Naxos Rina Cave Sea Kayak & Snorkeling Day Trip

Summary

Sea kayaking to Rina Cave with cliff jumps, snorkeling and a homemade meal on quiet beaches in southern Naxos

You’ll kayak along Naxos’ wild southern coast from Kalantos Beach to Rina Cave, stopping at hidden beaches for swimming and snorkeling. Enjoy a homemade lunch with fresh local produce right by the sea. With a small group and an easy pace led by a friendly guide, expect plenty of laughter — and probably a new appreciation for Greek tomatoes.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit it: I nearly bailed when I saw the kayaks lined up on Kalantos Beach. The water looked so calm but my arms? Not so much. Our guide, Giorgos, just grinned and handed me a paddle anyway. “Slow is good,” he said. “We have all day.” And honestly, that set the tone for everything — no rush, just this weird mix of salt air and sunlight and that feeling you get when you’re about to do something slightly out of your comfort zone.

Paddling east toward Rina Cave, the coastline kept changing — white stone cliffs, then these little pockets of cedar trees clinging to the rock (I think it was Alyko Forest?). At one point we drifted close enough to see tiny birds darting in and out of the cave roof. Giorgos pointed out some stalactites inside; apparently bats like it there too. The echo was wild — every drip sounded louder than it should. We stopped at a beach I’d never find on my own for swimming and snorkeling. The water was so clear I could see my toes wiggling under the surface, which made me laugh for some reason.

Lunch was this picnic spread under a patch of shade — local cheese (the kind that squeaks between your teeth), tomatoes that actually tasted like tomatoes, bread still warm from someone’s oven back in town. Someone tried cliff jumping (not me) and came up grinning with seaweed in their hair. There was coffee too, which felt both random and perfect after all that sun. It’s funny how quickly everyone started swapping stories; maybe saltwater does that to people.

The paddle back felt easier somehow — maybe because we’d already done it once or maybe because we knew there’d be one last swim at Kalantos before heading home. My arms were jelly but I didn’t really care by then. Sometimes you don’t realize how good something is until you’re already floating in the middle of it, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sea kayak tour with snorkeling and picnic

• Start at Kalantos Beach
• Kayak east to Rhina Cave
• Explore Rhina Cave and surroundings
• Stop at remote beach for swimming
• Enjoy homemade meal with local products
• Swim and snorkel at small beaches
• Return to Kalantos Beach for final swim

Top questions

How long does the Naxos Rina Cave sea kayak tour last?

The tour lasts about six hours total, including paddling and time spent on beaches for swimming, snorkeling, snacks, lunch, and coffee.

Is this kayak trip suitable for beginners?

Yes, it's suitable for all physical fitness levels and includes a briefing plus guidance from a certified instructor.

Where does the sea kayak tour start?

The tour begins and ends at Kalantos Beach in southern Naxos.

Are meals or snacks included on the trip?

Yes, you'll have a homemade meal featuring local bio vegetables, Naxian cheese, snacks, and coffee during the beach stop.

What equipment is provided for kayaking and snorkeling?

All kayak gear (life jacket, paddle, spray-deck), UV protection clothing, hats, dry bags, plus snorkeling equipment are included.

Is transportation provided to Kalantos Beach?

No hotel pickup is mentioned but public transportation options are available nearby.

Can I join if I have limited swimming ability?

The tour provides life jackets but may not be recommended for travelers with disabilities or those uncomfortable in water.

What’s included

Your day covers all kayaking equipment (including life jackets and dry bags), paddling instructions from a qualified guide certified by British Canoeing, plenty of fresh drinking water per person, full use of snorkeling gear at each beach stop plus snacks and a homemade meal featuring local vegetables and Naxian cheese — even coffee is part of it before you return to Kalantos Beach for one last swim.