Sea Kayaking and Hiking Trips

Some places in the world lend themselves to a variety of activities.  If one were to only hike, or to only go sea kayaking, one would miss some of the special highlights of the area.  With this in mind, we’ve designed a few itineraries that combine both activities – sea kayaking and hiking.  Both modes of travel give time to reflect and take in the details of our paths, whether on water or land.  The pace allows for comfortable conversation so we learn from each other and build connection.  Designed to cover modest areas of a country, these adventures open up a new world of discovery.  Superb guides bring the places to life in an engaging, interactive and informal manner.  We’ve spent a lot of time developing these itineraries and are confident you will find them deeply satisfying. 

To be clear, when we say “hiking” we don’t mean rugged and difficult hiking, but rather, a walk with some challenge.  You are not carrying a backpack and most folks in reasonable physical shape can participate in these multisport tours.  We tend to agree with John Muir who said: “I don't like either the word [hike] or the thing. People ought to saunter in the mountains - not 'hike!' Do you know the origin of that word saunter? It's a beautiful word. Away back in the middle ages people used to go on pilgrimages to the Holy Land, and when people in the villages through which they passed asked where they were going they would reply, 'A la sainte terre', 'To the Holy Land.' And so they became known as sainte-terre-ers or saunterers. Now these mountains are our Holy Land, and we ought to saunter through them reverently, not 'hike' through them.”

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Top Sea Kayaking and Hiking Itineraries

France

South of the mainland, surrounded by the Mediterranean and Tyrrhenian seas, is the mountainous island of Corsica.  Here we have a trip that is half kayaking and half hiking, mixed in with stays at charming local hotels and auberges each night. Historically both Italian and French, it has its own language and culture that dates back for centuries.  The coast is just what you imagine paradise to be – rugged cliffs and mountains giving way to beaches and secluded coves where warm, transparent water laps the shore.  Pine-scented air, a strong culture of delicious food and wine, an extensive trail system and beautiful bays for paddling make Corsica one of our favorite destinations and our Compelling Corsica a favorite trip.

The Balkans

 We have two different itineraries in the Balkans that include both kayaking and exploring on foot. Both are lodge-based, staying in comfortable accommodations ranging from small family-fun inns to moderate-sized hotels.  Our Albania sea kayak tour is a pioneering trip that immerses you in a country that has only been open for tourism around 30 years. A mountainous coast, sand and pebble beaches, Greek and Roman ruins, Ottoman-era towns and people who are excited to meet you and share their stories all make up the fabric of Albania.

Our Four Country Kayak tour starts in Croatia with three days of paddling in the magically-blue Adriatic. Then it’s south to Montenegro and a paddle in the Bay of Kotor.  Onward to Albania for a few more days of kayaking and walking and then a ferry to the Greek island of Corfu in the midst of the Ionian Sea.  Another trail-blazing lodge-based kayak trip from Sea Kayak Adventures!

Scotland

Our Kayaking, Walking and Whisky adventure in Scotland is a fun-filled mix of paddling and sauntering in the hills and dales of Scotland.  You learn about whisky (and taste as much as you like too), visit centuries-old castles, paddle in lochs and the open sea and learn about a corner of this dynamic country with our expert local guides. 

Cuba

We pioneered sea kayaking trips in Cuba for the U.S. traveler!  Since 2015 we’ve been sharing the enigmatic culture of Cuba while paddling along its coast and rivers.  The trips are an artfully-balanced mix of nature and time in town, allowing a full immersion into the wonders that are Cuba.  There is music, dance, a rich history and so much to learn from this island nation.  We offer several lodge-based Cuba kayak adventures that include plenty of off-water walking and exploring.  Our signature trip is called Cuba by Kayak and takes in Havana and the southern coast.  We also have a trip in the east called Kayak Revolutionary Cuba, that explores the northeast coast, has plenty of walks including a visit to Cuba’s second-highest waterfall, and much more.