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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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