Sea Kayaking Pirates Route Tour Rhodes

5.0 (1,174 reviews) from travellers who booked this experience
Top pick Certified by Haqqi Tours
Sea Kayaking Pirates Route Tour Rhodes
Sea Kayaking Pirates Route Tour Rhodes
Sea Kayaking Pirates Route Tour Rhodes
5.0 on Google
  • Fair, honest prices
  • Real people, not bots
  • Confirm, then pay
  • Secure payment
Tripadvisor Travelers Choice 2026

Overview

This Rhodes sea kayaking tour follows the so-called Pirates Route along a quiet stretch of coastline, paddling past rock formations, small caves and pebble coves that are hard to reach by land. A certified English-speaking kayak leader guides the group, and the tour is friendly for first-timers. Kayaks, snorkelling gear, dry bags and a traditional picnic lunch are included. Choose the option with hotel pickup, the version without pickup, or the family version for guests aged 10 to 13 travelling with an adult.

Highlights

  • Beginner-friendly sea kayaking with a certified English-speaking leader
  • Paddle past sea caves, cliffs and secluded beaches on the Pirates Route
  • Snorkelling stop in clear water, with snorkelling equipment included
  • Traditional picnic lunch by the sea, plus dry bags and storage for your belongings
  • Choose hotel pickup, meeting point only, or a family option
  • Around 5 hours, a good half-day adventure in Rhodes

Full Description

The Pirates Route along the Rhodes coastline

The Pirates Route is the name given to this stretch of Rhodes coast, where jagged cliffs and small hidden coves gave shelter to boats in the days when the Aegean was full of raiders. Paddling here you slip into narrow gaps between rocks and look into sea caves, seeing the island from an angle that road tours never reach.

This is one of the most popular adventure activities in Rhodes for anyone who wants a guided kayak trip rather than a rental. The water is normally calm and clear, and the pace is relaxed, with regular stops to look around and take photos.

Learning to paddle: briefing and technique

Before you set off, the certified kayak leader hands out equipment and dry bags, explains how to sit, steer and paddle efficiently, and gives a short safety talk. No previous experience is needed, which is why this Rhodes kayak tour suits beginners as well as regular paddlers.

The group stays together, and the leader adapts the route to the sea conditions on the day. Your other belongings are stored safely while you are on the water. If you have questions about your fitness level, the guide can answer them at the start.

Snorkelling in the clear water

Somewhere along the route the group stops for a swim and snorkel. Snorkelling equipment is provided, so you can float over rocks and sea grass and look for small fish in the shallows. Kayak and snorkel Rhodes packages like this are popular because they combine exercise and a swim in the same outing.

You should be comfortable in the water, although the stop is in calm, shallow areas chosen by the leader. Bring swimwear under your clothing and a towel for afterwards. Bring waterproof sun cream, and keep a strap on your sunglasses so they stay with you in the water.

Picnic lunch and the return paddle

Mid-tour the group pulls the kayaks onto a beach or rests on the water for a traditional picnic lunch, prepared for the tour and included in the ticket. It is a simple, relaxed break with a sea view before the paddle back.

The full excursion lasts around five hours, so it works as a half-day kayak trip from Rhodes. With hotel pickup you are collected from your accommodation area; with the other options you meet the group at the start point. It is a good moment to ask the leader about the coastline, local wildlife and the best spots for photos before the paddle back.

Itinerary

  1. Pickup or meeting pointWith the pickup option we collect you from your hotel area; otherwise you meet the group at the meeting point given in your confirmation.
  2. Briefing and equipmentThe kayak leader explains paddling technique and safety, and gives out kayaks, paddles, snorkel gear and dry bags.
  3. Sea kayaking along the coastPaddle along the Pirates Route past cliffs, caves and quiet beaches at a relaxed pace.
  4. Snorkelling stopA swim and snorkel in clear, sheltered water.
  5. Picnic lunch by the seaA traditional picnic lunch and a rest before the return paddle.
  6. Return and drop-offPaddle back to the start point; with the pickup option you are taken back to your hotel area.

What's included

  • Certified English-speaking kayak leader
  • Traditional picnic lunch
  • Kayaking equipment
  • Snorkelling equipment
  • Dry bags for your belongings
  • Storage for other personal belongings
  • Taxes

Not included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Tips
  • Anything not listed as included

Is this right for you?

Great for

  • Families with children
  • Travellers without a car — hotel pickup is included
  • A half-day plan — about 5 hours
  • Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 5.0/5 by past travellers

Think twice if

  • You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers

Not suitable for

  • Children under the minimum age for the option chosen, as adult guests must be 14 or older and the family option starts at age 10
  • Non-swimmers who are not comfortable wearing a buoyancy aid near the water
  • Pregnant guests and anyone with serious back, shoulder or heart problems
  • Travellers with limited mobility who cannot get in and out of a kayak

Meeting point

With the option that includes hotel pickup, we collect you from your hotel or a nearby pickup area on the morning of the tour; the pickup time is confirmed after booking. With the options without pickup, you meet the leader and group at the meeting point shown in your confirmation, so please arrive 15 minutes early.

Important information

  • Wear swimwear under quick-dry clothing, and bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses with a strap and a hat
  • Water shoes or sandals that can get wet are useful for pebble beaches
  • Kayaks, snorkelling equipment, dry bags, storage and a traditional picnic lunch are included
  • Hotel pickup is only included with the pickup option; the other options start at the meeting point
  • Kids aged 10 to 13 can join only with the family option and must be accompanied by an adult
  • The route can be adjusted or the trip postponed in strong wind or rough sea

Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.

How much does the sea kayaking tour cost?

The price depends on the option you choose and the number of adults and youths. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option.

Is hotel pickup included?

Only with the option called kayaking tour with hotel pickup. The other two options start at the meeting point.

How long is the tour?

About 5 hours in total, including briefing, paddling, snorkelling and a picnic lunch.

Do I need kayaking experience?

No. The tour is beginner-friendly, and the leader shows you everything before you start.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Guests aged 14 and above join as adults. Youths aged 10 to 13 can take part with the family option when accompanied by an adult.

What is the difference between the options?

One option includes hotel pickup, one starts at the meeting point, and the family option is designed for families with youths aged 10 to 13, with an extra outdoor guide to help.

Is lunch included?

Yes, a traditional picnic lunch is included, as are kayaking and snorkelling equipment and dry bags.

What should I wear and bring?

Swimwear, quick-dry clothes, a towel, sun protection, a hat and water shoes.

Can I book for today or tomorrow?

Yes, if places are left. Choose your date in the booking panel to check availability.

What is the Pirates Route?

It is the name of this coastal kayak route around Rhodes, known for cliffs, small coves and sea caves that once gave cover to boats in the Aegean.

Keep exploring

More in Rhodes

Everything in Rhodes
From 157 EUR