Ios-Sikinos Kayak Circumnavigation
Based On Double occupancy. Single Supplement Applies. $600
Upcoming dates
8 days, 7 nights
$3195
Based On Double occupancy. Single Supplement Applies. $600
Join us as we explore the overlooked islands of the Cyclades! On this adventure we will circumnavigate Ios and Sikinos, sister islands off the coast of Santorini. Ios has what every Greek island should; unspoiled beaches, turquoise waters, ancient ruins and, of course, great nightlife. With only one village on the island, Chora, Ios became famous during the 70's for the fantastic parties held on the village beaches, which has since become an island tradition. There truly is something for everyone on this tiny island, and as we circumnavigate the coast of Ios, you will discover an island rich with secluded beaches and rocky formations- perfect for cliff jumping or simply a fresh view of the landscape.
To complement the vibrant energy of Ios, we will hop back into our kayaks to explore the quiet and untouched island of Sikinos. With one harbor town and a small village up in the hills, Sikinos has less than 300 inhabitants and only two roads. Ancient ruins and agricultural terraces hearken back to more prosperous times and awaken the spark of curiosity in any traveler who has the opportunity to explore a land unchanged by the modern world.
Day 1: Your Northwest Passage Guides will meet you on the beautiful island of Ios. As there is no airport on the island, it can be accessed by ferry from various places, but most frequently Santorini. We will meet you at the port and transport you to our hotel outside the village of Chora. After we settle into our accommodations there will be time in the afternoon to explore the village or beach, and possibly get out on the water to conduct our introductory sea kayaking clinic. As evening falls, we will get to know one another and discuss the planned itinerary over sunset drinks and a delicious dinner on the coast. (D)
Day 2: After an energizing breakfast, we will hop into our kayaks for our first day out on the water. We begin our circumnavigation of Ios by heading southeast along the coast. As we pass numerous isolated and pristine beaches we will have our choice of where to stop for a picnic lunch and a dip in the Aegean Sea. Our destination for the day is the small fishing village of Manganari, located on the southern point of Ios. We will return to our hotel and regroup later to enjoy a hardy dinner of fresh, local cuisine. (B, D)
Day 3: We will round the southern point of Ios and continue up the coast of the island. Along this portion of the coast there are many inlets to explore. We will glide past long stretches of white sand beaches, as well as smaller beaches isolated by rock formations. We will spend the day exploring the best of them, enjoying a picnic lunch along the way. We will end our day of paddling at Agia Theodoti beach, where our van will meet us and transport us back to our inn. As usual, we will spend the evening at leisure, enjoying the Greek culture, food, and hospitality. (B, D)
Day 4: Today we launch our kayaks with a renewed enthusiasm, for today is the day we complete our circumnavigation of Ios! We will launch from Agia Theodoti beach, and paddle the remainder of the island. Another sublime day of picnics, secluded beaches, swimming, and paddling awaits us. At the end of our day, we will paddle right into Chora, and celebrate our speedy circumnavigation in the appropriate Ios fashion - on the beach! Dinner is on your own tonight, giving you a choice of the numerous restaurant possibilities in town, as well as a chance to set your own schedule for the evening. (B)
Day 5: Heading out from Chora Bay, we will cross the six miles of open water to Sikinos to launch our second island circumnavigation. Once we have reached the eastern tip of Sikinos, we will follow the southern coast of the island to the main port of Alopronia. As this is one of our shortest days, there will surely be time to investigate this quiet and unspoiled island. We will perhaps enjoy a traditional wine tasting at sunset followed with dinner in Alopronia, enjoying the unique pace of life on unspoiled Sikinos. (B, D)
Day 6: Today is sure to be a long, but rewarding day. Due to the steep nature of the terrain in this last leg, there are fewer resting points, but strengthened and rejuvenated from the past week, we will endeavor to circle the island! On the north coast of the island, we will stop for a picnic lunch. By the end of the day, we will have completed our circumnavigation of Sikinos, and have become familiar with its remote beauty. Back in the Port of Alopronia a well-earned shower, dinner, and bed awaits us all... (B, D)
Day 7: Our last full day, we will return to Ios. Once again paddling the six-mile stretch of open water back to Chora, we will end our week of exploration and kayaking. As this is a shorter day, people will have the option to continue kayaking in the area, stay in town to sight-see and shop, or simply relax on the beach. In the evening we will enjoy our celebratory dinner and reminisce on our favorite memories from our adventure in the Cyclades. (B, D)
Day 8: After breakfast, we gather our belongings and bid farewell to this incredible island. We transfer you to the ferry port so that you can make it back to Santorini (Thira) for any connecting flights. (B)
* Note: This is our intended itinerary. As with any adventure travel, the forces of nature can be unpredictable, causing us to make adjustments and changes to the itinerary. Rest assured that our many years of exploring have provided us with numerous options if changes need to be made. If it is too windy to paddle, various hiking, cultural and historical options will make you glad for the winds.
“I want you to know how appreciative I am, That Rick, CP & Eric were amazing guides, I am grateful that I lived through tough days of paddling!!” - Olga Stevens Point, WI Ios Fall 2015
Rumored to be the burial place of Homer, the island of Ios was first inhabited during the time of the Cycladic Island civilization. Later, it was an outpost of the Minoan culture based on the Greek island of Crete, another of our kayaking locations. Its neighboring island of Sikinos was noted for its wines, though few grapes are grown there in modern times. An ancient settlement at Skaros Hill can be visited, as can the tomb of Homer at Plakotas. Whether or not he is buried there, it is believed that his mother was from Ios and so there may be some truth to the tale. In any case, it is a good excuse to take a moment to remember the author of "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey".
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