Sea Kayak in Napoli, Italy
Ripples extend away from the end of our paddles as each stroke breaks the surface of the warm Mediterranean Sea. Sunlight flickers and reflects off the surface as our kayak cuts through the glassy waters off the coast of Napoli. The only sounds are the splashing of the paddles and the odd laugh echoing from kids diving off the rocky shoreline.
This is kayaking Napoli at its best.
Kayak Napoli
On a recommendation from the awesome staff at Hostel of the Sun in Naples we had grabbed our togs, lathered up with sunscreen and donned our sunnies for a morning of adventures and sea kayaking with the friendly folks at Kayak Napoli.
Even getting out to the kayak Napoli centre proved to be an adventure as our only directions were to hop off the local bus at supposedly one of the best restaurants along the Napoli coast. Apparently every bus driver in the city knew where this was. Apart from the one driving our bus of course.
With fumbling Italian and hand gestures we somehow managed to stop just 200m from where we were meant to get off anyway.
Hiking down the long winding road to the coastline our backs were soon sticky with sweat and all we wanted to do was get started on our kayak Napoli trip. However, as with all things Italian, everything is done at a slow and gentle pace. Our 10.30am start time neared 11am and then flew on by before our guide showed up on his trusty Vespa.
Can’t say we were too disappointed getting to chill out for a half hour in such a cute village on the seafront anyway.
Everyone partnered up and we dipped our paddles in the water slowly stroking away from the beach.
With only 6 of us, including the guide, on the kayak tour in Naples it really felt personal. And even with our limited kayaking skills we were actually the best of the small group with two of the girls careening into a small dinghy when they couldn’t figure out how to turn or stop.
Luckily the sea was flat and the guide experienced enough to keep us close to the shoreline should anything go drastically wrong.
At over 3 hours in length it really is an awesome and unique way to see one of the most spectacular coastlines in Italy. Away from the hustle and bustle of Naples the cliffs plunge straight into the deep blue sea. Houses perch precariously on the cliff edge with rough stone stairs carved straight into the rock leading to the sea below.
With no beaches here the locals sunbaths on the rocks with ladders to help them climb back out.
Our local guide knew all the best swimming holes and spots to rest our weary shoulders every half hour or so. With masks provided we could explore under the surface at every stop too.
We even had the chance to kayak into ancient caves that had been eroded from the relentless sea. Unsurprisingly these same magnificent caves have been used in the past for homes and storage for the wealthy.
Each cave had winding steps leading into the blackness behind gates where we couldn’t venture. Apparently some still lead into the basements of houses.
My favourite stop on the Napoli kayak tour was when we stopped at the Roman ruins which were visible above, and below, the sea surface. Snorkelling gear was again donned to explore these ancient structures. I only wish we had more time here as this was definitely the highlight.
Oh apart from helping catch our guides dinner in the form of an octopus. If only he had offered to share it with us!
It was such a fun few hours and a totally different way to explore Napoli. We definitely recommend you to check out Kayak Napoli as they run adventure trips every day and it’s a great way to escape the Italian heat.
Have you ever kayaked in Napoli or Italy? Any other recommended spots for us to explore?
Category: Adventure Travel, Europe
We have been wearing out our jandals (Kiwi slang for flip-flops) on our travel adventures around the world since 2009. We love all types of adventures that make us step outside our comfort zone, in comfort, including surfing, skiing, snowboarding, diving and cruising on our bikes. You can find out more 
What a peaceful and beautiful way to experience Naples. I’d love to see submerged Roman ruins and help catch (and eat!) an octopus. Beautifully written lead, by the way.
A gentle paddle, a gentle laze in the ocean. Cave exploration… coastline vistas. I’m almost there in my mind
Glad we could take you on a journey today!
planning to be in naples for a few hours on saturday during a trip to rome. what is your recommendation for a short kayak trip for about 4 people for about 2-3 hours. how would i get to the location you mentioned from the train station. marcia
Hi Marcia,
Thanks for your question and stopping by the blog. Try and get hold of the guys at Hostel of the Sun in Naples and they can organise the kayaking for you
Looks like a fun time. The Roman ruins below the sea surface look like an especially cool thing to check out.
They were awesome Micki. Wish we had longer to explore them with our snorkelling gear.
I totally agree
I visited Napoli briefly in 2009, but this wasn’t something we did and I’d have to second this!
Great article btw!
Thanks T.W! We loved it and hopefully if you return you can check it out
Even though I profess to be lazy I would love to do something like this, what a great way to see the city.
Definitely an easy day out for even the laziest travellers
Now that’s a different perspective! Love the photos of the rock formations and cave…
Kayaking is such a great way to see a place. I love the sound of this adventure!
It’s funny, I’ve actually been to Napoli, but would not have imagined it being such a great place to sea kayak. But it looks like you guys had an awesome time, especially snorkeling those ruins. Get any great pizza while you were in the area?
Did we get any pizza? What a ridiculous question
I think my veins are clogged with mozzarella as I sit here haha! We didn’t think the kayaking would be great either but were pleasantly surprised. Wish we had more time to explore other areas by kayak too.
I would never have thought of seeing Naples this way. What an awesome idea! This is going in the ‘to-do’ folder!!
We didn’t think of it either and were going to kayak in Amalfi instead. So stoked we had the chance to explore Naples from the sea.
Sounds like a great day! I’m not sure I have the arm muscles for 3 hours of kayaking, but it looks like fun!
When we first heard 3 hours we nearly fell out of the kayaks (yes they forgot to mention it before we started). Fortunately it was really relaxed and we were doubled up in the kayaks. Seriously, anyone could do it!
Kayaking is hard work – My arms ached for days after doing it. Next time, I will sit in the back while hubby does the hard work instead!
As you can see I sat in the back so took loads of photos while Adela paddled her heart out without realising I was relaxing
Hahaha
Never would have thought to explore by kayak – thanks for the read and photos, lovely!
Would have been really fun to do it with you guys! Maybe around the Pacific sometime in a few years
Beautiful day out, I love Napoli, beautiful landscape and awesome food.
We love all of Italy so far and I think I need some bigger pants after all the food
Wow this looks so stunning. I’ve been to Naples three times but this is a great new way to see it. And the food is always, always the best.
The food is sooooo good! Surprised our kayaks stayed afloat after all we ate haha.
Awesome shots! You’re using a waterproof can and a wide angle lens?
Wow.. I have always loved to go to Italy and seeing this post makes me want to go more! Too bad that I live in Asia and the travel fees would be too much as of now.. maybe one day!
We would have ever thought about kayaking in Naples if you hadn’t published this! love it and willing to give it a try next time in the city!
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We found out about it through our awesome Hostel. They provided all the details and organised it for us. All we had to do was show up
Perfect day out in Naples!
Very fun looking trip you guys had. I am going to Naples for about 3 weeks this summer mid-july into august for business. Will have evenings and weekends off. The kayak trip looks like something I have got to do. But, what if I have never been snorkeling before? Can I learn there? I also wear glasses. Will that be a problem?
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Can you wear contacts Steve? Then you can wear the mask over the top easily. The guide will also teach you to snorkel if you ask
enjoy it!