Kayak Rentals at Elafonissi Beach — Paddle Through the Pink Lagoon

Kayak Rentals at Elafonissi Beach — Paddle Through the Pink Lagoon

Introduction

Elafonissi isn’t just about the pink sand — it’s also a quiet paradise for kayaking. Here, where the shallow lagoon meets the open sea, you can rent a kayak and explore the coastline in complete silence — just the sound of paddles and the breeze over turquoise water.

Elafonissi Beach watersports station and surrounding landscape — Canon 800D

Captured by Zurab Peikrishvili for the CreteTales Project — Canon 800D, August 2025
Surf Island rental area with boards and price sign at Elafonissi Beach

Captured by Zurab Peikrishvili for the CreteTales Project — Canon 800D, August 2025

Where to Find the Kayak Rental

The small kayak stand is located near the main lifeguard tower, close to the central beach entrance. It’s a local family business — the owner, a friendly Cretan guy, offers single and double kayaks for rent by the hour.

Kayak stand at Elafonissi Beach
Rental sign and boards at Elafonissi

📍 Location: near the first row of umbrellas, left side of the lagoon
💰 Price: 15–20 € per hour
🕐 Hours: 9:00 – 18:00 (May to October)

What You’ll Experience

Kayaks on the morning shore of Elafonissi Lagoon

Captured by Zurab Peikrishvili for the CreteTales Project — Canon 800D, August 2025

Paddling here feels like floating above glass. The lagoon is only waist-deep, and the water color changes from baby-blue to deep turquoise as you move further from shore. From your kayak, you can see small pink-sand islets and even tiny fish below the surface.

Zurab Note — The Lagoon from a Kayak
When you sit low in the kayak, the world becomes completely quiet — only the sound of the paddle and the whisper of the wind. You suddenly understand how fragile and peaceful this place really is.

Tips Before You Go

  • Bring a waterproof phone case for photos.
  • Morning hours (9–11) are best — calm wind, clear reflections.
  • Always wear a hat and sunscreen — there’s no shade on the lagoon.
  • Respect the protected area — no landing on small islets.

Business Information

Location: Elafonisi beach Elafonisi, 730 04
Official website: www.surfisland.gr
Listed on: Google Maps

Internal Links (CreteTales Network)

Resource Why it matters

Elafonissi Beach, Crete
Main guide to Elafonissi’s pink-sand lagoon, helping visitors plan their kayak session around tides, crowds, and weather.

Best Beaches in Chania
Regional beaches hub connecting Elafonissi with other west Crete highlights like Falassarna and Balos.

Falassarna Beach
Another iconic west coast beach often combined with Elafonissi for sunset swims and open-sea conditions.

Balos Lagoon
Legendary lagoon experience offering a different perspective on shallow turquoise waters compared to Elafonissi.

Chania International Airport Guide
Arrival and car rental guide useful for planning a road trip to Elafonissi and west Crete beaches.
Zurab Peikrishvili photographing Crete landscape at sunset

Zurab Peikrishvili, travel writer and photographer based in Crete.

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