A rugged island where turquoise water shimmers in shades of aquamarine and cobalt blue, dramatic cliffs plunge into the sea, and hidden beaches wait around nearly every corner. On this active sea kayaking adventure, you'll experience the island the way it was meant to be seen: from the water.
Each day, we paddle a different stretch of coastline, exploring secluded coves, colorful harbors, and beaches accessible only by boat. Beneath your kayak, the water is so clear you can often see the seafloor far below. We'll glide past red cliffs stained by iron-rich rock, white granite headlands, black volcanic formations, and quiet beaches where the only sounds are seabirds overhead and the gentle chatter of smooth pebbles rolling in the waves.
Between paddles, there is time to swim in crystal-clear water, float beneath the Mediterranean sun, and relax along the shoreline. Salt lingers on your skin as you emerge from the sea, while the scent of wild oregano, rosemary, pine, and warm earth drifts from the island's hillsides.
Along the way, we'll visit charming coastal villages where fishing boats line the waterfront and locals gather for their daily routines. You'll hear the rhythm of Italian conversations in cafés and harbors, browse local shops, and experience a side of Italy that feels refreshingly authentic and unhurried.
Evenings are spent together enjoying fresh Mediterranean cuisine and local wines. The aroma of crusty bread, olive oil, garlic, herbs, and freshly prepared seafood fills the air as we gather to reflect on the day's adventure. With a different coastline to explore each day, warm waters perfect for swimming, and a pace that allows you to truly savor the experience, Elba offers an unforgettable blend of adventure, relaxation, and Italian coastal culture.
This is not the Italy of crowded cities and long lines. It is an island of hidden beaches, crystal-clear water, sun-soaked cliffs, and simple pleasures—best discovered one paddle stroke at a time.Pictured left: Hotel Dino, our home for 6 nights on Elba Island.
• Paddle along one of Italy's most beautiful and uncrowded coastlines
• Swim in crystal-clear Mediterranean waters in shades of turquoise, aquamarine, and cobalt blue
• Discover a coastline of white granite, red iron-rich cliffs, and volcanic rock
• Visit charming seaside villages and colorful fishing harbors
• Enjoy fresh multi-course Italian cuisine, local wines, olive oil, and seafood
• Flexible daily routes selected to take advantage of the best wind and sea conditions
• Small-group adventure with plenty of time for swimming, relaxing, and soaking in the scenery
Welcome dinner.
After breakfast, we leave Pisa behind and travel approximately 90 minutes to the port of Piombino. From here, we board the ferry to Elba Island, enjoying our first views of the island rising from the blue waters of the Mediterranean.
Upon arrival in Portoferraio, Elba's main harbor town, you'll get your first taste of island life as fishing boats, waterfront cafés, and colorful buildings line the harbor. We continue to our seaside hotel, our home for the week, where we'll settle in and meet our kayaking partners. During our orientation, we'll review equipment, discuss the week's paddling plans, and prepare for the adventures ahead. As the pace slows and the sea air settles in, you'll begin to understand why Elba remains one of Italy's most authentic island destinations.
Breakfast and dinner
The route is in yellow.
Breakfast and dinner
The route is in yellow.
Breakfast and dinner
The route is in red.
Breakfast and dinner
Route is in purple.
Breakfast and dinner
Breakfast and celebrate with a final group dinner.
Breakfast
Kayak guide, land support, Tour Leader
7 night accommodations in 3-star hotels and BnB with private bathrooms.
7 Breakfasts, 7 Dinners
The tour starts from rendezvous hotel in Pisa and ends at the Pisa International Airport.
Expedition tandem sea kayaks and equipment, including PFDs • Group safety equipment and medical kit
Airfare to Pisa Major connection cities to Pisa include Rome, Milan, and Florence. International cities include London Heathrow, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Germany, Zurich Switzerland.
Our partners require participants to have a minimum of 200,000 USD medical coverage, including evacuation and repatriation coverage, personal injury and all forms of medical expense.
A comprehensive travel insurance policy will have trip cancellation and medical that meets the minimum required by our partners.
If applicable
Approximately 20 euros per car. Participants will be dropped off at area hotels and the airport on the last day.
This active is rated Moderate.
This journey is a sea kayaking expedition designed for paddlers with a good level of fitness, meaning able to paddle an average of 8 miles a day.
Beginner paddlers and above
It’s a relaxed paddle tour, not a race
You will need to:
Be comfortable sitting in a kayak for a few hours and be confident getting in and out of a sit in kayak
Be able to paddle at a steady, easy pace even with some waves
Follow basic safety instructions from the guide
Have a spirit of curiosity and enjoyment rather than competition
Over the duration of the trip, the sea may surprise us with unpleasant conditions and weather. We will have to change the itinerary and maybe going hiking and discover the Island from a different point of view. It’s a challenge, yes, but you’ll discover strength you didn’t know you had and finish feeling empowered, and unstoppable.
This is an active adventure, and we want you to feel at ease with what’s involved:
Expect to paddle 3-5 hours a day in a tandem sit in kayak, out on open sea conditions with waves up to 2 feet.
You’ll be in and out of the water, you will get your feet wet. It's very unlikely but possible to have an unexpected swim.
If swimming isn’t your comfort zone, please let us know and we’ll work with you.
A good level of fitness is important, especially since breezy days on the water can require quite a bit of extra effort.
Physical Rating: Moderate with some challenge, 3 to 5 hours of activity most days, an average of 8 miles a day.
Kayaks have a weight limit of 225 pounds per person.
Italian kayaks cockpits are 86 x 46 cm are more narrow than the ones commonly used in the USA which are about 91 x 52 cm)
Patrizia, born in Firenze (Florence), Tuscany, has spent years exploring Italy’s waters and trails. From kayaking through hidden coves and crystal bays to hiking across iconic landscapes like Elba Island, Portofino, and Cinque Terre, her life has been defined by a deep connection to the Italian outdoors.
This connection shapes the small-group kayak tours she now leads. Now based in Florida but returning to her roots for every expedition, Patrizia offers a unique bridge for international travelers. As an ACA-certified (American Canoe Association) instructor, she ensures every paddle stroke reveals a new perspective of Italy’s coastline. Intimate, adventurous, and unforgettable.
Her journeys go beyond the water. Patrizia delights in sharing the flavors of regional food and wine, and as a professional Italian language teacher, she brings guests closer to the poetry of her native tongue. With her, travelers do not just visit Italy. They taste it, feel it, and speak it, experiencing the country in a way that lingers long after the journey ends.
The temperature of Elba Island in late May typically ranges between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), with a gentle breeze that adds a refreshing touch to the warm days.
Water temperature in May averages 17°C (63°F). Canadians usually find it comfortable, while Floridians may find it chilly. Some years are cooler, and last year reached 30°C (86°F).
If kayaking is not possible, we have excellent options, including the Iron Mines, the House and Villa of Napoleon, sea view hikes, the cable car to Monte Capanne (1000 m high), and walking tours in Elba’s villages.
Breakfast is provided by the hotel. Lunches are takeaway or at cafes. Dinners are planned at the hotel in Capoliveri, which has an excellent restaurant open to the public.
Most general dietary requirements can be met. For strict dietary restricts please contact us before booking.
We're here to help you plan the perfect adventure! For any inquiries or assistance, feel free to reach out:
Phone: 1-888-622-4911
Email: yes@greenedventures.com
