Laida Kanoak

Who they are

An active tourism company based on Laida beach, at the mouth of the Urdaibai estuary, which has been running canoes and paddle surf on the Gernika estuary for more than twenty-five years. It offers descents of the estuary in a double canoe, kayak and paddle board, guided trips of an hour and a half around Laida, Sukarrieta and Mundaka, crossings to Elantxobe and hire by the hour or by the day. It also prepares activities for schools and groups. The website does not give the names of those who run it; it speaks of instructors with extensive experience on the water who know the reserve well.

Where you meet

In the Laida beach car park, next to the Atxarre café-bar, about 500 metres from the Arketa campsite, at Antzora, 24, Ibarrangelu. There are changing rooms.

The descent

It lasts two to three hours, with no difficulty and little effort, between Gautegiz Arteaga, in the upper part of the estuary, and Laida. The direction depends on the tide, so the departure time is agreed with them for each day. Their van takes participants free of charge from the beach to the point where you enter the water. Without a guide it costs €27 per person for up to six people, €25 for seven to fourteen and €23 for fifteen to sixty; with a guide, for a minimum of six, €50, €48 or €45, depending on the group. Under-12s pay €20 without a guide and €30 with a guide. A wetsuit or windbreaker is hired for €2.

Equipment and safety

The canoes and boards are self-bailing and unsinkable, with paddles, backrests and a dry barrel per canoe for clothes, food and camera. They include a 50-newton life jacket and accident and civil liability insurance with AXA, on both guided and independent outings. On guided activities they are accompanied by a support Zodiac with room for eleven people, and the team carries a phone and walkie-talkie. Hire includes a life jacket and a 25-litre dry bag. Bring sun cream, a towel, a T-shirt, a swimsuit and water shoes.

Booking and cancellations

You book on their website, on 946 276 515 or by WhatsApp on 689 708 769. Groups of more than six pay everything in advance, by bank transfer or Bizum. You must cancel at least 48 hours before the booked day; otherwise what you paid is lost. If the company calls off the activity because of a weather warning, sea conditions or any other reason, it refunds the full amount. The website is in Spanish and Basque; it does not say in which languages they guide.