Five fantastic paddling adventures await along Lecce’s dramatic coastline.
The standout tour navigates Porto Selvaggio’s crystal-clear waters, perfect for first-timers with its patient instruction and gentle pace.
Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the Porto Cesareo excursion, where a marine biologist reveals hidden underwater treasures in the protected reserve.
For raw coastal beauty, the Porto Selvaggio Natural Park route delivers, though service can be uneven.
Meanwhile, the Leuca tour shines with its one-on-one guidance, and the Roca Vecchia trip combines gorgeous Adriatic paddling with excellent snorkel stops.
Let’s explore each recommended tour in detail.
Key Points
- The Porto Selvaggio Sea Kayak Tour provides a 5-star rated, beginner-friendly kayaking experience with scenic views, cave exploration, and cliff diving.
- The Kayak Tour: Porto Cesareo and the Marine Protected Area offers an eco-friendly adventure led by a marine biologist guide through the Porto Cesareo Marine Reserve.
- The Kayak & Canoe Tour: Porto Selvaggio Natural Park, offered by Beyond Travel Experience Puglia, explores stunning coastal landscapes, but prospective participants should weigh the service reliability before booking.
- The Kayak and Canoe Tour in Leuca and the Ponente Caves, a 5-star rated experience, offers personalized attention from an expert guide and flexible booking options.
- The Roca Vecchia Kayaking and Canoeing Adventure – Lecce features scenic paddling through the Adriatic coastline, including Grotta della Poesia and Torre dell’Orso, with snorkeling breaks.
PORTO SELVAGGIO Sea Kayak Tour + Cold Spring Immersion
The Porto Selvaggio Sea Kayak Tour + Cold Spring Immersion offers adventurous travelers an opportunity to explore the picturesque coastline of Lecce. Operated by the highly-rated Santa Caterina Sea Kayak, this 5-star experience includes a sea kayak course for beginners, all necessary equipment, and a guided tour of the stunning Porto Selvaggio area.
Participants can expect scenic views of sea caves and the coastline as they paddle along. The tour also includes activities like exploring caves, cliff diving, and swimming in cold springs. With knowledgeable guides providing kayaking tips and support, this tour is suitable for most travelers, with a maximum of 13 participants.
The tour starts and ends at the meeting point in Nardò, which is easily accessible by GPS. While not wheelchair-friendly, the tour is recommended for sports enthusiasts and nature lovers.
For an extra touch of beauty, consider booking the sunset tour. However, the tour may not be suitable for individuals over 100kg or those unaccustomed to physical activity.
Read our full review: PORTO SELVAGGIO Sea Kayak Tour + Cold Spring Immersion Review
Book now: Check availability
Kayak Tour: Porto Cesareo and the Marine Protected Area
For travelers seeking a unique eco-friendly adventure, the Kayak Tour: Porto Cesareo and the Marine Protected Area offers an opportunity to explore the stunning coastal landscapes of Lecce.
Led by a marine biologist guide, this tour allows adventurers to kayak and snorkel through the Porto Cesareo Marine Reserve, known for its submerged Roman columns and picturesque islands.
With a rating of 3.2 based on 27 reviews, the tour includes kayak or canoe rental and snorkeling equipment.
Pickup and drop-off are conveniently located at Via Mare Tiberiade, 25, 73010 Scala di Furno LE, Italy.
The tour is wheelchair accessible and welcomes service animals, making it inclusive for a range of travelers.
Prices start at £42.47 per person, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.
However, some past guests have criticized the tour’s value and communication, with a few reporting unexpected cancellations due to weather.
Read our full review: Kayak Tour: Porto Cesareo and the Marine Protected Area Review
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Kayak & Canoe Tour: Porto Selvaggio Natural Park
Amidst the pristine landscapes of Porto Selvaggio Natural Park, Beyond Travel Experience Puglia offers a captivating Kayak & Canoe Tour that allows adventurers to explore the region’s stunning coastal wonders.
This activity provides participants with kayaks, canoes, and snorkeling equipment, as well as meeting and pickup at the designated location.
However, the tour’s 2.6 rating based on 7 one-star reviews raises concerns. Customers have reported issues with the tour’s organization and service, citing no-shows at the meeting point, lack of communication, and difficulties obtaining refunds after payment.
Plus, contacting the provider and Viator support has been challenging.
While the tour promises a unique experience in a beautiful natural setting, the consistent negative feedback suggests significant room for improvement in terms of reliable service and customer satisfaction.
Prospective participants should carefully weigh these factors before booking this tour.
Read our full review: Kayak & Canoe Tour: Porto Selvaggio Natural Park Review
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Kayak and Canoe Tour in Leuca and the Ponente Caves
Tucked away in the picturesque town of Marina di Felloniche, the Kayak and Canoe Tour in Leuca and the Ponente Caves beckons adventurers to explore the region’s stunning coastal landscapes.
Starting at 10:00 am, this 5-star rated experience transports participants to the Baia di Ciardo where they’ll board double and single kayaks or canoes, equipped with paddles, life jackets, and dry bags.
Suitable for moderately fit travelers, the tour takes paddlers through the Ponente Caves, allowing them to encounter the area’s unique geological formations.
With a maximum of 16 participants, the intimate group setting ensures personalized attention from the expert guide, Alessio. Travelers should note this tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems, heart conditions, or other serious medical concerns.
Bookings can be secured with a flexible reserve now, pay later option, and cancellations are permitted up to 24 hours prior to the start time.
At $53.77 per person, this immersive kayaking adventure provides an excellent value for exploring the captivating Leuca coastline.
Read our full review: Kayak and Canoe Tour in Leuca and the Ponente Caves Review
Book now: Check availability
Roca Vecchia Kayaking and Canoeing Adventure – Lecce
The Roca Vecchia Kayaking and Canoeing Adventure in Lecce whisks participants along the dramatic Adriatic coastline, offering an immersive exploration of the region’s captivating coves and caves.
This guided excursion departs from Roca Vecchia, allowing adventurers to paddle through scenic waterways and discover the likes of Grotta della Poesia, Torre dell’Orso, and Faraglioni. Along the way, they’ll enjoy snorkeling breaks at Grotta della Poesia and Due Sorelle beach.
The activity caters to various skill levels, with single and double kayaks as well as canoes provided, along with necessary equipment like watertight bags and phone holders.
The meeting point is at Lido Playa Pequeña, where ample facilities, including a bar, restaurant, and free parking, are available.
While the tour is wheelchair accessible and can accommodate infants, a moderate fitness level is required. Priced from $43.02 per person, the experience can be booked with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
However, past reviews suggest potential issues with weather-related cancellations and communication.
Read our full review: Roca Vecchia Kayaking and Canoeing Adventure – Lecce Review
Book now: Check availability
Recap
The Lecce region offers a variety of captivating canoe and kayak experiences. From exploring the serene Porto Selvaggio Natural Park to navigating the pristine waters of the Porto Cesareo Marine Protected Area, these water-based adventures provide an immersive connection with the area’s natural beauty. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely paddle or a more adventurous excursion, Lecce’s waterways promise unforgettable memories.