Kayak the Camino de Santiago (The Way of Saint James)

Kayak the Camino de Santiago through the Bay of Arousa and along the River Ulla. It's a one of a kind sea and river itinerary that celebrates the Apostle Santigo's body arriving to Galicia by sea. This route consists of sea kayaking the first 77 km and walking the remaining 25 km. route on foot. The end of this Camino also treats travelers to two nights in Santiago to fully enjoy this magnificent city and its festive atmosphere.

The Camino de Santiago by Kayak is also called the Camino of the Sea. It's a true pleasure for all the senses and a unique travel experience - you wil free tranquil and free of traffic jams.

Ancient Christian traditions and several medieval texts, the most important of them, the Book III of the Codex Calixtino, assure us that the bodily remains of the Apostle Santiago was transported from the Port of Jaffa in Palestine along the Mediterranean and the Iberian Atlantic Coast to the boundaries of the Western World, where he had preached the gospel. This route is also known as the "Traslatio". The body of Santiago passed through the Arousa Estuary and went upstream the Ulla River until the remains of Santiago arrived at Padrón. From there, the body was later transfered to Santiago de Compostela.

Ahead of you you'll discover forty nautical miles (77km) until reaching the ancient Iria Flavia and then some 25 kilometers more walking the remainder of the way to Santiago de Compostela. These last km on foot coincide with the final stage of the Portuguese Camino (Way).

Beaches of white sand and turquoise waters will almost convince you, that you are in the Caribbean itself.

Carlos, one of the guides, is an excellent cook who has worked with some of the best chefs in this country and with him you will be able enjoy succulent delicacies cooked using local products offered only in these waters and lands.

INFORMATION

No previous ocean kayaking experience is necessary, but you must know how to swim and be relatively fit and in healthy condition.

The Sea Route is designed to begin easy and increase in difficulty as you go along. That way you can gradually adapt yourself to kayaking and the effort it requires.

Kayaking the Camino de Santiago provides an amazing activity in and of itself, but we also include additional activities such as snorkeling in the best areas of the Ria, hiking in Cortegada National Park or in some of the other numerous nature reserves, rapala lure or troll fishing from the kayak, and visiting some of the most emblematic places on the Camino.

This area is famous for its many gastronomic and popular festivals, depending on the time and if your trip coincides with these, there will be organized visits to participate in them.

One of the highlights of kayaking the Camino de Santiago is the amazing gastronomy of the area. On this route you will enjoy delicious cuisine, which will strengthen and revitalize you.

In general, the conditions for kayaking are always optimal since the Sea Inlet (Ría) of Arousa is sheltered by the beautiful Illa de Sálvora. However, it is possible that occasional bad weather will change the conditions for kayaking, so that sea navegation isn't advisable. In this case, we reserve the right to suspend the voyage. Depending on which side of the river you are (A Coruña or Pontevedra) we will look for an alternative route for you to continue your Camino. If the conditions are not suitable during the entire week, we can cancel the Camino de Santiago by Kayak and exchange the route for an alternative during those days.

The "Traslatio" is also the name of the certificate that verifies you have fulfilled the Camino by Sea requirement and is the one that you will receive when you arrive to Padrón, as long as you have completed a minimum of 40 nautical miles and you have stamped your "credential" in at least three towns or cities between the Provinces of Pontevedra and Coruña.

The "credencial" is the paper you will pick up at the town hall of O Grove and you stamp as you move from town to town along the Camino. When you arrive to Padrón, you will present it to the "Pilgrim's Office" and you will then be entitled to the "Traslatio".

You must bring a swimsuit, a synthetic or Lycra shirt for sailing, hat, sunglasses with an attached cord, in order not to lose them, water shoes, walking shoes, a small backpack, sun protection and a towel. Finally, remember a lightweight sleeping bag, and spare, warm clothes.

Each kayak will carry your tent (provided by us), an inflatable expedition mattress, sleeping bag and a plastic container for clothes.

Maximum number of participants per group: 24 people
Minimum advisable age: 16 years

DEPARTURES 2020:

June: 22nd and 29th of june

July: 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th

August: 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st.

September: 7th

• Price
  From 850 EUR/pers.
• Km
  104
• Days
  8 days / 7 nights
• Difficulty
  
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  ? NOTE: nowhere, in any Camino, will steep cliffs be found next to path!
  
  1: Very easy. Flat and without significant gradients. Good and normally wide paths.
  
  2: Easy. Slightly hilly. Good and normally wide paths.
  
  3: Medium. Hilly, possibly with longer distances between service facilities/cities. Good, sometimes narrow paths.
  
  4: Medium/Hard. Longer, steeper climbs, perhaps with few servicefacilities/cities. Good, sometimes narrow paths.
  
  5: Hard. Long gradient(s), possibly few facilities. Very hilly. Good, sometimes narrow paths.

More information on El Grove - Santiago