Preparation
You do not need much experience in sea kayaking, but you need to know how to swim and have an acceptable and healthy physical form.
El Camino del Mar is designed to go from less to more. We increase the distance and effort gradually.
Our Route
Our journey starts at our base camp, Paisaxe II, at Playa Area Grande in O’ Grove. We follow the Camino del Mar and paddle into the Ria [estury] between the provinces of Pontevedra and Coruna towards the Ulla River which we will follow, reaching Padron after four days. Here we will leave our kayaks and join the part of the Camino known as the "Portuguese Way" and hike the remainder of the way to Santiago with the regular pilgrims and hikers during the fifth day of our journey.
Activities
Besides kayaking there will be ample opportunity to snorkel, fish and sail too, all weather permitting. The National Park of Cortegada adjoining the Ria offers ample hiking trails for those wishing to have a break from paddling. The area is famous for its many festivals and depending on the dates of their tours, visits will be organised to participate in them.
All our activities are adapted to have no or minimal impact on the environment.
Meals
Galicia is an area where culinary prowess matters greatly so meals are usually an unforgettable experiences. Seafood abounds and when served with Spanish flair it excels. Our resident and professional chef, Cata, who also happens to be chief guide and owner of Camino en Kayak, will ensure that meals and sustenance are highlights of the tour!
So be prepared to our over indulge in the areas finest and world famous products.
Accomodation
All accommodation is included and, except for the last night in Padron, will be in delightful campsites on or near the beaches the kayaks are landed on. In Padron paddlers stay in a traditional Pilgrim’s hostel, before making their way to Santiago the next day.
-Illa De Arousa, Camping (tent) (optional bungalow except August)
-Pobla Do Caraminal, Camping (tent) (optional bungalow except August)
-Rianxo, Camping (bed)
-Padron, Private Hostel for pilgrims
Optional:
- Stay over in Paisaxe II Campsite night before. Recommended.
-Last day in Santiago o Camping Paisaxe II. Recommended.
Transport
Transfer from Pontevedra to our basecamp, Camping Paisaxe II, in San Vicente de O Grove
Optional:
Transfer from airoport Santiago or Vigo (our local airports)
Weather
Usually the conditions for kayaking are optimal since the Ria de Arousa is protected by the beautiful Island of Sálvora. It is however possible that bad weather will temporarily take over in our environment, and in these
cases, if conditions are impractical for kayaking, the company reserves the right to suspend the journey.
Depending on the side of the estuary in which we find ourselves (In Coruña or in Pontevedra) we may seek an alternative route.
The decision to kayak or not is always at the discretion of the guide.
If the conditions were not suitable for the whole week, Camino en Kayak can cancel your route and change dates or refund Fares on a Pro Rata Basis.
Security
All safety requirements will be met and basic safety procedures and paddling techniques will be taught.
If the advice of the guides are followed at all times, the tour will run smoothly and we will have no problems.
Camino en Kayak has UHF communications, security telephones, first aid and a support boat if needed.
Unlike kayaking on the open sea we will be paddling in estuaries which offer nearby escapes if required.
Groups
Open groups:
A minimum of four people. Departure dates are decided by the company. Accomodation, meals, stops, activities and lenght of the tour will be determined by the company.
.
Private / closed groups:
The route will remain the same, but the group can choose certain details of the trip in terms of type of accommodation, activities, stops and lenght of the journey.
The price will vary depending on the options and the number of people.
Credentials of the camino
We will collect the credential, or pilgrims passport at the municipality of O Grove. From there we will collect stamps in different areas along the way. When we reach the Santiago pilgrim office, in Santiago de Compostella, we will receive the "right to the compostela". This is a certifícate that has been handed out to pilgrims for the past 1000 years completing their camino.
It is written in Latin and attests to the fact that you have successfully completed the pilgrimage.
What to bring
Swimsuit, long sleeve cotton or lycra shirt to paddle in, sarong to keep the legs from sunburn, shorts, hat, sunglasses, lace to keep the glasses, water shoes (boots or shoes that can get wet), walking shoes, small backpack, sunscreen and towel. Sleeping bag and warm clothes.
Do not forget that the road is an adventure that we do with our own effort.
Our kayaks have a big capacity, but it is also limited (around 25l pp)
Each kayak will transport its own tent, mattress, sleeping bag and clothes.
Excess clothing or luggage can be stored at our office (Camping Paisaxe II) and handed over on arrival in Santiago or back at the campsite, depending on the option that you choose.