Sea kayaking along the volcanic south coast, from Akrotiri

What it involves

It is a guided sea kayak trip along Santorini's south coast, the one with the coloured cliffs: red, black and white, depending on the layer of lava or pumice that shows. You paddle below the cliffs, stop to swim and snorkel in very clear water, and have a light picnic before heading back. You pass three beaches: Red, Kambia and White. Some of those coves can only be properly reached by sea.

It is run by Santorini Sea Kayak, based at Akrotiri beach, about 300 m below the prehistoric site. The guides speak English and hold BCU qualifications, those of the British canoeing federation. All participants go in double kayaks.

The two departures

South Discovery (adults and young people from age 14)

• About 3 hours in all, with about 2 h 30 of paddling. You cover between 2.5 and 4 nautical miles, depending on the sea.
• Departure between 9:00 and 12:00, depending on availability and sea conditions.
• Semi-private: €115 per person, or €145 with pick-up and return to the hotel.
• Private: €195 per person, or €225 with pick-up.
• Groups of up to 16 people.

Family Sea Kayak Tour (families with children aged 6 to 14)

• About 2 h 30, around 2 nautical miles, with stops to swim and snorkel.
• Pick-up around 9:00 and return around 12:30, if you choose the transfer.
• Semi-private: €125 per person, or €155 with transfer. Private: €210 or €240.
• Groups of 6 to 12 people. If 6 isn't reached, the company may cancel or offer the private departure.
• It is beginner level: being able to swim and basic fitness are enough.

Both include guide, kayak and snorkelling equipment, dry bag, cap, picnic with fruit, taxes and activity insurance. Photos cost €3 extra. On the family departure drinks are not included.

Requirements

You must be able to swim and be in good shape; for the South Discovery the company marks it as compulsory. The family departure is beginner level. For the South Discovery, if you have never paddled, mention it when you book.

Wind and cancellation

The sea rules. With the meltemi, the July and August north wind, the company may move the departure time or change the route. If it cancels because of the weather or sea conditions, it refunds the full amount.

For the family departure, the booking is not confirmed until you pay the deposit. If you cancel yourself more than 5 days ahead, they charge €10 per person; 2 to 4 days before, half; with less than 48 hours or if you don't turn up, the total.

How to get there

If you don't book the transfer, go to Akrotiri beach. The KTEL bus from Fira station stops in the village and at Akrotiri beach, for €2.20; check the first-thing timetable, because the departure is in the morning. By hire car or quad, leave the vehicle near the beach.

What to bring

The company asks for swimwear, hat, towel, a litre of water, sun cream, water shoes and, if you can, a long-sleeved T-shirt. Bring cash too for payments on site. Your phone goes in the dry bag they give you.

How to combine it

After paddling you can visit the Akrotiri site, which is right above: it is covered and opens until mid-afternoon. In the afternoon, go up to Pyrgos or to the SantoWines tasting for sunset.