5 days travelling by sea between Marseille and La Ciotat, including 4 days of sea kayaking in the heart of Calanques National Park, with 4 nights aboard our catamaran Colada.
From Marseille to the cliffs of La Ciotat
The journey begins in southern Marseille and gradually unfolds along one of the most spectacular coastlines in the Mediterranean. The Old Port, Château d’If and the Frioul Archipelago open the trip before the islands of Riou and the great limestone cliffs of Calanques National Park.
Sormiou, Morgiou, Sugiton, En-Vau, then Cap Canaille and Île Verte form a succession of very different landscapes: white cliffs plunging into the sea, narrow coves, rocky headlands, wild islands and wide-open views towards Marseille.
Each evening, Colada becomes our floating base camp. The catamaran meets us in a new area, carries the equipment and gives us the flexibility to adapt selected transfers to the weather and the group’s pace.
👉 Small group of 4 to 8 participants, guided by a French state-certified sea kayaking instructor.
Trip at a glance
Marseille Calanques · Marseille → La Ciotat
Available on request
We can look at opening a group departure or arranging the trip privately for an existing group.
- Duration
- 5 days / 4 nights
- Kayaking days
- 4 days
- Accommodation
- Catamaran with cabins
- Technical level
- Level 2 — Intermediate
- Daily paddling
- 4 to 5 hours · approx. 20 km
- Group size
- 4 to 8 participants
- Price
- €1,500 per person
Times, distances, launch points, anchorages and transfers are indicative. They may be adapted according to the wind, sea conditions, Calanques National Park regulations, the group’s level and safety considerations.
Why this journey is unique
- A sea journey from Marseille towards La Ciotat: the kayak reveals the city, islands and Calanques from their maritime side.
- The heart of Calanques National Park: Sormiou, Morgiou, Sugiton and En-Vau are explored at water level beneath monumental limestone cliffs.
- Two island groups at the gates of Marseille: Frioul and Riou add a wild, insular dimension from the very first days.
- Kayaking & sailing: transfers aboard Colada let us connect the most interesting sectors and adapt the programme to the conditions.
- A comfortable mobile base: each evening, we return to a cabin, a shower and a hot meal in a new anchorage.
Marseille, the islands and the great limestone cliffs
The beginning of the journey offers an unexpected view of Marseille. From La Pointe Rouge, the kayak lets us approach the Old Port from the sea before crossing towards Château d’If and the Frioul Islands. Very quickly, the city gives way to rocky relief and open horizons.
Further south, the Riou Archipelago marks the entrance to a much wilder section of coastline. Then come the great Calanques: Sormiou, Morgiou, Sugiton and En-Vau. Sea kayaks are particularly well suited to this deeply indented coast, allowing us to enter narrow coves and paddle close to the cliffs while respecting park regulations.
Beyond Cassis, the geology changes again beneath the imposing cliffs of Cap Canaille. The journey continues towards Île Verte and La Ciotat before returning to Marseille aboard the catamaran.
Want to know more?
The full Road Book and the Colada technical sheet provide more detail about the itinerary, expected level and life on board.
Life aboard the catamaran
Colada accompanies our progress along the coast. At the end of each day, we meet the catamaran at an anchorage chosen according to the wind, sea conditions, local regulations and the logic of the route. This floating base brings both comfort and flexibility: it carries the equipment, provides selected transfers and lets us adapt a day when conditions are not suitable for kayaking.
Space & comfort
- Fountaine Pajot Venezia 42: 4 double cabins, 2 single cabins, 2 indoor bathrooms and an outdoor shower.
- Large outdoor deck and cockpit for meals, relaxing and life at anchor.
- Simple liveaboard comfort: proper sleeping and storage spaces, naturally more compact than a hotel room.
Accommodation & cabins
Accommodation is based on a shared double cabin. Cabin allocation depends on the composition of the group. Couples and pairs share a double cabin. For solo travellers, we aim to provide a cabin for individual use whenever the configuration allows; if sharing is necessary, you will be informed before confirming your booking.
A guaranteed double cabin for single occupancy can be offered to solo travellers in limited numbers and subject to availability, with a supplement of €450 per trip.
Meals & life together
- Breakfasts and dinners on board, using fresh, local ingredients and organic produce whenever possible.
- Picnic lunches during the kayaking days.
- Meals are prepared by the skipper and guide in a relaxed, shared atmosphere; helping out is always welcome.
💡 Want to know more about life on board?
Read our dedicated article: Sea kayaking & catamaran — the other way to explore
Five days between Marseille and La Ciotat
Indicative itinerary, adapted according to the weather, sea conditions, wind, Calanques National Park regulations and the group’s level. The trip is presented with 4 kayaking days; the exact balance between kayaking and catamaran transfers depends on the conditions encountered.
- Day 1 — La Pointe Rouge → Marseille → Château d’If → Frioul
We meet in the morning at La Pointe Rouge harbour in Marseille. After introductions, a safety briefing and preparing the equipment, we launch the kayaks. Depending on conditions, we discover Marseille from the sea before crossing towards Château d’If and the Frioul Archipelago. At the end of the day, we meet Colada for our first night on board. - Day 2 — Riou Archipelago
A transfer aboard Colada allows us to reach the Riou area in good conditions. We then spend the day exploring this wild archipelago by sea kayak, among rocky islands, open-water passages and protected coastline. Night aboard the catamaran.
- Day 3 — Sormiou → Morgiou → Sugiton → En-Vau
We enter the heart of the Calanques. The kayak lets us connect the major coves and paddle beneath the limestone cliffs. Sormiou, Morgiou, Sugiton and En-Vau make this a particularly dramatic day, surrounded by the mineral landscapes that define the national park. - Day 4 — Cassis → Cap Canaille → Île Verte → La Ciotat
We continue eastwards. Beyond the Cassis area, the coast changes character beneath the cliffs of Cap Canaille. The journey continues towards Île Verte and La Ciotat, where we meet the boat for our final night.
- Day 5 — Return to Marseille aboard Colada
We leave the La Ciotat area aboard the catamaran and sail back towards Marseille. Depending on conditions and the actual organisation of the trip, this day may include some additional paddling, but it is mainly devoted to the return by sea. The trip ends in Marseille in the afternoon.
🧭 Pace & distances: expect around 20 km per kayaking day, usually 4 to 5 hours on the water including breaks. Distances and the balance between kayaking and catamaran transfers are adjusted daily.
What does a typical day look like?
Breakfast on board, a weather briefing and preparation of the day’s route. We head towards the sector offering the best conditions, then launch the kayaks for several hours among islands, cliffs and Calanques. Lunch is a picnic. At the end of the afternoon, we meet Colada at a new anchorage for a swim, time to relax, dinner on board and a night in your cabin.
Comfort & equipment
- Fountaine Pajot Venezia 42 catamaran: floating base for the 4 nights, with cabins, living spaces and deck space for transporting the kayaks.
- Single sea kayaks: a fleet of several volumes and models, including DAG Ysak, Zegul Reval, P&H Scorpio and TRAK 2.0, allowing us to match the kayak to each participant’s size and level.
- Tandem sea kayak: DAG Biwok available according to the needs and composition of the group.
- Paddles & equipment: Werner and Aqua Bound paddles, PFDs, spraydecks, dry bags and safety equipment suited to the trip.
- Safety & guiding: a French state-certified sea kayaking instructor and a professional skipper. Navigation decisions are reassessed daily according to the conditions.
🔎 For those who want the details: Everything you need to know about the boat and life on board
Is this trip right for you?
- You have previous sea kayaking experience and want to paddle for several hours a day along a coastline that can sometimes be exposed.
- You have the physical fitness to paddle for around 4 to 5 hours and roughly 20 km on kayaking days.
- You enjoy combining coastal exploration, life on board and maritime travel.
- You understand that a journey in the Calanques must remain adaptable to the wind, sea conditions and National Park regulations.
- You want an active adventure while still returning each evening to a cabin, a shower and a hot meal.
A kayak roll is not required. Participation is subject to prior approval of our paddling-level questionnaire.
Dates, price & organisation
Available on request
How can a departure be opened? Tell us which period would suit you. If you are travelling alone or as a pair, we can register your interest and look at opening a group departure when several compatible requests come together. For an existing group, a private departure can be considered with dates adapted to your plans.
The price includes: 5 days / 4 nights aboard Colada according to cabin allocation, with a professional skipper; guiding by a French state-certified sea kayaking instructor; sea kayaking equipment throughout the trip; all meals from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 5; the catamaran transfers included in the programme.
Solo travellers: we aim to provide a cabin for individual use whenever the composition of the group allows. To guarantee a double cabin for single occupancy, a supplement of €450 per trip applies, in limited numbers and subject to availability.
Not included: transport to reach Marseille and onward travel after the trip, cancellation / assistance / repatriation insurance, personal expenses and tips, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks and any other drinks not included, additional nights.
Reviews of our kayak & catamaran trips
These reviews relate to different Voyage Kayak itineraries in the Mediterranean combining sea kayaking with life aboard the catamaran. They illustrate the spirit of the trips and the way the programme adapts to conditions.
Useful information
Getting there & starting the trip
Meet in the morning of Day 1 at La Pointe Rouge harbour in Marseille. The exact time is provided with the departure information. We recommend arriving the day before if you have a long journey to Marseille so that you have a comfortable margin.
End of the trip
The return to Marseille takes place aboard Colada on Day 5. The trip is expected to finish in the afternoon, but the exact time depends on the weather, sea conditions and programme actually completed. Allow plenty of time before any onward connection.
Level
Previous sea kayaking experience and good physical fitness are required. Participation is subject to approval of our paddling-level questionnaire. See our Difficulty of our trips and holidays page.
Weather & National Park
The Marseille coastline can be exposed to wind and swell. Stages, launch points, anchorages and transfers may be adapted to prioritise safety and respect the regulations applying within Calanques National Park. The guide and skipper reassess the programme each day.
FAQ — Essential information
How long is the trip?
The trip lasts 5 days / 4 nights, with 4 days of sea kayaking and 4 nights aboard the catamaran Colada.
What level is required?
The trip is rated Level 2 — Intermediate. You must be able to swim, have previous sea kayaking experience and have the physical fitness to paddle for around 4 to 5 hours and roughly 20 km on kayaking days. A kayak roll is not required. Participation is subject to prior approval of our paddling-level questionnaire.
How long and how far do we paddle each day?
Expect around 20 km, usually 4 to 5 hours of kayaking including breaks. These distances are indicative and are adapted to the conditions, the group and the organisation of catamaran transfers.
Where does the trip start and finish?
We meet in the morning of Day 1 at La Pointe Rouge harbour in Marseille. After travelling towards La Ciotat, Day 5 is mainly devoted to the return to Marseille aboard Colada. The trip is expected to finish in the afternoon, subject to conditions.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes. Stages, launch points, anchorages, distances and transfers may be adapted according to the weather, sea conditions, wind, Calanques National Park regulations, the group’s level and safety requirements. The guide and skipper make the necessary decisions during the trip.
What role does the catamaran play during the trip?
Colada serves as our floating base camp, carries the equipment and welcomes the group each evening. It also provides selected transfers between kayaking areas and allows us to adapt the progression when conditions require it.
How are cabins organised for solo travellers?
The standard price is based on accommodation in a shared double cabin. For solo travellers, we aim to provide a cabin for individual use whenever the group composition allows, but this cannot be guaranteed at the standard price. A guaranteed double cabin for single occupancy can be offered, subject to availability, with a supplement of €450 per trip.
How are meals organised?
Meals are included from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 5. Breakfasts and dinners are served on board; lunches are generally provided as picnics during kayaking days. We use fresh, local and organic produce whenever possible.
How can I request a departure?
Tell us your preferred period and the number of participants. If you are travelling alone or as a small party, we can register your interest and look at opening a group departure when several compatible requests come together. For an existing group, a private departure can be considered with dates adapted to your plans.
What is the price and what does it include?
The price is €1,500 per person. It includes 4 nights aboard Colada according to cabin allocation with a professional skipper, guiding by a French state-certified sea kayaking instructor, sea kayaking equipment throughout the trip, all meals from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 5 and the catamaran transfers included in the programme.
Ready to plan your Marseille Calanques journey?
Request the “Marseille Calanques” Road Book and the complete technical sheet for the catamaran Colada.