Paddling Weekend at Navarino Bay

Highlights

Two sports that give you the opportunity to enjoy the sea in a completely different way than what you were used to so far. The feeling of silent sailing, the sense of autonomy and independence that sea kayak offers, the excitement and sense of freedom you feel when you first stand up on a SUP board and later catch your first wave, lead you to a completely different, particularly beautiful world, unknown to most. At the same time, we will have the opportunity to explore an area of outstanding natural beauty, discovering its unique beauty through a hiking excursion. No previous experience is required to attend the program.

Destination

In the southwestern Peloponnese, where the Ionian Sea joins the coasts of Messinia, we find Navarino. An area of exceptional beauty that includes the bay of the same name, the famous beach of Voidokoilia and the lagoon of Gialova. A fertile and rich place, an area of rare natural beauty and environmental importance since it’s also been designated a Natura 2000 area.

Accommodation

Our overnight stay for the evening of 06/05 will be at camping Erodios, a modern complex facing Navarino Bay. It is located in the Natura protected area and is the closest campsite to Voidokoilia bay. The campsite has 45 acres of olive groves with tents, bungalows and caravans for rent. It also has a modern restaurant with traditional Greek cuisine, a coffee shop, and a mini market. Free wireless internet access (WiFi) is available in all parts of the camping.

Activities

Sea Kayaking

The experience of a sea kayak trip is unique and no prior experience is required. After a short introductory lesson, we’ll familiarize ourselves with the boat and our equipment, learn about paddling techniques and safety parameters and we are ready to go exploring. Our mission is the exploration of the uninhabited island of Sfaktiria. We start by sailing around the bay, our destination being the imposing monolith of Fanari island with its impressive stone arch. We discover sea caves and natural rock gardens, visit unseen bays, and observe marine life. We continue north making a short stop for swimming and snorkeling. We paddle inside the bay exploring the coastline of Sfaktiria until we disembark at the dock that leads to the center of the island. At this point we will rest and enjoy a light lunch with fruit and traditional products. From there, the entire Navarino bay is at our feet.

Route length: 5 - 6 nautical miles

Duration with breaks: 4 - 5 hours

Degree of difficulty: Easy - Suitable for everyone / No previous experience required

Hiking

We follow the path around the Gialova lagoon and observe its ecosystem up close. We learn about this special and sensitive natural environment and the migratory birds that visit it. Crossing sand dunes, we pass the unique beach of Voidokoilia and climb towards the hill of Korifassios. We come across the cave of Nestor, the mythical king of Pylos. At the top of the hill we explore the medieval Palaiokastro and walk around its walls. We learn about the intense past of the place and its strategic location. We discover the rare geomorphology, the beauty and the uniqueness of the landscape while enjoying the unique panoramic view.

Route length: 4 - 5 km

Duration with breaks: 2 - 3 hours

Degree of difficulty: Easy - Suitable for everyone

No previous experience required

Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP)

From a quiet ride in the blue waters of a sheltered cove to demanding crossings and surfing in big waves, SUP also known as stand-up paddle board combines, in a unique way, balance, exercise and entertainment. This is, after all, the reason why it ranks among the fastest growing marine activities worldwide. Easy and fun in its early steps but at the same time inexhaustible and with a huge scope for development and specialization, it enchants those who try it, from the very first time. For your introduction to the world of SUP, we have chosen one of the most beautiful spots on the Greek coastline, Voidokolia bay. There with the help of our experienced guidance, you will have the opportunity to learn the secrets of this wonderful activity and practice its techniques.

Duration with breaks: 3 - 4 hours

Difficulty level: Easy - Suitable for everyone

No previous experience required

General information

Included:

• Transfers by bus (Athens - Pylos - Athens)
• Accommodation at the camping site
• Participation in all activities
• Complete Sea Kayak and SUP equipment: Boats, paddles, life jackets, spraydecks, waterproof jacket
• Extra equipment: waterproof bags and cases, pumps and paddle-float
• Snorkeling equipment (masks and snorkels)
• Trained - certified guide - attendant by BCU (British Canoe Union)
• Basic training in Sea Kayak and SUP
• Organization of the tour, guided tour
• Light lunch with fruits and local traditional products
• Photos

Equipment

• Swimwear - Beach Towel - Beach Shoes or Flip Flops or Sandals
• Sunglasses - Hat - Sunblock
• Hiking shoes or Sports shoes - Hiking backpack 20 - 30 lt
• Warm Clothes for the evening chill
• Camping Equipment (tent, mat, sleeping bag)