7 days of island-hopping by sea kayak between the Giens Peninsula, Porquerolles, Port-Cros, Le Levant and Fort de Brégançon, with 6 nights aboard our catamaran Colada.
The Îles d’Or from the sea
Just off Hyères, Porquerolles, Port-Cros and Le Levant form an exceptional archipelago for sea kayaking. To the west, the Giens Peninsula opens the journey; farther east, Cap Bénat and Fort de Brégançon extend the route along the Var coastline.
For a full week, we travel at the pace of the sea, between cliffs, secluded coves, pine-covered shores and clear Mediterranean water. The kayaks let us explore the coastline at close range, while Colada, our floating catamaran base camp, follows the journey and meets us again each evening at a different anchorage.
👉 Small group of 4 to 8 guests, usually 6 or 7, led by a French state-certified sea kayak guide.
Essential trip information
Giens · Porquerolles · Port-Cros · Le Levant
Available on request
We can consider opening a scheduled group departure or arranging a private departure for a pre-formed group.
- Duration
- 7 days / 6 nights
- Kayaking days
- 7 days
- Accommodation
- Catamaran cabins
- Technical level
- Level 2 — Intermediate
- Daily paddling
- 4 to 5 hours · indicative 15 to 25 km
- Group size
- 4 to 8 guests
- 2027 price
- €2,000 per person
Durations, distances and the route are indicative and may be adapted to the weather, sea state, national park regulations and the pace of the group.
Why this sea kayaking trip is different
- Three islands, several distinct landscapes: the beaches and cliffs of Porquerolles, the wild relief of Port-Cros and the rocky coastline of Le Levant.
- A genuine island-hopping journey: Giens, Porquerolles, Port-Cros, Le Levant, Cap Bénat and Brégançon are linked together according to the conditions.
- Two worlds in one: active sea kayaking by day, then a cabin, a shower, a hot meal and a new anchorage each evening.
- A historic marine national park: we travel through protected waters where navigation, anchoring and access are regulated.
- Sea kayaking & sailing: when conditions are favourable, some legs are completed under sail and guests who wish to can take part in sail handling and manoeuvres.
The Îles d’Or: a protected Mediterranean archipelago
The name Îles d’Or refers to Porquerolles, Port-Cros and Le Levant. Porquerolles, the largest of the three, combines pale northern beaches with a rugged southern coast. Port-Cros forms the historic heart of the national park and has retained a particularly wild character. Farther east, Le Levant extends the archipelago with a long rocky shoreline that we explore from the sea whenever conditions allow.
Created in 1963, Port-Cros National Park is the oldest marine national park in France and Europe. Wild camping is prohibited and maritime activities are regulated. This is precisely why Colada makes so much sense here: the catamaran allows us to maintain a genuine island-to-island journey while using authorised anchorages and respecting the park’s rules.
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. It is the best introduction to the spirit of this trip before you come.
Want to go further?
The complete Road Book and the Colada catamaran technical sheet explain the route, the required level and life aboard in detail.
Life aboard the catamaran
Each late afternoon we meet Colada again at an anchorage selected according to the wind, sea state and local regulations. The boat becomes our mobile base camp: it carries the equipment, makes some of the longer crossings easier and allows the journey to keep moving from one area to the next.
Space & comfort
- Fountaine Pajot Venezia 42: 4 double cabins, 2 single cabins, 2 heads with showers and an outdoor shower.
- Generous outdoor spaces for shared meals, relaxing, enjoying the anchorage and storing the kayaks.
- Simple cruising-catamaran comfort: proper sleeping areas with storage, naturally more compact than a hotel room.
Accommodation & cabins
Accommodation is based on shared double cabins. Colada has 4 double cabins and 2 single cabins, allocated according to the composition of each group. Couples and guests booking together share a double cabin. For solo travellers, we prioritise a private cabin whenever possible; if cabin sharing is required, you will be told before confirming your booking.
A guaranteed double cabin for single occupancy is also available to solo travellers in limited numbers, subject to availability.
Meals & life aboard
- Breakfasts and dinners aboard, prepared with fresh, local produce and, whenever possible, organic ingredients.
- Picnic lunches during the sea kayaking journey.
- 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
A week at the pace of the Mediterranean
Indicative itinerary, adapted to weather, sea state, national park regulations and the level of the group.
- Day 1 — Port of Hyères → west coast of Giens
Meet in the morning at the port of Hyères. After the welcome, safety briefing and kayak fitting, a short transfer takes us to the launch point. We paddle along the west coast of the Giens Peninsula, between cliffs, small coves and turquoise water, before meeting Colada again near Grand Ribaud. - Day 2 — Crossing to Porquerolles
We head for Porquerolles and follow its southern coast by sea kayak. Rocky headlands, pale beaches and hidden coves shape the day before we meet the catamaran east of Cap des Mèdes, facing Port-Cros.
- Day 3 — Heading for 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
A full day of exploration in the heart of the national park. The kayak lets us follow the indented coastline, enter small coves and reach excellent snorkelling sites. If the sea allows, we extend the paddle towards Le Levant.
- Day 5 — Cap Bénat & Fort de Brégançon
Depending on the wind, we reach Cap Bénat by sea kayak or aboard Colada. Rocky headlands, beaches and Fort de Brégançon mark the coastline before we finish the day in a sheltered bay selected according to the conditions. - Day 6 — North coast of Porquerolles
We head back towards Porquerolles. Alycastre Bay, Notre-Dame Beach and the village punctuate the paddle before our final anchorage in Langoustiers Bay.
- Day 7 — Giens Peninsula → return to Hyères
Final paddle strokes along the eastern side of Giens, then back aboard Colada for the return to the port of Hyères. The trip finishes at around 4:00 pm, subject to sea conditions and the actual arrival time.
🧭 Pace & distances: around 15 to 25 km depending on the stage, generally 4 to 5 hours of paddling plus breaks. Stages, launch points, anchorages and crossings may be adapted to preserve safety and the quality of the trip.
What does a typical day look like?
Breakfast on deck, 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 before moving on to a new stretch of coastline.
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 and 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 a genuine island-hopping journey.
- You have a good level of fitness and are comfortable paddling for around 4 to 5 hours and 15 to 25 km depending on the stage.
- You enjoy trips where the route remains flexible around wind, sea conditions and protected-area regulations.
- 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; guiding by a French state-certified sea kayak guide; sea kayaking equipment for all 7 days; all meals during the trip; 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.
Not included: travel to and from Hyères 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.
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 railway station is connected to the French rail network 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
Return to the port of Hyères at around 4:00 pm on Day 7, subject to sea conditions. 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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Weather & national park: the route, crossings, launch points and anchorages may be adapted to prioritise safety and comply with local regulations.
FAQ — Essentials
How long is the trip?
7 days / 6 nights of island-hopping by sea kayak, with nights aboard the catamaran Colada.
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 far do we paddle each day?
Around 15 to 25 km depending on the stage, generally 4 to 5 hours of paddling. These distances are indicative and are adapted to weather, sea state and the level of the group.
Where does the trip 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 Hyères at around 4:00 pm on Day 7, subject to sea conditions.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes. Stages, launch points, anchorages, crossings and timings may be adapted according to weather, sea state, wind, national park regulations, group ability and safety requirements. If sea kayaking is not suitable on a particular day, sailing, hiking or an exploration ashore may replace the planned paddle.
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 the sea kayaking journey. Meals 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; guiding by a French state-certified sea kayak guide; sea kayaking equipment for all 7 days; all meals during the trip; and a local transfer from Hyères railway station or Toulon-Hyères Airport at agreed times.
Would you like the full trip information?
Ask for the Îles d’Or Road Book and the complete Colada technical sheet.