Kayaking Lerici: sunset caves & aperitif

Paddle into sea caves as the sky turns gold, then float at anchor with wine and olives.

Kayak the hidden coves and sea caves around Lerici in the Gulf of Poets during the golden hour, paddling at a relaxed pace with a guide who speaks English, Spanish or Italian. The experience lasts about three and a half hours, starting in the late afternoon so you reach the water when the light is warmest. Equipment—sit-on-top kayak, paddle, life jacket, waterproof bag and phone case—is provided, and the tour ends with an aperitivo of light snacks and drinks served on the beach at sunset.

The Experience

You meet your guide on the beach for a quick briefing, then paddle along the eastern coast of the bay, passing the villages of San Terenzo and Lerici. The route takes you through hidden coves and sea caves carved into the rocky stacks, moving at a pace that lets you stop to swim, take photos and simply float. The water calms in the late afternoon, and the sky shifts from blue to orange to red—the moment the tour is built around.

All equipment is provided: a single or double sit-on-top kayak depending on what you choose, paddle, life jacket, waterproof bag for your things, and a waterproof phone case so you can shoot without worry. A small locker on the beach holds anything you don't take on the water. The guide leads the paddling but sets a relaxed pace, so you're not racing—you're moving through the landscape and stopping when something catches your eye.

Before heading back to shore, the group anchors on the beach for an aperitivo: light snacks and drinks as the sun drops. That's where the day closes—not rushing back, but floating at the edge of the water while the light does what it does.

What’s included

• High-performance sit-on-top kayak (single or double) and paddle.
• life jacket.
• waterproof bag and waterproof phone case.
• small locker for your belongings on the beach.
• aperitivo with light snacks and drinks served on the beach at sunset.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcomeNot for pregnant travelersNot for back problems

Operated by Kayak La Spezia

Is this one for you?The three-and-a-half-hour window means you can fit this into an afternoon without clearing your whole day, but you'll need to be comfortable paddling for that stretch—the relaxed pace is what makes the caves and the swimming stops possible, not a shortcut through them.

Traveler reviews

4.75★★★★★★★★★★

77 verified traveler reviews

5 ★65

4 ★8

3 ★2

2 ★1

1 ★1

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What's the water like in the Lerici caves, and can you swim during the kayak?

The caves are sea caves cut into the rocky coast, accessible only by kayak or other non-motorized boats. You stop along the way to swim in the coves and the bay itself, so swimming is part of the experience, not something you do separately.

Do I need kayaking experience to paddle this route?

No prior experience is required. The guide leads you at a relaxed pace, and the sit-on-top kayak is stable and easy to handle. You should have a moderate level of physical fitness, since you're paddling for about three and a half hours, but the pace is set so you can manage it.

What time does the kayak leave, and how long does it take?

The experience begins in the late afternoon so you're on the water during the golden hour and sunset. The whole outing lasts about three and a half hours, including the aperitivo on the beach at the end.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

The kayak, paddle, life jacket, waterproof bag and phone case are all provided. Aperitivo with light snacks and drinks on the beach is included. Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen and any personal items you want to keep dry—the waterproof bag holds them while you paddle.

Can children go on this kayak, and what age can they start?

Children are welcome from age five. Younger children can ride in a double kayak with an adult, and the guide will adjust the pace and stops to keep everyone comfortable.

What languages does the guide speak?

The guide is available in English, Spanish or Italian. Let the operator know your preference when you book.