What if the boat were not simply your accommodation, but the key to a genuine sea kayaking journey? That is exactly the role of Colada, our Fountaine Pajot Venezia 42 catamaran. She follows the group’s progress, carries the equipment, meets the kayaks again each evening at a new anchorage and makes it possible to explore some of the finest Mediterranean coastlines without the constraints of wild camping or complicated shore logistics.
This format brings together two complementary worlds: the freedom of sea kayaking for close-up coastal exploration, and the simple comfort of a liveaboard catamaran for resting, eating well, sailing when conditions are favourable and living with the sea from morning to night.
The concept: a floating base camp for exploring the Mediterranean differently
Aboard Colada, we do not return to the same place every evening as on a fixed-base holiday. The boat travels with the journey, allowing us to make real progress from one stage to the next. We paddle beneath cliffs, into coves, between islands and around rocky headlands, then meet the catamaran again for the night.
- During the day: sea kayaking, exploring coves, beaches, cliffs, sea caves and snorkelling spots.
- Late afternoon: back aboard, swimming, time to relax at anchor and enjoy the sunset.
- Evening: dinner on board, life in a small group and a night in your cabin — before moving on to a new anchorage the next day.
Why this format works so well
- True itinerancy: the boat follows the journey instead of forcing you to return to the same accommodation every night.
- Privileged access: islands, anchorages, reserves and remote stretches of coastline become much easier to explore.
- Greater flexibility: the programme adapts to wind, sea state, protected-area regulations and the level of the group.
- More comfort: no camp to set up or pack away, plus a cabin, shower, meals aboard and real recovery time every evening.
- A complete maritime experience: sea kayaking, life aboard, sailing passages and small crossings naturally complement one another.
In many Mediterranean archipelagos, this is also the most practical and responsible way to travel: wild camping is often prohibited, anchorages are regulated and accommodation ashore may be limited or restrictive. Colada allows us to respect these realities while preserving the spirit of an expedition.
Colada: the simple comfort of a real cruising catamaran
Colada is a Fountaine Pajot Venezia 42 catamaran, 12.90 m long and 6.86 m wide. She is not a luxury yacht or a floating hotel in the conventional sense, but a genuine floating base camp designed for small-group life and multi-day travel.
- 4 double cabins and 2 single cabins;
- 2 interior heads with showers, plus 1 outdoor shower;
- a cockpit that naturally becomes the heart of life aboard for meals and evenings;
- an indoor saloon for shelter, cooking and shared meals when the weather calls for it;
- a refrigerator with freezer compartment;
- solar panels and 220 V power outlets in the cabins and saloon;
- a motorised tender for going ashore.
The boat also carries 500 litres of fresh water, supplemented by a watermaker. This gives us good autonomy, while keeping in mind that fresh water aboard remains a valuable resource and is used thoughtfully.
Sleeping aboard: what you really need to know
The standard trip price is based on shared double-cabin accommodation. Cabin allocation is decided before each departure according to the composition of the group. Couples and people booking together naturally share the same cabin.
For solo travellers, we prioritise a private cabin whenever the group configuration allows, although this cannot be guaranteed at the standard price. When necessary, two solo travellers may share one of the larger aft cabins. Sleeping arrangements remain individual: each person has their own mattress, sheet and sleeping bag.
A guaranteed double cabin for single occupancy is available in limited numbers, subject to availability. This is the best option for anyone who wants to be certain of having their own cabin throughout the trip.
A professional team with two complementary skill sets
Each trip is led by two qualified professionals:
- a skipper and state-certified sailing instructor, responsible for navigation and safety aboard;
- a state-certified sea kayak guide, responsible for route planning, paddling decisions and leadership on the water.
When conditions are favourable, some passages are made under sail. Guests who wish can take the helm, learn about points of sail and sail trim, and join in with the manoeuvres. Participation is entirely optional and adapted to each person’s interest.
If weather or sea state make kayaking unsuitable, a sailing passage, a hike or an exploration ashore may replace the planned paddle. This flexibility is an integral part of the journey.
What does a typical day look like?
- Morning: breakfast aboard, weather briefing and kayak preparation.
- Daytime: sea kayaking, coastal exploration, swimming or snorkelling stops and a picnic lunch.
- Late afternoon: back aboard, sometimes a short sailing passage, then time to relax at anchor.
- Evening: dinner aboard, a convivial atmosphere and a night in your cabin in a new setting.
It is a rhythm that is both active, fluid and restorative: you spend the day immersed in the marine environment while keeping the essential comfort needed to recover well.
Where can you travel by sea kayak & catamaran with Voyage Kayak?
This concept is available on several Mediterranean journeys, each with its own character:
- South Corsica: from Ajaccio towards Bonifacio, Roccapina and the Lavezzi Islands.
- Sardinia – La Maddalena Archipelago: a granite paradise of islands, coves and turquoise channels.
- Îles d’Or – Giens, Porquerolles, Port-Cros & Le Levant: protected islands and varied Mediterranean coastline off Hyères.
- From the Côte d’Azur to Corsica: a larger-scale journey combining the Îles d’Or, an offshore sailing passage and Corsica.
- Calanques of Marseille: white limestone cliffs, famous calanques and spectacular sea kayaking between Marseille and La Ciotat.
Other destinations on request: Sicily, the Balearic Islands, Southern Sardinia and other projects depending on your ideas and practical feasibility.
In short: why choose a sea kayak & catamaran trip?
- ✅ A genuine multi-day journey without the heavy logistics of wild camping;
- ✅ The right balance between activity and recovery;
- ✅ Essential comfort: cabin, shower, meals and onboard power;
- ✅ A more complete way to experience the sea: kayaking + life aboard + sailing;
- ✅ A small group, usually 6 or 7 participants, with a maximum capacity of 8;
- ✅ Two complementary professionals for guiding, navigation and safety.
Ready to experience the Mediterranean differently?
If this way of travelling appeals to you, the next step is simply to explore the individual trips, their routes and their character. If you are unsure which destination would suit you best, get in touch: we will help you choose the journey that best matches your sea kayaking experience, interests and preferred travel period.
