A sea kayaking trip on the crystal clear warm waters along the dramatic coast of the Mani Peninsula is a fabulous way to explore this area of the popular Peloponnese Peninsula. A paddling trip from Kardamyli with a local outfitter takes you past rugged cliffs, secluded beaches, and stunning sea caves.
As you glide through the aquamarine water of the Messinian Gulf, the Taygetus mountain range that forms the spine of the Peloponnese Peninsula towers overhead. The juxtaposition of jagged mountain terrain, bright blue water, and the wide open sky creates scenery rarely seen from land.
The centerpiece of any sea kayaking trip from Kardamyli is a visit to the Blue Cave. A swim in this magical grotto with stunning turquoise hues is reason alone to venture along the Mani coast by sea kayak.
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Where is the Mani Peninsula?
The Mani Peninsula is the middle cape of the three major promontories extending southwest on the Peloponnese Peninsula in Greece. This remote land holds a fascinating history of fierce clan wars, isolation, and Greek myth.
The Mani towers are scattered around the area. These stone fortifications protected the Maniots from pirates and warring forces intent on capturing their property. In fact, these blood wars were often between families with unresolved vendettas. It seems as if the only way to have power was to defeat another clan or to marry into the clan’s family.
The Mani Peninsula is divided into sections. Outer Mani is located on the Messenian Gulf. On the other hand, the area on the Laconian Gulf is called Inner Mani.
Kardamyli on the Messenian Gulf was the starting point for the sea kayaking trip on the Mani. Old Kardamyli in this charming seaside village is one of the oldest settlements of the Peloponnese. Therefore, don’t miss the fortified tower houses and the beautiful 18th-century church of Old Kardamyli.
Sea Kayaking Trip on the Mani Peninsula
I arranged to kayak the magnificent coast near Kardamyli with Explore Messinia, an outdoor adventure company offering trips on the Peloponnese Peninsula. Besides sea kayaking, their offerings include paddleboarding, river trekking, whitewater rafting, hiking, canyoning, and cycling. The company has been doing kayak trips since 2014.
The company uses excellent, almost brand-new equipment. The doubles have easy-to-use rudders, while the singles have skegs. Most participants were put into doubles. However, there are singles available upon request.
The sea kayaking trip from Kardamyli on the Mani Peninsula takes about 3.5-4 hours and includes lunch. The guides trailer the boats to the waterfront in Kardamyli. It’s a short walk from the city center to the put-in meeting place on the waterfront.
After introductions, George, the head guide, gave an excellent paddling lesson. He was very precise and engaging. By telling a few jokes along with excellent teaching, he made sure participants were very proficient by the time they got in the boats. The trip was a combination of beginners and people who have had some prior kayaking experience.
Besides George, two other guides, Rocque and Alex accompanied the 11-person group. In order to safely land and explore the Blue Cave, more than a single guide is necessary.
In addition to having great guiding skills, the sea kayaking instructors on this Mani Peninsula trip had extensive knowledge of the natural features of the area. They also shared Greek mythology stories of the coast and Mount Taygetus. The wealth of information was a valuable addition to the trip.
The First Sea Cave
After paddling a short distance along the shore, the group entered the first sea cave. George showed us where to duck under the rocky cliff into the cave. The water inside was an electric blue. Stalactites cascaded from the ceiling in the wide-open cavern.
The high point of the cave exploration was dipping my hand in the water to see it turn an eerie electric blue. It was like something out of a sci-fi movie.
The Blue Cave
The highlight of the trip is definitely the Blue Cave. The visit to the cave begins by exiting the kayaks with the help of the guides and then walking along a rocky ledge into the cave. Once we were in the cave, we marveled at the beautiful stalactites and flow curtains in the cave.
After traversing the dry part of the cave, each of us slipped into the cerulean water of the Blue Cave. An opening in the rocks illuminates the cave and turns the water into an incredible shade of blue. Swimming in the cave is a magical experience not to be missed. Once our eyes got used to the dark, we could see the dry tunnel leading back to the first cave we had explored.
George took lots of photos of the group swimming in the cave that he shared after the trip. My favorite photos were the starfish photos he took of us floating in the blue water. Explore Messina is committed to documenting the trip through photos. They send a link to the photos to participants after the trip so people can have beautiful memories of the experience.
After the exhilarating adventure in the Blue Cave, we began to paddle back toward Kardamyli for our lunch stop. After landing on the most beautiful sand beach in the area, the guides laid out a delicious lunch. It was a beautiful spread of traditional Greek foods. Every two paddlers had their own cooler boxes of cheese, vegetables, and olives to make sandwiches. George enthusiastically demonstrated dipping the bread in local olive oil, with oregano and salt added. The open-faced sandwich I created was healthy and yummy. Green grapes completed the meal.
Related post -> 25 Best Kayaking Day Trips in the US
Sea Kayaking on Mani Peninsula Logistics
Kardamyli is a 3.5-hour drive from Athens. It’s essential to have a car in the Mani in order to see the remote beauty. I use and recommend Discover Cars for your Greek car rental. Discover Cars works with reliable local car rental companies to give you the best price and rental experience. I’ve used them often and have always been happy with the car rental.
The charming town of Kardamyli is a perfect place to stay on the Mani Peninsula. The trip launches from the waterfront harbor, a short walk from anywhere in town.
We stayed at Gorgones apartments and loved it. The seafront property has a balcony with an amazing view of the bay. Maria, the host of Gorgones, is warm and friendly with helpful advice. Also, an amazing swimming beach in town is steps from Gorgones. Finally, the best restaurant in town is next door.
Related post -> Kayaking and Snorkeling with the Amazing Sea Turtles of Tenerife
Sea Kayaking Gear for a Day Trip
My recommended essential gear for a warm weather kayaking day trip with links to where to buy it.
Clothes
Wide brim hat or baseball cap
Long-sleeved synthetic shirt or rash guard for sun protection
Gear
Sunglasses with floating retainer
Related post -> The Best Gear for Fantastic Sea Kayaking Camping Adventures
Wrap Up of Sea Kayaking on the Mani Peninsula
Certainly, the best way to see the remote beauty of the Mani Peninsula is on a sea kayaking trip along the spectacular coast. Explore Messina provided an excellent trip to marvel at the magnificent shoreline, as well as learn about the local and mythical history of the area. Undoubtedly, the Blue Cave was the culmination of the 4-hour journey.
The total distance paddled is about 6 to 6 1/2 km so if you are looking for a grind-out miles trip, this is not the one to choose. However, if you want to glide along some of the bluest water you have ever seen with very competent guides and top-notch gear, then this outing is for you. Plus, the Blue Cave swim will be tucked into your memory and Instagram photos for a long time.
Related post -> Incredible Outdoor Adventures of Kefalonia
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Disclaimer: I was a guest of Explore Messina on this trip. I was not compensated or asked to write a positive review. All opinions are from my honest experience.
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6 Comments
Sharyn · December 6, 2023 at 4:38 pm
What an interesting way to get around this beautiful part of Greece – I’ll have to try this next time I’m in Greece.
Melanie · December 6, 2023 at 5:30 pm
Wow! That looks very cool and amazing. I’ve sea kayaked once and it was nothing like that!
Madelyne · December 6, 2023 at 8:41 pm
I love that this experience is fairly accessible from Athens since it’s a 3.5 hour drive! It could be a great alternative for someone not headed to the islands. It has the same beautiful blue waters!
Jan · December 7, 2023 at 3:22 pm
I have not been to Greece yet. Mani Peninsula looks like a great place for sea kayaking. I like the fact that there are some historical places to visit like the 18th-century church of Old Kardamyli. Kayaking near the sea caves look adventurous. Lovely photographs with deep blue water! 🙂
Karen · December 12, 2023 at 10:25 am
If you visit Greece, I hope you have an opportunity to see this area. It is stunning from both land and sea.
Farrah · December 9, 2023 at 12:22 pm
That water looks unreal!! *-* I’ve gone sea kayaking in the SF bay area before but would love to get to try this in Greece! It looks like so much fun + the Blue Cave looks beautiful.