Kayak and Hike the Camino de Santiago
A 75km odyssey in Galicia – tackle Spain's legendary long-distance route in an alternative way, stamping your pilgrim passport as you go
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guidesHotels & Camping
3 nights in local hotels and 2 nights campingMeals
All breakfasts, lunches and dinnersTransfers and permits
All airport and local transfers, Pilgrim Passport to log your journey along the CaminoEquipment
All of your kayaking and camping equipmentSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?
Tackle the Camino del Mar, a coastal variant of the famous pilgrimage, kayaking through the stunning Rías Baixas – Galicia’s sheltered Atlantic estuaries
Paddle through the jaw-dropping Atlantic Islands National Park, hopping between dreamy islets to explore crystal-clear coves and white sand beaches
Hike the final 25km of the Camino Portugues from Padrón to Santiago de Compostela, culminating at the iconic cathedral of St. James
Key Information
Day 1
To the Galician coast
Touch down at Santiago de Compostela, or roll into town if you are coming by train from elsewhere in Spain. Meet your host and settle in for the transfer to Galicia's coast, about an hour away. You'll hop out at O’Grove for your first taste of the beautiful coastline and beaches in this part of Spain, ahead of a welcome dinner this evening and chat through the expedition ahead.
Day 2
Set off to Arousa Island
Kayaking
Head down to the beach at Area Grande with your guides, where you'll get kitted out with your kayak and given a good run-through of how the trip will work and the safety considerations before hitting the water. Push off from the beach, getting your first feel for the expanse of coastline as you paddle towards Punta Moreiras, home to a series of sculptures that gaze out over the sea. Have a break and snack here before pushing on along the Grove Peninsula at the mouth of the Arousa estuary to Confín Beach, where you'll receive your first Camino stamp in your pilgrim passport. Enjoy a picnic lunch before the first significant crossing into more open water, paddling to reach the stunning Arousa Island, and reaching dry land at the Carreirón Natural Park. Take a walk through the park, enjoy some time on the beach and swim in the clean Atlantic water. Cross over to the first campsite to set up for the night to enjoy a hot shower before heading to a beachside bar in Carreirón Natural Park for sundowners and dinner, with some delicious local seafood. Crawl into your tent at the end of an epic first day.
Day 3
Paddle from Arousa Island to Bamio
Kayaking
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the campsite, followed by the stamping of your pilgrim passport to log the next stage. Warm up with some stretching exercises on the beach before hitting the water for the next stage. As you paddle along the coast of Arousa you will pass by traditional rafts where local mussels are cultivated and harvested before navigating through clam and cockle fields en route to Villagarcía. In the distance, the enigmatic Isla de Cortegada awaits, a jewel of the Atlantic Islands National Park. You’ll notice the Arousa Estuary gradually narrowing as it merges with the Ulla River, transforming the landscape around you as you push on to Bamio Beach, a pristine beach where you can unwind and relax. Set up at the riverside campsite and maybe grab a swim. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant with some freshly caught fish from the estuary.
Day 4
The last kayak section, Bamio to Pontecesures
Kayaking
The day begins with a big breakfast to fuel up for the day's adventures, followed by breaking down camp and the now ritualistic stretching session with your guides. This leg of the journey runs adjacent to a section of the route taken by many pilgrims walking the Camino Portugues to reach Santiago de Compostela. Following the same path as the apostle Santiago, kayaking this stretch of the river offers a unique perspective on this ancient pilgrimage route. As you continue upriver, you'll navigate through meanders and pass by small river islands, enjoying the rich wildlife along the way. At Vilarello River Beach, you can take a rewarding swim before ending the day in the small town of Pontecesures. Here, you'll say goodbye to your kayak support team as the paddling part of the trip comes to an end. Enjoy a well-deserved dinner and a good night's sleep in a hotel before the big hike tomorrow.
Day 5
The final stretch, hiking to Santiago de Compostela
Hiking
Lace up your boots for an epic final push to Santiago de Compostela - one of the world's most iconic endings to a trek. You'll be walking the last part of the Camino Portugues, from Padrón to Santiago de Compostela. The day will be spent hiking through a diverse patchwork of rural Galician landscapes, passing through picturesque countryside, charming villages with cobblestone streets, country roads, and gentle rolling hills. After spending the past few days kayaking, today's hike will bring the group closer together, providing an opportunity to chat, share Camino experiences, and strengthen connections - a key part of many people's Camino journey. After walking for five to six hours with breaks along the way, you'll catch your first glimpse of Santiago in the distance. Before reaching the end of the journey, you'll stop for a memorable meal featuring classic Galician dishes such as traditional seafood, meat, and vegetarian options, all accompanied by a few glasses of wine and maybe a taste of the local liqueur, orujo. After the feast, you'll continue and the hike will end at the iconic cathedral, where you can celebrate with high fives and plenty of snaps to document your achievement. In the evening, you'll visit another Galician tavern to toast your successful Camino and enjoy a farewell dinner.
Day 6
Hasta luego, Galicia
Your adventure wraps up today as your host takes you back to Santiago de Compostela Airport in time for your onward flight. But the journey doesn't have to stop here - there's so much more of this captivating corner of Spain to discover, why not hike through the stunning Picos de Europa or dive into an unforgettable adventure across its rugged mountains and dramatic coastline.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport (SCQ), Santiago de Compostela
Any time on Day 1
Ends
Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport (SCQ), Santiago de Compostela
11:00 on Day 6
Transfers
Upon your arrival at Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport (SCQ) in Santiago de Compostela, your host will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in O’Grove, Galicia, which is about an hour's drive away. If you are already in Santiago de Compostela or arriving by bus or train, your host can arrange to meet you downtown. On Day 6, after breakfast, your host will arrange a group transfer from your accommodation in Santiago de Compostela back to Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport, dropping you off at around 11:00. If you have an early flight or wish to spend more time in town before an evening flight, the airport is a 15-minute drive away, and you can take local buses or taxis for between £9-26 (€11-30). If you are arriving or departing on different days than the start and end days of the trip and are booking additional nights of accommodation in Santiago de Compostela (see Optional Extras for details), you'll simply need to take a taxi to/from the airport and the hotel. Please note that private airport transfers are not available for this trip.
Travel options
Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport in Santiago de Compostela is accessible via various direct flights from major hubs in the UK and mainland Europe, such as London, Frankfurt, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam. Travellers from North America will typically transit through one of these hubs, or through Madrid, depending on your airline. If you are already in Spain, you can fly to Santiago de Compostela from various airports on the mainland, Balearics and Canaries. You can also reach Santiago de Compostela by train or bus from various parts of Spain.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4 – Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Any trip to Spain is jam-packed with culinary delights, and this trip is no exception. You'll fuel up each morning with a big breakfast of cereals, fruits, yoghurts, breads, meats, cheeses, tea, and coffee. For lunch, you will have picnic lunches with sandwiches and snacks. On Day 5, you will enjoy lunch at a Galician taverna en route to Santiago de Compostela, where you will feast on local dishes such as Pulpo al la Gallega (Galicia's famous octopus dish), Almejas a la Marinera (steamed clams in sauce), and Pimientos de Padrón, Spain's tapas staple. In the evenings, you will tuck into relaxed dinners at restaurants along the route, giving you more opportunities to sample Galician cuisine and classic Spanish dishes.
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for, please request this on your passenger info form. While fully vegan options are available, please note that Spanish cuisine is meat and dairy-heavy, and Galicia has a strong seafood tradition. Strict vegans should be aware of the presence of meat and seafood on menus and neighbouring diner's plates.
What is the accommodation like?
Hotels either side of the kayaking section
On the evenings of Day 1 in O'Grove and Day 4 in Pontecesures, you will be staying in simple, comfortable, locally-owned hotels. The specific hotel you will stay in will depend on availability. You will be staying in twin-share rooms with an ensuite bathroom.
Campsites along the Camino del Mar
On Day 2, after leaving O'Grove, you'll kickstart your kayaking adventure and bunk down on two consecutive nights at campgrounds on Arousa Island and the Rio Ulla, both located within the Atlantic Islands National Park. You'll be accommodated in twin-share tents on spacious grass pitches, with sleeping mats, bags, and pillows provided by your host. These campgrounds are vibrant social hubs with an on-site bar and restaurant, great swimming spots outside, and hot showers to freshen up after your days on the water.
Santiago de Compostela
Located in the heart of Santiago de Compostela, your final night of the trip will be spent at Hotel Compostela, situated in a historic building in the famous Plaza de Galicia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hotel offers a buffet breakfast, a bar, and a cafe. The building features a beautiful facade and a modern interior design with attractive wooden furniture and modern lighting. The renowned cathedral is just around the corner, with Alameda Park located 100 metres away. Additionally, there are plenty of bars, restaurants, and artisan shops within walking distance for you to explore once your expedition is complete. You'll be staying in twin-share rooms with an ensuite bathroom.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room and tent throughout the trip can be booked for an extra charge - see Optional Extras for prices. Please note that private room and tent upgrades are subject to availability, so please request this at the time of booking.
This trip has been rated as Challenging
The expedition will require a good level of fitness. You'll be on the move most of the day each day, with 5-6 hours of paddling to get through over three consecutive days, followed by a chunky hike to reach Santiago de Compostela. The Rias Baixas are a series of protected estuarine inlets, so despite being in the Atlantic Ocean the sea conditions are generally calm and good for kayaking. If you are a total beginner, you can still complete this trip with strong fitness, a head for adventure, and contentment in the elements all day. However, we recommend having at least a day of sea kayaking experience under your belt.
The hike on Day 5 is along easy to moderate trails, with an easygoing amount of elevation to get through. The main challenge is the distance to get through this day, though after three days of paddling your legs should be keen for a good stretch and the finale of Santiago de Compostela inching ever closer will get you through.
What if i need to skip an activity?
If you really don't feel up to a segment of the expedition, you are able to skip it and travel with the luggage transfer to the next overnight spot.
What will I need to carry?
The expedition has luggage transfer throughout, so you'll only need to carry a day pack and dry bags with what you need for each day of the trip.
The Rías Baixas in Galicia - the series of estuarine inlets which you'll be kayaking through - has relatively mild and pleasant weather during the periods this trip runs:
From June to mid-July, daytime temperatures range from 20-25°C (68-77°F), and by mid-July things can peak around 28°C (82°F), although it rarely gets excessively hot due to the Atlantic Ocean's cooling influence. June will experience occasional rain and by the end of the month and into July days tend to be dry, sunny and clear. You can expect some mild to moderate winds blowing in from the Atlantic, but they are not usually strong enough to significantly disrupt kayaking. The sea temperature is around 16-18°C (60-64°F) in June, 18-20°C (64-68°F) and sea conditions are generally calm within the sheltered rías.
From September to early October, daytime temperatures range from 22-26°C (72-79°F) in early September, gradually cooling down as October approaches. Nights can feel cooler, especially towards October, when temperatures drop to around 12-16°C (54-61°F). Rainfall begins to increase in September, particularly towards the end of the month, and by early October the region sees more frequent rain showers, although they are often short-lived. Winds tend to pick up slightly as autumn approaches, especially with the Atlantic storms becoming more common towards October. However, during early September, winds remain moderate and similar to the summer months. The sea remains warm, from 18-20°C (64-68°F) in September, though it starts cooling down in October. Sea conditions remain generally calm within the sheltered rías, with conditions eventually becoming unfavourable from mid-October onwards when we stop running this trip.
We’re still waiting to collect any reviews from other travellers on this trip. However, all our hosts go through an extensive vetting process to ensure that your adventure is awesome.
Itinerary Activities
- Guided kayak to Arousa Island
- Guided kayak to Bamio
- Guided kayak to Pontecesures
- Guided walk around the historic Torres del Oeste
- Guided hike to Santiago de Compostela
Guides
- Main tour leader and adventure guide
- Additional specialist kayaking guide throughout the kayak section
Accommodation
- 3 nights in locally owned hotels
- 2 nights at campsites
Meals
- 5 hearty breakfasts
- 3 packed lunches
- 2 lunches in local, traditional restaurants
- 5 traditional Spanish dinners
Transfers
- Arrival transfer from Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport any time on Day 1
- Group departure transfer to Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport on Day 6
- All transfers during the trip
Equipment
- Single berth, closed sea kayak with spray skirt
- Paddle and life vest
- Twin-share tent with sleeping mat, sleeping bag and pillow
Permits
- 'Pilgrim Passport' which you'll have stamped at various stops along the Camino del Mar and the Camino Portugues on the way to Santiago de Compostela
Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.
Travel to and from the trip
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Tips
Tips are not included in the trip cost; these are entirely at your discretion. If you would like to tip, the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality.
Personal Expenses
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness. Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine, as their insurance offers all of the above.
Visas
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What's included?
- Expedition sea kayaks, paddles and safety gear
- Twin-share tents, sleeping mats, sleeping bags and pillows
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Soft overnight duffel bag or rucksack
- Daypack (20-30 litres)
- Waterproof liner for kitbag or rucksack / drybags
- Drybag for your belongings during the kayaking (15-25 litres)
CLOTHES
- Lightweight waterproof jacket
- Lightweight waterproof trousers
- Fleece jacket or similar for evenings
- Gloves for kayaking
- Buff or neckscarf
- Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
- T-shirts
- Underwear and socks
- Swimwear, multiple sets
- Sunglasses with leash
- Sunhat
- Sleepwear
- Hiking boots or trail runners (worn-in)
- Sandals for around camp
- Trainers for kayaking in (ones which you don't mind being wet for several days)
OTHER
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Power bank or solar charger
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- Insect repellent
- Suncream
- Personal first aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc.)
- Quick dry towel
- Alcohol hand gel
- Reusable water bottle x1 litre (or x2)
- Biodegradable wet wipes
- Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
Pre/post trip accommodation in Santiago de Compostela (single room)
Payable Before Departure
Pre/post trip accommodation in Santiago de Compostela (single room)
… Per Night
Pre/post trip accommodation in Santiago de Compostela (twin/double room)
Payable Before Departure
Pre/post trip accommodation in Santiago de Compostela (twin/double room)
… Per Night
Optional Private Room & Tent Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room & Tent Upgrade
…
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 121kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
If the sea conditions mean that it's not safe to take to the water on any day of the expedition, your host will aim to replace the day with hiking an extra section of the Camino Portugues. A transfer will be arranged in this case to a location further south from the section you will be doing from Padron to Santiago de Compostela. Note that this is decided on a case-by-case basis depending on the situation and stage of the trip that conditions have affected things.
You'll have a main guide for the entirety of the adventure and an additional kayaking guide throughout the kayaking section of the trip.
Due to the logistics of the trip, it is not possible to leave excess luggage at the beginning of the trip with your host or at an accommodation. However, there are private luggage storage facilities available at and near Santiago de Compostela Airport. You can research and arrange this independently online. This will allow you to lock your luggage upon arrival after your flight, before meeting your host and heading off to start your adventure on the Galician coast.
The tap water in Galicia is perfectly safe to drink, you can fill your bottles up from hotels and campsites as you go. Your guides will also bring along a large water container during the kayaking to ensure everyone has refill options during each day of paddling.
Tips are not included in the trip cost; these are entirely at your discretion. If you would like to tip, the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality.
You'll be paddling in a single-berth, closed-sea kayak with a spray skirt. Models will vary, but some examples include a Rotomod Isak, Fastnet Perception and Carolina Perception. They have a covered deck and are generally longer, faster and sit lower in the water than touring or sit-on-top kayaks. All kayaks come equipped with spray skirts, paddles, PFDs, drybags and other paddling accessories.
If you weigh more than 125kg or are over 2m tall, please check with us before booking this trip as we'll need to ensure that the kayaks and equipment provided are suitable for your comfort and safety.
There are more than 200 recognised routes to hike the Camino de Santiago. The two you will be doing are:
Camino del Mar: Galicia's coastal variant, which can either be hiked along the trail or paddled in kayaks, following the route out on the water.
Camino Portugues: This is the second most popular camino route, starting in Lisbon or Porto and heading north to reach Santiago de Compostela. You will be hiking the final section of the Camino Portugues, from Padron to Santiago de Compostela.
These are both officially recognised caminos, and you'll be picking up official stamps in your pilgrim passport along the route.
The other most commonly hiked camino variations, along with Camino Portugues, are as follows:
Camino Francés (the French Way'): the most popular Camino de Santiago route which begins in St Jean Pied de Port, France.
Camino del Norte (the 'Northern Way'): an 800km route along the northern coast of Spain.
Camino Primitivo (the 'Original Way'): a secluded trek through the Galician countryside.
Camino Invierno (the 'Winter Way'): a lesser-known route through forests, hills and valleys.
Camino Finisterre: starting in Santiago, this route ends in the fishing ports of Fisterra and Muxía.
Camino Ingles (the 'English Way'): a route originally used by British and Irish pilgrims who arrived in Spain by boat.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.
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DEPARTURE DATES
Thursday 5th June 2025
to Tuesday 10th June 2025
New Trip Offer - Next 2 spots available at 10% off
Thursday 19th June 2025
to Tuesday 24th June 2025
New Trip Offer - Next 2 spots available at 10% off
