The 12 Kayak Trips in Italy That Earn Their Price

1.Golfo Aranci: Kayak Tour with Dolphins and Aperitif

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,731 reviews · 2.5 - 3 hours · from $53Our pick

Paddle from Spiaggia dei Baracconi with marine biologist guides such as Marco, Emmanuel, Maria, and Vincent. You’ll kayak toward Cala Moresca and Figarolo, snorkel among fish and sea urchins, watch for dolphins near a sea fish farm, then enjoy Sardinian snacks and drinks on the island. The route changes with sea conditions.

“Marco & Marco were excellent guides, they told you lots about the local area & marine life. They were lots of fun & really engaging. Snorkelling was great, the aperitif was lovely & we did see a dolphin. Would absolutely recommend you do this , a great family memory.”

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2.Caves and Beaches Kayaking Tour with GoPro Photos

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 632 reviews · from $47

Paddle from Marina Piccola with guides such as Daniele, Christopher, or Alessandro, visiting sea caves, the Cave of the Water, and the Faraglioni. This 1.5-hour outing suits confident swimmers of all kayaking levels. Expect a safety briefing, light exercise, free GoPro photos, and possible route changes in rough weather.

“Such a unique way to explore Capri and its gorgeous coastline. We were a small group so we got to swim into one of the caves. The guide was fun and knowledgeable. They took photos using a GoPro and shared with us. Highly recommend seeing this gorgeous island this way! More worth it than Blue Grotto!”

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3.Lake Como Kayak Tour from Bellagio

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 593 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $102Top rated

Set out from Pescallo near Bellagio in an open-deck kayak with a local guide such as Michele, Michaela, or Daniele. After a short safety lesson, paddle around the Bellagio peninsula past Villa Serbelloni, Punta Spartivento, Villa Fanny, and the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni. Expect gentle exercise, striking views, and a good chance of getting wet.

“The guide Michele was very knowledgeable and explained everything really well . All done at your pace . Very professional and safe .”

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4.Popes’ Lake, Kayak Tour with Swimming & Roman Pizza

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 568 reviews · from $45Best value

Escape Rome for a three-hour guided kayak trip on Lake Albano. After a short lesson, paddle past Castel Gandolfo, Domitian’s Roman port, the Village of the Millstones, and the Pope’s Trampoline. Guides including Michael, Francesco, Alex, and Alessandro lead the outing in several languages, with swimming, water, snacks, and pizza included.

“The views were amazing, the communication and directions from the guides was commendable. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the trip and seeing turtles was a lovely bonus.”

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5.Private Tour explore Vulcano Island by Kayak & Coasteering

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 338 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $217

Start at Spiaggia delle Acque Calde and paddle Vulcano’s east coast with a guide from Sicily in Kayak. You’ll pass caves and arches, enter a thermal grotto, swim and snorkel in clear water, and see volcanic bubbles near the fumaroles. Kayaking beginners are welcome, and equipment is supplied.

“Très bon guide ! Avec une excellente réactivité.”

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6.Guided Canal Kayak Tour at Day, Night, or Sunset

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 318 reviews · from $63

Kayak through Cannaregio and nearby lagoon waters with an English- or Italian-speaking guide. You’ll receive a safety briefing, approved kayak, paddle, and life vest, then follow quieter waterways with guides such as Daryl, Boris, Julia, or Agustina. Sunset and night departures offer cooler air, softer light, and less boat traffic.

“We loved our Kayak tour! Boris was a great guide who made the whole tour very interactive. We were in a small group of 6 so Boris was able to make it more personal as well. A little bit expensive but would do it again for sure.”

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7.Kayak tour in Capri between caves and beaches. Photos included.

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 302 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $52

Launch from Marina Piccola with a certified instructor, then paddle past Via Krupp, into Grotta dell’Acqua and a Green Grotto, through Arco della Stella, and toward the Faraglioni. Swimming is optional, but knowing how to swim is required. Guides such as Daniele and Christopher provide instruction, stories, and GoPro photos.

“Kayaking into cave was amazing! Absolutely worth doing! Our tour guide Daniello was informative and had a great sense of humor! Excellent”

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8.Golfo Aranci: Small group Kayak tour with Aperitif &dolphins

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 253 reviews · 3 hours · from $58

Join guide Philipp for a three-hour kayak trip from Spiaggia dei Baracconi to Cala Moresca, Figarolo, and Golfo Aranci’s fish farm. Paddle in a group of no more than nine, swim and snorkel from two beaches, enjoy Sardinian food or a sunset aperitif, and watch for wild dolphins.

“It was an amazing experience!! I would recommend it! Beautiful trip with an amazing tour guide! And the snacks were really good.”

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9.Porto Selvaggio kayak tour + cliff diving + cold spring immersion

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 227 reviews · from $65

Join Marco and the Santa Caterina Sea Kayak team for a three-hour beginner-friendly trip from the Lecce area along Porto Selvaggio’s coast. Learn basic sea kayaking, visit caves, paddle below the Tower of S. Maria dell’Alto, swim to Gaia Cave, and take the famous cold-spring baptism. Photos arrive by email.

“E' stata una esperienza straordinaria e indimenticabile! L'Istruttore Marco ci ha dato tutti gli elementi per pagaiare ma soprattutto tanta fiducia. Nonostante il mare non fosse calmissimo e per noi fosse la prima volta in kayak, siamo riusciti, grazie al suo attento supporto, in questa esperienza meravigliosa completata dalla bellezza dell'itinerario, di Porto Selvaggio e del tramonto. Terminata l'escursione abbiamo lasciato il porticciolo con tantissimo entusiasmo e carichi di adrenalina, con il desiderio di ripetere l'esperienza al più presto!”

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10.Monterosso al Mare: Monterosso Kayak and Snorkeling Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 208 reviews · 2 hours · from $81

Set out from Stella Marina Beach Bar with guide Chiara or her team for a two-hour sea-kayaking trip along Monterosso. You’ll hear local stories, paddle past caves and rocky coves, then stop to swim and snorkel. Kayaks, life vests, masks, dry bags, changing rooms, and showers are included.

“It was quite choppy but as experienced kayakers we were fine and so were the rest of our group. Our guide was friendly, informative and professional. I highly recommend this experience.”

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11.Amalfi Coast: Kayak & Snorkeling tour, sea caves and beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 197 reviews · from $58

Set out from Maiori with guides such as Danilo, Salvatore, and Nicola for 3.5 hours of easygoing coastal kayaking. You’ll pass Minori, Marmorata Waterfall, villas, lemon terraces, and sea caves before stopping at Castiglione di Ravello for swimming, snorkeling, fruit, and photos.

“This tour was all I hoped it would be! The best way to truly experience the Amalfi coast! The guides have really put a lot of thought into their tour planning. The information provided before the trip gave excellent details about the trip’s expectations. The guides were prepared for possibilities, like a couple who got seasick and could only go partway. Their knowledge of the area and their humour made the time so enjoyable. We are a couple in our late sixties who have some kayaking experience. Although the excursion was tiring for us we never felt rushed and we were able to paddle in our comfort zone. The kayaks…”

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12.Amalfi Coast Kayak Tour: Explore Caves, Arches & Hidden Beaches

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 185 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $71

Paddle west from Amalfi in a stable double kayak with guides such as Antonio, Tony, Matteo, Andrew, and Paulo. After a safety lesson, you’ll pass beaches, watchtowers, the Arc of Lovers, Conca dei Marini, and the colorful Runghetiello Grotto. Swim, snorkel, enjoy fresh melon, and download photos from the outing.

“The 3 guides we had were informative and very nice. They made things very easy to do. Would do again. Highly recommend”

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