Island of Perfection – 5-Day Sea Kayak Adventure around Zakynthos

The island of Zakynthos, also called Zante, is the third largest of the Ionian islands in the Ionian Sea. Probably everyone has heard and maybe dreamed about its beautiful caves, beaches and sea. The island is also called by the Venetians "The Flower of the East" and is one of the most visited tourist destinations. We will experience the atmosphere of this corner of paradise and within 5 days we will tour its most beautiful places; - The Blue Caves, Navagio Beach, Cary Caves. We will try to see live the Carreta Carreta turtles or some monk seals.

Program:

Day 0 (15.07.2025)

On the evening of 15.07.2025 the meeting is at 20:00 in front of Vasil Levski stadium, Sofia, we leave at 20:30

Day 1 (16.07.2025)

Morning arrival in the town of. 20.30. We take a ferry crossing to Zakynthos. We check in at the Zante campsite. After that we will make a transfer to Hygia beach. We will unload our equipment and kayaks and after a briefing we will tour the caves in the area. There is no other place like this on Zakynthos. Hygia is a picturesque little beach, unique for its water, which gives many the reason to call it the natural spa of Zakynthos.

In one of the caves near the beach, there is a source of sulphur, which gives the sea water its unique properties for the island.
For the evening we provide a free program. We return to the campsite for dinner and rest.
The rowing for the day is 6 km.

Difficulty level relative to distance 1 out of 4.

Day 2 (17.07.2025)

This day we will make a transfer to the southern part of the island - to Lagana Bay. We will visit the caves of Marathonisi Island, then head to the western part of the island. We will pass through several large and beautiful arches, enter several cave tunnels. We will pass under the arch of Cape Marathia, where we will take a break, and our final destination is the Kerry Caves. These are a group οf sea caves and cκaal arches οf οctrοves that are worth visiting. At the end of today's adventure, wе paddle back tо Kerry's harbour and thеrе back tо the campsite, leaving уоu wіth fantastic memories оf thе day.
There are no restaurants or tavernas on our way and you will need to bring your own food.
For the evening we again plan a free programme. We return to the campsite for dinner and rest.
The paddle for the day is 15 km.

Difficulty level relative to distance 3 out of 4.

Day 3 (18.07.2025)

We make a transfer to Agios Nikolaos beach, and in the afternoon head to the so-called Blue Caves, which are located on one of the western shores of Zakynthos. They can only be reached by sea and it's a trip to remember for a lifetime. We'll pass by a stunning series of arches and caves, silently nestled in the turquoise embrace of the Ionian Sea. The caves also tempt snorkelling, and the view that the sunlight and water create, merging into a kaleidoscope of different shades of turquoise blue, is not to be missed.
Before the blue caves, there is a rest area where we will have lunch and take a break. The place is an ennobled rock massif with a tavern at its highest part and numerous springboards to jump from different heights, which we will enjoy.
After lunch we drive back to Agios Nikolaos, find a beach to wait for the sunset, then head back to the campsite.
For the evening we again plan a free program. We return to the campsite for dinner and rest.
Paddling for the day is 8 km

Difficulty level relative to distance 2 out of 4.

Day 4 (19.07.2025)

We have a real challenge this day. After breakfast we head to Porto Vromi bay. From there is the shortest approach to Navagio beach for kayaking. Whether we will be able to reach it depends a lot on the weather conditions and the sea itself. If there is a swell we will go to the beach with the wreck of the motorboat, then paddle around the bay itself, which is also very beautiful and full of caves and bizarre formations.
If the sea is calm by the time we get to the ship, you will enjoy the most magnificent views that can be seen from the water. The experience is unique and I wish everyone to enjoy it.
It is forbidden to accost the beach with the ship due to the danger of stonefalls, so we will explore it from the water and return to rest on the adjacent beach. Again, there are no restaurants or tavernas on our way and you will need to bring your own food. So on the way back to the campsite we will have dinner at one of the best tavernas in the region. For the evening we are again planning a free program. We return to the campsite for rest.
The paddling for the day is 15 km

Difficulty level relative to distance 3 out of 4.

Day 5 (20.07.2025)

We assemble at 9.00 am and all together we collect the equipment, wash and load the kayaks on the trailers and head am the capital. If we are expeditious with the equipment stowage we will have about 2 hours before the ferry departs to explore and walk around.
We then take the ferry to the mainland and back to Bulgaria.
Expected arrival in front of Vasil Levski Stadium is after midnight.

Note: The organizers reserve the right to change the program depending on weather conditions in order to ensure maximum safety of the participants.

ATTENTION: The campsite is very close to the capital and if anyone wishes they can skip one of the kayak programs and choose a program for one of the attractions on the island.

Training and improvement

Our mission is to pass on our knowledge to you, so during the event anyone who is willing, will learn or improve the following techniques:
- Lifting, Carrying;
- Getting the kayak in and out of the sea;
- Effective forward paddling;
- Paddling backwards, stopping;
- Lateral movement;
- Changing direction;
- Maintaining, correcting and changing course;
- Techniques for dealing with environmental phenomena;
- Group behaviour;
- Basic techniques to avoid capsizing;
- Self-rescue and assisted rescue;
- Basic principles of movement at sea.

Transport and accommodation

You can travel free of charge with the means of transport for the kayaks and equipment, until the free places are exhausted or with your own transport, the price does not change.

Space for luggage is limited. You can bring a backpack, pack, tent and food.

No need to bring tables and chairs and camping equipment, we've got you covered.

We leave from the parking lot in front of the main entrance of the National Stadium "Vasil Levski", Sofia and return there again, we do not offer personal visits.

Ferry fees are not included in the original price. There are two reasons for this:
- The price is the carrier's and we cannot calculate on it the discounts we offer.
- The price is payable locally and depends on the number of participants.

ACCOMMODATION: Overnight at Camping Zante, which is 12 euros per night and each person pays it personally on site, directly to the campsite management.

Food and drink

Traditionally, meals are at the campsite. It is recommended to bring prepared food for at least the first day. We have provided everything needed for a field kitchen and to feed the whole group. You do not need to bring absolutely anything.

If you want to eat at our campsite, each participant has to bring their own ingredients or buy them on site. When we are in Greece, we can't miss the opportunity to buy fresh fish and fish delicacies from local fish markets, fishmongers or shops to barbecue at the campsite. And each participant has the choice of eating in the organized campsite, at a tavern or buying food from local shops.

If desired, anyone can eat at the tavern or buy food from local shops.

During the trip from Sofia to Greece, we will have a refrigerator in the van in which we can stow perishables. Our first stop is at a 24-hour convenience store in Kresna where we can buy water and groceries. The campsite usually has fridges in the communal kitchens.

We have a coffee machine at your disposal and the coffee is unlimited. It is your responsibility to prepare your own dry food and sandwiches for the kayak treks, and you must have food and water provided for the time on the water according to your personal needs.

Conditions

The events we organise are of the adventure type and are open to all, beginners and experienced people alike, as well as children over a certain age described in the event. Each event has a published difficulty level and the distance we will cover on the day. The routes are chosen so that there is a beach and dive break approximately every hour. You will feel more comfortable if you have at least average fitness.

How to order:
To confirm your participation in the program you need to register on the site and place an order. All available places are announced on our website and change in real time. You add the desired event to your cart and complete the order by selecting your desired options and payment method. Although delivery is electronic you also need to fill in an address. The possible payment options are by bank or card. By agreeing electronically to the terms and conditions, the order is tantamount to a contract.
You can pay the full amount or pay an advance of 50%. When paying in advance, please use the promo code "advance". After successful completion of the order, you will receive a confirmation by email. If the payment is by bank, the place is considered booked once payment is received. If paying by card, the reservation is instant. Once we receive payment, within a few days, an operator will contact you, change the status of your order and you will receive a confirmation email with the text "Your order is confirmed". Additionally, you will be contacted a few days before the event.

Where the participants for whom you are placing the order are more than one, please complete the form below to send us their details
https://bit.ly/3PsYVR0

Money paid will be refunded immediately if the reason for the event not taking place is due to travel restrictions, if we do not form a group or due to a significant deterioration in the weather across the region. Depending on weather conditions, an alternative kayaking destination in another region of Greece may be chosen.

The maximum number of participants in the organised transport is 20 and the programme is run with a minimum of 8 participants.
If a group cannot be formed with the minimum number of participants, the organizer will notify all registrants up to 7 days before the event date.
The ratio of guides to participants is approximately 1-10

In case of cancellation of the event due to inability or illness, requested more than 14 days before the announced date, we will provide you with a voucher for another event of ours at the paid value.

If you wish, it is possible to participate with your own kayak and you can transport it yourself or we can transport it.

Participation is subject to further arrangement and is only allowed if you strictly follow Dopamine Team's instructions and program!

Documents required:

- ID card

- Health insurance for the duration of the event, which we will require from you, cost 4-6 BGN per person. It is also taken online at http://bit.ly/3MuEGl8 and paid to the insurer (personal details are required and we prefer you do not provide them).

We recommend you also take out travel cancellation insurance at this link: https://bit.ly/3T6fmFb

PRICE PER PERSON: 690 BGN

For a company of at least 4 people the price is 621 BGN per person.

Price includes

✅ FIVE FULL DAYS of kayaking near the beaches of the island. Zakynthos;

✅ Use of double or single kayaks according to preference and availability. (All our boats are high class and manufactured by the world leaders)

✅ Kayak equipment: modern lightweight paddle, PALM life jacket and spritz, helmet if necessary;

✅ Qualified kayak guide with extensive experience and completed a course with the British Canoe Association;

✅ Instruction and training;

✅ Photos along the routes.

In order to be different and to get the maximum comfort during your stay on land, we have provided for you full camping equipment, namely:

✅ Tables, chairs and tent (if needed);

✅ Gas barbecue;

✅ Gas hob;

✅ Coffee machine with coffee included;

✅ Two mobile refrigerators;

✅ Ice machine;

✅ Utensils;

✅ Supplies (kitchen rolls, foil, garbage bags);

Prise does not include

❌ Overnight accommodation at Zante campsite, which is €12 per night and everyone pays it personally on site;

❌ The quoted kayak fee does not include transport. As we transport the kayaks with vans, you can travel with us completely free of charge using the kayak transport vehicles or your own transport;

❌ Ferry fees from Killini to Zakynthos and back, personal and for carrying the equipment, which are between 90 and 110 BGN per person depending on the number of people, are paid on the ferry.

❌ Food, drinks and other personal expenses;

❌ Personal gear listed under "TEAMWORK";

❌ Tent and air mattress hire at prices from 20 BGN for the whole period (if you wish to hire a tent and air mattress, we ask that you request them in advance);

❌ Health insurance for the duration of the event, which we will require from you, cost 4-6 BGN per person. It can also be taken online at http://bit.ly/3MuEGl8 and is payable to the insurer (personal details are required and we prefer you do not provide these).

We recommend you also take out travel cancellation insurance at this link:https://bit.ly/3T6fmFb

WARNING:

During the event, participants must strictly comply with the regulations of the drivers, be in good physical health, have no illnesses and injuries of which they have not notified the organizer.

There is NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE for the use of all supplies, camping equipment and optional extras.
You only need to keep and take care of the inventory.

The participation fee offered by Dopamine Team EU Ltd is for the service of transporting kayak and camping equipment, renting kayak and camping equipment, logistics, providing an instructor and guide.

If there are other prices listed they are for information purposes only and are not subject to the sale of goods and services by us!
Any discounts at tavernas and campsites (if any) are shared with you and we do not take advantage of them.

Equipment

🛶 Equipment needed for the kayaking adventure 🚣‍♂️

It is your personal responsibility to provide the following:

1️⃣ Drinking water - minimum 2 litres per day (mandatory).
2️⃣ Sunglasses - high UV protection (the presence of polarization is recommended).
3️⃣ Sun hat or head towel - for extra protection from the sun.
4️⃣ Swimsuit or beachwear - comfortable for water activities.
5️⃣ Kayak gloves - may be for kayaking, but they are not designed for kayaking and may cause injury.
6️⃣ Sunscreen - high factor for sun protection.
7️⃣ Beach shoes - quick drying as there are sea urchins in the sea!
8️⃣ Light, breathable and comfortable outerwear - long sleeved lycra and UV protection is recommended to protect from the sun when paddling.
9️⃣ Thin water/windproof jacket - for protection in cooler weather.
🔟 Lightweight and compact beach towel or scarf.
1️⃣1️⃣ Folding knife, thermos and drink jug - for comfort at the beach and during breaks.
1️⃣2️⃣ Waterproof mobile phone case - protection from water and moisture.
1️⃣3️⃣ ID card and money in local currency - if needed for the day.
1️⃣4️⃣ Food for the day - depending on personal preference.
1️⃣5️⃣ Dry (waterproof) bag with a capacity of 15-30 litres - to store personal belongings and food.
1️⃣6️⃣ Depending on conditions - a pair of dry clothes to change into (stowed in a waterproof bag/pack).

1️⃣7️⃣ For diving enthusiasts - mask, snorkel, fins.
1️⃣8️⃣ Flashlight and/or headlamp - for evening activities or if additional lighting is needed.
1️⃣7️⃣ For diving enthusiasts - mask, snorkel, fins.
1️⃣8️⃣ Flashlight and/or headlamp - for evening activities or if additional lighting is needed.

🏕 Personal items for the campsite

1️⃣ Tent, mattress (shawl) and sleeping bag (or blanket) - for a comfortable overnight stay.
2️⃣ Toiletries - toothbrush and toothpaste, soap and shampoo.
3️⃣ Drying towel - microfiber towels are more compact and dry quickly.
4️⃣ Mosquito spray/lotion - for protection from insects during overnight camping.
5️⃣ For those using rental tents and mattresses - bring sheets and blankets for them to ensure a comfortable night's stay.

🌊 Prepare well with the necessary equipment and personal belongings for a comfortable and unforgettable kayaking adventure day! 💙