Four grades, one very good bay
From a three-hour taster to a six-day expedition. Everything runs in expedition sea kayaks with a local guide, all safety kit included.
Grading
We grade by exposure and distance rather than fitness alone. If you are unsure, tell us your honest experience and we will put you on the right trip — there is no shame in starting at grade one.
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Grade 1
Sheltered water, short crossings, never far from a beach. Complete beginners welcome.
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Grade 2
Full days on the water, open crossings up to 2 km, some wind and chop expected.
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Grade 3
Consecutive paddling days, longer crossings, tidal streams between islands.
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Grade 4
Exposed coast, committing crossings, camping. Prior sea kayak experience required.
Half-Day Taster
The gentlest way in. We launch from the beach at Sekotong, run through paddle strokes and safety in the shallows, then cross to the nearest island for a snorkel and a coconut before heading back. Flat, protected water the whole way.
- Distance
- 6–8 km
- Departs
- Daily, 08:00 and 15:00
- Includes
- Kayak, paddle, PFD, dry bag, snorkel set, water and fruit, guide
- Good for
- Absolute beginners, families with children over 8
- Price
- Price TBC
Secret Gilis Day Trip
Our signature day. A loop taking in Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak and tiny Gili Kedis — a sandbar with three trees on it. Lunch is laid out on the beach in the shade, and the coral between Sudak and Nanggu is the best shallow snorkelling on this coast.
- Distance
- 14–18 km
- Departs
- Daily, 07:30
- Includes
- All kayak and safety kit, snorkel set, beach lunch, drinks, guide, national park fees
- Good for
- Anyone reasonably active; no kayak experience required
- Price
- Price TBC
Three-Day Island Hopper
Work your way west along the bay, sleeping in simple beach bungalows on Gili Asahan and Gili Layar. Days are 4–5 hours on the water with long stops; evenings are grilled fish, a cold drink and a very dark sky. Luggage moves ahead by boat, so you paddle light.
- Distance
- 45–55 km over three days
- Departs
- Tuesdays and Saturdays, April to November
- Includes
- All kayak and safety kit, 2 nights bungalow accommodation, all meals, baggage transfer, guide and support boat
- Good for
- Paddlers happy with consecutive days and open crossings
- Price
- Price TBC
South Coast Expedition
The real thing. We leave the sheltered bay behind and work the exposed south-west coast toward Blongas, camping on beaches with no road access. Swell, tidal gates and committing crossings — and stretches of coastline where you will not see a building all day.
- Distance
- 95–120 km over six days
- Departs
- Monthly, May to October
- Includes
- All kayak, safety and camping kit, all meals, support boat, guide and assistant guide
- Requires
- Prior sea kayak experience, confident self-rescue, good general fitness
- Price
- Price TBC
Private & Custom Trips
Families, dive groups, photographers, corporate teams, or a couple who simply want their own guide. Tell us how many days you have and what you want out of them, and we will build the route around you — including combining kayaking with diving, trekking or a Rinjani leg.
- Length
- Half a day to two weeks
- Group size
- 2 to 12 paddlers
- Lead time
- Two weeks preferred for multi-day custom routes
- Price
- Quoted per trip
Common questions
Do I need kayaking experience?
Not for grades 1 and 2. We teach you what you need in the first twenty minutes and our guides stay close. Grades 3 and 4 assume you have paddled a sea kayak before and can look after yourself in wind and chop.
What is the best time of year?
April to November is the dry season and the most settled water. December to March brings the west monsoon — we still run short trips on protected days, but multi-day expeditions pause.
How fit do I need to be?
Sea kayaking is technique before strength. If you can swim and walk for a couple of hours you will manage grade 1 or 2 comfortably. Grade 4 asks for genuine fitness across consecutive days.
Can children come?
Yes. Children from around 8 can ride in a double kayak with a parent or guide on the half-day and day trips. We will talk it through with you first.
What should I bring?
Quick-dry clothing that covers your shoulders, a hat, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses with a retainer, sandals you can swim in, and a change of clothes. We supply all paddling and safety equipment plus dry bags.
What happens if the weather turns?
Your guide decides on the morning. We will reroute to sheltered water where we can, and if a trip cannot run safely we reschedule it or refund it in full.
Not sure which trip?
Send us your dates and a line about your paddling experience. We will tell you honestly which grade suits you.