One of the quickest ways to see Costa Brava from the water. You get guided double sit-on-top kayaking and a snorkel stop in the bay area of Sant Feliu de Guíxols, with a local instructor calling out what you’re seeing. The big downside to weigh is that basic swimming skills are required, so non-swimmers won’t be able to join.

I like that this tour keeps things beginner-friendly but still fun for experienced sea lovers: you’re supported with the right safety gear and taught how to handle the kayak. If you’re new, guides such as Sergio, Marc, or Richard are the kind who help you stay calm, even if you capsize a few times. One more practical note: the sea can affect timing, so plan a little flexibility.

For me, the best part is the change of perspective. You paddle along dramatic coastline above the water, then switch to snorkeling in clear Mediterranean water below the surface.

Key highlights you’ll feel on the water

• Double sit-on-top kayaks make it stable and simple for first-timers
• Snorkel gear is provided, plus a wetsuit on coldest days (optional)
• A local guide leads the route, sharing history, geology, and wildlife cues
• You snorkel after a cove stop, where you might spot fish, starfish, sea urchins, and sometimes octopus
• Safety support includes a rescue motor boat if needed, and the tour carries civil liability and accident insurance
• You get photos from the activity for free, so you don’t have to fight with a phone in saltwater

Costa Brava from a kayak: why Sant Feliu de Guíxols works

Sant Feliu de Guíxols is a nice starting point because you’re in a real working-coast bay, with cliffs and coves close by. The meeting spot is right in the bay area: facing the sea, you’ll find the office in a wooden house on the left corner of the beach, with boats on the sand and kayaks on shelves. It’s the kind of place where you can get your bearings fast, then be on the water without a long drive.

You’ll be paddling in the Mediterranean along rugged coastline—cliffs, hidden coves, and secluded-looking stretches—so the views feel like Costa Brava rather than a generic “shoreline.” Even on a short outing, it’s enough time to get that above-water perspective and then drop into the water for snorkeling.

Getting ready: what happens before you paddle

Arrive about 20 minutes early and you’ll have time to check in, sort out what you’re wearing, and get briefed before you launch. The tour provides core essentials like your life jacket and paddle, plus snorkel gear later on.

This is also where the guide sets the pace and explains how to handle the double sit-on-top kayak. If you’re worried about balance, you can relax a bit: sit-on-top designs generally feel steadier because you’re sitting above the water line. One thing I appreciate from the way guides like Sergio and Marc support beginners is how they keep people together and give practical corrections instead of rushing anyone.

You also get clear rules for what not to do in the water—like no touching marine life—and that matters. It helps keep the snorkeling portion respectful and safe, both for you and for the animals.

Kayaking route: cliffs, coves, and the cave-style scenery

Once you push off, the first goal is simple: get your kayak moving smoothly and learn the basics of direction and control. From there, the route runs along the Costa Brava coastline beside cliffs and coves. You’ll paddle with views that feel dramatic even from a calm pace—rock faces, sheltered pockets of water, and spots that look like they’re meant for exploring by boat.

Some groups are taken toward a cave area or cave-like coastline before the snorkeling zone. You don’t need to treat this like a sightseeing bus stop. It’s more like: you paddle to a scenic section, the guide points out landmarks and explains what you’re seeing, and you move on.

What’s especially good here is the guide’s narration. The information is practical, tied to the geology and wildlife you’re likely to spot, so it doesn’t feel like a random lecture. If you’re into nature, you’ll enjoy how your guide makes the coastline feel readable—rock formations, water conditions, and the kind of marine life that lives nearby.

The snorkeling stop in crystal-clear Mediterranean water

After kayaking along the coast, you’ll stop in a cove and switch gears to snorkeling. This part is all about giving you time to swim and look around underwater while staying safe in a guided setup.

The snorkeling gear is included, and the tour provides a wetsuit on colder days (optional). If you’re a first-timer, you’ll still have support. Guides in past tours have been patient with nervous snorkelers and beginners who needed a hand getting back into the kayak. That makes a difference because snorkeling is less about perfection and more about feeling comfortable in the water.

What might you see? The tour description and guide-style focus point toward marine life like fish, starfish, and sea urchins, and if conditions and luck align, you might spot an octopus. You’ll also be able to watch how the seafloor and rock structures shape where animals hang out.

Important: the rules clearly say no touching marine life. You’ll want to treat this like watching nature, not collecting it. And you’ll also want to keep your body relaxed and controlled. The clearer the water, the more you’ll see, so calm breathing and steady kicking help.

Safety setup: what’s included and what you must handle

This tour takes safety seriously, and you’ll feel that from the moment the guide gives instructions. You get a life jacket, rescue support in the form of a rescue motor boat if necessary, and insurance coverage (civil liability and accident insurance) included in the price. That combination is reassuring for a short, outdoorsy adventure.

Two rules are big for your comfort and eligibility. First, the tour requires basic swimming skills. If you can’t swim, you won’t be allowed to participate, and you would lose the right to reimbursement. Second, it’s not suitable for non-swimmers, people over 264 lbs (120 kg), and pregnant women.

Other practical “don’t” items are simple but worth noting:

• No alcohol or drugs
• No headphones (you need to hear instructions and stay aware)
• No touching marine life

Also, the sea conditions can lead to cancellation or postponement. That’s normal for water sports, so you’ll want to keep your schedule flexible on the day you book.

Price check: is $34 per person good value?

At $34 per person for a 2-hour guided kayak-and-snorkel, I’d call this a strong value if you want real time on the water without adding extra rentals. What makes it feel fair is what’s included beyond just the activity:

• Kayak SIT-ON-TOP
• Life jacket and paddle
• Snorkel gear
• Professional instructor
• Rescue motor boat if necessary
• Photos of the activity shared for free
• A safe space for belongings
• Civil liability and accident insurance

The only listed add-on is bottled water, which is easy to solve by bringing your own. When you compare typical costs for kayak time plus snorkel equipment plus a guided safety setup, this pricing looks designed to keep the experience accessible.

My advice: value isn’t only the ticket price. It’s whether you’ll actually use the included gear comfortably. Here, the gear list is what you need to do both kayaking and snorkeling within the same 2-hour window.

What to pack (and what to leave behind)

Keep your packing list simple. Bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Water

You’ll also want to think about how you’ll handle your valuables. The tour provides a safe space to leave belongings, which is great because you’re on open water and you don’t want to keep rearranging items. The guide will take photos to share later, so you can go lighter with your camera plan.

Skip headphones. The tour explicitly doesn’t allow them. And avoid anything that conflicts with safety like alcohol and drugs.

One last “smart move” if you wear eye gear: if you bring glasses or contacts, keep an eye on secure handling. Past experiences include a guide going out of his way to retrieve lost glasses from the water, so it’s clearly something that can happen. A simple strap or secure fit is worth it.

Who should book this kayak and snorkel tour?

This is a great fit if you want a guided nature experience with both above-water and underwater time. I’d especially recommend it for:

• Couples and small groups who want scenery without complicated logistics
• People who are new to kayaking and want an instructor to teach the basics
• Families with kids who meet the minimum age and can swim

Age and participation limits are clear:

• Not suitable for children under 7
• Minors 7 to 13 can join only when accompanied by an adult
• Not suitable for non-swimmers
• Not suitable for pregnant women
• Not suitable for people over 264 lbs (120 kg)

It’s also listed as wheelchair accessible, which is a meaningful plus if mobility is part of your planning. Still, your own comfort and safety in the water matter most, since swimming ability is required.

Booking-day tips that make the experience smoother

Here’s what will help you enjoy the full 2 hours without stress:

• Arrive around 20 minutes early so you can check in and get geared up calmly.
• Bring water and sunscreen. The tour doesn’t include bottled water.
• If you’re nervous, say so at the start. Guides like Sergio and Richard have a track record of keeping the mood supportive and teaching technique step-by-step.
• Plan for possible sea changes. The tour can be postponed or canceled based on conditions, so don’t schedule something tight right after.

And if you’re bringing a phone, think about how you’ll keep it safe. The guide provides photos, which helps you enjoy the snorkeling without worrying about waterproofing.

Should you book this Costa Brava kayak and snorkel tour?

Book it if you want an efficient, guided way to see the Costa Brava coastline and then get into clear Mediterranean water for snorkeling, all in about 2 hours. The combination of sit-on-top kayaking, included snorkel gear, a real instructor-led safety setup, and free photos makes the price feel justified.

Skip it if swimming isn’t in your comfort zone, if you’re traveling with someone who can’t swim, or if you fall into the listed restrictions like pregnancy or the weight limit. If you meet the basic swimming requirement and want a hands-on coast experience, this is the kind of tour that turns a short slice of time into a strong memory.

FAQ

How long is the kayak and snorkeling tour?

The tour lasts 2 hours.

How much does it cost?

It costs $34 per person.

Where do I meet the guide and kayaks?

Meet in the bay of Sant Feliu de Guíxols. Facing the sea, go to the left corner of the beach where you see boats on the sand, then look for the office in a wooden house with kayaks on shelves.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkel gear is included.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes. Basic swimming skills are required. Non-swimmers will not be allowed to participate.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Children under 7 can’t join. Minors aged 7 to 13 can participate only when accompanied by an adult.

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