La Ciotat is a fantastic base for exploring the Calanques National Park, thanks to its coastal charm and easy access to some of France’s most stunning natural scenery. Whether you’re into kayaking, climbing, or hiking, this small port town offers a variety of tours that let you experience the park’s rugged cliffs, crystalline waters, and secret caves firsthand. Our favorite? The Kayak Tour at Calanques National Park — it balances breathtaking scenery with manageable exercise, making it perfect for a half-day outing.
While La Ciotat sure has adventure options, it’s also a place where you can enjoy more relaxed explorations. From a private kayak rental that lets you set your own pace, to guided tours exploring caves and cliffs, each experience offers something unique. For those who want a full-day on the water, the Calanques National Park Kayak Day Tour is a great choice. And if you’re looking to combine physical activity with learning about the local environment, the guided hike or the climbing adventure could be perfect.
Below, we’ve detailed the eight best National Park tours around La Ciotat, helping you find the right match for your interests, fitness level, and schedule. Whether you want a quick paddle or a full day of exploring caves, this list covers the best ways to experience the Calanques.
1. Kayak Tour at Calanques National Park (Ciotat)
At number 1, this Kayak Tour at Calanques National Park offers a fantastic way to see the park’s highlights in just about three hours. The tour includes time to explore Green Island, Eagle Beak, and Mugel Creek from the water, with a locker provided to keep your belongings safe. Guided by Ely, who’s both knowledgeable and personable, you’ll learn about the geology and history while paddling through clear waters.
What makes this tour stand out is its combination of spectacular scenery and manageable pace—perfect for travelers with limited time but a desire for an active experience. The reviews are glowing, with many praising the fun, safety, and the chance to explore caves and coves that are only accessible from the water. One reviewer wrote, “The scenery was gorgeous, and the kayaking challenging but fun, especially with Ellie as a guide.”
Bottom line: This tour is ideal if you want a short, high-impact trip that delivers stunning views and a dose of adventure without requiring full-day commitment.
2. La Ciotat Private Kayak Rental in the Calanques National Park
For those who prefer flexibility, the Private Kayak Rental provides a full day to explore at your own pace. Meeting along the waterfront, you’ll get a brief intro before heading out to discover islands, rocky inlets, and the famed Bec de l’Aigle rock formation. This option is perfect for independent travelers or groups who want to customize their adventure.
The main advantage here is freedom—paddle when you want, stop where you want, and take in the scenery without a strict schedule. Reviewers mention that even with minor delays, staff are accommodating, and equipment is sufficient for a comfortable day on the water. The flexibility makes it a favorite for seasoned paddlers or families seeking a relaxed, self-led experience.
Bottom line: Best suited for confident paddlers and those with a flexible schedule, this rental lets you make your own memorable moments in the Calanques.
3. La Ciotat: Calanques National Park Guided Kayak Tour
At number 3, the Guided Kayak Tour combines the thrill of paddling with expert storytelling. This tour spans 3 to 7 hours, giving you ample time to visit hidden coves, sea caves, and the Green Island—all while your guide shares insights about the landscape and history.
What sets this apart is the guided element, making it suitable for travelers new to kayaking or those who want a richer understanding of the park’s secrets. The itinerary includes a safety briefing, visits to iconic spots like Mugel and Figuerolles, and a chance to relax and snap photos. The reviews praise the guide’s storytelling, local knowledge, and the opportunity to see the Calanques from a sustainable, water-level perspective.
Bottom line: This tour is a great pick if you want a comprehensive, educational experience with a guide who knows the area well and shares stories along the way.
4. Calanques National Park Kayak Day Tour
Number 4 on our list is the Calanques National Park Kayak Day Tour. Spanning about 7 hours, this tour offers an immersive experience of the coast, including a chance to see Green Island, Eagle Beak, and Mugel Creek from the water. It’s perfect for active travelers eager to spend a full day exploring.
Guided by Alex, who’s known for his local knowledge, this tour provides a great balance of paddling and leisure stops, including a lunch break—perfect for recharging amid spectacular scenery. The reviews highlight the excellent route planning, with spots chosen for their beauty and tranquility. This is a more intense option, ideal if you’re comfortable with longer periods of paddling and want to pack in as much as possible.
Bottom line: Suitable for active travelers wanting a full day of kayaking, this tour offers great value and memorable views.
5. Daytime Multi-Pitch Climbing in the Calanques National Park
For the adventurous, the Multi-Pitch Climbing offers a chance to climb with panoramic views of the sea. This 7-hour experience is perfect for climbers or those with some experience looking for a unique challenge. The guide takes you up multi-pitch routes on the cliffs, providing stunning vistas after each climb.
This tour stands out because it combines physical activity with spectacular scenery, unlike typical water-based trips. The limited reviews reflect its niche appeal, but those who try it praise the high-quality equipment and the chance to experience the Calanques from above.
Bottom line: Best suited for climbers or active travelers craving a memorable, high-adrenaline experience with impressive views.
6. La Ciotat: Caving in Calanques National Park Half-Day Tour
Number 6 is the Caving Half-Day Tour. Exploring beneath the surface, you’ll head into caves, admire stalactites and stalagmites, and test your sense of adventure. The tour includes a brief safety briefing, a short walk to the caves, and about three hours underground.
What makes this experience special is the underground perspective on the park’s geology. It’s suited for travelers comfortable with some physical activity and who enjoy exploring unusual environments. The reviews note the “spectacular scenery” and the chance to see thousand-year-old rock formations. However, it’s a smaller-scale tour with a limited number of participants, which often results in a more intimate experience.
Bottom line: Ideal if you’re curious about underground environments and don’t mind a bit of crawling and climbing.
7. La Ciotat: Calanques National Park Guided Hike
Number 7, the Guided Hike, offers a walk through some of the park’s most spectacular scenery. Over about six hours, you’ll learn about the local flora and fauna, explore viewpoints like the Cliffs of Soubeyranes, and get a close-up look at the rugged coastline.
This tour is perfect for those who prefer walking over water, with a focus on nature and landscape photography. The guide’s knowledge adds depth to the experience, making it suitable for nature lovers and active travelers alike. The walk covers a good stretch of terrain but remains accessible for most fitness levels.
Bottom line: Great for nature enthusiasts and hikers wanting a comprehensive look at the park’s landscapes.
8. La Ciotat: Calanques National Park Stand-Up Paddleboard Tour
Finally, the Stand-Up Paddleboard Tour gives you a chance to glide along the coast for 1.5 hours, either half or full day. The calm waters of the park are perfect for practicing your balance while admiring rocky caves and coves.
This tour appeals to those who want to combine scenic views with a relaxed activity. It’s suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike, with equipment and guidance provided. Many reviews mention how enjoyable it was to stand-up paddle along the dramatic coastline, especially during calm mornings.
Bottom line: Best for casual paddlers or families, this tour offers a tranquil way to experience the coastline without intense exertion.
How to Choose Your Perfect Calanques Experience
When deciding between these National Park tours in La Ciotat, consider your fitness level, interests, and schedule. If you’re short on time but want a taste of the scenery, the Kayak Tour at Calanques National Park is a solid choice. For those craving a full-day adventure, the Kayak Day Tour offers an immersive experience.
If your aim is to learn about the environment and see caves, the caving or guided hike are excellent. For active climbers, the multi-pitch climbing is a memorable challenge. And if you prefer relaxed water activities, both stand-up paddleboarding and private kayak rentals suit casual explorers.
Booking early is advised, especially for guided tours and rentals in peak seasons. Spring and early fall are ideal for comfortable weather and fewer crowds.
Final Thoughts
La Ciotat offers a surprising diversity of ways to experience the Calanques National Park. From quick paddles to full-day explorations, there’s a tour to match almost every interest and fitness level. For a half-day adventure, the kayak tour or paddleboarding are excellent options, while the guided hikes or climbing adventures are perfect for active travelers seeking more challenge.
If you’re traveling with family or friends, consider private rentals for maximum flexibility. And remember, the best experiences often come when you book early and plan your visit during the spring or early fall, when the weather is mild and the crowds are thinner. No matter which tour you choose, La Ciotat’s rugged coastline and sparkling waters won’t disappoint.
