Sea Kayaking and Snorkeling at Mikros Gialos: Blue Cave

Paddle to caves and reefs most visitors never reach

A four-hour sea kayak and snorkeling trip departing from Mikros Gialos on Lefkada's southern coast, with a certified guide leading a small group to the Blue Cave, remote beaches and the seabed full of red starfish. The route includes swimming and snorkeling stops, lunch, fresh fruit, and all kayak gear. Participants aged 10 and up paddle two-seater kayaks and return via a small cave where seals shelter in winter.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak trip to Blue Cave and beaches

• Depart from Mikros Gialos beach
• Paddle southeast along the coast
• Observe geological formations and learn history
• Stop at remote beaches for swimming and snorkeling
• Enjoy seabed with big red starfish
• Visit Blue Cave with hidden entrance
• Return and visit small cave with seal shelter

The experience

The trip starts from Mikros Gialos beach with an introduction to your two-seater kayak and a chance to get comfortable with the equipment before you push off. You'll paddle southeast along the coast in a small group, no more than fifteen people, with a BCU 4-star certified guide who points out the geological formations and explains the area's history as you move. The route is built around stops: you'll swim and snorkel at remote beaches where the seabed holds big red starfish, then continue toward the Blue Cave, a spectacular cave with a hidden entrance that most visitors never find.

On the way back, you'll pass a small cave that shelters seals during winter months. The whole route follows the Ionian coastline without the crowds of the main beaches. Lunch (Greek food and fresh fruit) comes partway through, and dry bags keep your belongings safe while you're in the water. The guides are friendly and speak English, and the activity suits all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for pregnant travelers or anyone with cardiovascular concerns.

What’s included

• Sea kayak and paddle.
• life jacket and dry bags.
• swimming and snorkeling at remote beaches.
• lunch and fresh fruit.
• guidance from a BCU 4-star certified English-speaking guide.
• access to the Blue Cave and a seal-shelter cave on the return route.

Before you book

Lasts 4h, runs every day at 10:00, from € 60 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to14h before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 16

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 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Periplous Experience

Is this one for you?The four-hour paddle is steady rather than strenuous, and the route builds in multiple water stops so you're not paddling the whole time. Choose this if you want to explore sea caves and snorkel without signing up for a full-day expedition or a motorized boat tour.

Traveler reviews

4.98★★★★★★★★★★

504 verified traveler reviews

5 ★496

4 ★8

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

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 is the sea kayaking and snorkeling trip from Mikros Gialos?

The trip takes four hours total, including paddling time, snorkeling stops, lunch and the return to Mikros Gialos beach.

What is the Blue Cave like and how do you reach it?

The Blue Cave is the final destination of the route, located on the southern Lefkadian coast with a hidden entrance. You reach it by paddling southeast from Mikros Gialos, making several swimming and snorkeling stops along the way before arriving at the cave itself.

What equipment do you need to bring, and what's provided?

The kayak, paddle, life jacket and dry bags are all included. You'll need to bring or wear a swimming suit and hat. Sunscreen and a water flask are not provided, so bring your own if you need them.

What happens during the snorkeling stops?

You'll stop at remote beaches to swim and snorkel in the seabed, where you can see large red starfish and explore the underwater landscape. Multiple stops are built into the route so you spend time in the water at different spots along the coast.

Is this activity suitable for children or less experienced swimmers?

Yes. The minimum age is 10 years old and the activity suits all fitness levels. The two-seater kayaks and certified guides make it accessible for beginners, though it's not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

How many people go on the trip, and do you paddle alone?

Groups stay under fifteen people, and you paddle a two-seater kayak, so you're paired with another participant or a guide depending on the group size that day.