Kayak & Canoe Tours & Trips in Europe
Kayaking Dubrovnik's city walls hits different. You’re paddling past fortress town Ston, sipping Pelješac wines, hiking to Krka waterfalls, rafting the Tara River Canyon, biking around Lake Lovatnet. There's paddling through Naeroyfjord's fjords, exploring Iceland's Westfjords, and canoeing the Dordogne past riverside castles. Europe’s waterways reveal places tour buses can't reach.
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The whole set up was superb, from the initial email, the advice about food, the hostel booking, through to the superb equipment and guidance. We set off with a degree of trepidation (well I did!). It all worked out brilliantly, each island had something special and I couldn't believe how busy each day was - I naively thought we might be a bit bored! I loved the sauna and discovering the restaurant and the bakery. Already people are asking me more about my holiday, might be organizing a group excursion next!
7-day Kayak & Wild Camp the Archipelago - self-guidedMy brother and I (yeah it can be done, just a few arguments) did a 7 night trip with Do the North. St Anna and the rest of the Ostergotland archipelago is incredibly scenic, quiet, cut off from the world (in a good way): there's not much more I can say about it to be honest, that hasn't been said already, about how great it is. We went during the peak summer season, and we didn't experience rain once. The sun rises about 04h30 and sets about 22h00, but it only really gets dark after 23h00 Thomas, who runs DtN, has a pretty slick operation. Everything's pre-ordered (really plan your meals, that way you won't overspend on dinner; buy loads of snacks and drinks) and packed up ready for you. You get picked up from Norrkoping (make sure you book flights so that you have at least a day there in the regenerated industrial town) and taken to the kayaks and your gear. Thomas gives you really useful 101s in navigation and packing the kayak (he seems to pack it perfectly though, you'll never do it as quick or easy in reality), and then you set off. You can go wherever you want at whatever pace you want, and you have a phone to keep in contact with DtN if you need to -- they send daily weather reports too. The equipment's genuinely top Swedish quality (Hilleberg, Haglofs, Trangia ...), and it's clear a lot of care's gone into the tour. Thomas and Sam seemed to work around the clock, to pick people up, drop them off, get you insect repellent if you forgot it etc. It really shows, and it was worth the money.
8-day Kayak & Wild Camp the Archipelago - self-guidedI would give it 5 star if not for the people on the tour (nothing thr company can do about. The group composition didn’t work.) The guide ( Giovanni) was very good, the itinerary was great and fast paced but with plenty of free time. Accommodations were nice too. Unfortunately I was paired with elderly women who snored and although the problem was eventually resolved, it affected the mood.
Amalfi Coast: Hike & Kayak
10 best Kayak & Canoe Europe tour packages
Compiled by
NadineEurope travel expert at TourRadar
- Nice to Paris & Sensations of Lyon and Provence 2026/2027
- Solo-ish Croatia
- Arouca, Douro & Gerês Adventure
- Hike and kayak along the Dalmatian coast - semi supported tour
- Iceland Circumnavigation: Helicopters, Glaciers and Volcanoes, Operated by Quark
- Croatia & Montenegro: Hike, Bike & Raft
- Dordogne Self-Guided Activities
- 7-day Kayak & Wild Camp the Archipelago - self-guided
- 8-day Kayak & Wild Camp the Archipelago - self-guided
- Experience Scotland actively
Paddle down the Rhône River on a canoeing trip in Avignon, gliding past the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes and medieval fortifications. A scenic Seine River cruise in Paris drifts by Notre Dame Cathedral and the Arc de Triomphe. Kayaking combines with river cruising aboard the Emerald Liberté on this 13-day trip, visiting French towns from Arles to Lyon.
Duration 13 days Destinations Nice, Monte Carlo, Monaco, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Arles, Les Baux de Provence, Avignon, Chateauneuf du Pape, Viviers, Tournon-sur-RhoneSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $7,515
20% off- US$5,983
Paddle beneath Dubrovnik's UNESCO-listed city walls on a sea kayaking tour with snorkeling stops at secluded Betina Cave. You'll navigate the clear Adriatic waters for unique views of the 19th-century Imperial Fortress. Professional guides and equipment are included for seeing Croatia's coastline from water level.
Duration 8 days Destinations Dubrovnik, Konavli, Ston, Korčula, Lumbarda, Split, Krka National Park Age Range Ages 18+ Operator G Adventures From
20% off- US$2,579
Duration 8 days Destinations Porto, Arouca, Douro International Natural Park, Miranda do Douro, Peneda-Geres National Park, Arcos de Valdevez, Ponte de Lima, Soajo, Sistelo Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Baboo Travel From
20% off- US$1,989
Split's Marjan peninsula and Hvar's Pakleni Islands offer crystal-clear waters for guided kayaking tours. Sessions cater to beginners, featuring close-to-shore routes and regular stops for swimming and snorkeling.
Duration 8 days Destinations Split, Hvar Island, Korcula Island, Orebić, Dubrovnik Age Range Ages 7+ Operator Meridien Ten From
20% off- US$2,590
Iceland's complete coastal ring awaits on this 12-day adventure departing July 2026 from Reykjavik aboard the 199-passenger Ultramarine, featuring kayak, Zodiac, and helicopter activities. Paddle among icebergs at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, hike across Skaftafell's glaciers, and cruise to the Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar) to see one of the world's largest puffin colonies at Stórhöfði. Check out Kirkjufell mountain and Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, visit the pseudocraters at Skútustaðir near Mývatn, and walk through Dimmuborgir's Game of Thrones filming locations.
Duration 12 days Destinations Keflavik, Reykjavik, Snæfellsnes, Kirkjufell Mountain, Arnarstapi, Grundarfjordur, Stykkisholmur, Bjarnarhofn, Westfjords, VigurSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
20% off- US$14,895
Paddle around Kolocep Island in the Elaphiti archipelago, checking out hidden sea caves and snorkeling in clear Adriatic waters off Croatia's Dalmatian Coast. Then navigate the bright-blue Tara River through UNESCO-listed Tara River Canyon in Montenegro, tackling Class 2 and 3 rapids along an 18 km stretch.
Duration 7 days Destinations Dubrovnik, Elaphiti Islands, Lopud Island, Kolocep Island, Durmitor National Park, Zabljak, Tara Canyon, Kotor Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
20% off- US$3,095
The scenic Dordogne River flows from Meyronne to Grolejac, perfect for paddling adventures. Expert canoe instruction precedes navigation past Chateau de Belcastel and limestone cliffs. Includes all equipment, riverside picnic spots, and stays at La Vieille Auberge and Chateau de Monrecour.
Duration 9 days Destinations Martel, Meyronne, Rocamadour, Padirac, Souillac, Saint Vincent de Cosse, Sarlat-La-Caneda Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
20% off- US$2,510
What our customers ask about Kayak & Canoe Tours & Trips in Europe
When is the best time to go kayaking in Europe's coastal destinations?
The main kayaking season in Europe spans May to September with optimal conditions during July and August. Sweden's Saint Anna Archipelago is best explored from late June to early September when waters reach 20°C and days are longest. Along Italy's Amalfi coast paddlers can enjoy favorable conditions from April through October. A TourRadar traveler noted: "August is a really beautiful time with warm water temperatures perfect for swimming and calmer conditions than earlier in the summer."
What type of accommodation can I expect on European kayaking tours?
The range spans from basic to luxurious based on location and tour type. In Sweden's archipelago most tours involve wild camping on secluded islands with quality gear from Hilleberg. For those seeking comfort there are stays at properties like Finland's Arctic Hilltop Hotel or Italy's Villa Cimbrone on the Amalfi Coast. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Wild camping on our own private Swedish island was magical - setting up camp cooking dinner and watching the sunset over the archipelago."
What equipment is provided on kayaking tours in Europe?
Tour operators supply the essential gear including kayaks paddles spray skirts life jackets and dry bags. Camping tours particularly in Sweden come with high-end equipment such as Hilleberg tents and Haglöfs sleeping bags. One TourRadar traveler commented: "The equipment from Do the North was top quality - they provided everything we needed from kayaking gear to cooking equipment making it easy to focus on enjoying the adventure."
What is the typical group size for guided kayaking tours in Europe?
Most tours limit groups to 6-12 participants to ensure safety and minimize environmental impact. Croatia's Dalmatian Coast tours usually have 8-10 paddlers with a guide. Some companies like Do the North in Sweden offer self-guided options for independent travelers. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "The small group size made our Croatian kayaking experience intimate and allowed for plenty of individual attention from our guide."
What type of meals are provided on European kayaking tours?
Food options vary by tour format. Self-guided Swedish tours often include pre-ordered groceries for camp cooking. Along the Mediterranean guided tours usually cover breakfasts and select dinners at local spots like Croatia's Maestral restaurant in Okuklje or Amalfi Coast tavernas. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The food ordering system in Sweden was excellent - we could choose from hundreds of products in advance and everything was packed ready for our arrival."
What are the must-see highlights of kayaking in Europe?
The top experiences include exploring Sweden's vast Saint Anna Archipelago with its 6000 islands paddling Croatia's Dalmatian Coast past historic towns and through clear waters and navigating Norway's fjords. A TourRadar traveler described: "The Naerøyfjord offers incredible views of cascading waterfalls unique nature and wildlife and historic farms that have been clinging to the mountainside for centuries."