top of page
Santorini Kayak Circumnavigation
During this unforgettable trip, we will circumnavigate both the island of Santorini itself and Thirassia, observe the legendary sunsets - and a few sunrises, too, for the early-birds among us - and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Lodging | Activities |
|---|---|
Family Owned Inns | Kayak |
From | Duration |
|---|---|
Thira | 8 Days, 7 Nights |
Skill Rating | Van Supported |
|---|---|
2 | Yes |
Single Supplement | Price |
|---|---|
$1,100 | $5,495 |
Included
Guides, ground transportation, support vehicle, lodging (based on double occupancy, single supplement applies), most meals per itinerary (noted as (B), (L), and (D) below), all kayaking equipment, all instruction, and entry fees into archaeological sites and the National Geological Park of New Kameni (the volcano).
Not Included
Air or ferry to Santorini, lunches, drinks and one dinner, personal clothing and accessories, full medical, baggage and trip cancellation insurance, airport taxes and gratuities. Solo occupancy supplement not included.
Upcoming Dates:
June 5-12, 2027
ITINERARY
Day 1: Our trip officially begins at 5:00pm at the Sea Sound Hotel with welcome drinks and our first fabulous sunset to inaugurate our first night together. Guests who arrive early in the day may choose to hike the scenic and historic footpath overlooking the caldera from Firostefani to the famous town of Oia. D
Day 2: After a delicious breakfast we will commence our circumnavigation of Santorini beginning at beautiful Caldera Beach on the southwest coast. First we paddle west toward the point of Faros, enjoying a breathtaking caldera view with the cliffs of Santorini on our left and the smaller islands of Thirasia and Nea Kameni on our right. We’ll see the colorful doors of traditional Greek boat houses carved right into the seaside cliff walls. We’ll turn back east along the coast to our cappuccino stop at Pigadia Beach. Our lunch stop is at the historic Akrotiri Beach where we will take some time to visit the ruins of Akrotiri. Our destination for the night is near the southernmost tip of the island of Fira, where our friendly hosts await us in their beautiful villas. After a swim and shower we will visit a fine Santorini winery, perched atop one of the many picturesque cliffs, for wine tasting and one of many caldera sunsets. Afterwards we'll head back to a seaside taverna for dinner. B, D
Day 3: After a hearty breakfast by the pool at our hotel, we’ll take to the sea once again paddling north to the world-famous black volcanic sand beach of Kamares, where we'll enjoy a cappuccino stop before ascending by van to the ancient Roman-era site of Thira. We'll explore this fascinating and well-preserved ruin. Tonight we stay in the outskirts of Oia. In this famous cliff-dwelling town where we will stay for two nights, you will have the opportunity to have the quintessential Santorini experience: sunset viewing, jewelry and art shopping, fine food and drink. The white-washed houses and blue church domes we’ll see here have been captured in countless travel photos of Santorini. B, D
Day 4: After enjoying breakfast, we will return to the boats to round the northern tip of Santorini. Our destination is charming and energetic Ammoudi Bay, which sits just below our beautiful cliffside hotel in Oia. Walk or ride up to your room for yet another amazing sunset. Tonight you are on your own for dinner and have the opportunity to explore the town, visit the castle, and enjoy the numerous artisan shops and cafes. B
Day 5: After breakfast we’ll walk down to Ammoudi Bay and begin our day’s journey into the spectacular Santorini caldera. Our first stop is historic Armeni Bay for our morning cappuccino. We’ll admire the intense contrasting colors of the banded cliffs that show the different layers of volcanic materials. The impossibly warm, luminescent sea against the caldera’s sheer cliffs creates an inviting stage for photographs and swimming. We’ll paddle along the interior of the caldera to the Port of Thira for our lunch stop, which provides opportunities for quick shopping and people watching. After lunch we will cross the caldera to the island of Thirassia, a time-capsule of the Greek islands from decades ago. Tonight we stay at the only inn on the island, where our worldly and charming host extends his heartfelt Greek hospitality. From here we can enjoy the glimmering lights of Oia and Thira on the “big” island, and enjoy unique traditional cuisine at a local taverna. B, D
Day 6: We’ll circumnavigate Thirassia and have a picnic lunch along the shore. Tonight our sunset hike takes us to the site of a historic monastery with one of the most spectacular views in the Greek Islands! B, D
Day 7: We’ll say good bye to Thirassia and make our final crossing back to Santorini. On the way, we’ll explore the "new" volcanic islands which have recently arisen in the caldera. The youngest of these, Nea Kameni, or “New Burnt Island” is only 300 years old and is surrounded by hot springs. After a swim in the volcanic springs that empty directly into the sea, we’ll hike to the core of the volcanic crater and have a hearty picnic lunch overlooking the sea. At last, we’ll make our final crossing back to our launching place at Santorini’s Caldera Beach and enjoy a well-deserved celebratory dinner. B, D
Day 8: Breakfast ends our stay on this beautiful and enchanting island. Final partings and transfers to flights or ferries round out our final day. B
This itinerary is subject to change. As with all adventure travel, some activities are dependent on appropriate wind and water conditions. In the case of unfavorable weather, we have other activities available.
My wife and I just returned from our Kayaking Adventure in Crete. While I'm
seldom at a loss for words, there are things about this trip that are
difficult to convey accurately. In many ways, I felt as if I was transported
back in time 2000 years...only I still had internet access and could watch
Greek pro soccer on a flat screen HD TV at a seaside taverna, that was only
accessible on foot or by water. It was an odd and beautiful juxtaposition of
the ancient and the modern that was totally natural, comfortable and most of
all fun.
By way of background, my wife and I are mid fifties and pretty active. We are
regular gym goers, ski 45 to 50 days a season and paddle the quiet waters
around our home near Long Island Sound in Southeastern Connecticut regularly.
Neither of us had ever been to Europe and after building careers, raising
kids and putting them thru college, now was our time. So there was a lot of
anticipation and build up to this trip. I can say unequivocally that it
exceeded my expectations.
Our trip was guided by Northwest Passage founder and owner Rick and his
assistant guide Emily. Rick is a pretty interesting guy. A middle American
small business owner and family man who's job happens to be leading adventure
trips around the world to places like Crete, Italy and the North and South
Pole to name just a few. Having done this trip for many years he definitely
has it dialed in. Totally on top of the situation both on and off the water,
you always felt he was in complete control. Emily was as adorable as she was
competent and friendly. Together they made the whole trip move seamlessly.
But for me, the star of the entire experience is the water around the island.
I had always held a vision of that water based on travel photos that I have
seen, but no photo can do it justice. The beautiful, warm, crystal clear aqua
seas around Crete are simply magnificent. When the sun is overhead and the
water is calm you can see down over 100 feet or more. When the sun changes or
the wind kicks up they can change to sapphire or inky black. And around every
turn there is endless variations of rock, cliff and sea formations that I
never tired of looking at. The paddling could be challenging at times (we hit
some pretty strong headwinds on a few occasions)but I never felt anxious or
uncomfortable. Each day the paddling was broken into 3 legs and anyone who
chose to could opt out if they didn't want to paddle one or more sections.
Between Rick and Emily they adapted to both the individual and group needs,
so I think that everyone got as much or as little as they wanted on any given
day.
On land the accommodations were clean, comfortable and waterfront. The food
was simple, local, fresh and delicious. They people were universally friendly
(I suspect due largely to the fact that Rick has been there so many times
that when we walked in it was like the return of the prodigal son). Best of
all, our group brought together a diverse selection of strangers who finished
the week treating each other like friends and family. It was as completely
authentic and unpretentious an experience as I can imagine having.
If you want to sit on a beach all day and have a cabana boy bring you Rum
Punch while you are on vacation, this might not be the trip for you. If, on
the other hand, you want to literally immerse yourself in some of the most
beautiful water in the world, experience life like a local and finish each
day with that wonderful fatigue that comes from doing a vigorous but fun
activity all day long (and makes that first cold beer taste like heaven) this
is your adventure. My sincere thanks to Rick, Emily and all the Northwest
Passage staff for truly making this the trip of a lifetime!! Rob and Ann
Keville, East Lyme, CT.
Our Belize kayak and camping trip was not what anyone expected due to unseasonably windy, rainy and cool weather. But we had a grand adventure nonetheless! How many times in your life do you get a chance to help a Belizean captain right and bail his swamped boat? Learn the ebb and flow of life on a tiny uninhabited Caribbean island? See a tiger ray leaping from the water trying to shake off the eel attached to its middle? Backpedal furiously to avoid a collision with a huge loggerhead turtle swimming your way as you snorkel? Eat comforting conch stew at a picnic table, the taste heightened by the sweetness of plantains and sharpness of the ubiquitous Marie Sharp's hot sauce? We experienced all that and much more with our small group this February. Our guide and fearless leader CP was perpetually cheerful and accommodating even as we confronted multiple days of high seas after landing on Moho Caye. He gave us opportunities to kayak whenever conditions permitted but also kept us safe. The local support team of Ian and his son Shane were steady and resourceful even under adverse circumstances. In addition to providing information, guidance and motor transport when needed, they fed us well, including platters of fresh fruit and hot fry jacks cooked in a primitive outdoor kitchen. This was our fourth trip with Northwest Passage, and we are on the lookout for our next one. As always, the company and its excellent staff provided a personalized, unique and fun adventure trip. Derek Belize 2026
My son and I had a fabulous time. Crystal clear water for paddling and swimming. Great scenery. Clean, comfortable accommodations. Wonderful professional, competent, helpful, friendly and enthusiastic guides Chris and Sean. I'd do it again in a heartbeat but I think next time I'll try a different trip.
By Chuck F on Sep 30, 2024
bottom of page