives you a view of the Old Town and the harbor that you can't get from the streets: the colorful facades, the old shipyards, and the scale of the fortifications become clear from the water.

Is Lazaretta Island a real place to swim, or just a quick stop?

Lazaretta Island is a genuine swim stop with clear water where you can spend time in the water and rest before paddling back. It's a local spot, not a major tourist site, so it stays quiet and uncrowded.

Do I need kayaking experience to join this tour?

No. The tour is designed for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. You'll get a safety briefing and equipment setup at the start, and your guide will lead the paddle. You do need to be able to swim and be at least twelve years old.

How do I get to Honolulu Beach where the kayaking starts?

Honolulu Beach is close to Chania's Old Town. Public transportation options are available nearby, so you can reach the beach without a car if you're staying in the city or nearby.

What's included in the tour price?

All sea kayak equipment is included: the kayak, paddle, and life jacket. Your guide in English is also included. Bring your own swimwear and towel. Water and snacks are not provided.