Kayak Genoa's east coast: Hidden coves from the water

See Genoa the way it was built: from the sea

Kayak the Genoa east coast for four hours with certified guides, paddling from Quinto beach past the Nervi promenade and Villa Luxoro while learning the city's medieval maritime history. You get a single or tandem kayak, life jacket, dry bag, paddle and seasonal gear. Snorkeling masks and snorkels are provided if conditions allow swimming. Children from age 10 are welcome, and guides speak English and Italian.

The experience

The paddle starts at Quinto beach and heads east along the coast that built Genoa into the most feared Mediterranean republic. Your guide, certified by the American Canoe Association and Italian Kayak Federation, moves slowly and quietly so you can absorb the landscape and the stories: the largest coastal garden park in Europe unfolds on your left, and the water gives you a perspective the crowded streets never will. A gelato stop at a beachfront shop near the Porticciolo di Nervi breaks up the paddle, and you pass the Nervi promenade, named for Giuseppe Garibaldi, before reaching Villa Luxoro at the eastern edge of town.

The kayak itself is stable and straightforward: a single or tandem hull depending on your preference, with a spray skirt, life jacket and 12-liter dry bag to keep your things secure. In winter and spring, the operator provides a dry jacket, fleece and neoprene trousers so cold water is not a barrier. Summer and shoulder seasons often allow time to swim and snorkel (masks and snorkels come with you), though the day's focus stays on paddling and the history unfolding along the shore.

What’s included

• Single or tandem kayak.
• paddle and life jacket.
• spray skirt and 12-liter dry bag.
• dry jacket, fleece and neoprene trousers if needed for the season.
• diving masks and snorkels for swimming and snorkeling when conditions allow.
• gelato stop at Nervi.
• certified guide in English or Italian.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 14:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 90 years) · Youth (14 to 17 years) · Child (10 to 13 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish and Italian

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 8 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Cinqueterreinkayak

Is this one for you?The paddle moves slowly and covers four hours on the water, so you're comfortable with a moderate pace and time spent seated in a kayak. Children from age 10 can join, making it a family-friendly way to learn Genoa's maritime past.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 17 years); Child (10 to 13 years). Children under 10 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 24 h before the start.

What is the Porticciolo di Nervi and why do we stop there?

The Porticciolo di Nervi is a small harbor and beach area along the Genoa coast where the paddle includes a gelato stop at a beachfront ice-cream shop, giving you a chance to rest and taste a local treat before continuing east.

Can I swim and snorkel during the paddle?

Swimming and snorkeling depend on the season and conditions. When possible, you'll have time to enter the water, and the operator provides diving masks and snorkels. In winter and spring, the focus is paddling and staying warm in seasonal gear.

Do I need kayaking experience to book this?

No experience is necessary. The guides are certified instructors, and the paddle moves slowly and quietly along the coast. The activity suits all physical fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or during pregnancy.

What's included in the gear, and do I need to bring anything?

The operator provides the kayak, paddle, life jacket, spray skirt, dry bag and all seasonal clothing needed for the weather: dry jacket, fleece and neoprene trousers in colder months. Bring a canteen or water bottle. The operator asks that you avoid single-use plastic to protect the sea.

How long is the paddle, and what time does it start?

The paddle lasts four hours and departs from Quinto beach. Public transportation options are available nearby to reach the starting point.