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FAQ - Sea Kayaking on the

Elba island - Sea Kayak Italy

Frequently Asked Questions

Our FAQ is here to help.
Do you have questions about our sea kayak tours and courses on the Island of Elba?
Find answers here about bookings, equipment, weather and safety.
If you don't find what you're looking for, get in touch!

1WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE SEA KAYAK ITALY?
We believe that, in a world that settles for mediocrity, it is still worth doing things with care, genuine expertise and responsibility. We believe that the sea and nature make life fuller and allow us to be completely present in the here and now! Our environment means a great deal to us — the Island of Elba and its natural beauty deserve the respect they merit. Alongside our love for sea kayaking, community and the environment, our commitment to quality service and equipment makes us unique and will allow you to live your best sea kayaking experience in Italy. Our dedication to you is such that from the moment you call, email or book with us, we will provide you with our very best service. Because we believe things should be done with care, genuine expertise and respect for the environment. We are a company based in Marciana Marina, on the Island of Elba. Our guides are certified by PADDLE UK and FICK and have been leading sea kayak groups of all levels for over 10 years. We keep groups small to ensure constant attention to safety. The Island of Elba and its sea deserve respect — we limit the environmental impact of every outing. From the first contact to the return to the beach, we take care of every detail, so that your sea kayaking experience on Elba is authentic and unforgettable.
2REFUND POLICY
Your peace of mind matters as much as your experience on the water! Unless otherwise specified on the activity page, a full refund is guaranteed for cancellations made at least 20 days in advance. Cancellation due to bad weather: if sea and weather conditions are not suitable for a safe outing, Sea Kayak Italy reserves the right to cancel the tour. In this case a full refund is always guaranteed, or you can choose an alternative date.
3IS SWIMMING ABILITY REQUIRED?
Yes, swimming ability is absolutely required.
4WHAT TO BRING FOR A SEA KAYAK DAY TOUR?
Wet shoes or shoes that can get wet (no flip-flop) Hat Sun glasses Sun cream Water (at least 2L each) and snack Waterproof case for your phone Towel Extra change of clothes just in case Happy face :)
5WHAT SHOULD I LOOK AT BEFORE BOOKING?
Sunny skies are amazing for everybody! There are alcuni important factors to look at when you decide to run a watersport activity. One of the biggest things that is over looked is wind speed. Speeds above 12 mph can become quite difficult for inexperienced Kayakers. Rain is not a problem anyway, except in case of storm. The most important thing for us is making sure that your experience is memorable and enjoyable. In case of bad weather for kayaking, we will contact you asap to change the date of your booking or to give you the refund.
6HOW TO REACH US AND WHERE TO PARK IN MARCIANA MARINA?
We are located at Viale Lloyd 35, opposite the post office. If you are coming to Elba by car or motorbike, you disembark at Portoferraio and continue towards Marciana Marina along the scenic provincial road SP24 for 20 minutes. You will find both free and paid parking near our premises.
7IS IT MANDATORY TO WEAR A PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE (PFD)?
Yes, for everyone and for the entire duration of the outing. The personal flotation device (PFD) is part of the equipment we provide, so you don't need to bring anything. It is lightweight, comfortable and does not restrict movement while paddling. Safety is our number one priority: wearing a PFD does not mean the sea is dangerous, it means we want you to enjoy every moment of the experience with peace of mind.
8CAN CHILDREN PARTICIPATE IN THE SEA KAYAK TOURS?CAN CHILDREN PARTICIPATE IN THE SEA KAYAK TOURS?
Our guided tours on the Island of Elba are suitable for people aged 14 and over, accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. It is a fantastic experience to discover the sea in a safe and adventurous way. Please note: the minimum age may vary depending on the type of tour. Check the specific activity page for more details.
9WHEN IS THE BEST TIME FOR SEA KAYAKING ON THE ISLAND OF ELBA?
The Island of Elba is perfect for sea kayaking from April to October, with optimal conditions between May-June and September-October. Spring (April-June): calm sea, rising water temperature, few crowds. Ideal for those who want to experience authentic Elba and enjoy the coves in peace. Summer (July-August): perfect water temperature, long days. The island is busier but the sea is stunning. We recommend booking in advance. Early autumn (September-October): the favourite period for experienced kayakers. The sea is still warm, golden light, almost no tourists. Sea and weather conditions are often the best of the year.
10DO I NEED TO BOOK IN ADVANCE OR CAN I SHOW UP ON THE DAY?
All our activities are by reservation only. Our guided tours on the Island of Elba have a limited number of participants to ensure the highest quality experience and the safety of every guest. For last minute bookings you can contact us via WhatsApp +39 3515505313.
11ARE THE TOURS ALSO AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH?
Yes, we offer sea kayak tours and courses in both Italian and English. Sea Kayak Italy welcomes guests from all over Europe and the world. Our guides are Italian native speakers and speak English fluently, ensuring a complete experience for non-Italian speakers too.
12IS IT POSSIBLE TO DO A PRIVATE KAYAK TOUR OR A TAILOR-MADE EXPERIENCE?
Absolutely yes. In addition to group tours, we organise private sea kayak tours on the Island of Elba for couples, families, companies and special events. We can build a tailor-made experience based on your needs: duration, route, difficulty level, and possible stops for snorkelling or picnics in coves only reachable by sea. Private tours must be booked well in advance. Contact us for a personalised quote.
13WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A TOUR AND A SEA KAYAK COURSE?
- A guided tour is a sea kayak excursion accompanied by a guide. No experience is required. We take care of bringing you safely to discover the coves and coastline of the Island of Elba. The goal is to enjoy an experience on the sea. - A course is a structured learning programme where you learn paddling techniques, sea safety, rescue manoeuvres and autonomous navigation. The goal is to develop real skills that progressively advance over time. If you have never done sea kayaking and simply want to give it a try, start with a tour. If you want to truly learn, choose a course.
14DO THE KAYAK COURSES LEAD TO A RECOGNISED CERTIFICATION?
Yes, our certifications are issued by Paddle UK, one of the most internationally recognised certification systems for sea kayaking.
15CAN I OBTAIN THE FICK "PAGAIA AZZURRA" CERTIFICATION?
Absolutely! Although our courses follow the Paddle UK syllabus and we officially issue Paddle UK certifications, our instructors are also certified FICK (Italian Canoe & Kayak Federation) examiners. We can issue the Pagaia Azzurra (levels 1, 2, and 3) certifications upon request. If you are interested in receiving this specific Italian certification, please contact us in advance so we can organize the necessary assessment during your course.
16ARE THE COURSES HELD THROUGHOUT THE YEAR?
Yes, our sea kayak courses run all year round. From April to October we organise courses for all levels, including beginners. During the winter months we focus on courses for intermediate and advanced paddlers, and for those who wish to obtain certification to work as a sea kayak guide abroad.
17IS IT POSSIBLE TO DO A PRIVATE OR GROUP COURSE?
We offer both options: Individual or semi-private course: maximum attention, personalised pace, ideal for those who want to progress quickly or have specific needs. Group course: sharing the learning experience with other enthusiasts is part of the journey. Groups are kept small to ensure quality and individual attention.
18WHAT ARE YOUR OPENING HOURS?
We work by appointment only, we are not a shop open to the public. We reply to all emails within 24 hours, or you can reach us on WhatsApp at +39 3515505313 every day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
19DO YOU OFFER HOURLY KAYAK RENTAL?
No, we do not offer hourly sea kayak rental. Our kayaks are high-performance technical craft designed for open sea navigation — not for occasional or beach use. For safety reasons, sea kayak rental in Marciana Marina, Island of Elba, is available exclusively to kayakers holding a recognised Level 3 (L3) sea kayak certification, confirming specific sea kayak training.
20SIT INSIDE KAYAK RENTAL & SECURITY POLICY
Safety is our number one priority! We offer sea kayak rental in Marciana Marina exclusively in low season and to kayakers holding an L3 certificate, confirming completion of sea kayak training courses. Please note: we do not rent to those who are new to sea kayaking. If you are just starting out, the best way to begin is with one of our guided tours or sea kayak courses — we will teach you the basics in a safe environment. We do not offer hourly or half-day rentals.