Bagni Regina Giovanna Small Group Kayak Tour Sorrento

Bagni della Regina Giovanna

Bagni della Regina Giovanna is one of the best-loved spots on the Sorrento peninsula. At Capo di Sorrento, the sea flows through a natural opening in the rock into a small lagoon of clear turquoise water, beside the remains of a large Roman villa from the first century. Local tradition links the name to Queen Joan of Naples, who is said to have bathed here in the fourteenth century.

Reaching it by kayak is more memorable than walking down from the road. You arrive on the water, slip into the sheltered pool and have time to swim, relax and take photographs, without the crowds of the land route. Many visitors search for kayak tours in Sorrento, and this is the classic one.

Paddling the Sorrento coastline from Marina Grande

The tour starts at Marina Grande, the old fishing harbour of Sorrento, with its small boats, colourful houses and stone quay. From there you paddle along a coast of tall tufa cliffs topped with gardens and hotels, passing hidden coves and small beaches that cannot be reached by road.

The water is calm and clear in season, and your guide keeps the group together, stopping to explain what you see. The paddling takes about an hour in total. Because the group is small, it is easy to hear the instructions and ask questions, and to help each other in the kayaks.

Kayaking for beginners: briefing, equipment and safety

Many people ask whether the kayak tour is suitable for beginners. It is: before departure the instructor gives a safety briefing of about ten minutes and explains basic paddling technique. Single or double kayaks are assigned according to availability, and you use stable sea kayaks that are hard to tip.

Everything you need is supplied: paddle, life jacket, a dry bag and a waterproof phone case, plus a water bottle. At the start point there is a changing room, a toilet, a shower and luggage storage, so you can arrive in beachwear and leave your things safely behind.

Photos, timing and when to go

The guides take high-definition photos and video of you during the trip and share them afterwards, so you can enjoy the paddle without worrying about your phone. The best time to go is late spring to early autumn, when the sea is warm; the booking panel shows the departure times available, and morning or early evening usually mean softer light.

Bring sandals or flip-flops, a change of clothes, a towel, sunglasses and biodegradable sunscreen. The tour depends on sea conditions and may be rescheduled if the sea is rough.