Venetian Coastline Kayak Tour

Venetian Coastline Kayak Tour, rated 5 across 51 traveller reviews.

Overview

This four-hour paddle starts at Honolulu Beach on El. Venizelou, beside the stretch of coast where Chania's old tanneries stood, and puts you on the water below the team waiting near the Blue restaurant. After a short briefing and equipment setup, the group paddles along the shoreline and past the Venetian Harbor from the outside, with views of the Lighthouse and Firka fortress and the old town from the sea.

The route then continues to Lazaretta Island, where the stop is a swim in clear water. Several travellers also mention snorkelling here and spotting plenty of fish, so goggles or a mask are worth packing even though they are not listed as included. The paddle back returns you to the same beach where you started.

The tour suits beginners and confident swimmers alike: no previous kayaking experience is needed, according to reviewers, and the cap of eight travellers keeps it manageable on the water. It is less suited to anyone with back problems or a heart condition, and the minimum age is twelve.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Honolulu BeachMeet the team on the beach below the Blue restaurant at El. Venizelou 113, Chania. Start time is 09:00.
2. Briefing and setupA short safety briefing and equipment setup, including mandatory life jackets, before launching.
3. Paddle the Venetian HarborKayak along the coast and outside the Venetian Harbor from the sea, with views of the Lighthouse and Firka fortress.
4. Cross to Lazaretta IslandPaddle out to Lazaretta Island for a swim stop in clear water. Reviewers often snorkel here among the fish.
5. Return paddleThe activity ends back at the meeting point on Honolulu Beach.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the morning easier, drawn from the listing and from what travellers consistently report.

• Bring your own supplies. Food, snacks and bottled water are not included, so bring your own. One reviewer advises packing water, sunscreen, a hat and swimwear for the day.
• Pace and effort. The pace is relaxed, with frequent breaks for water and history commentary, and no prior kayaking experience is needed. One reviewer still reminds you to be prepared to paddle, since the route covers the harbour and the island.
• Swimming ability. Swimming knowledge is mandatory and life jackets are required. The island stop includes a proper swim, with reviewers reporting clear water and lots of fish, so a mask or goggles are useful.
• Photos from the guide. Several travellers mention the guide taking photos during the trip and sharing them afterwards. Dry bags are provided for valuables, according to one review.
• Group size cap. The tour runs with a maximum of eight travellers. Reviewers describe it as feeling safe and personal, with guides going at the group's pace.
• Getting there. The meeting point is the beach below the Blue restaurant at El. Venizelou 113, close to public transport, and the tour starts at 09:00.

Common issues. The tour needs good weather and a minimum number of participants; if either forces a cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. Full refunds also require cancelling at least 24 hours before the 09:00 start, and late changes are not accepted. The activity is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for travellers with back problems. Children under twelve cannot join, and everything you eat or drink is extra, so budget for your own water and food.

Common Questions