Amalfi Sea Kayak Tour: Paddle into sea caves

What's inside those sea caves you see from the shore?

You paddle a stable double kayak from Amalfi into sea caves, under natural rock arches, and past watch towers and hidden beaches that the coastal road never reaches. A local guide points out landmarks like the Arc of Lovers and the Runghetiello Grotto while you snorkel and swim in clear water. All equipment, water, fruit, and photos are included. The tour takes roughly half a day and requires you to be a comfortable swimmer.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak tour along Amalfi Coast

• Put on life jackets and adjust footrests
• Attend kayak and sea safety lesson
• Set off west towards Runghetiello Grotto
• Kayak along Amalfi’s finest beaches
• Pass natural rock arches and sea caves
• Admire old watch towers along coast
• Pause at secluded beaches for snorkeling
• Kayak by the Arc of Lovers rock arch
• Paddle past Conca dei Marini fishermen village
• View Sophia Loren’s villa and Il Saraceno hotel
• See Santa Rosa Monastery and learn about Sfogliatella
• Enter Conca dei Marini western basin
• Visit Runghetiello Grotto sea cave
• Return trip to Amalfi with coastal views

The experience

The moment you push off from the beach in a double kayak, you realize how different the Amalfi Coast looks from the water. The cliffs that tower above the coastal road shrink to eye level, and suddenly you're close enough to see the old watch towers perched on the rocks, the mineral streaks staining the cave walls red and green, the way the light hits the natural arches that have been carved out over millennia. Your guide from the Italian Canoe and Kayak Federation paddles alongside, pointing out details (the Arc of Lovers, a rock formation shaped like two elephants kissing, where couples used to marry on the summit), and the rhythm of paddling becomes almost meditative once you get the hang of it.

The route takes you west from Amalfi past Duoglio and Santa Croce beaches toward the Runghetiello Grotto, a sea cave named after a local fish and lit from within by the mineral deposits on its walls. You'll pass the ancient fishing village of Conca dei Marini, where you can spot Sophia Loren's villa and the historic Hotel Il Saraceno tucked into La Vite Beach. From the water, you also get a clear view of the Santa Rosa Monastery (a former Dominican convent now a luxury hotel), and yes, it's in those monastery kitchens that the sfogliatella Santa Rosa was invented, the shell-shaped pastry filled with ricotta and dried fruit that you should absolutely try before you leave. The return paddle gives you a completely different angle on the same coastline, which is when you notice details you missed on the way out.

If you've never kayaked before, there's a short safety lesson and introduction to the paddle stroke before you leave the beach. The kayaks are doubles (stable and easy to manage), and everyone gets a life jacket, waterproof jacket, and snorkeling gear. You'll stop at beaches that are only reachable by sea, and you have time to swim or snorkel in the clear water. The whole experience includes bottled water, fresh fruit, and a photo service. The guide will send you images by email after the tour ends. You do need to be a comfortable swimmer and in decent health to participate, and any children under 18 paddle in a double kayak paired with an adult.

What’s included

• Your kayak tour includes a double kayak, paddle, life jacket, waterproof jacket, snorkeling equipment, hat, and watertight bag.
• You'll get bottled water and fresh fruit during the paddle, access to changing rooms and restrooms, luggage storage at the starting point, and a professional photo service: images are sent to you by email after the tour ends.
• All safety instruction and guidance from a certified local guide are included.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 May 2027

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Under 13: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “TONINO'S BEACH CLUB: meeting point is in Amalfi town center at Tonino's Beach Club, located down the stairs in front of the post office. Car parking: LUNA ROSSA Parking.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Amalfi Coast Sea Kayak Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see the Amalfi Coast from the water without arranging your own boat or guide: the stable double kayaks and certified instructors handle the logistics and safety, leaving you free to paddle, snorkel, and take in the caves and arches that the coastal road never shows you.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years). Under 13: 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 24h before the start.

Do I need kayaking experience?

No. There's a short safety and technique lesson at the start for first-timers. The kayaks are doubles and designed to be stable and easy to manage.

What's included in the tour?

Kayak, paddles, life jacket, waterproof jacket, snorkeling equipment, hat, watertight bag, bottled water, fresh fruit, changing rooms, and email photos after the tour.

Is there time to swim and snorkel?

Yes. You stop at sea-only beaches and have time for both swimming and snorkeling in clear water.

What's the Runghetiello Grotto?

A natural sea cave near Conca dei Marini, named after a local fish, with red and green mineral streaks on its walls from the rock formations.

Who are the guides?

Local guides and instructors certified by the Italian Canoe and Kayak Federation.

Can I do this if I'm not a strong swimmer?

No. You must be a comfortable swimmer and in good health to participate. The tour is not recommended for people with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.