Arrival in Ormos Panagias and first encounter with Diaporos

The meeting is at 05:30 in front of Vasil Levski Stadium, and at 06:00 we depart from Sofia.

Our first stop is in the Kresna area – time for pastries, supplies, and water before continuing along the route to the Aegean coast.

Around noon we arrive in Ormos Panagias. We stop for coffee and breakfast, buy fresh fish from the local fish market, and head to Rea Camping, located directly opposite Diaporos Island.

All together we unload the equipment and kayaks, set up the camp, and after a short rest we conduct the initial briefing.

We then head to the first beaches of Diaporos Island. The day is dedicated to training and improving the basic paddling techniques to confidently prepare for the upcoming routes.

Shortly before sunset we return to the campsite. In the evening we light the barbecue, prepare dinner, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere by the sea.

Paddling distance for the day: around 6 km

Difficulty level according to distance: 1 out of 4

Islets, lagoons, and the rhythm of Talgo

This is the day when the participants who chose the three-day adventure join the group. To take part fully, they must arrive at the campsite no later than 09:30, complete the briefing, and receive their equipment.

Today we will explore the coastline north of the campsite.

Our first stop is a sandy beach located across from a small rocky island with a chapel built literally in the water — one of the most iconic and peaceful places in the area, and one of the most photogenic spots on the route.

Next stop — lunch at the beach taverna in Ormos Panagias, where we will recharge and enjoy the view of the bay.

In the afternoon we continue toward the cult Talgo Beach. We will visit the famous Talgo Beach Bar, and the rhythm of the DJ parties will create an atmosphere unlike any other on Sithonia.

In the evening, we may light the barbecue again or visit the campsite taverna.

Paddling distance for the day: around 14 km with three breaks

Difficulty level according to distance: 2 out of 4

The circumnavigation of Diaporos and the Blue Lagoon

After breakfast and coffee, as well as preparing sandwiches for the day, we launch the kayaks and head towards Diaporos Island. Today we will complete a full circumnavigation of the island, and during the breaks we will enjoy sandy beaches and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea.

Three breaks are planned.

The first one is on the southeastern beach of Diaporos — a quiet and peaceful spot, ideal for swimming and a short rest.

The second break is at the Blue Lagoon — the most iconic place in the northeastern part of the island. Here the water is emerald, the seabed is bright and shallow, and the colours are almost unreal. This is also the most visited area, so we will take a longer break here and have lunch.

Please note that there are no cafés or tavernas on the island — you must bring enough food and water for the entire day.

We continue the circumnavigation, and the third break is in the interior of the island, where we will leave the kayaks and take a short hike to a small emerald beach overlooking the Blue Lagoon — one of the most beautiful panoramic spots on Diaporos.

For the evening we plan an organised dinner in a traditional taverna in Vourvourou, where we will end the day with good food and a seaside atmosphere.

Paddling distance for the day: around 14 km with three breaks

Difficulty level according to distance: 2 out of 4

We meet at 09:30 at the boats.

This is our last day and it is dedicated to short, focused paddling and practical training in the bay of Rea Camping. We stay close to the bay, where we continue to build on the most important techniques in sea kayaking.

Today’s training includes

Basics and kayak control

✅ proper entry and exit from the kayak at shore and shallow water;

✅ efficient forward and backward paddling with correct body positioning;

✅ stopping techniques and controlled speed reduction;

✅ adjusting and changing direction.

Maneuvering and stability

✅ side paddling (draw stroke);

✅ maintaining stability through low brace and high brace;

✅ basic techniques for preventing capsizing.

Rescue techniques

✅ self-rescue – re-entering the kayak after falling out;

✅ assisted rescue – helping another kayaker.

The training is carried out mainly on single sea kayaks so that each technique can be performed realistically, with proper dynamics and safety.

Those who prefer not to participate in the practical exercises may observe from a boat or remain on the beach.

Wrap-up, preparation, and departure

At 11:30 we return to the campsite. Together we clean the equipment, organise the gear, wash and load the kayaks onto the trailers.

Around 15:30 we depart, making a short stop in Nikiti for gyros, after which we continue our journey back to Bulgaria.

Estimated arrival in front of Vasil Levski Stadium in Sofia – around 23:00.

Paddling distance for the day: short training segments in the bay.

Difficulty level according to distance: 1 out of 2.

✅ FULL FOUR DAYS of sea kayaking around Diaporos Island

✅ High-class single kayak fitted to size (or double upon explicit preference)

✅ Modern lightweight carbon paddle

✅ High-class PALM buoyancy aid

✅ Spraydeck (nylon or neoprene depending on preference)

✅ Watersport helmet (if needed)

✅ Professional kayak guide with extensive sea kayaking experience, trained in:

- Sea kayaking, kayak leadership, first aid, risk management and safety in open water, navigation

✅ Briefing and training throughout the entire event

✅ Photos along the routes – taken by the team

For your comfort on land, we have provided:

✅ Tables, chairs, and a canopy (if needed)

✅ Gas barbecue, gas stove, electric kettle

✅ Coffee machine with unlimited coffee included

✅ Portable fridge and ice maker

✅ Cutlery, dishes, and cups

✅ Consumables: kitchen rolls, foil, trash bags, etc.

❌ Accommodation at Rea Camping

❌ The announced price does not include transport.

Participants may travel completely free of charge using the transport vehicles we use for carrying the kayaks and equipment (until the 23 available seats are filled), or, if they prefer, they may travel with their own transport. Participants who choose the three-day event travel only by their own transport.

❌ Food, drinks, and other personal expenses

❌ Personal equipment listed in the “Equipment” section

❌ Tent and inflatable mattress rental

❌ Health insurance for the duration of the event

Price: 4–6 BGN per person.

It can be arranged online here: http://bit.ly/3MuEGl8

The insurance is paid directly to the insurer.

We also recommend purchasing TRAVEL CANCELLATION insurance: https://bit.ly/3T6fmFb

How to get to Rea Camping?

You can travel completely free of charge with us using the transport vehicles we use for transporting the kayak equipment, until the 16 available seats are filled, or you may travel with your own transport if you prefer.

Participants who have chosen our exciting three-day adventure arrive by their own transport and must be at the campsite no later than 09:30. Please respect the time — the group departs exactly on schedule, and if you are late, you risk missing the entire first day of the programme.

Luggage – what to bring

✅ Backpack or duffel bag with personal items (large, bulky suitcases are not allowed)

✅ Tent (if you will be camping)

✅ Food and drinks for the stay

✅ You do not need to bring tables, chairs, or additional camping equipment — we provide them.

Departure and return

Departure: Sofia – the parking area in front of the main entrance of Vasil Levski National Stadium

Return: at the same location

⚠️ We do not offer pick-up or drop-off at personal addresses.

Accommodation at Rea Camping

The overnight stay at Rea Camping is 10 euros per night (a special negotiated rate for Dopamine Team participants). The amount is paid personally on-site, directly to the campsite management.

The campsite does not offer hotel accommodation, but caravan accommodation is available.

The prices for caravans follow the official price list and the current season and can be viewed here: https://www.camping-rea.gr/times.html

Dining at the campsite

We have provided a fully equipped field kitchen, utensils, and the option for shared cooking in the camp.

We recommend bringing food at least for the first day, as we arrive early in the morning and start with a dynamic programme.

Meal options

✅ Cooking together with the group in the camp

✅ Eating in local tavernas along the route

✅ Buying groceries from nearby shops

✅ Preparing fresh fish or seafood on the barbecue

Storage and shopping

✅ Refrigerator in the bus for perishable foods

✅ Refrigerators in the campsite for your use

✅ Coffee at any time

☕ A coffee machine with unlimited free coffee is provided for all participants

During kayak routes

✅ Bring dry food and sandwiches; each day during the briefing we will inform you if there are tavernas or shops along the route.

✅ Bring enough water according to your personal needs, but at least 2 litres.

🌊 Your meals are entirely your choice — cook with us, try the local cuisine, or combine both!