Kayaking Day Trip Around the Giens Peninsula, France4.5(474 Reviews)7 hours and 30 minutes
From€70.00per person
Listing ID : 59826
4.5(474 Reviews)
Kayaking Day Trip Around the Giens Peninsula, France
7h 30mDuration
English, FrenchSpeaking Guide
Mobile ticketAccepted
About this experience
Duration7 hours 30 minutes
Group SizeSmall Group
Starts AtMarseille
LanguagesEnglish, French
Sea Kayak Day Tour — Var Coast, Provence
Kayak autour de la Presqu'île de Giens
A full-day paddle along wild cliffs, hidden caves, and secret beaches between Hyères and Porquerolles.
This kayak tour around the Presqu'île de Giens combines open-water crossings, dramatic limestone coastline, and a sea cave you can paddle directly into — an experience that sits well beyond the reach of the average beach day. The route links the seldom-visited Île du Grand Ribaud with the rugged southern shore of the peninsula before finishing at the sheltered port of La Madrague.
The Presqu'île de Giens occupies a rare geographic position: a double tombolo connecting the mainland to what was once an island, with calm northern beaches on one side and an exposed, wave-carved southern coast on the other. That contrast makes the paddling here unusually varied within a single day.
The highlight of the southern stretch is the Calanque du Blé, where a narrow cave entrance opens into a passage roughly fifty metres deep — large enough to paddle inside and experience the acoustic and visual drama of the surrounding rock. Few guided sea-kayak itineraries in the region include access to this cave.
The day ends at Port de la Madrague on the sheltered east side of the peninsula. Drivers return briefly on foot to Port du Niel, just one kilometre away across the narrowest point of the isthmus, making logistics straightforward for groups arriving by car.
Tour Highlights
Open-water crossing to the Île du Grand Ribaud, a little-known island with fine sand coves, a historic fort, and a lighthouse.
Paddling the wild southern coast of the Presqu'île, defined by sheer cliffs, sea stacks, and isolated pocket beaches.
Entering the spectacular sea cave at the Calanque du Blé — navigable by kayak for approximately fifty metres.
Rounding the Pointe des Salis, one of the most exposed and scenic headlands along the Var coastline.
Relaxed finish along the sheltered eastern shore, with small islands and calm swimming beaches before reaching La Madrague.
Scenery comparable to Porquerolles but with far fewer visitors — the Grand Ribaud island sees minimal tourist traffic.
Itinerary
1
Departure from Port du Niel
The paddle begins from the port on the western side of the Presqu'île de Giens. After a safety briefing and equipment fitting, the group heads out across open water toward the Île du Grand Ribaud.
2
Île du Grand Ribaud
This rarely visited island offers fine-sand coves, a 19th-century fort, and a working lighthouse. Time is set aside to land, explore on foot, and swim before continuing.
3
Southern Coast and Cliffs
The route traces the deeply indented southern shore of the Presqu'île, passing beneath tall cliffs and calling in at small beaches accessible only by sea. The paddling here is the most exposed section of the day.
4
Pointe des Salis and Calanque du Blé
After rounding the headland, the group arrives at the Calanque du Blé. Paddlers enter the sea cave one by one, exploring approximately fifty metres into the rock before returning to open water.
5
Eastern Shore to La Madrague
The final leg follows the calmer, island-dotted eastern coast of the peninsula. The group lands at Port de la Madrague, where drivers walk back across the isthmus to Port du Niel to collect vehicles.
What Is Included
Included
Professional sea-kayak guide throughout
Sea kayak and paddle
Personal flotation device (PFD)
Safety equipment and briefing
Waterproof dry bag
Not Included
Food and drinks
Personal travel insurance
Transport to and from the meeting point
Wetsuit (available to hire locally)
Important Information
This tour is rated moderate. Participants should be comfortable paddling in open coastal water and capable of sustained physical effort over a full day.
Duration
7 hours 30 minutes, including crossings, exploration stops, and the return logistics at La Madrague.
What to Bring
Swimwear, sun protection, hat, water (at least 2 litres), snacks, light footwear suitable for wet landings, and a change of clothes for the return journey.
Cancellation
Please refer to the booking conditions for the applicable cancellation policy. Tours may be rescheduled due to adverse sea conditions for safety reasons.
Accessibility
This tour involves open-water paddling, cliff landings, and a full day of physical activity. It is not suitable for participants with limited upper-body mobility or those who cannot swim.
Age Range
Recommended for participants aged 14 and above. Younger participants may be accepted at the discretion of the guide, subject to swimming ability and fitness level.
Reserve Your Place
Day availability is limited on this itinerary. Secure your spot on one of the most complete sea-kayak routes along the Var coast.
Previous paddling experience is recommended given the moderate rating and the open-water crossing to the Île du Grand Ribaud. Complete beginners should consult the operator before booking.
Is the sea cave safe to enter?▼
The cave at Calanque du Blé is entered under guide supervision. Entry depends on sea state on the day; the guide will assess conditions and may adjust the visit accordingly.
What happens if the weather is unsuitable?▼
In the event of unsafe sea or weather conditions, the operator may reschedule or modify the route. Safety of participants is the primary consideration.
Where exactly does the tour finish?▼
The tour ends at Port de la Madrague on the eastern side of the Presqu'île. Participants who drove to Port du Niel can walk back across the peninsula in approximately 15 minutes, as the two ports are about one kilometre apart.
Can I visit the Île du Grand Ribaud independently?▼
Access to the Île du Grand Ribaud is restricted and the island is not served by public ferry. This guided kayak tour is one of the few practical ways to visit it.
Is the Presqu'île de Giens far from Hyères?▼
The peninsula is attached to the Hyères coastline and its northern tip is roughly 8 kilometres from Hyères town centre by road. Port du Niel is well signposted from the main approach roads.
Sea KayakPresqu'île de GiensHyèresÎle du Grand RibaudSea CaveCalanque du BléCôte d'AzurVar CoastGuided PaddleProvenceWild CoastFull Day Tour
This tour operates along the southern coast of the Presqu'île de Giens, a double-tombolo peninsula connected to the commune of Hyères in the Var department of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, southeastern France. The route extends offshore to the Île du Grand Ribaud, a restricted-access island situated in the strait between the mainland and the Îles d'Hyères archipelago, of which Porquerolles is the most prominent island. The Calanque du Blé, located on the exposed southern face of the peninsula, is a notable geographic feature along this coastline. The finishing point, Port de la Madrague, lies on the sheltered eastern shore of the Presqu'île, facing the Étang des Pesquiers. The entire itinerary falls within a designated natural area and is representative of the protected marine and coastal environment of the Parc National de Port-Cros zone of influence.
Activity: Sea Kayaking | Format: Full Day Guided Tour | Difficulty: Moderate | Region: Presqu'île de Giens, Hyères, Var, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France | Notable Sites: Île du Grand Ribaud, Calanque du Blé, Pointe des Salis, Port de la Madrague | Environment: Open Coastal Water, Sea Caves, Cliffs, Island Crossing | Season: Spring to Autumn
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