Kayak Napoli

Kayak Napoli offers a completely different view of the city: from the water, paddling along the green, villa-lined coast of Posillipo, west of Mergellina. The company is based at the Baia delle Rocce Verdi on Via Posillipo, where all its activities start and finish, and its team includes qualified instructors in kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding and cycling.

The main outing is the Wild Posillipo Tour, a sporty group trip by kayak along the Posillipo coast. This stretch of shoreline is one of the most beautiful parts of Naples, with tufa cliffs, small coves, the ruins of Roman villas and grand houses built right on the water, and from the sea there are views back across the bay to the city and Vesuvius. The Sunset tour is timed for what the company calls the most evocative moment of the day, and the Full Moon outing is a twilight paddle during which guests toast with a glass of wine from their kayaks as the moon rises.

Private tours can be arranged for parties, team-building events and stag or hen groups, and the company also offers boat and bike tours. Experienced paddlers can rent kayaks and explore independently. Durations are not listed on the website, so confirm timings and what to bring when you book.

Ask when booking whether previous experience is needed; in any case you should be comfortable in the water and reasonably fit, as paddling against wind or waves can be tiring. Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, a hat and water, and keep phones in a waterproof bag. Tours depend on the weather and sea conditions, so the summer months and calm spring and autumn days are the best time to go. Booking ahead is advisable, especially for sunset trips at weekends.

It suits active couples, groups of friends and families with older children who are confident swimmers. Bookings and enquiries can be made by phone, on several numbers listed on the website, or by email, with cancellations handled through a separate booking address.

Via Posillipo winds along the coast from Mergellina, and the base is most easily reached by taxi or by bus along the coast road; parking is very limited in summer. Combine a morning paddle with lunch in Posillipo or Mergellina, where Palazzo Petrucci and 50 Kalò are within reach.