Guided sea kayak route around the Cíes

The island seen from the water, in a double kayak, with a park instructor who accompanies you in an inflatable and stops to talk about birds, seabeds and history. It is organised by Kayak Cíes next to the Camping Islas Cíes, supervised by National Park technicians, and leaves from the campsite reception at 12:00 and 16:00 between 1 June and 15 September.

What the route is like

It starts on land, at the campsite reception, with a presentation and a short lesson on paddling, safety and park rules; then you walk down to the embarkation point. On the water there are fixed stops to rest, listen and take photos. The company itself lists some: the former convent of Santo Estevo, from the 11th century, today the park's conservation office; the ocellated lizard; the oystercatchers; the viewpoint at Conchas beach; the batiscope at Carracido, for seeing the seabed; the lighthouses, and the cormorants on the Viños islet.

It lasts about two hours, from the presentation to arrival. The kayaks are doubles; there are a few singles for odd-numbered groups, and pairs are arranged at the meeting point. They include a life jacket, paddles, a printed guide to the route and a monocular; the batiscope is shared. The instructors take photos during the outing and give them free. The company recommends the morning outing, because the sea is usually better.

Price and booking

Book on the Kayak Cíes website, which confirms the place afterwards, or on 629 83 45 31. Booking on the website is €5 cheaper than paying on the island:

• June: €20 on the website, €25 on the island.
• July, August and September: €30 on the website, €35 on the island.

Requirements

Minimum age 12, and you must be able to swim. The life jacket is worn throughout the outing. Ages 12 to 13, always with an adult; ages 14 to 18 may go alone with prior authorisation (the website is not entirely consistent on this band, so confirm it when you book). Bring sun protection, sunglasses, a cap and footwear that can get wet; phone and camera are at your own risk.

Report to the campsite reception five minutes early. If you are going for the day, you need the Xunta permit and the boat to the Cíes; the campsite advises taking one of the first boats in the morning to reach the 12:00 departure. From the jetty to the campsite you walk along Rodas beach.

To combine

If you are sleeping at the Camping Islas Cíes, the afternoon outing leaves the morning free for the Monte Faro route and the night for stargazing.