Cassis, on France’s stunning Mediterranean coast, is a natural playground for paddle sports. Its clear waters and towering cliffs make it an ideal place to explore by kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Among the options, we’re especially fond of the half-day sea kayaking trip in the Calanques National Park; it offers a perfect blend of expert guidance and access to the park’s most iconic calanques. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a curious beginner, Cassis’s calm, turquoise waters and dramatic scenery make every trip memorable.
From quick excursions to immersive full-day adventures, Cassis has a lot to offer who wants to experience its natural beauty on the water. Each tour offers a different vibe—some emphasize expert guidance, others focus on the thrill of exploring hidden spots. Below, you’ll find a detailed roundup to help you choose the best paddle experience for your trip.
1. Cassis: half-day sea kayaking trip in the Calanques National Park
At number 1, this half-day sea kayaking trip is a favorite for its accessibility and depth of experience. Departing from Cassis’s Port-Miou, you’ll paddle through some of the most stunning calanques—Port-Miou, Port-Pin, and En-Vau—with a qualified, English-speaking guide. The guide’s expertise ensures you not only enjoy the scenery but also learn about the local wildlife and geology. The tour lasts about 3 hours, making it a perfect morning or afternoon activity without feeling rushed.
What truly makes this tour stand out is its balance of guided adventure and freedom to explore. It has a perfect rating of 5/5 from 82 reviews, with many praising the knowledgeable guide and the calm waters that make paddling easy. The excursion includes a marine life viewing opportunity, adding a touch of education to the fun. The itinerary involves paddling from the calm cove of Port-Miou, then visiting En-Vau, famous for its towering cliffs and clear waters, before returning to port.
Bottom Line: This tour offers excellent value at $91 per person for 3 hours, especially for travelers who want a guided experience with manageable time commitment. It’s ideal for beginners or anyone short on time but eager to see the Calanques’ highlights.
2. Cassis: Stand UP paddle in the Calanques National Park
At number 2, the stand-up paddle experience offers a more relaxed, full-sensory way to enjoy Cassis’s beautiful coastline. For about 3.5 hours, you’ll paddle with a passionate guide who specializes in stand-up paddleboarding. The small group size ensures personalized attention, helping even novices feel comfortable on the water. The tour starts at Port Miou, a calm, scenic spot perfect for beginners to practice.
What sets this experience apart is its focus on teaching proper paddling techniques while allowing plenty of time to soak in the scenery. The guide’s local knowledge enhances the trip, ensuring good weather conditions and safe navigation. With top-quality equipment included, you’ll spend your time gliding past limestone cliffs, exploring quiet creeks, and enjoying the peacefulness of the Mediterranean. The reviews highlight the friendly guides and the beautiful vistas “from the water,” which many say they’ll cherish long after the trip.
Bottom Line: For $59, this is a great choice if you want to learn something new and enjoy a calming paddle in stunning surroundings. It’s best suited for those who like a mix of instruction and leisure, especially if you’re new to stand-up paddleboarding.
3. Cassis: Calanques National Park Sea Kayaking Tour
This mid-length adventure, the Sea Kayaking Tour of the Calanques National Park, is perfect for travelers who want a full-day, immersive experience. Covering 3 to 7 hours, it includes visits to Port-Miou, Port-Pin, and En-Vau, with options for a half or full-day outing. Led by a knowledgeable instructor, you’ll learn about the area’s natural secrets and local stories as you paddle.
The tour provides an excellent balance of scenic exploration and educational content, with sightseeing stops, scenic swims, and lunch breaks. The itinerary involves exploring dramatic coastlines and enjoying quiet coves, making it ideal for those who love a mix of activity and relaxation. The group size is international, which adds a social element, and the full-day version allows you to go further for caves and less-visited beaches, weather permitting.
A reviewer sums it up: “See things differently, enjoying nature’s beauty with an international group,” which captures the inclusive, adventurous spirit. This tour’s value is enhanced by its all-in-one approach—scenery, stories, and swimming included.
Bottom Line: For around $89, the tour offers a comprehensive look at Cassis’s coast and is perfect for travelers eager to spend a meaningful day on the water.
4. Cassis: Stand UP paddle in the creeks national park
Number 4 on our list is a stand-up paddle tour emphasizing personal instruction and discovering lesser-known spots. Led by a passionate guide, John, this 3-hour trip is praised for its relaxed pace and beautiful scenery. It’s especially appealing for paddlers of all levels, with reviews noting how well the guide adapts to each participant’s skill.
The tour focuses on exploring the Calanques by water, offering opportunities to learn proper paddling techniques while taking in stunning vistas from the water’s surface. The guide’s equipment is top-notch, ensuring smooth, safe paddling. Many reviews mention how the guides make everyone comfortable, even those trying stand-up paddleboarding for the first time. The trip is accessible and fun, making it a good pick for families or groups with varying skill levels.
Bottom Line: At $57.62, this offers excellent value for an engaging, personalized paddle experience. It’s perfect if you want a guided lesson combined with time to enjoy Cassis’s legendary calanques.
5. Kayak guided tour with a Local, Cassis Calanques National park
This tour provides a guided kayaking experience led by a local expert. Starting from Cassis, it takes you through Port-Miou, Port-Pin, and En-Vau, with a focus on storytelling and local insights. It’s flexible, lasting from 3 to 7 hours, and is perfect for those who want a personalized, intimate experience.
Highlights include visiting Port-Pin and the iconic En-Vau, with the guide sharing stories about the region’s history and natural features. The tour offers stops for swimming and exploring caves, with the guide tailoring the trip to weather conditions and group interests. The reviews praise the guide’s knowledge and the chance to see Cassis far from crowded spots. The price of $79.89 makes it a good value for a more personalized, local-led adventure.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a flexible, informative trip with a local touch. It’s best for those who appreciate storytelling and customized experiences.
6. Cassis: Sea kayaking day in the Calanques National Park
The full-day Sea Kayaking Day offers a comprehensive exploration of Cassis’s coast, perfect for dedicated paddlers. Starting from Port-Miou, you’ll explore the calanques over approximately 6.5 hours with a certified, English-speaking guide. Small groups ensure more personalized attention and the chance to see caves and hidden beaches that are hard to reach otherwise.
The itinerary involves multiple kayaking sessions, each lasting around 1 to 1.5 hours, with breaks for swimming and sightseeing. It’s suited for confident paddlers ready for a full day of exploration and physical activity. The reviews don’t specify ratings, but the detailed itinerary and focus on small groups promise a high-quality experience.
Bottom Line: At $114 per person, this full-day trip is great for active travelers who want to see as much as possible and don’t mind a full day on the water.
$114 per person
How to Choose the Right Canoe & Kayak Experience in Cassis
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, available time, and comfort level on the water. If you’re new to paddling or short on time, the half-day sea kayaking trip or the stand-up paddle tour are excellent options. For a more immersive experience, the full-day sea kayaking tour offers plenty of time to explore caves and secret beaches. Those wanting more personalized attention should consider the guided tour with a local, which combines storytelling with paddling.
Timing also matters—spring and early summer typically offer the best weather, while later in the season, tours might be more crowded or weather-dependent. Book early, especially if you want a specific guide or tour length.
Final Thoughts
Cassis’s spectacular coastline makes it an ideal destination for paddle adventures. Whether you prefer a quick guided tour, a relaxed stand-up paddle session, or a full-day exploration, there’s something to match your style and fitness level. The half-day sea kayaking trip is perfect for seeing the highlights without a big time commitment, while the full-day adventure appeals to more energetic travelers eager to explore caves and hidden beaches.
If you’re new to paddling, the guided lessons and beginner-friendly tours will make you feel safe and comfortable. For those wanting a local’s perspective, the guided tour led by a Cassis local delivers both history and personalized insights. No matter your choice, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these memorable experiences in one of France’s most beautiful coastal spots.