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Exploring the Costa Brava: Kayaking & Snorkelling Tour in Sant Feliu de Guíxols
If you’re looking for a way to enjoy the Costa Brava beyond just lounging on the beach, this kayaking and snorkeling tour offers an active, scenic adventure suitable for families, friends, or couples. Spanning around two hours, it promises crystal-clear waters, impressive cliffs, hidden coves, and an underwater world teeming with marine life. It’s a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, with plenty of opportunities for memorable photos and stories.
One aspect we particularly love is how accessible the experience is — whether you’re a seasoned paddler or new to water sports, the guides are experienced and friendly, ready to assist and share their local knowledge. However, a key consideration is that swimming ability is essential for participation. This tour isn’t suitable for non-swimmers or those with physical limitations. This activity suits travelers who enjoy outdoor pursuits, nature, and discovering coastal landscapes in a fun and informal setting.
Key Points
- Balanced Experience: Combines kayaking with snorkeling, offering both land and underwater exploration.
- Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides provide safety instructions and local insights, enriching the experience.
- Family-Friendly: Suitable for ages 7+, making it ideal for families with children who can swim.
- Stunning Scenery: Expect breathtaking views of cliffs, coves, and islets along the Costa Brava.
- Affordable & Value-Focused: At around $35 per person, it offers a well-rounded activity with all equipment included.
- Weather-Dependent: The activity requires good weather; cancellations due to poor conditions are fully refundable if notified 24 hours in advance.
Looking for more options in Figueres? Here are some other experiences worth considering.
An Authentic Coastal Adventure in Sant Feliu de Guíxols
This kayaking and snorkeling tour is a fantastic way to see the Costa Brava from a unique angle. Starting from Sant Feliu de Guíxols, you’re taken on a roughly two-hour journey through some of the most picturesque sections of the coast. What makes it stand out is the combination of paddling along cliffs and islets with the chance to snorkel in the vibrant underwater environment.
The experience kicks off with a safety briefing by your instructor, who’ll demonstrate how to handle the kayak and snorkel gear. Expect clear, simple instructions that make it easy for anyone to join, regardless of prior experience. The double sit-on-top kayaks are stable and easy to maneuver, while single kayaks are available for solo travelers or those who prefer more independence.
The guides — named in reviews like Jesús and Albert — are praised for their professionalism, friendliness, and willingness to share local stories. Their explanations about the environment add a layer of educational value that many travelers find enriching. The group’s size is limited to 14, ensuring a more personalized experience.
The Itinerary: What to Expect During Your Tour
Starting Point: Kayak Center Guíxols
The tour begins at the kayak center, conveniently located near public transportation. Here, you’ll meet your guide, receive your life jacket, paddle, and snorkel gear, and get a quick overview of safety procedures. The staff’s professionalism is noted in reviews, with Jessica mentioning that they were very attentive, providing wetsuits on cooler days, which she appreciated, especially with kids.
Paddling Along the Coast
Once prepared, you’ll set off into the waters, paddling past impressive cliffs and hidden coves only accessible from the water. Expect to see different natural formations, with guides pointing out their significance and sharing stories about the area’s history.
Jessica from one review highlights how the guide “spoke clear English and provided tips and stories,” making the journey informative and engaging. You’ll love the way the scenery unfolds around you, with the water often calm enough for a comfortable paddle, but with enough movement to keep it interesting.
Cove Stop and Snorkeling
After paddling for about an hour, the group stops at one of the scenic coves to don snorkeling gear. Here, you’ll descend into the underwater world, which reviewers describe as vibrant and lively. Keep an eye out for fish, starfish, and possibly even an octopus, with some participants lucky enough to spot starfish hands-on, as Rory recounts.
Jessica notes that wetsuits are provided for cooler water days, which significantly enhance comfort while snorkeling. The shallow seabed and clear waters make it accessible for children as young as 7, provided they can swim.
Return and Reflection
After about half an hour in the water, you’ll paddle back to the starting point. The route often includes passing by islets and natural water channels, giving a comprehensive view of Costa Brava’s rugged beauty. The guides typically keep the mood light with stories and tips, making it perfect for families or groups of friends.
Key Elements That Make This Tour Stand Out
Knowledgeable Guides
Readers consistently praise the guides, like Jesús and Albert, for their friendliness, professionalism, and local knowledge. Jessica mentions that the guides explained all the environmental and historical points, making the experience both fun and educational.
Stunning Coastal Views
The coastlines you’ll paddle along are described as dreamlike landscapes, with cliffs and coves that look almost unreal. Rory recalls seeing “amazing views from the water,” a sentiment echoed by many who value the opportunity to see the coast away from crowded beaches.
Suitable for All Ages and Levels
The tour is designed to be inclusive, with no prior experience necessary. From reviews, we learn children as young as 7 can take part if they are confident swimmers, and the activity is suitable for those with basic swimming ability. The only restriction is weight — participants over 120 kg are not allowed.
Equipment & Safety
All necessary gear — including life jackets, paddles, snorkel masks, and optional wetsuits — are provided, which adds to the tour’s value. The presence of a rescue motorboat is reassuring, especially for families with kids or first-time snorkelers. Photos are included after the activity, allowing for easy sharing or keepsakes.
Cost and Value
At just under $35 per person, this tour offers a lot for the price. It includes equipment, insurance, and personal attention from guides, which many reviews affirm is worth the investment. The small group size ensures you won’t feel lost in a crowd.
Practical Tips for Participants
- Swim Skill Required: You must be able to swim to join — non-swimmers are not permitted.
- Weather Watch: The activity is weather-dependent. If bad weather cancels, you’ll get a full refund or a chance to reschedule.
- Bring Water: While bottled water isn’t included, it’s wise to bring some along to stay hydrated.
- Arrive Prepared: Wear appropriate clothing, especially on cooler days; wetsuits are provided, but comfortable clothes under or over your wetsuit help.
- Timing: Book at least 14 days in advance, as this tour is popular and tends to fill up quickly.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This activity is perfect if you’re seeking an active outdoor experience with scenic rewards. It’s ideal for families with children aged 7 and up who can swim, as well as friends or couples wanting a relaxed yet adventurous way to explore the coast. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate guided insights and enjoy discovering marine life firsthand.
If you’re after a high-energy, physically demanding activity, this might not be the best fit. But for those interested in a balanced mix of paddling, floating, snorkeling, and learning about Costa Brava’s natural beauty, this tour hits the right notes.
The Sum Up
This kayaking and snorkeling tour in Sant Feliu de Guíxols offers a genuine taste of Costa Brava’s natural beauty, combining active exploration with educational storytelling. The experience’s strength lies in its friendly guides, stunning scenery, and the opportunity to see marine life up close, all at a reasonable price point. It’s a wonderful choice for families, friends, or couples looking to spend a couple of hours in nature, away from crowded tourist spots.
The combination of accessible equipment, small group size, and the chance to discover secret coves makes it a memorable and worthwhile outing. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a first-timer, you’ll likely walk away with a new appreciation for this rugged coast. Just remember to pack your swimming skills, book in advance, and prepare for a fun, scenic adventure that’s sure to be a highlight of your trip.
FAQ
Do I need prior experience to join this tour?
No, prior experience is not necessary. The guides will provide safety instructions and help you feel comfortable paddling and snorkeling.
Can children participate?
Yes, children from 7 years old can take part, but they must be able to swim and be accompanied by an adult.
What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothes, especially on cooler days, and a bottle of water. Wetsuits are provided if needed, and all snorkeling gear and paddles are included.
Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?
No, swimming ability is a must. If you cannot swim, you won’t be able to participate for safety reasons.
What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.
How many people will be in my group?
The maximum group size is 14, ensuring a personalized experience with plenty of guide attention.
This engaging, well-rounded tour offers a fantastic way to explore Costa Brava’s coastlines while enjoying the thrill of paddling and the serenity of snorkeling. Whether you’re traveling with family or friends, it’s bound to provide a memorable and enriching outdoor adventure.
