Sant Feliu Bay Guided Kayak and Snorkelling Tour Costa Brava

Sant Feliu de Guíxols and its beach

Sant Feliu de Guíxols is a seaside town in the province of Girona, wrapped around a wide sandy bay with a palm-lined promenade. Its history goes back to a Benedictine monastery whose fortified gateway, the Porta Ferrada, still stands in the old town, and its harbour once thrived on the cork trade. The kayak base sits in the left corner of the main beach as you face the sea, next to fishing boats resting on the sand.

After the tour, stroll the promenade, visit the monastery complex and its museum, or walk up to the Sant Elm hermitage viewpoint for a wide view over the coast. The town is about 35 kilometres from Girona and an easy day trip from the resorts of the Costa Brava.

Kayaking the Costa Brava cliffs and coves

The name Costa Brava, the wild coast, was coined in the early 20th century to describe exactly this shoreline: granite cliffs dropping straight into the sea, crowned with umbrella pines, and small coves of sand and pebbles hidden between them. On this Costa Brava kayak tour you paddle for about 45 minutes out and 40 minutes back, close enough to the rocks to see the layers of stone, the caves and the seabirds.

Your guide chooses the north or south coastline according to the sea and wind on the day, so you always paddle the calmer side. The pace is easy, with stops to rest, take photos and listen to explanations about the geology and the marine life of the area.

Snorkelling in a sheltered cove

The highlight of the tour is the swim stop in a cove chosen for its safety and its clear water. Here you leave the kayaks on the shore or tie them together, put on your mask and snorkel, and float above a rocky seabed rich in life. You can spot sea bream, wrasse and other small fish, purple sea urchins, colourful anemones and, with a bit of luck, a starfish or an octopus hiding between the rocks.

Snorkelling in the Costa Brava is at its best from June to September, when the water is warm and visibility is high. Remember that touching marine life is not allowed; just watch and enjoy. A wetsuit is offered in cooler weather to keep you comfortable in the water.

Safety, equipment and who can join

The tour uses stable double sit-on-top kayaks, which are very hard to tip over and easy to climb back onto, with single kayaks available if needed. Everyone wears a life jacket, the guide stays with the group the whole time and a rescue motorboat is on standby. No kayaking experience is needed, but basic swimming skills are required for safety.

Children aged 7 to 13 can take part when accompanied by an adult and pay the youth rate. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, non-swimmers or people over 120 kilograms. There is a secure place for your belongings at the base, and insurance is included. Photos taken by the guide during the tour are shared with you afterwards, so you can keep your hands on the paddle.