7 days between the Îles d’Or and Corsica: 6 days of sea kayaking, an offshore sailing crossing and 6 nights aboard our catamaran Colada.
Two shores, one crossing, one genuine Mediterranean adventure
The journey begins at the port of Hyères. For four days, we explore the Giens Peninsula, Porquerolles, Port-Cros and Le Levant by sea kayak. Colada then sets course for Corsica: a night and a full day in the open Mediterranean before we return to the kayaks to explore the Scandola Nature Reserve, Girolata and the Sanguinaires Islands on our way to Ajaccio.
This trip brings together an itinerant sea kayaking journey, life aboard and a genuine sailing crossing. Those who wish can help with sail handling, take the helm and stand watch alongside the skipper.
👉 Small group of 4 to 8 participants, usually 6 or 7, led by a French state-certified sea kayak guide.
Trip essentials
Hyères · Îles d’Or · Scandola · Ajaccio
Available on request
We can consider opening a scheduled group departure or arranging a private trip for a pre-formed group.
- Duration
- 7 days / 6 nights
- Sea kayaking days
- 6 days
- Accommodation
- Catamaran with cabins
- Technical level
- Level 2 — Intermediate
- Daily paddling
- 4 to 5 hours · approximately 15 to 25 km on sea kayaking days
- Group
- 4 to 8 participants
- 2027 price
- €2,000 per person
Durations, distances, paddling areas and the course of the sailing crossing are indicative. They may be adapted according to the wind, sea state, protected-area regulations and the pace of the group.
Why this sea kayaking journey is unique
- Two iconic territories: the protected islands of Port-Cros and Porquerolles, followed by the volcanic landscapes of Scandola and Corsica’s western coast.
- A genuine offshore crossing: after four days of sea kayaking, we leave Le Levant for a night and a full day of sailing towards Corsica.
- A truly itinerant journey: starting in Hyères and finishing in Ajaccio, without returning to the departure point.
- Sea kayaking & sailing: participants who wish can take the helm, help with sail handling and discover the rhythm of standing watch alongside the skipper.
- A mobile base camp: Colada supports the group, carries the equipment and allows the journey to continue through areas where camping is prohibited or tightly regulated.
From the Îles d’Or to Scandola: two protected areas linked by sea
East of the Giens Peninsula, Porquerolles, Port-Cros and Le Levant offer remarkably varied coastlines: pale beaches, rocky headlands, cliffs, pine forests and small coves accessible only from the sea. Port-Cros lies at the historic heart of one of Europe’s oldest marine national parks, where maritime activities and anchorages are regulated.
After the crossing, the landscape changes dramatically. Corsica’s western coast reveals the red rocks of Scandola, volcanic columns, sea caves and the reserve’s deep waters. Scandola, Girolata and the Gulf of Porto form part of a remarkable area recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The route is never completely fixed. The wind determines our departure time, progress under sail and point of approach to Corsica. Launch sites, anchorages and certain stages may change while preserving the spirit of the journey: linking two outstanding shores by sea kayak and sail.
Crossing the Mediterranean aboard Colada
After paddling around Port-Cros and Le Levant on Day 4, we return to Colada and prepare the boat for the crossing. The catamaran sets course for Corsica in the late afternoon. We sail through the night and spend Day 5 at sea, with no land in sight for part of the passage.
Life settles into the rhythm of the boat. Everyone can rest or, if they wish, help with sail handling, take the helm and stand watch alongside the skipper. Depending on the wind and our speed, we approach Galeria in the evening or during the night. The skipper remains solely responsible for all navigation decisions and adapts the route to the conditions.
The Voyage Kayak concept featured on France 3’s Thalassa
For one week, the iconic French television programme Thalassa followed Voyage Kayak around the Îles d’Or, combining sea kayaking with life aboard Colada. The documentary introduces the spirit of the first part of this journey and shows how the catamaran serves as a floating base camp.
Want to go further?
The complete Road Book and the Colada catamaran technical sheet explain the route, the crossing, the required level and life aboard in detail.
Life aboard the catamaran
At the end of each sea kayaking day, we meet Colada at an anchorage chosen according to the wind, sea state and local regulations. The boat becomes our mobile base camp: it carries the kayaks, makes the necessary connections and gives us a genuine place to rest. During the crossing, it becomes both our living space and our means of travel.
Space & comfort
- Fountaine Pajot Venezia 42: 4 double cabins, 2 single cabins, 2 heads with showers and an outdoor shower.
- Spacious outdoor deck and cockpit for relaxing, sharing meals, enjoying the anchorages and taking part in the sailing.
- The straightforward comfort of a cruising catamaran: genuine sleeping spaces with storage, naturally more compact than a hotel room.
Accommodation & cabins
Accommodation is based on a shared double cabin. Colada has 4 double cabins and 2 single cabins, allocated according to the composition of the group. Couples and pairs share a double cabin. For solo travellers, we prioritise a private cabin whenever possible; if sharing is necessary, you will be informed before confirming your booking.
A guaranteed double cabin for single occupancy is also available to solo travellers in limited numbers and subject to availability.
Meals & life together
- Breakfasts and dinners aboard, prepared with fresh, local and, whenever possible, organic produce.
- Picnic lunches during sea kayaking days; meals are served aboard during the sailing crossing.
- Meals are prepared by the skipper and guide in a relaxed, participative atmosphere; a helping hand is always welcome.
💡 Want to know more about life aboard?
Read our dedicated article: Sea kayaking & catamaran — another way to explore the Mediterranean
One week from Hyères to Ajaccio
Indicative itinerary, adapted to weather, sea state, wind, protected-area regulations and the level of the group.
- Day 1 — Hyères → Giens Peninsula → Porquerolles
Meet in the morning at the port of Hyères. After the welcome, safety briefing and kayak fitting, a transfer takes us to the launch point. We follow the Giens Peninsula, pass Grand Ribaud Island and its lighthouse, then set course for Porquerolles to meet Colada and spend our first night aboard. - Day 2 — Around Porquerolles
We explore the southern coast and its indented cliffs, punctuated by small coves, followed by the northern coast and its famous beaches. At the end of the day, the catamaran takes us towards Cap des Mèdes for the night.
- Day 3 — Crossing to Port-Cros
Depending on conditions, the crossing is made by sea kayak or aboard the catamaran. We then paddle along the southern coast of Port-Cros, between cliffs, wild coves and Mediterranean scrub, before anchoring east of the island. - Day 4 — Port-Cros, Le Levant & departure for Corsica
A final day of sea kayaking in the heart of the national park, exploring its indented coast and excellent snorkelling sites. If the sea allows, we continue towards Le Levant before returning to Colada, preparing the boat and beginning the crossing to Corsica.
- Day 5 — A full day in the open Mediterranean
After a night under way, we wake offshore. Breakfast at sea, lookout duties, sail handling and progress under sail shape this unique day. Depending on the wind and our speed, we approach Galeria Bay in the evening or during the night. - Day 6 — Scandola, Girolata & the Gulf of Sagone
We return to the kayaks to explore the cliffs, sea caves and volcanic formations of the Scandola Nature Reserve, then reach Girolata where we meet Colada. The catamaran then heads south to an anchorage in the Gulf of Sagone.
- Day 7 — Capo di Feno, La Parata & the Sanguinaires Islands → Ajaccio
Our final sea kayaking day takes us towards Ajaccio. After Capo di Feno and Pointe de la Parata, we paddle around the Sanguinaires Islands before meeting Colada. The catamaran returns us to the port of Ajaccio, where the trip finishes in the late afternoon.
🧭 Pace & distances: on sea kayaking days, allow for approximately 15 to 25 km, generally 4 to 5 hours of paddling plus breaks. Day 5 is devoted to the sailing crossing. Stages, launch sites, anchorages and timings remain adaptable to the conditions.
Would you like to extend the adventure? Depending on the dates and arrangements, this journey can be followed by an additional week in Southern Corsica, from Ajaccio towards Bonifacio and the Lavezzi Islands.
Two rhythms of travel
Sea kayaking days
Breakfast on deck is followed by a weather briefing and preparation for the day’s paddle. We launch in the area offering the best conditions and spend several hours exploring islands, headlands, coves and protected coastline. Lunch is a picnic during the journey. By late afternoon, we meet Colada again for a swim, some snorkelling or simply time to relax at anchor, followed by dinner aboard and a night in your cabin.
The sailing crossing
Day 5 follows a different rhythm. The open sea replaces the coastal landscapes, meals are served aboard and our progress depends on the wind. Everyone can observe the navigation, rest or help with sail handling and lookout duties alongside the skipper. This day is an integral part of the journey, just as much as the sea kayaking stages.
Comfort & equipment
- Fountaine Pajot Venezia 42 catamaran: 4 double cabins, 2 single cabins, 2 heads with showers and an outdoor shower. 220 V outlets are available in the cabins and saloon.
- Single sea kayaks: DAG Ysak; Zegul Reval Low Volume and Medium Volume; P&H Scorpio Medium Volume and High Volume; TRAK 2.0.
- Tandem sea kayak: DAG Biwok. The fleet covers different volumes so that we can provide an appropriate fit for a wide range of paddlers.
- Paddles & kayaking equipment: Werner and Aqua Bound paddles in a range of lengths and blade sizes; PFDs, spraydecks, dry bags and dry tops are provided.
- Safety & professional leadership: a French state-certified sea kayak guide and a professional skipper. The programme, the crossing and the daily paddling are adapted to the conditions.
🔎 For more detail: Learn more about the boat and life aboard
Is this trip right for you?
- You have previous sea kayaking experience and want to experience an itinerant journey between two very different territories.
- You have a good level of fitness and are comfortable paddling for around 4 to 5 hours and 15 to 25 km on sea kayaking days.
- You want to discover offshore sailing and life at sea, including an overnight crossing.
- You understand that a journey combining sea kayaking and sailing must remain adaptable to the wind, sea conditions and safety requirements.
- You want an active adventure while still returning each evening to a cabin, a shower and a hot meal.
Rolling is not required. Participation is subject to prior approval of our sea kayaking experience questionnaire.
Dates, price & arrangements
Available on request
How can a departure be arranged? Tell us which period would suit you. If you are travelling alone or as a pair, we can register your interest and consider opening a scheduled group departure when several compatible requests come together. For a pre-formed group, a private departure can be arranged around dates that suit your plans.
The price includes: 7 days / 6 nights aboard Colada according to the cabin allocation, with a professional skipper; the mainland–Corsica crossing; guiding by a French state-certified sea kayak guide; sea kayaking equipment throughout the trip; all meals from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 7; and a local transfer from Hyères railway station or Toulon-Hyères Airport at agreed times.
Solo travellers: we prioritise a private cabin whenever the group composition allows. To guarantee a double cabin for single occupancy, a supplement of €450 per trip applies, in limited numbers and subject to availability.
Payment: a 35% deposit when booking. Payment can be made by bank transfer or card.
Not included: travel to Hyères and onward travel from Ajaccio apart from the local transfer mentioned above, cancellation / assistance / repatriation insurance, personal expenses and tips, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks and other drinks not included in the programme, additional nights.
Reviews of our sea kayaking & catamaran trips
These testimonials are from different Voyage Kayak itineraries in the Mediterranean combining sea kayaking with life aboard the catamaran.
Useful information
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Access & departure
Meet in the morning of Day 1 at the port of Hyères. The exact time is provided in your joining instructions. Hyères is accessible by train via Marseille or Toulon, and Toulon-Hyères Airport is close to the port. A local transfer from the railway station or airport can be arranged at agreed times.
End of the trip & onward travel
The journey finishes at the port of Ajaccio in the late afternoon of Day 7, subject to sailing conditions. Ajaccio has an airport and ferry connections to mainland France. For your onward travel, allow a comfortable time buffer and choose a flexible ticket whenever possible.
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Level: previous sea kayaking experience, good physical fitness and approval of the experience questionnaire before participation.
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Sailing crossing: one night and a full day at sea are an integral part of the journey. The skipper adapts the timings and route to the conditions.
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Weather & protected areas: the route, crossings, launch sites and anchorages may be adapted to prioritise safety and comply with local regulations.
FAQ — Essentials
How long is the trip?
7 days / 6 nights between Hyères and Ajaccio, with 6 days that include sea kayaking and one day devoted to the sailing crossing towards Corsica.
Why does the trip include 6 sea kayaking days over a 7-day journey?
Days 1 to 4, followed by Days 6 and 7, include sea kayaking. Day 5 is spent in the open Mediterranean and is devoted to the sailing crossing after the first night under way.
What level is required?
You must be able to swim, have previous sea kayaking experience and have a good level of physical fitness for around 4 to 5 hours and 15 to 25 km of paddling depending on the stage. Rolling is not required. Participation is subject to prior approval of our sea kayaking experience questionnaire.
How does the sailing crossing to Corsica work?
After the sea kayaking stage on Day 4, we return aboard Colada and set course for Corsica. The passage continues through the night and throughout Day 5. Those who wish can help with sail handling, take the helm and stand watch alongside the skipper. Timings, route and arrival are adapted to the conditions.
Where does the journey start and finish?
Meet in the morning of Day 1 at the port of Hyères; the exact time is provided in your joining instructions. The trip finishes at the port of Ajaccio in the late afternoon of Day 7, subject to sailing conditions.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes. Stages, launch sites, anchorages, crossings and timings may be adapted according to weather, sea state, wind, protected-area regulations, group ability and safety requirements. The skipper and guide make the decisions needed to preserve the safety and quality of the journey.
How are cabins allocated for solo travellers?
The standard price is based on shared double-cabin accommodation. For solo travellers, we prioritise a private cabin whenever the group configuration allows, but this is not guaranteed at the standard price. If sharing is required, the people concerned are informed before confirming their booking. A guaranteed double cabin for single occupancy is available, subject to availability, for a supplement of €450 per trip.
How are meals organised?
Breakfasts and dinners are served aboard; lunches are picnics during sea kayaking days. During the sailing crossing, meals are served aboard. Menus use fresh, local produce and organic ingredients whenever possible.
How can I request a departure?
Tell us your preferred period and the number of participants. If you are travelling alone or with a small number of people, we can register your interest and consider a scheduled group departure if several compatible requests come together. For a pre-formed group, a private departure can be arranged around suitable dates.
What is the price and what is included?
The 2027 price is €2,000 per person. It includes 6 nights aboard Colada according to the cabin allocation, with a professional skipper; the mainland–Corsica crossing; guiding by a French state-certified sea kayak guide; sea kayaking equipment throughout the trip; all meals from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 7; and a local transfer from Hyères railway station or Toulon-Hyères Airport at agreed times.
Would you like to know more?
Request the “From the Îles d’Or to Scandola” Road Book and the complete Colada catamaran technical sheet.