Monterosso Kayak Tour: A Snorkeling Review
Alright, so you’re thinking about hitting up the Cinque Terre, that beautiful string of towns in Italy, and maybe taking a kayak tour that includes some snorkeling? Well, I’ve got you covered, because I checked out one of those tours from Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the five villages. It was quite an adventure, and I’m here to spill the beans about my experiences. That said, what was amazing, what to maybe look out for, and whether I reckon it’s worth your hard-earned cash.
Why Monterosso is an Amazing Choice
Why Monterosso, though? Fair question! It’s very, very the only Cinque Terre town with a proper, lengthy stretch of beach. I mean, imagine kicking things off straight from the sandy shore, that’s kind of awesome, is that right? The other villages, they are a bit more, like, rocky and harbor-focused, so Monterosso just gives you a slightly easier and maybe prettier launch spot. Plus, getting there’s a bit simpler compared to some of the other towns, very thanks to the train station being super accessible. It’s a bit of a practical choice, too, that, you know?
That said, one of the biggest perks is certainly how easy it is to find different kayak tour operators right there on the beachfront. Seriously, they’re pretty much all lined up, very each boasting what seems like an equally fantastic trip. Getting geared up, understanding your options, that tends to be super easy, which is very awesome when you would rather chill on a beach.
What To Think About In Advance
Before you actually get your paddle in the water, anyway, a few things are useful to mull over. That said, firstly, the weather. Cinque Terre can go from sunny skies to pretty choppy seas really quickly. This is quite an open section of the Ligurian coast, that, well, can be fairly unforgiving, I think. Most tours, in fact, are quite careful, and cancel if the water’s too rough. I want you to check the forecast just before you book or go, or just accept a potential change of plan.
Next up: Your fitness. Kayaking does not really demand you be an Olympic athlete, however, paddling for a couple of hours does use a fair amount of energy, so too it’s almost worth thinking about your arms and shoulders. Similarly to a good hike, hydrate yourself beforehand, pack a couple of snacks, and maybe prepare yourself for maybe just a touch of post-paddle soreness. Seriously, your body would thank you.
Finally, this is rather obvious, maybe bring sunblock, hats, and shades. It can get fairly brutal out there on the water, the sun bounces off the sea, and it’s quite easy to cook if you are not prepared. That said, maybe get some waterproof sunblock to go completely hardcore.
My Kayaking Experience from Monterosso
My own kayaking escapade actually began on a beautiful morning. Anyway, the sea shimmered, the sky was fairly blue, and there was very little wind – perfection, right? My tour began with a super quick briefing about kayak safety and some paddle tips. The instructor seemed, you know, really helpful and easy-going, which immediately put me comfortable. I found myself in a very stable tandem kayak with one other tourist, and very soon, we had left the beach.
The scenery, anyway, it was breathtaking! Paddling alongside the Cinque Terre coast is almost similar to cruising through a postcard. You’ve got very rugged cliffs right on your left, pretty vineyards precariously clinging to steep slopes, and the multi-colored houses of the villages dotted all along the coast. We even cruised under the giant rock that Monterosso is famous for! It was picture-postcard perfect.
There were very small caves and little grottoes along the way. That said, we poked into a couple to snap some images. Anyway, at one point, our guide showed us a bit that was only able to be reached by water. The isolation made it feel really special. It just goes to show what you can only experience once you ditch the typical trails!
Snorkeling Spots and Marine Life
After around an hour or so of paddling, we made our way to a small, fairly secluded cove for the snorkeling part. It was, in a way, fairly sheltered, and the water looked super clear and appealing. That said, our guide handed out masks and snorkels (which appeared relatively new and definitely clean, luckily), showed everyone how to make them seal properly, and let everyone jump in.
Now, very listen, the Mediterranean isn’t quite the Great Barrier Reef when it comes to the amount of sea life, very you should set expectations properly. Still, there are tons to peep if you simply look! There were small schools of silver fish zipping around, little starfish sticking to rocks, and so many sea urchins! The rock formations under the water, similarly, were quite beautiful, almost a bunch of cool stuff going on.
If you aren’t a totally amazing swimmer, like your friendly review writer, then very listen to your guide for tips about locations that are both pretty and shallow enough. It’s very better to, you know, play it a little cautiously to begin with and gain your sea legs. That said, once I felt a little comfortable, I quite enjoyed myself just watching fish dart back and forth and hunting for the different species. Snorkeling amongst such wonderful settings makes it a quite different, a very cool experience.
Important Tips and Recommendations
If you plan to go to Monterosso for kayaking, or something similar, that’s awesome. Here are some helpful pointers. Firstly, if you might be likely to get seasick, well, you could mull over taking something to calm the seasickness beforehand. That is just something I tend to bring wherever I find myself on the sea!
Next, make sure you are quite clear regarding what’s part of the tour price when you actually book it. In some respects, is the gear included, and that sort of stuff. What about pictures or videos? A lot of places now charge more for that. I tend to take my own water-resistant camera or just rely on my phone that has a very good protective case. Anyway, check beforehand. Just that.
Finally, if possible, try going on a smaller tour. More or less, huge group excursions can feel less, you know, special and more like a conveyor belt. I rather prefer more private outings if they could be, though that may sometimes cost a bit more.
Final Thoughts: Is This Adventure Worth It?
So, finally, did I like my Monterosso kayaking and snorkeling thing? Almost completely! Yes, that said, you want sun, moderate seas, and really check your abilities ahead of time, right? If you love gorgeous seascapes, are up for a bit of exercise, and are after something beyond just strolling, you will maybe dig this trip, so too it’s almost something great. It’s very, very a completely unique way to find the allure of Cinque Terre, that, anyway, really made an impression. Bring your paddle!
Anyway, do it. That is all.