Cassis, with its rugged cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and small fishing coves, is a prime spot for canoe and kayak adventures. Its calm, turquoise waters and dramatic limestone formations make exploring this coastline by water both visually stunning and wonderfully intimate. We particularly like the Cassis: Calanques National Park Sea Kayaking Tour, which offers a full-day immersion into the area’s natural beauty, complemented by engaging stories from a local guide and a chance to swim in pristine spots. For those seeking a quick yet scenic outing, the Half-Day Sea Kayaking Trip provides a relaxed experience with expert supervision, perfect for families or first-timers. Meanwhile, the Stand UP paddle in the Creeks National Park stands out for its personalized approach and the chance to learn paddleboarding in calm, scenic creeks—great for all skill levels.
Below, you’ll find a curated list of six top canoe and kayak experiences in Cassis. Each offers a different taste of the Calanques, suited for varying interests, time constraints, and adventure levels.
1. Cassis: Calanques National Park Sea Kayaking Tour
At number 1, this full-day sea kayaking adventure takes you through the stunning Calanques—Port-Miou, Port-Pin, and En-Vau—while sharing stories about the area’s geology and history. Priced at $89 per person, it offers a lengthy experience ranging from 3 to 7 hours, making it excellent for those wanting an in-depth exploration. The tour starts from Cassis and includes scenic stops for photos, swims, and picnic breaks. The instructor guides you through the dramatic cliffs and secret coves, making the experience both educational and fun.
What makes this tour stand out is its immersive nature: you get to paddle in relatively untouched spots and enjoy the diverse landscapes of southern France. The presence of an instructor ensures safety and adds local insights, making it perfect for curious travelers eager to learn more. The reviews, with an overall rating of 4.6/5 from 69 reviews, praise the combination of scenery, guide expertise, and the opportunity to explore off the beaten path.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal if you want a comprehensive, full-day experience with plenty of swimming and sightseeing. It’s best suited for active travelers comfortable with variable weather and longer outings.
2. Cassis: Stand UP paddle in the creeks national park
Coming in at number 2, this stand-up paddleboarding tour offers a more relaxed, hands-on way to enjoy Cassis’ calmer waters. For just $57.62, you’ll spend about 3 hours learning to paddle and exploring the peaceful creeks nearby. Guided by a passionate instructor, John, the tour emphasizes learning proper paddle technique while soaking in the stunning views of the cliffs and hidden coves.
This experience is especially popular with those new to stand-up paddleboarding, as the guide adapts to all skill levels, making it accessible for beginners and more confident paddlers alike. Reviewers highlight the magnificent scenery and appreciated the personalized guidance. One reviewer notes, “We discovered even more of Cassis’s beauty from the water, and John made everyone feel at ease.”
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers looking for a shorter, beginner-friendly adventure with plenty of opportunities for photos and relaxing in scenic spots. It’s also a great choice if you want to try paddleboarding without committing to a full day.
3. Kayak guided tour with a Local, Cassis Calanques National park
Number 3 on our list is a half-day guided kayak tour that covers Port-Miou, Port-Pin, and En-Vau. For around $80, this tour offers a personalized experience led by an experienced local guide who shares stories about the region. The tour begins at Port-Miou, a charming cove that sets the tone for a day of exploring towering cliffs and secret hideaways via kayak.
What makes this tour stand out is the blend of scenic paddling and cultural storytelling, enriching the natural experience with local lore. It’s suitable for travelers with moderate fitness levels and those who prefer smaller groups—only three reviews give it a perfect 5-star rating, with glowing comments about the guide’s knowledge and the peaceful, unspoiled scenery. The tour visits Calanque de Port-Pin, then ventures further to En-Vau if weather allows, offering a flexible, customizable experience.
Bottom line: This is a fantastic choice if you seek a more intimate, story-rich experience with a local guide, ideal for those wanting to learn as they explore.
4. Guided Sea Kayaking Tour in the Calanques
Number 4 features a 4-hour guided sea kayaking adventure priced at $89.80, focusing on the most scenic spots in the Calanques. The tour includes a stop at En-Vau, where you can take photos and enjoy a swim, then explores Port-Pin and Port-Miou. Led by an instructor, this tour emphasizes marine biodiversity and scenic beauty, with the guide sharing insights into local geology and marine life.
The tour’s main appeal is its balanced itinerary—offering enough time to see key calanques without feeling rushed. Reviewers highlight Richard’s enthusiasm and the great exercise involved in paddling around the cliffs and coves. The small-group setting also enhances the experience, making it perfect for travelers wanting a guided but active outing.
Bottom line: Well-suited for those who want a mid-length tour with a focus on wildlife and scenery, especially if you’re eager to explore multiple calanques in one outing.
5. Cassis: Day trip by sea kayak
Number 5 offers a full-day sea kayaking adventure in Cassis’s Calanques, ideal for those wanting an all-encompassing experience. For about 6 hours, you’ll paddle through the most beautiful rocky inlets, enjoy a picnic, and possibly do some light hiking. This tour is led by a state-certified guide and includes navigation equipment in excellent condition.
This option is especially appealing to travelers with a full day to spare, who love combining paddling with scenic hikes and picnics. Although the exact price isn’t listed, the itinerary emphasizes a relaxed, friendly environment with plenty of stops for marine life viewing and photo opportunities. The route includes a hop-on-hop-off element, giving flexibility to the day’s activities.
Bottom line: Great for active travelers looking for a comprehensive day of paddling, hiking, and relaxing in some of the most beautiful parts of the Calanques.
6. Half-Day Sea Kayaking Trip in Cassis
Finally, the half-day sea kayaking trip is a shorter, more flexible option. Although specific reviews and prices aren’t listed, it offers safety supervision by a local guide and the chance to see the iconic turquoise waters and spectacular cliffs of Cassis’s coast. It’s a solid choice for travelers who want a taste of the Calanques without committing to a full day.
This tour is suitable for those with limited time or uncertain fitness levels but still want to experience Cassis’s natural beauty firsthand. The focus is on high-quality equipment and guided safety, making it accessible for most levels of experience.
Bottom line: If your schedule is tight or you’re unsure about a longer commitment, this half-day trip offers a quick but memorable introduction to Cassis’s coastal scenery.
How to Choose Your Perfect Cassis Kayaking Experience
When selecting among these kayak and canoe options, consider your budget, available time, and interest in learning. If you want a full-day, in-depth adventure with plenty of swimming and sightseeing, the Cassis: Calanques National Park Sea Kayaking Tour is hard to beat. For a more relaxed, beginner-friendly experience, the Stand UP paddle in the creeks national park offers a gentle introduction.
If you prefer a more personalized, storytelling experience, the Kayak guided tour with a Local is a perfect fit. For those wanting a balanced, guided exploration of multiple calanques within a shorter window, the Guided Sea Kayaking Tour is ideal.
Finally, travelers with limited time or looking for a quick intro might prefer the Half-Day Sea Kayaking Trip. Booking early is always wise in high season, especially for tours with limited slots or those that are highly rated.
Final Thoughts
Cassis offers a variety of kayaking and paddling experiences that suit many tastes—from full-day adventures exploring the rugged coastline to gentle paddleboarding in calm creeks. For those wanting a deep dive into the Calanques’ natural beauty, the full-day sea kayaking tour truly shines. If you prefer a more relaxed pace with some instruction, the stand-up paddle tour is a fantastic option. For a more intimate and storytelling-focused experience, the local-guided kayak tour offers a personal touch.
No matter your choice, each experience provides an authentic way to enjoy Cassis’s stunning scenery. To get the most out of your trip, book ahead, especially during peak season, and choose a tour that aligns with your fitness level, budget, and curiosity. With so many excellent options, you’re sure to find a kayaking adventure that makes your visit to Cassis unforgettable.
