Sea Kayak Getaway to the Calanques of La Ciotat - Full or Half Day
- Discover half-day or full-day routes in the Calanques of La Ciotat by sea kayak.
- Located in the heart of the Calanques National Park, enjoy wild and unforgettable landscapes.
- An ideal activity with family, as a couple, or with friends for a complete change of scenery.
Required equipment
- Closed shoes (water shoes, sneakers that will get wet, Crocs...)
- Water
- Picnic if you choose the full-day option
- Sun protection
Accessible to everyone
- Activity open from 7 years old, suitable for all levels if you do not have any contraindications.
- Regular breaks and privileged exploration so that everyone can enjoy the scenery without stress.
- The guide adjusts the route to ensure safety and comfort, even for those who have never touched a paddle.
Availability:
Additional information about the activity
Details half-day 3h)
🛶 Sea Kayak Tour in La Ciotat
A coastal adventure accessible to everyone, all year round
👤 Public & Accessibility
-
Minimum age: from 7 years old (swimming skills required)
-
Children under 12: participation possible only in optimal weather conditions
-
Physical condition: activity suitable for all levels, from beginner to experienced.
-
Contraindications:
-
Significant back problems
-
Weight exceeding 120 kg
-
Medical contraindications to sports practice
-
-
Regular breaks are planned to prioritize discovery and exploration, rather than physical performance.
🧭 Activity Schedule
-
Welcome & Introduction of the group
-
Preparation of kayaks
-
Paddle lesson on land (warm-up and basic techniques)
-
Launch: boarding with life jackets and spray skirts (depending on weather)
-
Guided tour at sea to one or more of these places:
-
L’île Verte (exploration of its coves and caves)
-
La calanque du Mugel
-
Bec de l’Aigle (Eagle's Beak)
- La Ciotat Beaches
-
-
Back to base
⛵ Kayaks used:
Unlike rental “sit-on-top” kayaks, our real closed-deck sea kayaks offer:
-
Superior comfort
-
Better glide and stability
-
Less effort for more distance
-
Protection against splashes and cold water
🌊 Supervised outings by an expert guide, for an enriching, safe experience adapted to the day's conditions.
⚠️ Conditions & Safety
-
Outing guaranteed with a minimum of 5 participants
→ Fewer than 5 of you? Contact us before booking -
Activity subject to weather conditions
→ In case of wind or bad weather, the outing may be postponed or adapted -
The guide remains the sole judge of the program to guarantee the group's safety
📅 Booking & Availability
-
Many slots available in the summer
-
Activity also possible in winter on beautiful sunny days
-
Book as soon as your dates are available to maximize your chances
-
Feel free to call us to find out the upcoming dates
-
We can adjust the day and time according to weather conditions and group availability
📍 Meeting point
➡️ Expénature – 168 avenue du président wilson La Ciotat
🚗 By car:
-
Port de Plaisance car park (free in winter)
-
Parking available along the beaches and adjacent streets
-
Underground car parks: Centre, Verdun, Vieux-Port
🚌 By public transport:
From Marseille:
-
Bus Line 79 from “Marseille Castellane” to the tourist office
-
10 min walk to ExpéNature
-
Eden Théâtre Stop: 2 min walk from our base
From Cassis:
-
LecarTreize Line 078 → La Licorne stop (La Ciotat)
-
Bus M05 towards Collège Virebelle
-
Then 2 km walk to ExpéNature
From Bandol / Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer:
-
Bus Line 880
From Aix / Aubagne:
-
Line 72
From La Ciotat-Ceyreste SNCF train station:
-
Bus to the bus station: Line 21, 40 or 200 (outward) / Line 10 or 70 (return)
-
Eden Théâtre Stop 2 minutes from the base
🚖 Taxis & Uber:
Available throughout the area
Full Day Details (7h)
Full-Day Sea Kayaking in La Ciotat: Visit the Caves and Figuerolles
Explore the secret creeks, sea caves, and the iconic Figuerolles site by sea kayak with a passionate guide!
An unforgettable adventure in the heart of nature, accessible all year round.
Why choose our full-day kayak tour?
Immersive discovery of the wild coast of La Ciotat
Exploration of sea caves, hidden coves and creeks
Visit to Figuerolles, île verte, Calanques of Mugel and Anse du Sec Spectacular natural sites
Authentic Sea kayaks 
Supervised by a professional guide For a safe and rewarding experience
Kayak day schedule – typical program
Welcome & preparation
Group introduction
Preparation of boats
Safety briefing and on-land paddling lesson (warm-up included)
Launch & navigation
Head to l'île Verte and its wild corners
Crossing to the Calanque de Figuerolles
→ Lunch break & swimming in a spectacular settingGuided tour of the sea caves accessible by kayak
Discovery of the Bec de l'Aigle and the vertiginous cliffs
Return to base in the late afternoon
The route can be adapted according to the group level and the weather conditions of the day.
Conditions & safety
Activity all year round, even in winter (depending on weather)
Trip maintained from 5 people
Children from 7 years old (who know how to swim)
Under 12s: participation only in favorable weather
Not recommended for people with:
significant back problems
a weight exceeding 120 kg
The guide remains the sole judge of the program, which can be modified to guarantee safety.
Access to the meeting point – Expénature Base, La Ciotat
Access by public transport:
From Marseille:
Bus Line 79 from “Castellane” → “Office du Tourisme” stop
Then a 10-minute walk
Eden Théâtre stop : right in front of our base
From Cassis / Bandol / Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer / Aix / Aubagne:
Lines 078, 880, 72 (depending on the city)
Bus M05 or local shuttles
Last section on foot (~10 to 15 min)
From La Ciotat-Ceyreste SNCF train station:
Bus to the bus station (Lines 21, 40 or 200)
Then a 2-minute walk from the Eden Théâtre stop
Access by car:
Parking available:
Marina (free in winter)
Parking along the seafront
Underground parking: Parc Centre, Verdun, Vieux-Port
Taxis & Ubers are available in the area
Booking & practical info
Many slots available in summer
Activities possible in winter on beautiful days
Book in advance and let us know your availability to maximize your chances of getting out there
Groups of less than 5? Contact us before booking
Why choose a guided activity rather than a rental?
- Optimal safety: With an experienced guide, enjoy your outing with complete peace of mind, even in hard-to-reach areas or when facing currents.
Comfort all year round: Our decked kayaks protect you from the sun in summer and keep you warm in winter.
Unique and fast exploration: You'll reach creeks and coves inaccessible from land more quickly for an unforgettable marine experience.
Stability and space: Decked kayaks offer more comfort for admiring the scenery or taking photos.
Learning and personalized advice: The guide shares tips, techniques, and information about the local flora and fauna, enriching your outing.
What to bring for the outing
Mandatory shoes: water shoes, closed-heel sneakers, or sandals. Flip-flops, Birkenstocks, or bare feet are not accepted. On-site rental available if needed.
Hydration and meals: bring plenty of water and, for full-day outings, a picnic.
Sun protection: swimsuit, anti-UV t-shirt/long sleeve, hat, and sunscreen.
What to take with you
- If you're kayaking with us, be sure to wear closed-heel shoes (sneakers, sandals, Crocs, water shoes, etc.)
- Lots of water because it's generally hot
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, etc.)
- for any photos, bring a waterproof pouch for your phone
Where to go and how?
On foot: The first Calanques accessible on foot is Le Mugel, 15 minutes from the old port. Figuerolles is located 20 minutes from the city center.
By kayak: Meet at our Expénature Base. 168 avenue du président Wilson. We are the closest to the Calanques and the island.
Access : - Bus line 78, 79 from Marseille Castellane or Cassis.
- Parking: spaces around the Calanques, large Mugel car park, marina car park or along the beaches of La Ciotat. Some underground parking (Verdun, city center, etc.)
- Train to La Ciotat-Cereyste station, then bus to the bus station. Routes departing from all over PACA
Opening of the Calanques park to be checked
Please note that the park is subject to regulations regarding its opening in the face of fire risks. Every day at 6 p.m. we know if the park will be open the next day via this link
Did you know?
- The Calanque du Mugel often remains open and accessible despite the restrictions.
- When the national park is closed, no access is possible. Except by sea with our guided kayak tour! A great alternative to enjoy the places without any tourists. Of course, we will not be able to land on the Calanques, but with our boats it's just as good.
Which Calanques to visit?
- The two emblematic Calanques
🌊 Discover the Calanques of La Ciotat
Less famous than those of Cassis or Marseille, the Calanques of La Ciotat offer a unique landscape, marked by the puddingstone, a red ocher rock formed of pebbles and agglomerated sand. Between preserved creeks, discreet beaches and the unmissable Île Verte, here is a complete guide to the Calanques of La Ciotat.
🏝️ Calanques du Mugel (Grand et Petit Mugel)
- Description: Located at the foot of the Parc du Mugel, a botanical garden classified as a “remarkable garden”, the Calanques du Mugel are divided into two:
- Le Grand Mugel: a pebble beach bordered by clear water, ideal for swimming.
- Le Petit Mugel: more intimate, nestled between the rocks, perfect for snorkeling.
- Access: Very easy on foot from the city center of La Ciotat.
🌅 Calanque de Figuerolles
- Description: Probably the most spectacular in La Ciotat, framed by red pudding cliffs sculpted by erosion. It is known for its astonishingly shaped rocks, such as the "Lion" or the "Eagle's Beak".
- Access: Accessible by stairs from the parking lot.
🌊 Anse du Sec
- Description: A discreet and wild cove, bordered by red rocks and transparent water. Very popular with lovers of calm.
- Access: Via a small, steep path in the Jardin botanique du Mugel, less frequented than Mugel or Figuerolles.
- The Green Island and its coves
🏖️ The three coves of the Green Island
Located opposite the port of La Ciotat, the Green Island is the only wooded island on the Bouches-du-Rhône coastline. It is accessible by shuttle boat (10 min). Its three main coves offer different atmospheres:
Calanque Saint-Pierre
- The closest to the pier.
- Small sheltered beach, ideal for families.
Calanque de la Plageolle
- An intimate cove, perfect for snorkeling and diving.
- More wild, less frequented
Calanque Seynerolles
- The largest of the three, bordered by pine trees and very sunny.
- Ideal for spending a full day between swimming and picnicking.
- Lesser-known places in La Ciotat
Notre-Dame de la Garde Chapel
Located on the heights, this chapel offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, the port, the Green Island and the entire bay of La Ciotat. It is an ideal place to admire the sunset.
La Baie des Anges
Ranked among the most beautiful bays in the world, the Baie des Anges stretches from La Ciotat to Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer. Its deep blue waters and unique rock formations make it a must-see for a stroll or a photo opportunity.
Plage Lumière (Lumière Beach)
The most famous beach in La Ciotat, right in the heart of the city. With its fine sand, lifeguard supervision, and family-friendly vibe, it's the perfect place to enjoy the sea with peace of mind.
Le Trou du Diable (The Devil's Hole)
An impressive geological formation carved by erosion in the puddingstone rock. Accessible by a small path, this spectacular spot is particularly impressive when the sea is rough.
Sémaphore Walk and Route des Crêtes (Crest Road)
The panoramic road connecting La Ciotat to Cassis offers breathtaking cliffs and stunning views of the Mediterranean. The Sémaphore walk allows you to discover the typical rock formations and vegetation of Cap Canaille.
Visiting the Calanques of La Ciotat by kayak seems preferable
Exploring the Calanques of La Ciotat by kayak is undoubtedly the most enjoyable and complete way to discover them. Unlike hiking, which is often limited by paths and asphalt, kayaking allows you to get away from the crowds and enjoy the calm of the sea.
From the water, you can easily reach Île Verte (Green Island) and its three calanques, follow the red puddingstone coasts, approach the spectacular Trou du Diable (Devil's Hole), or admire the large cliffs and hidden small sea caves. Each paddle stroke reveals a new, wild, and preserved landscape.
Kayaking in the Calanques of La Ciotat offers a unique experience: freedom, nature, and an exceptional panorama of the Mediterranean, with no ecological impact compared to boats.
Frequently Asked Questions
We accept children from 7 years old on supervised kayak trips under good weather conditions. When they are a little older, depending on their resourcefulness, we also allow them to come alone on a guided tour.
Our activities are designed to cater to all levels, from beginners to experts. Each activity has different difficulty levels, which our experienced guides will adapt to your experience. Please understand that we remain in full nature activities with hazards. Sometimes carrying kayaks, sometimes more difficult conditions than others.
A full day allows for a complete exploration of what can be discovered in La Ciotat. Having time also means enjoying more breaks and moments of sharing, a picnic, a swim in the turquoise water of the calanques...
A half-day is suitable when you have little time to do the activity. If you want to prioritize kayaking over swimming in particular. The half-day kayak trip is a summary of the full-day trips. But we take the opportunity to see the most beautiful things that nature offers us.