Santorini: Sea Kayak South Coast, Sea Caves & Picnic Tour

Summary

Kayak along Santorini’s wild south coast with sea caves and local snacks

You’ll paddle Santorini’s wild south coast by kayak with a small group and local guide, stopping to swim and snorkel at Red and White beaches. Explore hidden sea caves and share a homemade picnic right on the stones. Expect laughter, salty air, and moments you’ll remember long after you leave the island.

What’s the experience like?

Salt spray hits my lips before I even notice how far we’ve drifted from shore. Our guide, Maria, is already laughing at something one of the others said about paddling in a straight line (which, honestly, is harder than it looks). The volcanic cliffs along Santorini’s south coast look almost painted — streaks of red and white that don’t show up in photos the same way. We glide past Red Beach first. The water’s so clear you can see every ripple on the sand below, and there’s this warm mineral smell I didn’t expect.

We stop near a cave where the light turns everything blue-green. Maria hands out snorkels and grins like she knows what we’re about to see. Underwater, it’s quiet except for my own breath — fish darting around rocks, sunlight catching on their scales. I’m not much of a swimmer but the lifejacket makes it easy to just float and watch. Someone tries to pronounce “Kambia” beach properly; Li laughs when I try to say it in Greek — probably butchered it.

After a while we pull up on a patch of white stones for our picnic. There’s homemade cheese pie, olives, tomatoes that taste like sunshine (I swear), all packed by someone’s auntie back in town. Sitting there with wet hair and salt on my skin, eating with strangers who start feeling like friends — that part surprised me most. On the way back, arms tired but happy, I keep glancing over my shoulder at the coastline. I still think about that view sometimes when I close my eyes at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sea kayak tour along south coast

• Put on lifejacket
• Paddle along southwest coastline
• Explore Red, Kambia, and White beaches
• Swim in Aegean Sea
• Snorkel in clear waters
• Enjoy picnic break

Top questions

How long is the Santorini sea kayak tour?

The kayaking part lasts about 3 hours along the south coast.

Is hotel pickup included in this Santorini kayak tour?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available for an extra charge if you request it.

Do I need kayaking experience for this tour?

No experience needed; all levels are welcome on this introductory sea kayak tour.

What beaches do we visit on the kayak trip?

You’ll paddle past Red Beach, Kambia Beach, and White Beach.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included in your booking.

Are food or drinks included during the tour?

A light picnic with homemade local delicacies is included during your stop.

What should I bring for the Santorini kayak day trip?

You’ll get a drybag and sun hat; just bring swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and water.

Can children join this Santorini sea kayak tour?

The tour provides specialized infant seats but isn’t recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health or spinal injuries.

What’s included

Your day includes use of all kayaking gear plus safety equipment like lifejackets (mandatory), snorkeling gear for swimming stops at Red and White beaches, full insurance coverage, an English-speaking certified guide throughout the trip, a drybag for your things, sun hat to borrow if you want one, hotel pickup and drop-off if you choose that option (extra charge), plus a homemade light picnic with local treats before heading back along Santorini’s southern coastline.