Kos Circumnavigation

Kos is renowned for its impeccable beaches, calm water, ideal weather, locally made wine and exquisite food- as the birthplace of Hippocrates, the famed father of medicine, we say it's just what the doctor ordered. Located in the southwestern Aegean Sea, just three nautical miles off the coast of Turkey, Kos was long a bustling port in the trade routes between Asia and northern Africa. By day we will explore the natural beauty of this island, with its golden sandy beaches and mountainous landscape from the unique vantage point of our kayaks, but as evening falls we will return to land and enjoy Kos's celebrated cuisine, wine and nightlife.

Day 1: Your Northwest Passage guides will meet you at the National Airport of Kos Hippocrates. Exact meeting time will be determined once travel arrangements have been made. First, we settle into our accommodations in the main town of Kos. In the afternoon we have time to explore town and visit the surrounding ruins of Asclepion. If time allows we will get out on the water and conduct our introductory sea kayaking clinic. As evening falls, we will get to know one another and discuss the planned itinerary over sunset drinks and a delicious dinner on the coast. (D)

Day 2: After a fresh and energizing breakfast, we head down to the water for an introductory kayaking lesson. We paddle past seaside towns, beautiful beaches and the blue rooftops of churches, enjoying a mild first day out on the water as we practice our paddle strokes. Tonight we stay in Tigkaki. The village and adjacent salt lake will surely be worth a look. As usual, we end the day with a well earned dinner of fresh local cuisine and a sunset. (B, D)

Day 3: We start the day with a hearty breakfast and pick up where we left off, continuing southwest along the coast of Kos. The landscape here becomes increasingly wild, remote, and beautiful. After lunch and a chance to stretch our legs in Mastichari, we will push onwards toward Limionas, a beautiful area of the island, characterized my it’s red rocks. Once we have had enough for one day, our trusty van will be waiting to transport us back to our hotel. The evening will be spent basking in the Greek hospitality, food and culture. (B, D)

Day 4: Day four marks the beginning of our longest, and most breathtaking day, as we plan to round the southern point of Kos. The contrast between the turquoise waters and the white cliffs will keep your mind blissfully occupied as we explore inlets along the coast. We will enjoy a picnic lunch along the way, at which point participants have the option of staying with the van to return to town. Continuing along the coast, we will eventually come to the town of Kamari, where we will end our day of paddling. Give yourselves a pat on the back, you paddled almost 17 miles today! A well earned shower, dinner and bed awaits us all.... (B,D)

Day 5: Today we back off a little on the pace, this is a vacation after all! Our total mileage today is very light. We will have the opportunity to take our time exploring the coast. Our destination for the day is Paradise Beach, the most famous on the island of Kos. Lunch will be on your own, as there are many options here. Paradise beach is popular with locals and tourists alike; offering sunbeds, umbrellas and restaurants with Greek and international cuisine. After our restful day of paddling and exploring Paradise Beach, we will gather back at the hotel for dinner, drinks and a sunset. (B, D)

Day 6: Today we depart Paradise Beach, and head for a small village just north of Kardamaina. Throughout the day, as we near our destination, the mountains will come into view, a dramatic change in the landscape to be sure. Lunch will be in town at Kardamaina. The mileage for the day allows time to explore the town shops, restaurants and sights. Our final destination is a few miles north of town, and once everyone has enjoyed the offerings of Kardamaina we will continue onto our hotel where we will enjoy relaxing dinner overlooking the Aegean Sea. (B, D)

Day 7: Our last day will be a long, but rewarding one. Due to the steep nature of the terrain in this last leg there are fewer resting points, but strengthened and rejuvenated from the past week on Kos, it will seem like a breeze! Your reward awaits you at our predetermined lunch location (picnic style), Therma Beach. These hot springs, rich in potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur and chlorine, are ideal treatments for rheumatism, arthritis and long days of kayaking. Once we are fed and refreshed we will continue on to complete our circumnavigation of Kos, returning to out starting point in the town of Kos. Tonight we enjoy our celebratory dinner and reminisce on all our favorite memories from our adventure in the Cyclades. (B, D)

Day 8: After breakfast we gather our belongings and say goodbye to this incredible island. We transfer you to the airport so that you can make any connecting flights. (B)


* Note: This is our intended itinerary. As with any adventure travel, the forces of nature can be unpredictable, causing us to make adjustments and changes to the itinerary. Rest assured that our many years of exploring have provided us with numerous options if changes need to be made. If it is too windy to paddle, various hiking, cultural and historical options will make you glad for the winds.

This is all you will need - anything else is unnecessary baggage and will only be extra weight to carry.

• 3-7 t-shirts, some synthetic for paddling
• 1 shirt, long sleeved
• 2-3 pair shorts (some quick drying)
• Sun/rain hat
• Sneakers/cross trainers hiking; some prefer hiking in Tevas or other sandals with socks
• Rain gear just in case! (Paddling jacket works well as an alternative, or windbreaker jacket)
• 1 pair sport sandals; Tevas, water socks, etc. (Paddling booties are great!)
• Bathing suit(s)
• Underwear, socks
• Casual clothes for evenings (shorts/summer dresses are fine!)
• Clean change of clothing for the trip home

Miscellaneous

• Passport (be sure to check expiration date)
• Toiletry kit- toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, sunscreen, face cream, nail clippers, moleskin, baby powder, soap, washcloth (most hotels don’t provide them) etc.
• Personal medication kit- ibuprofen, aspirin, vitamins, band-aids, Dramamine®, cold/sinus meds if prone to colds
• Daypack/fanny pack for hiking options
• Collapsible walking stick for optional hikes
• Sunglasses Chums/Croakies® to keep glasses on your head are imperative
• Water bottle (optional- bottled water is plentiful and cheap)
• Small dry bag with carabiner clip (clear ones are very useful)
• Headlamp for sea caves
• Camera, film, waterproof container
• Paddling gloves (for the tender of palm- not neoprene but any open fingered glove can help e.g. biking gloves etc)
• Small towel (e.g. PackTowel® works well)
• Small travel alarm clock

Optional Equipment

• Guidebooks
• Mask and snorkel (can be purchased inexpensively)
• Field glasses – binoculars
• Your own Paddle/PFD- we will supply paddles and PFD’s for group but, if you prefer your own paddle and PFD, feel free to bring them along
• Ziploc® storage bags (to keep stuff extra dry in dry bag)