Southern Crete

A challenging expedition for experienced Sea Kayakers.  A 7-day journey along the south coast of Crete from Plakias to Ierapetra.  The total distance is approx 160 km.  This section of coast is largely inaccessible by land.

The Price includes:

  • 7 days' sea kayaking
  • 6 nights' wild camping
  • Fully guided by Rod Feldtmann
  • Full logistical support
  • All sea kayaking equipment
  • Camping equipment
  • Food and food preparation - this trip is self catered
  • Hotel in Plakias on arrival night (approx €70 per room)
  • Hotel in Ierapetra on last night (approx €70 per room)
  • Shared transfer from Heraklion Airport to Plakias (€25pp)
  • Shared transfer from Ierapetra to Heraklion at end of trip (€25pp)

April 11-19, 2026

Price : €900

Arrival and departure

The advertised dates indicate your arrival and departure dates to and from Heraklion.  

  • Arrive at Heraklion anytime before 4 pm on April 11 . A shared transfer to Plakias (1 hr, 40 min) will be booked for you when everyone’s flight details are received.  Or, find your own way to Plakias
  • Depart from Heraklion anytime on April 19 after 12 noon, or stay the night and depart the following day.
  • There could be direct flights to Heraklion from European capitals.
  • You can fly to Heraklion from Athens with Olympic Air or Sky Express.
  • There is an overnight ferry from Piraeus to Heraklion with Minoan lines.

Expedition Plan

  • April 11:  Arrive to Heraklion airport, shared transfer to Plakias, stay in a seaside hotel (actual hotel TBA) supermarket shopping, group evening meal at restaurant. 
  • April 12:  Breakfast at hotel, unload trailer, pack boats, start paddling.  Extra baggage can be stored in the trailer.
  • April 12-18: 7 days’ kayaking with 6 nights’ camping along the south coast of Crete. The total distance is about 160 km. We need to average 23 km/day.
  • April 18: Arrive at Ierapetra, unload boats, stay in hotel (actual hotel TBA), hotel or restaurant dinner.  Rod returns to Plakias to get car and trailer.
  • April 19: Hotel breakfast, load trailer, transfer to Heraklion Airport or city.

Maps

A laminated A4 map at 1:100000 scale, will be provided.

Required Paddling Experience

This expedition is for experienced sea kayakers.  You should have enough stamina to paddle an average 25 km per day for 7 days in a variety of sea conditions.  You should be comfortable with the idea of paddling in moderate wind and waves, as challenging conditions are likely on at least some of the days.  You should have practised the T-rescue and know how to do an assisted deep water re-entry.

If you have limited paddling experience, our Explore Milos Package will provide excellent preparation for this expedition.

Camping

Camping will be wild on remote beaches.   There are no facilities and no water supply. All camping equipment, food and water must be carried in the kayak.  A strong lightweight tent is essential.  A quality, inflatable sleeping mat and pillow is recommended.

Food

The expedition is self catered. Usually we each look after our own breakfast, lunch and snacks and take turns to prepare a small group evening meal.  Food for the first stage can be bought from a supermarket in Plakias on the morning of day 1.  You are welcome to bring food items from home.  There will be an opportunity to stock up every second or third day, allowing us to travel light and live well. Occasional stops at restaurants and coffee shops are a possibility.

Stoves and fuel

We recommend stoves powered by gas canisters with a screw-on fitting (camping-Gaz or coleman type), readily available in local supermarkets.

We have camping stoves for hire upon request €30/week – suitable for up to 4 persons.  The Trangia stove, includes 2 x 2lt pots, kettle and frying pan. see photo.

Weather

April in Crete, is a comfortable spring month, with average temperature fluctuating between 13°C and 18°C.  On average, rain falls on 7 days/month, so we can expect some wet weather.  The sea temperature is around 17°C.  Source www.weather-atlas.com

What to wear

For paddling, shorts and a shirt will be sufficient on sunny days. A cagoule (waterproof paddling jacket) and neoprene trousers or similar may be required if its windy or overcast.

See a complete Packing list >