REVIEW · GIRONA
Kayak excursion in Playa de Aro
Book on Viator →Operated by SET SAIL COSTA BRAVA · Bookable on Viator
Sea caves feel close when you paddle. I love the small-group coaching that helps you get your kayak rhythm quickly, with clear safety guidance before you head out along the coast. It’s a fun way to see Playa de Aro from the water without needing experience.
I also like that the snorkeling masks are included, plus there’s a real swim/rest stop so you can check out what’s under the surface. The main consideration is simple: you’ll need to be a strong swimmer, and the kayaking can feel like a workout if it’s your first time.
In This Review
- Key highlights from this Playa de Aro kayak + snorkel trip
- Getting started at the port: the skills that make the trip feel easy
- From Playa de Aro to S’Agaró: paddling the Camino de Ronda route
- Kayak-only coves and rocky passages: where the scenery turns real
- The best part for many people: the snorkeling swim break
- What it feels like for first-timers, couples, and families
- Value check: what $36.20 gets you in real terms
- Guides who add personality, not just instructions
- Safety and rough-water reality: what to expect if conditions change
- Practical prep tips so you enjoy every minute
- Quick logistics that matter (and keep it stress-free)
- Should you book this Playa de Aro kayak and snorkel trip?
- FAQ
- Where does the kayak excursion start and end?
- How long is the kayak and snorkeling trip?
- Is snorkeling included, or do I need to bring my own mask?
- Do I need to know how to swim to join?
- Should I wear water shoes?
- What languages are the guides offering?
- How many people are in a group?
- What’s included in the price besides the kayaking?
- Do I need a paper ticket?
- What happens if the weather is poor or I need to cancel?
Key highlights from this Playa de Aro kayak + snorkel trip

- Small-group attention (max 20) keeps the pace comfortable and safety front and center
- Intro + safety briefing so first-timers can follow along confidently
- Snorkeling gear included at the swim stop, with time to enjoy the seabed
- Costa Brava coastline by kayak between rocks and coves you can’t reach any other way
- Photo included so you can keep proof of your sea-views day
- Costa del look, family-friendly timing for active couples, friends, and families
Getting started at the port: the skills that make the trip feel easy
The outing starts in Playa de Aro at Avinguda de Verona Terol, 25 (you’ll paddle out from the port and come back to the same meeting point). Before anyone heads offshore, you get a quick but practical introduction to kayaking technique and navigation safety.
That “learn it first” part matters. On a trip like this, you’re not just floating. You’re steering, maintaining balance, and working around rocks and coves. The instruction is enough to get you moving confidently on your own kayak, even if you’ve never done it before.
You’ll also get a safety mindset early: how to handle the group, what to do if conditions change, and how to keep your distance around the coastline. One of the repeated themes from the guides’ style is that they keep watchful eyes on everyone, not just the lead kayaks.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Girona.
From Playa de Aro to S’Agaró: paddling the Camino de Ronda route

Once you’re ready, you paddle out of the port of Playa de Aro and follow the Costa Brava coastline toward S’Agaró along the Camino de Ronda.
What I like about this section is how quickly it turns from “getting set up” into “wow, we’re actually moving through the coast.” You’re not stuck looking at the shoreline from one spot. You’ll travel between spots along the route as the guide shares interesting details about the area.
The Camino de Ronda connection is also part of the appeal. This is a coastline that’s famous for being rugged and walkable—but from the kayak, you see the texture differently: rocky edges, narrow passages, and those calm-looking pockets that are actually best approached from the water.
If you’ve got kids, this is where you’ll feel the benefit of the small-group format. A steady group pace makes it easier for everyone to stay engaged rather than stuck waiting.
Kayak-only coves and rocky passages: where the scenery turns real

A big chunk of the fun comes from how you travel: between rocks and coves that are only accessible by kayak, with nature all around you and a charming coastal feel as you go.
This is the part you should watch your effort level on. Coastal paddling can be relaxing for experienced rowers, but if you’re new, it can sneak up on you. I’d plan on treating it like a light-to-moderate active outing: you’ll move, your arms will work, and you’ll get sweaty enough that a swim stop later feels earned.
The good news is that guides are paying attention to individuals. In past trips, guides have stayed focused on safety for kids and kept things under control if conditions turned choppier. One group described a support boat being used when waters got rough before continuing in kayaks, which is exactly the kind of calm contingency planning you want on a coastline adventure.
The best part for many people: the snorkeling swim break

Around the middle of the excursion, you stop to rest, swim, and snorkel. Snorkeling masks are included, so you don’t have to show up with gear. If you already own snorkeling equipment, you can bring it, too.
This is your payoff moment: you paddle through the coastline, then you get to see what’s below—seabed details and marine life in the cove. In multiple experiences, people specifically called out spotting sea creatures like an octopus, shrimp, and other wildlife around the rocks.
A practical note: the excursion requires swimming ability, and the stop is where you’ll use it. If you’re a confident swimmer but not a strong snorkeler, don’t worry. You’re not being graded; the point is to enjoy the underwater view in a controlled break.
Also consider water footwear. The tour advises wearing water shoes, which helps with comfort when entering and exiting the water near rocky areas.
What it feels like for first-timers, couples, and families

This works for a mix of travelers: families, couples, and groups of friends. The key is that the activity is active, but guided. Most travelers can participate, as long as you can swim.
For first-time kayakers, the best comfort is knowing you’ll get instruction upfront. People have described the coaching as fantastic for learning the basics quickly. Guides like Rachel and David have been praised for clear instruction and keeping things fun, with David also noted as friendly and funny.
For families, the outing is generally framed as doable because the guides adjust to the group and keep safety tight. One family experience specifically highlighted that the support boat helped during rougher water for kids.
If you’re traveling with someone who gets tired easily, I’d pack for short bursts of effort: expect paddling work, then a break, then more paddling. This is not a leisurely drift tour.
Value check: what $36.20 gets you in real terms

At about $36.20 per person for roughly two hours, this can be strong value—especially because the price covers more than just kayak time.
You’re getting:
- the necessary equipment for the excursion (kayak setup and included snorkeling gear)
- snorkeling masks at the swim stop
- photos of the activity
- accident insurance
That’s a lot bundled for a short outing. If you had to rent snorkeling gear and pay for a separate photo package, the costs can creep up fast. Here, you’re paying for the whole experience: movement, gear, marine-view time, and basic coverage.
The other value driver is group size. With a maximum of 20 travelers, the guide attention tends to stay personal rather than turning into a one-to-many lecture.
Guides who add personality, not just instructions

One reason this trip earns such high satisfaction is the guide vibe. People have mentioned guides who were enthusiastic and funny, not stiff. Names that come up include Rachel and David, plus Santi, Pau, Victor, and Raquel.
What I’d take from that as a traveler: you’re not just getting a route. You’re getting explanations. Guides share curiosities of the place as you paddle, and they’ve been described as informative about fauna and local customs too.
That kind of commentary makes a short 2-hour trip feel longer. You’re seeing the coastline, and you also understand what you’re looking at—rocky coves, marine life, and why this coast is so special from the water.
Safety and rough-water reality: what to expect if conditions change

This trip is weather-dependent, and the provider requires good weather for the experience to run. That means you should bring a flexible attitude. If conditions aren’t right, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
On safety itself, the setup is reassuring: the excursion begins with navigation safety basics, guides keep the group together, and there’s evidence of contingency support in rougher conditions. One review described a support boat being used when waters became too rough for kids, and then the kayaks continued afterward.
So while you should assume some effort and some natural coastline movement, you shouldn’t feel like you’re on your own out there.
Practical prep tips so you enjoy every minute
Here’s how to make the experience smoother.
Bring water-friendly footwear. Water shoes are recommended, especially since coves and rocky entries can be tricky with bare feet.
Arrive ready to work. Even with guidance, kayaking uses your arms and core. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting damp. You’ll also want to keep personal items secured because you’re on open water.
Plan around the swim stop. The tour requires swimming ability, and the snorkeling time is part of the main attraction. If you’re unsure, be honest with yourself about your comfort level in open water.
Use the included time well. The schedule is short by design (about two hours). That means the fun moments—coasting along the Camino de Ronda and the cove snorkeling—don’t get dragged out. Show up ready to enjoy them.
One small consideration: photos are included, and while that’s great, you’ll want to be proactive about how and when you’ll receive them. If you care a lot about getting them back promptly, ask on the day how the photo delivery works.
Quick logistics that matter (and keep it stress-free)
This is a mobile-ticket experience, and you’ll get confirmation at booking time. The group is capped at 20 travelers, which tends to help with coaching and safety checks.
The meeting point is near public transportation, which is handy if you don’t want to worry about parking on top of everything else. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, so you can easily transition into beach time or a post-trip meal without a long commute.
If you want to lock in a spot, timing helps. On average, this is booked about 15 days in advance—so if your dates are fixed, it’s smart to reserve early.
Should you book this Playa de Aro kayak and snorkel trip?
I’d book it if you want a short, guided Costa Brava experience that mixes paddling, coastline sightseeing, and a real snorkeling break. The combination of small-group attention, included gear, and that kayak-only cove time makes it a solid choice for active travelers—especially families who want something outdoorsy but not complicated.
Skip it (or pick a different activity) if swimming isn’t comfortable for you, because the swim/snorkel stop is part of the core experience. And if you’re brand-new to kayaking, go in ready for mild-to-moderate effort, not a gentle float.
If your priority is seeing the coast up close—between rocks and coves you can’t easily reach on foot—this is exactly the kind of outing that delivers.
FAQ
Where does the kayak excursion start and end?
The experience starts at Avinguda de Verona Terol, 25, 17250 Platja d’Aro, Girona, Spain. It ends back at the same meeting point.
How long is the kayak and snorkeling trip?
The duration is about 2 hours.
Is snorkeling included, or do I need to bring my own mask?
Snorkeling masks are included, and snorkeling gear is provided as part of the excursion. If you have your own snorkeling equipment, you can bring it.
Do I need to know how to swim to join?
Yes. You must know how to swim to perform the activity.
Should I wear water shoes?
The tour advises wearing water shoes.
What languages are the guides offering?
The tour is offered in English.
How many people are in a group?
This tour has a maximum of 20 travelers.
What’s included in the price besides the kayaking?
The price includes the necessary equipment, photos of the activity, and accident insurance.
Do I need a paper ticket?
No. You’ll receive a mobile ticket.
What happens if the weather is poor or I need to cancel?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.





