The Magical Minoan South Coast of Crete .

A human powered kayaking, hiking, yoga, and thrill seeking adventure on Cretes most remote coastline.

INFO

DATES: May, June, September, October (email to enquire about specific dates)

PRICE: $2295

Max People: 15

ABOUT THE SOUTH COAST OF CRETE

The South Coast of Crete is a region of extraordinary natural beauty and cultural significance. Its appeal lies in its unique combination of stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, and a rich historical and cultural heritage. The southern coast boasts an array of secluded coves and serene beaches with crystal-clear waters and golden sands, providing an ideal escape for nature enthusiasts and beachgoers. In addition to its natural allure, this region is also steeped in history, offering ancient archaeological sites and charming villages where visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture and traditions. Whether you seek relaxation on unspoiled shores or a journey through the island's history, the South Coast of Crete stands out as a remarkable and diverse destination.

INCLUDED

  • All kayaking equipment

  • Max 15 travelers

  • Lodging and tents

  • 2+ guides

  • Shuttle to and from HER

  • Support Van

  • Park Entrance Fees

NOT INCLUDED

  • Airfare to and from HER

  • Personal clothing and equipment

  • Most meals

  • Drinks

  • Medical, baggage and trip cancellation insurance

  • Taxes and gratuities

ABOUT THE ITINERARY

If the thought of heart-pounding, adrenaline-charged cliff jumps into crystal-clear waters quickens your pulse, then this journey is your ideal adventure! Each day kicks off with rejuvenating sunrise yoga sessions, setting the stage for enchanting paddling excursions on tranquil, glassy waters, complete with ample opportunities for refreshing swims and exhilarating swan dives into the embrace of the Med. This odyssey guarantees an all-time high on your fun meter. As the sun sets, we're welcomed with the warm embrace of charming, family-owned inns nestled in beachside villages. This is where we establish our camps and drift off to the serene rhythms of the sea. You'll spend three nights in these intimate inns and four nights beachside, whether in tents, hammocks, or at your preferred sandy haven. Prepare to uncover the unspoiled, rarely-traveled southern coast of Crete as we embark on sea kayaking adventures across the glistening Libyan Sea. Immerse yourself in secluded beaches and hidden cliff-jumping spots, all wrapped in daylong paddling journeys punctuated with opportunities for swimming, relaxation, and savoring delectable Mediterranean cuisine.

  • Begin your journey by taking a flight to Belize City, and then connect with an inter-country flight to Placencia.

  • Your guides will pic you up at the Heraklion airport and get you settle in for welcome party in Matala.

  • We will descend “the Grand Canyon of Europe,” the Samaria Gorge.

  • Weather will influence our campsite selection but we plan to stay the night at Sweetwater Beach and enjoy a delicious dinner in the memorably quaint nearby town of Loutro.

  • Depending on weather conditions we will either continue paddling east to our next campsite or stay put and spend the day hiking the magnificent trails in the Loutro area.

  • Just before reaching Palm Beach we’ll drop by one of our secret spots, the “Cretan Grotto Azzura”

  • Enjoy the happening town of Agia Galini.

  • After beaching our kayaks we’ll check into our accommodations for the night, and enjoy the afternoon in beach town heaven.

  • Your journey back to reality begins.

DAY 5

DAY 7

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1

Our adventure officially begins at the Heraklion Airport, where your Northwest Passage guides will meet you in the Arrivals section. It’s a small airport; you can’t miss us. From there we begin our scenic transfer to the south coast village of Matala where we will soak up the beach town vibes and embark on a gorgeous sunset hike. 

DAY 2

Today we jump aboard the support van and transfer to the mountain village of Omalos. From there we’ll begin our descent of “the Grand Canyon of Europe,” the Samaria Gorge. It’s quite a day. We start on a mountain plateau, descend into a pine forest, walk through Europe’s deepest canyon and emerge on the remote beach hamlet of Agia Roumeli. The Samaria Gorge is a hike you’ll never forget. Hardy hikers will enjoy logging the “bonus kilometers” up to a Turkish era ridgeline sentinel fortress that offers panoramic views of the Libyan Sea. Tonight we stay with old friends of The Northwest Passage at their beachside hotel and take in the nighttime serenity of lapping waves rolling up to a peaceful village. 

Today is our first day of paddling, and tonight is the first of four that we’ll spend camping out on a Cretan beach. We’ll begin our day by getting acquainted with our kayaks and learning some basic skills before setting out along the coast. We break for coffee at a beachside taverna that neighbors a Byzantine era chapel commemorating the location where Saint Paul was shipwrecked on Crete. We also break for lunch at Marmara beach which is home to a taverna that’s touted as one of the two best beachside eateries in all of the Mediterranean. From there we paddle on to our campsite. We stay the night at Sweetwater Beach and enjoy a delicious dinner in the memorably quaint nearby town of Loutro. 

DAY 3

We continue our Cretan paddling voyage to Palm Beach, a freshwater estuary with, as the name suggests, a tropical appearance that sits beneath the Preveli Monastery. Just before reaching Palm Beach we’ll drop by one of The Northwest Passage’s secret spots, the “Cretan Grotto Azzura”. Discovered by our own Rick Sweitzer, this blue grotto is just as mesmerizing as the more famous (and exponentially more crowded) blue grotto on the Isle of Capri. 

After breaking camp for the final time, we knock out the final stretch of our return journey to Matala. After beaching our kayaks we’ll check into our accommodations for the night, and enjoy the afternoon in beach town heaven. For those that are up for it, we highly encourage a visit to Red Beach where you can indulge in our secret Minoan Mud spa treatment.

DAY 4

DAY 6

Depending on weather conditions we will either continue paddling east to our next campsite or stay put and spend the day hiking the magnificent trails in the Loutro area. Our favorite route scales a 2,000’ coastal ridge before dropping back down to the sea through a sheer-walled slot canyon. We would certainly also carve out some time to enjoy a drink and / or a traditional meal in unforgettable Loutro.

We continue our paddling journey east towards Matala. Highlights include the beautiful, remote beaches of Trio Petra and Agios Pavlos. Our route leads us past several offshore sea stack rocks and rugged cobble beaches. Tonight we plan to camp either at Agios Georgos (beach vibes 100%) or a bit further east beneath the red cliffs of Galini. Either way we’ll be able to visit a great taverna for a drink and a bite before camping out one last night on the shores of the Libyan Sea.

Other Important Info

  • Fly in and out of Heraklion (HER).

  • Kindly note that the itinerary, activities, and hotel arrangements may be subject to alterations. These adjustments may occur with minimal notice, often due to factors like availability, inclement weather, seasonal transitions, or unforeseen circumstances. Please rest assured that we are committed to minimizing any disruptions to your overall experience. Additionally, on occasion, we may introduce modifications to your itinerary to explore new concepts and maintain a fresh and stimulating adventure.

  • Arrive before 12pm on 1st day. We highly recommend arriving a day earlier to kick the jet leg and soak in some Cretan sun.

  • Any time on the 8th day works. We will eat breakfast and then run airport shuttles.

  • This trip is designed for beginner sea kayakers. Your guide team will teach you everything you need to know to have a really great time.