Kayaking in West Crete: Kissamos Bay shipwreck & sea cave

Paddle to a shipwreck and explore a sea cave on the same morning

A 5.5-hour sea kayaking activity in West Crete where you paddle to the Manassa Rose shipwreck in Kissamos Bay, past a 1905 metal mine's ruins, and into a sea cave with wild birds. No experience needed. A live guide leads the route in English or Greek, and snorkeling gear is provided for a stop on a private beach.

The experience

You meet at the starting point, get fitted with kayaking equipment, and receive safety instructions before paddling into Kissamos Bay. The route heads first to the Manassa Rose shipwreck, where the guide shares its story, then continues along a rocky coastline dotted with wild beaches and small gulfs. The paddle passes the remnants of a metal mine built in 1905, a concrete landmark that marks the halfway point of the morning.

A rest and snorkeling stop happens on a small private beach near the mine ruins. Snorkeling gear is included. On the return paddle, the route takes you into a sea cave where wild birds nest in the rock. The kayaks are chosen for their stability and ease of handling, and the protected gulf waters keep the paddling smooth enough for beginners. Energy bars, juice and bottled water come with the activity.

What’s included

• Energy bars, juice and bottled water.
• snorkeling equipment for the private beach stop.
• use of a sea kayak and all paddling gear.
• safety instruction and pre-tour briefing.
• live guide in English or Greek.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SaturdayDeparts at 09:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 78 years) · Youth (16 to 17 years) · Under 16: can't be booked

GroupUp to 9

Live guideEnglish and Greek

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 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Sea Kayak Kissamos

Is this one for you?The beginner-friendly pace and protected gulf waters suit anyone curious about sea kayaking but without prior experience. If you have moderate fitness and can manage 5.5 hours of paddling, the route's mix of historical stops (a shipwreck, mine ruins, and a sea cave), keeps the morning varied without requiring technical skill.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

5 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Greek.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (16 to 17 years). Children under 16 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 is the Manassa Rose shipwreck like when you paddle up to it?

The Manassa Rose sits in the middle of Kissamos Bay and is the first major stop after you leave the starting point. The guide tells its story before you continue paddling along the coastline.

Do I need kayaking experience to join this activity?

No experience is required. The activity is beginner-friendly, and you receive safety instructions and equipment fitting before paddling begins.

What happens at the snorkeling stop?

You rest and snorkel on a small private beach close to the metal mine ruins. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you don't need to bring your own.

Can I explore the sea cave on the way back?

Yes. On the return paddle, the route takes you into a sea cave where wild birds nest. It's one of the stops built into the morning's route.

How long does the whole activity take?

The activity runs 5.5 hours from the time you meet and fit equipment through the final paddle back.