Amalfi Coast: Sea Kayak Tour with Caves & Hidden Beaches

Summary

Kayak past arches caves & quiet beaches along Amalfi’s wild coast

You’ll paddle along Amalfi’s rugged coast by sea kayak with a local guide, slip into mineral-painted caves, pause at beaches only reachable by water for swimming or snorkeling, and hear stories about ancient towers and pastries invented by nuns. Expect salt on your lips and views you won’t forget soon.

What’s the experience like?

We were already wobbling in our double kayak before I even noticed the old watchtower above us — our guide, Antonio, grinned and said something about pirates but I was mostly trying not to drop my paddle. The water had that salty-fresh smell you only get early in the morning. We hugged the cliffs near Amalfi, passing little pebbled coves where locals waved from striped towels. You don’t really see how jagged the coast is until you’re right up against it. Antonio pointed out a rock arch called “Arc of Lovers” — apparently people used to get married on top (honestly can’t imagine climbing up there in a dress).

After Duoglio beach, we ducked into a sea cave — Runghetiello Grotto, named after some tiny fish I’d never heard of. Inside, it was cooler and the walls were streaked red and green from minerals; someone behind me gasped when their paddle scraped the stone. We stopped at a beach you can only reach by water and I just floated for a bit, salt drying on my skin while Antonio handed out slices of orange. There was this silence you don’t get on land — just dripping water echoing off the rocks.

Paddling past Conca dei Marini felt like drifting through someone’s postcard: pastel houses stacked above us, Sophia Loren’s old villa somewhere up there (Antonio tried to point it out but honestly I couldn’t tell). He told us about the nuns who invented sfogliatella Santa Rosa at the big monastery above — said we should try one before leaving Amalfi. On the way back, my arms were jelly but somehow everything looked different in reverse; maybe it was just knowing we’d actually done it. Still thinking about that cave light flickering on wet stone.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kayak tour along Amalfi Coast

• Put on life jackets and adjust footrests
• Receive kayaking and sea safety lesson
• Kayak west towards Runghetiello Grotto
• Pass Duoglio and Santa Croce beaches
• Kayak by the Arc of Lovers rock arch
• Paddle in front of Conca dei Marini village
• See Sophia Loren's villa and Il Saraceno hotel
• View Santa Rosa Monastery and learn about Sfogliatella
• Enter western basin and visit Runghetiello Grotto
• Return trip to Amalfi with scenic views
• Pause at hidden beaches for snorkeling or swimming

Top questions

How long is the Amalfi Coast kayak tour?

The tour lasts around half a day depending on group pace and stops.

Is kayaking experience required for this tour?

No prior experience is needed; there’s an introductory lesson at the start.

Are life jackets provided during the kayak tour?

Yes, all necessary safety gear including life jackets is provided.

Can children join the Amalfi Coast kayak tour?

Minors can join if accompanied by an adult in a double kayak.

What should I bring for the kayak trip?

You should bring swimwear and sunscreen; all kayaking equipment is included.

Is snorkeling included during this day trip?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is provided for swimming stops at secluded beaches.

Are photos included in this tour?

A photo service is included; pictures are emailed after the tour ends.

Does this Amalfi Coast kayak tour include lunch?

No full lunch is included but fresh fruit and bottled water are provided during breaks.

What’s included

Your day includes all kayaking gear (double kayaks, paddles, life jackets), waterproof jackets and bags for your things, snorkeling equipment for those hidden beaches, bottled water to keep you going, fresh fruit during breaks, access to changing rooms and restrooms near Amalfi’s harbor, luggage storage if you need it — plus photos sent to you afterward so you don’t have to risk your phone on the water.