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Italy: Elba Island Sea Kayaking Adventure

Introduction
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Elba Island Sea Kayaking Adventure

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Elba Island Sea Kayaking Adventure

This sea kayaking journey explores the dramatic shores of Elba Island, combining active coastal paddling with relaxed evenings, fresh Mediterranean meals, and time to swim in clear blue water.

Pictured left: Hotel Dino, our home for 6 nights on Elba Island.

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What Makes Elba Perfect for Kayaking

Elba’s coastline is a mosaic of colors and textures:

  • transparent water that glows in the sun

  • smooth granite shaped by wind and waves

  • tiny beaches hidden between cliffs

  • marine life visible just below the surface

The sea here is usually calm, making it ideal for beginners, families, and anyone who wants a peaceful day on the water.

Active Coastal Exploration

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At a glance

Day 1 - Arrival in Pisa

Day 1 - Arrival in Pisa image

Arrive in Pisa and Welcome Dinner

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Arrival in Pisa

Arrive in Pisa and make your way to our group hotel (TBA). If you arrive early, explore the historic center, including the Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli. Hotel check-in is available after 2:00 PM. We gather at 5:00 PM before a welcome dinner at a traditional trattoria. Overnight in Pisa.
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Grand Hotel Duomo

Check inSaturday, May 23, 20262:00
Check outSunday, May 24, 2026
Experience the Grand Hotel Duomo, where spectacular views of the Leaning Tower of Pisa await you. Conveniently located, it offers easy access to major attractions. Enjoy elegant rooms, a rooftop terrace with panoramic views, and an on-site restaurant serving delicious Tuscan cuisine, all within a beautifully historic setting.
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Dinner

Welcome dinner.

Day 2 - Mainland to Elba & Sunset Paddle

Day 2 - Mainland to Elba & Sunset Paddle image

Transfer to Elba and Sunset Kayak Paddle

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Transfer to Piombino and Ferry to Elba

After breakfast, transfer to Piombino and ferry to Elba Island. Upon arrival in Portoferraio, continue to our seaside hotel and meet our kayaking partners.
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Sunset Paddle Along the Coast

In the late afternoon, head out for a sunset paddle along the coast.
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Hotel Dino

Check inSunday, May 24, 2026
Check outSaturday, May 30, 2026
Overnight at a seaside hotel on Elba Island.
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Included Meals

Breakfast and dinner

Day 3 - Pareti to Margidore

Day 3 - Pareti to Margidore image

Kayak Southern Coastline from Pareti to Margidore

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Kayak from Pareti to Margidore

Launch from Pareti Beach and paddle along the southern coastline past WWII bunkers, shallow reefs, and fragrant Mediterranean scrub. Reach serpentinite cliffs and the dark sands of Acquarilli before ending at Margidore Beach.
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The route is in yellow.

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Return by Private Van

DepartureMargidore Beach
DestinationHotel
Return by private van from Margidore Beach after the day's paddle.
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Included Meals

Breakfast and dinner

Day 4 - Marina di Campo to Fetovaia

Day 4 - Marina di Campo to Fetovaia image

Paddle from Marina di Campo to Fetovaia

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Kayak from Marina di Campo to Fetovaia

Begin at Marina di Campo and paddle along varied coastline featuring reefs, sea caves, granite cliffs, and white sand bays including Cavoli and Fetovaia.
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The route is in yellow.

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Return by Private Van

DepartureFetovaia
DestinationHotel
Return by private van after the day's paddle.
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Included Meals

Breakfast and dinner

Day 5 - Pareti to Naregno

Day 5 - Pareti to Naregno image

Paddle Elba’s Mining Coast and Remote Coves

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Kayak from Pareti to Naregno

Explore Elba’s mining history and wild eastern coast, paddling past Innamorata Beach, Punta Calamita, mineral-rich beaches, and dramatic cliffs before reaching remote coves.
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The route is in red.

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Transfer Back to Hotel

DepartureNaregno
DestinationHotel
Transfer back to hotel after paddling from Pareti to Naregno.
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Included Meals

Breakfast and dinner

Day 6 - Cavo to Nisporto

Day 6 - Cavo to Nisporto image

Paddle Elba’s Northeastern Coast and Hidden Inlets

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Kayak from Cavo to Nisporto

Drive to Cavo and paddle the northeastern coast known for red iron-rich cliffs, hidden inlets, and undeveloped shoreline.
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Route is in purple.

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Return Transfer

DepartureNisporto
DestinationHotel
Return transfer after paddling from Cavo to Nisporto.
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Included Meals

Breakfast and dinner

Day 7 - Portoferraio to Biodola

Day 7 - Portoferraio to Biodola image

Paddle Elba’s Northern Coast and Celebrate

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Kayak from Portoferraio to Biodola

Paddle along Elba’s northern coast past Sansone Beach, rock arches, caves, and turquoise bays before finishing at Biodola Beach.
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Included Meals

Breakfast and celebrate with a final group dinner.

Day 8 - Departure from Elba Island

Day 8 - Departure from Elba Island image

Depart Elba Island and Transfer to Pisa

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Transfer by Private Van to Pisa

DepartureElba Island
DestinationPisa Airport or Pisa Centrale train station
After breakfast, transfer by private van to Pisa Airport or Pisa Centrale train station.
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Included Meals

Breakfast

What's Included, What's Not

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What's included

Professional Team

Kayak guide, land support, Tour Leader

Lodging

7 night accommodations in 3-star hotels and BnB with private bathrooms.

Meals

7 Breakfasts, 7 Dinners

Ground Transportation

The tour starts and ends in Pisa Airport or Train Station.

Equipment

Expedition tandem sea kayaks and equipment, including PFDs • Group safety equipment and medical kit

What's not included

Airfare

Airfare to Pisa

Mandatory Medical Insurance

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.

Trip Cancellation Insurance

A comprehensive travel insurance policy will have trip cancellation and medical that meets the minimum required by our partners.

Visas

If applicable

Alcoholic Beverages

Gratuities

Some Meals

Lunches and meals outside those specified in the itinerary

Is This Trip Right For Me?

Is This Trip Right For Me? image
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Physical Ratings & Requirements

This active is rated Moderate.

This journey is a sea kayaking expedition designed for beginner 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 7 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)

Your Local Guide

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Patrizia

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.

Packages & Add-ons

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Weather & water

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Weather

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.

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Swimming


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).


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Alternative Activities  


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.

Lodging & Meals

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Meals

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.

Loading Map…

Map

1. Pisa

Pisa, Italy

2. Piombino

Piombino, Italy

3. Portoferraio

Portoferraio, Elba Island, Italy

4. Pareti Beach

Pareti, 57031 Capoliveri LI, Italy

5. Margidore Beach

Margidore, 57031 Capoliveri LI, Italy

6. Marina di Campo

Marina di Campo, 57034 Campo nell'Elba LI, Italy

7. Fetovaia

Fetovaia, 57034 Campo nell'Elba LI, Italy

8. Naregno

Naregno, 57031 Capoliveri LI, Italy

9. Cavo

Cavo, 57038 Rio Marina LI, Italy

10. Nisporto

Nisporto, 57039 Rio nell'Elba LI, Italy

11. Biodola Beach

Biodola, 57037 Portoferraio LI, Italy

We're Here to Help

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Get in Touch with Us

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

About your organizer

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Fun, active, and educational nature-based group eco-adventures for people to connect with wild places and animals in extraordinary environments. Specializing in women's adventure travel groups, and teacher-led student groups. Inquire about private departures and co-ed trips.

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