Lecce’s coastline provides excellent paddling opportunities for both beginners and experienced kayakers. The top experiences include the Porto Cesareo Marine Reserve, where you’ll float alongside sea turtles and colorful fish in crystal-clear waters.
I love the Porto Selvaggio Natural Park route for its dramatic limestone cliffs and hidden beaches – it’s especially stunning at sunset. The Ponente Caves near Leuca offer an exciting mix of geology and adventure, while the Roca Vecchia tour reveals ancient coastal watchtowers and secret grottoes.
Local outfitters supply quality gear and knowledgeable guides, though tours depend on weather conditions. Let’s explore the best kayak and canoe tours around Lecce.
Key Points
- The Kayak Tour in Porto Cesareo and Marine Protected Area offers a 3-hour eco-friendly adventure led by a marine biologist with opportunities to see marine life.
- The Kayak & Canoe Tour in Porto Selvaggio Natural Park provides exploration of scenic coastal landscapes, operated by Beyond Travel Experience Puglia.
- The Kayak and Canoe Tour in Leuca and Ponente Caves is a half-day excursion that explores Baia di Ciardo and Ponente Caves, with knowledgeable guides and swimming opportunities.
- The Roca Vecchia Kayaking and Canoeing Adventure offers a guided excursion exploring dramatic coves and caves along the Adriatic coast, including snorkeling breaks.
- Customers have reported mixed reviews regarding the visibility of marine life, weather-related cancellations, and issues with operators not showing up for some tours.
Kayak Tour: Porto Cesareo and the Marine Protected Area
For those seeking a unique way to explore the natural wonders of Lecce, the Kayak Tour of Porto Cesareo and the Marine Protected Area offers an eco-friendly adventure.
This 3-hour tour, led by a knowledgeable marine biologist, takes participants on a journey through the picturesque Porto Cesareo Marine Reserve.
Guests can expect to paddle through the calm waters, with opportunities to spot colorful fish and sea turtles, as well as swim and snorkel around the Malva and Conigli Islands.
The tour includes all necessary equipment, from single, double, and 2+1 seat kayaks to snorkeling gear and safety equipment.
While the majority of reviews praise the friendly guide and the overall enjoyment of the experience, some customers have reported limited visibility of marine life and shorter-than-expected kayak durations.
Plus, there have been issues with last-minute cancellations due to weather, leading to dissatisfaction and refund requests.
Travelers are advised to book cautiously and inquire about the tour’s operational reliability.
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
The Kayak & Canoe Tour in Porto Selvaggio Natural Park provides adventurers a chance to explore the park’s scenic coastal landscapes from the water. Operated by Beyond Travel Experience Puglia, this tour offers kayaks, canoes, and snorkeling equipment for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
While the tour meets at the beach of Serra Cicora and ends back at the same location, it’s important to note that it isn’t wheelchair accessible, though it’s stroller-friendly and near public transportation.
However, the tour has received mixed reviews, with an overall rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars. Negative feedback includes instances where the tour operator failed to show up at the meeting point, and customers who paid in advance but didn’t receive the activity.
Prospective participants should be aware of these concerns and confirm their booking before arrival. The tour also requires a moderate level of physical fitness, and infants must sit on laps during the activity.
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
This Kayak and Canoe Tour in Leuca and the Ponente Caves provides adventurous travelers a chance to explore the stunning coastal landscapes of Lecce, Italy from the water. Rated 5.0 out of 9 reviews, this half-day excursion takes participants to the Baia di Ciardo where they’ll board double and single kayaks or canoes to paddle through the Ponente Caves.
The tour includes all necessary equipment, including paddles, life jackets, and dry bags. With a maximum group size of 16 travelers, the experience offers an intimate atmosphere to admire the area’s natural beauty.
While moderate physical fitness is required, the tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems or serious medical conditions.
Bookings can be confirmed within 48 hours, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time. Reviewers praised the knowledgeable guide Alessio and the opportunity to swim during the tour.
At $53.68 per person, this Kayak and Canoe Tour provides an unforgettable way to discover Lecce’s stunning coastline.
Read our full review: Kayak and Canoe Tour in Leuca and the Ponente Caves Review
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Roca Vecchia Kayaking and Canoeing Adventure – Lecce
Roca Vecchia Kayaking and Canoeing Adventure – Lecce offers adventurous travelers an opportunity to explore the dramatic coves and caves along the Adriatic coast.
This guided excursion takes participants by kayak or canoe from Roca Vecchia, providing access to stunning locations like the Grotta della Poesia, Torre dell’Orso, and Faraglioni. The scenic paddle keeps visitors away from crowded beaches, with a stop at the picturesque Due Sorrelle beach before returning to Torre Sant’Andrea.
The tour includes snorkeling breaks at the Grotta della Poesia and Due Sorelle beach, allowing guests to enjoy the marine environment. Participants can choose between single or double kayaks and canoes, and a watertight bag is provided for their belongings.
The meeting point at Lido Playa Pequena offers beachside amenities and free parking. While the tour is generally well-received, with praise for the knowledgeable guide, some customers have reported issues with weather-related cancellations and refund delays.
Read our full review: Roca Vecchia Kayaking and Canoeing Adventure – Lecce Review
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The Sum Up
The Lecce region offers a variety of exceptional canoe and kayak experiences. Visitors can explore the captivating Porto Cesareo Marine Protected Area, the serene Porto Selvaggio Natural Park, the alluring Ponente Caves, and the stunning Roca Vecchia. These water-based activities provide a unique perspective and an opportunity to take in the area’s natural beauty and coastal landscapes.