With all the amazing things to do in and around Sorrento, why am I recommending you make time for kayaking? Well, in my experience there is no better way to explore this beautiful part of Campania than taking to the water

Discover the crystal clear waters of the Sorrento coast and its breathtaking landscapes by renting a kayak or by joining a guided excursion. 

To help you plan your time on the water, on this page I’ll be detailing:

• A brief introduction to Sorrento
• Why kayaking is the best way to see the Sorrento Coast
• Kayak rental and kayak tour options in Sorrento
• Tips for kayaking in Sorrento
• What you’ll see while kayaking near and around Sorrento

I first kayaked in Sorrento in 2018 and whenever I’m in town (and the weather is good, which is more often than not), I go kayaking at least once a day. 

Beyond the fact that kayaking is great exercise (an excuse that I stand by for indulging in Sorrento’s excellent food) there is one big reason why I believe that kayaking in Sorrento is the best way to explore the local coastline.

By renting a boat or by joining an excursion you can see this area’s famous scenery up close, and explore some unique and hard-to-get-to historical sites. 

Want another reason to get out on the water? Kayaking the Sorrentine Peninsula is also a green, environmentally friendly way to see the area compared to boat or bus tours for example.

There are a number of options for renting kayaks in Sorrento, or for joining a guided excursion. For me however there is only one operator that you should use if you’re interested in kayaking in Sorrento; Kayak Sorrento at Marina Grande 90.

Kayak Sorrento (and its founder Umberto di Lanza) is Sorrento’s original kayak tour and rental provider, operating here since 2011.

It was only through researching online in 2018 that I discovered Kayak Sorrento and now I wouldn’t choose to go out with any other agency. Their team are professional, safety conscious and extremely knowledgeable about the coastline and local area, having grown up in and close to Sorrento, making them my go-to option.

I also enjoy going out on the water with Kayak Sorrento as they use real kayaks which are enclosed (versus open-top canoe-style boats) which in my experience makes for a more stable and secure ride. This leaves you to focus on the scenery and views rather than worrying about keeping control of your kayak.

In terms of tours and rental options, Kayak Sorrento offers these options from March through to October:

• Guided excursions from Sorrento’s Marina Grande during the day time (departing typically 12:00-13:00) and at sunset (departing at 17:00-18:00)
• Private experiences for sunrise tours or custom itineraries. In the height of summer I love getting up early and getting out on the Bay of Naples to make the most of the cooler temperatures!
• Flexible rental options if you’d prefer to paddle independent of a tour

All timings are subject to the exact time of year and occasionally are impacted by poor weather conditions – all details can be found online when booking.

Kayak Sorrento offers traditional single-seat kayaks, as well as double-seater (tandem) and triple-seater boats – the latter being perfect for families or groups of friends. Most tours typically last around 1.5-2 hours and details of what you will see are shared below. 

With any tour and rental with Kayak Sorrento you’ll always receive all the necessary equipment (life jacket, paddle) as well as amenities for changing and refilling water bottles. They also provide a dry bag for your belongings, and secure storage if you have more stuff with you.

I am an avid kayaker, not just in Sorrento but also at home and in other travel destinations. As such I’d like to share three top tips to ensure you have the best possible experience:

1.Bring water. Kayaking can be thirsty work, particularly in summer, and staying hydrated is fundamental to having a good time. Smaller bottles (500ml) will fit in your dry bag (provided without charge if you are going out with Kayak Sorrento) comfortably.

2. Be honest with your guide. If you are joining a tour, your guide will always ask if you have any prior experience kayaking; be honest with them. Let them know your level of expertise and what type of boats you’ve been out in previously – even if this is never. If you’ve not been kayaking before, that’s OK, your guide will ensure you feel totally at ease throughout your tour. 

3. Take your time. If you’re in a group, some people may be slower or faster in their kayaks compared to others. This is completely normal as we all have varying levels of comfort on the water, and differing fitness levels. If you are ahead of the group, pause to take in the scenery, or if you are towards the back, continue at a pace that suits you and don’t feel pressured to catch-up. Remember that your guide is used to dealing with all kinds of people and will adapt your visit accordingly.

As well as being the main departure point for self-rental kayaks, nearly all kayak tours in Sorrento depart from the Marina Grande.

The Marina Grande in itself is a fascinating place as it is one of the oldest parts of Sorrento. This small port, now packed with relaxed seafood restaurants, bars and cafes, was once the liveliest part of town where fishermen would be constantly coming and going with their daily hauls.

A small number of fishing boats still operate out of the Marina Grande, bringing their catches back to the port for the restaurants that line the water. 

Before or after your kayak trip I highly recommend staying a little while to explore this picturesque marina. 

Departing in your kayak from the Marina Grande, here is a breakdown of the principle things you’ll see:

Mount Vesuvius

As you leave the Marina Grande and enter the open water, your eyes will be immediately drawn to Mount Vesuvius on the opposite side of the Bay of Naples. Seeing it from this angle is really a unique experience and I challenge you not to be struck by its dominating presence over the local landscape.

If you are on a tour you will more than likely head north west, hugging the beautiful Sorrento coastline. As you paddle, look up at the scenery and spot the locals and adventurous visitors who venture here to use the secluded cliffs for sunbathing and swimming.

Bagni Regina Giovanna

Following the coast northwest for around 20 minutes you’ll arrive at this famous local landmark.

On this natural headland – known locally as Capo di Sorrento/Pollio Felice – a huge Roman villa was constructed which is reputed to have belonged to the first emperor of Rome, Augustus’, righthand man, Marcus Agrippa.

The location was no doubt chosen for the natural pool that you’ll find by paddling under the rock archway in the cliff.

Within the pool area you can still see ancient Roman masonry, and if you follow the paths up the cliffs (leaving your kayak safely stowed at the edge of the pool) you’ll also find remnants of ancient Roman mosaics.

The modern name – which translates as The Baths of Queen Giovanna – derives from a local legend that the 15th century Queen Giovanna of Naples would make the trip across the bay from Napoli for a romantic rendezvous with her local love-interest.

This natural pool is very popular with visitors and locals alike and can get quite busy. Always be careful when paddling in and out of the rock entrance and when you’re in the pool itself. 

If you want to see this incredible spot without the crowds, come here early one morning on a sunrise kayak tour – the effort is more than worth it, trust me!

Capri

Puolo

Sorrento’s famous cliffs

Ancient Roman engineering

Sorrento’s history stretches back thousands of years, and traces of Sorrento’s ancient Roman heritage can be seen here and visited by kayak.

The first thing to look out for as you paddle under the cliffs is a small entrance to what appears to be a cave. If the sea conditions permit, enter the opening in the cliff slowly. What you are entering is actually an ancient Roman fish trap.

In the walls it is possible to see where wood would have been placed to trap fish in compartments within the cave – an ingenious use of the local environment to provide food for the residents of ancient Sorrento! 

Just a few minutes along the cliffs you’ll find Sorrento’s beach clubs as well as one of the town’s few public beaches.

If you paddle around the bathing platforms and stop at the small sandy beach closest to the cliffs you should notice a large cave entrance.

Secure your kayak and make your way inside the cave. What you are entering are Roman cisterns, excavated from the cliffs and designed by the ancient residents to collect and store rain and water runoff from the land above.

For me as a history lover, seeing these things up close and from the water makes the effort of kayaking more than worth it!

Beyond the beach clubs you will find Sorrento’s Marina Piccola, the principal port for the town with regular ferry and boat traffic coming and going. As such, it is not safe to kayak past the Marina Piccola. 

If you wish to explore the coastline beyond the Marina Piccola look for a kayak rental agency or tour operator in Piano di Sorrento, Meta or Sant’Agnello.