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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This 5 day kayaking trip was superb from all aspects. All equipment was high quality and in excellent condition; this resulted in a very comfortable experience. The menu was carefully chosen to highlight Swedish cuisine; it surpassed expectations. Our guide Adam, ably assisted by Thomas, was thoughtful and knowledgeable. The scenery of the archipelago and the near perfect weather conditions made this a most memorable trip.
Team Expedition - Guided Kayak & Wild Camp the ArchipelagoMarco was a fantastic guide … The trip was exactly what I expected. Combination of some good long hard tracks and walks combined with one or two semi easy days, and Marco I don’t know how we did it, but he organised fantastic weather for us and I would thoroughly recommend Marco and this journey to anyone.
Cinque Terre: Hike, Bike & KayakAmazing experience which I would happily recommend to anyone. I did this trip with my girlfriend at the start of September on the recommendation of a family member who had done it the year before. We were a little apprehensive as neither of us had any real kayaking experience however this didn't matter as Thomas made everything so easy. Everything is taken care of and all of the equipment that you will need for the trip is provided pretty much so you can just turn up with a bag of clothes and nothing else. The food is arranged prior to the trip via an emailed order form (you can even add a blow up mattress which I would recommend as most islands are rocky). Pick up is arranged from the hotel and you are dropped back wherever you need to be at the end which makes everything very hassle free. You get a few hours before the trip to go over navigation and how to pack the kayak etc and then you're off to explore the beautiful archipelago at your own pace. We went at the start of September and had each island camp completely to ourselves which was great if you want to get away from the rat race and completely relax for a while. The scenery truly was amazing along with the sunsets and wildlife. We were pretty much lost until the second to last day but it is quite easy to find you bearings again when you need to. All of the staff were really helpful and even arranged an early pickup when I had a fishing mishap (fishing from the kayak is great fun but will end in tears unless you are well prepared, trust me on this). Thomas arranged a bed at the local hostel and Sam picked us up and dropped us at the accident and emergency so it was all taken care of with no fuss. All in all this truly was a wonderful holiday well organised with good quality kit and well supported by Thomas and his staff, all I can say is just book up and try it you wont be disappointed!
5-day Kayak & Wild Camp the Archipelago - self-guided
10 best Kayak & Canoe Europe tour packages
Compiled by
NadineEurope travel expert at TourRadar
- Nice to Paris & Sensations of Lyon and Provence 2026|2027
- Hike and kayak along the Dalmatian coast - semi supported tour
- Solo-ish Croatia
- Canoeing on the Dordogne
- Iceland Circumnavigation: Helicopters, Glaciers and Volcanoes, Operated by Quark
- Croatia & Montenegro: Hike, Bike & Raft
- Experience Scotland actively
- Dordogne Self-Guided Activities
- Team Expedition - Guided Kayak & Wild Camp the Archipelago
- Cinque Terre: Hike, Bike & Kayak
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 $6,690
22% Off- US$5,240
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
22% Off- US$2,781
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 $2,579
20% Off- US$2,063
Canoeing on the Dordogne
“The canoe provided with maps, luggage transported and hotels booked. The dinners were out of this world.”
Margaret, traveled in July
The waterways near Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne offer excellent canoe instruction before paddling past limestone cliffs and chateaux. Suitable for ages 12+, featuring safe rapids and stops at Grottes de Lacave and medieval Carennac, while enjoying riverside picnics.
Duration 9 days Destinations Rocamadour, Carennac, Padirac, Meyronne, Lacave, Souillac, Grolejac, Sarlat-La-Caneda, Carsac-Aillac Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
20% Off- US$2,210
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$3,020
The stunning waters of Loch Torridon and Loch Lomond await kayakers and boating enthusiasts. The mysterious depths of Loch Ness near Urquhart Castle and hidden coves along Scotland's northwest coast offer remarkable water adventures.
Duration 10 days Destinations Edinburgh, Aviemore, Inverness, Ullapool, Gairloch, Loch Ness, Torridon, Fort William, Oban, Eilean DonanSee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in Only: German Operator DERTOUR From
20% Off- US$1,074
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."