Kayak & Hike the Camino de Santiago
A 75km odyssey in gorgeous Galicia. The ultimate alternative way to tackle Spain's legendary long distance route.
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 your way through Galicia's beautiful sheltered Atlantic estuaries known as the Rias Baixas
Paddle through the Atlantic Islands National Park archipelago, stopping at idyllic Isla de Arousa and Isla de Cortegada to explore calm, clear coves and pure white sand beaches
Hike the final 25km of the Camino Portugues, soaking up the ancient and spiritual route from Padrón to Santiago de Compostella and finishing up at the iconic cathedral and resting place of St James
Tuck into Galicia's famous seafood and wine along the journey, dive in for dreamy Atlantic swims and grab sundowners at island beach bars to toast a new stamp in your 'pilgrim passport' each day
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 settling in for the transfer to Galicia's coast around an hour away. You'll hop out at O’Grove and have time to soak up your first taste of the beautiful coastline and beaches in this part of Spain ahead of settling in for a welcome dinner and chat through the expedition ahead.
Day 2
Set off to Arousa Island
Kayaking
Head down to Area Grande beach 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 ahead of 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, reaching dry land at the Carreirón Natural Park. Take a walk through the park and enjoy some time on the beach and swims in the clean Atlantic water here. 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 blue flag beach where you can unwind and relax after today's efforts. Set up camp at the next campsite beside the Rio Ulla and have some free time to explore the surroundings and 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 rhythm of life on this adventure continues as before, with a big breakfast to fuel up for the day followed by taking down camp and the now ritualistic pre-paddle 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. Kick things off with a paddle towards Catoira, ascending the Ulla River with ancient crossroads marking the Camino de Santiago on both banks of the river. Stretch your legs at Catoira with a stroll to the historic Torres del Oeste to see the famous viking ships. Continuing upriver, you’ll navigate through numerous meanders and pass by small river islands on a route rich in wildlife. Towards the end of your final push on the water, a rewarding swim awaits at Vilarello River Beach before finishing the day up in the small town of Pontecesures. You'll bid your kayak support team farewell here as the paddling part of the trip is complete. Grab a well deserved dinner and bed down in a hotel for a good sleep ahead of the big hike tomorrow.
Day 5
The final stretch, hiking to Santiago de Compostela
Hiking
Lace up your hiking boots or trail runners for an epic final push to Santiago de Compostela - one of the world's most iconic endings to a trek. The route you are following is the final section of the Camino Portugues, from Padrón - the spiritual home of Spain's famous pepper's - to Santiago de Compostela. You'll be hiking all day, setting off in the morning to stomp through a diverse patchwork of rural Galician scenes, rambling your way through scenic countryside, small villages of cobbled pathways, country roads and gentle rolling hills. After your exploits on kayaks for the past few days, today brings the group closer together providing an opportunity to chat, share your Camino experiences and deepen connections - a key part of many people's time on the Camino. After five to six hours of walking with stops along the way, you'll catch your first glimpse of Santiago in the distance. Before reaching the pinnacle of the trip, you'll make a memorable stop for a meal of classic Galician dishes featuring various traditional seafood, meat and veggie options, all accompanied by a few glasses of wine and, perhaps, a taste of the local liqueur, Orujo. Back on the trail after your feast, you'll tackle the final few kilometres before entering the city boundaries of Santiago de Compostela. You'll finish up at the iconic cathedral for high fives and photos documenting your accomplishment. In the evening you will go to another Galician tavern to toast your successful camino and enjoy a farewell dinner.
Day 6
Hasta luego, Galicia
The adventure comes to an end today as your host takes you back to the airport in Santiago de Compostela in time for you onward flight. There is plenty more of this part of Spain to be explored independently, or why not head next door to Asturias for some hiking in the Picos de Europa or a join a wild ride exploring the mountains and coast of Asturias.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport (SCQ), Santiago de Compostela
Anytime on Day 1
Ends
Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport (SCQ), Santiago de Compostela
11:00 on Day 6
Transfers
Your host will meet you on arrival at Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport (SCQ) in Santiago de Compostela and will transfer you to your first night's hotel in O’Grove, Galicia around an hour's drive. If you are already in Santiago de Compostela or are arriving by bus or train, your host can arrange to meet you downtown. On Day 6, your host will provide a group transfer after breakfast from your accommodation in Santiago de Compostella back to Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport, dropping you off at around 11am. If you have an early flight, or wish to linger in town longer ahead of an evening flight, the airport is a 15-minute drive away and there are local buses and taxis you can take for between £9-26 (€11-30). If you are arriving or departing on different days to the start and end days of the trip and are booking additional nights 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. Private airport transfers are not available on this trip.
Travel options
Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport in Santiago de Compostella 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 Compostella from various airport on the mainland, Balearics and Canaries. You can also reach Santiago de Compostella 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 and cheeses and tea and coffee. Lunches will be picnic lunches with sandwiches and snacks, while on day 5 you'll settle into a Galician taverna for lunch en route to Santiago de Compostela for a feast of 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: you'll be passing through their birthplace in the town of Padrón. You'll tuck into relaxed dinners at restaurants along the route with more chances to sample all things Galicia, along with the more well known classic Spanish dishes.
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for – please just request this on your passenger info form. Fully vegan options are available, but it's good to be aware that Spain's culinary culture is heavy on meat and dairy, and Galicia has a heavy seafood tradition on all menus, so strict vegans should be aware and tailor their expectations of options accordingly, along with being aware of the ever-presence of meat and seafood on menus and neighbouring diner's plates.
What is the accommodation like?
Campsites along the Camino del Mar
After leaving O'Grove on day 2 to kick start your kayaking sections, you'll bunk down on two consecutive nights at campgrounds on Arousa Island and on the Rio Ulla, both nestled within the Atlantic Islands National Park. You'll stay in twin-share tents on spacious grass pitches with sleeping mats, sleeping bags and pillows all provided by your host. The campgrounds are social places with a bar and restaurant on site, great swim spots right outside plus hot showers to wash away salty days spent out on the water.
Hotels either side of the kayaking section
On the evening of day 1 in O'Grove and on day 4 in Pontecesures, you'll stay in simple, comfortable, locally owned hotels. The exact hotel you'll stay in will depend on availability. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with an ensuite bathroom.
Santiago de Compostella
Located in the heart of Santiago de Compostela, your final night of the trip is at Hotel Compostela in a fitting setting in a historic building in the famous Plaza de Galicia, a UNESCO heritage site. The hotel offers a buffet breakfast and has a bar and cafe. The building has a beautiful façade and a modern interior design with attractive wooden furniture and modern lighting. The famous cathedral is just around the corner, Alameda Park is 100 metres away and plenty of bars, restaurants and artisan shops within walking distance to explore after your expedition is complete. You'll stay 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 on the move most of the day each day, with 5-6 hours of paddling to get through over 3 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 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 and a head for adventure and being content out in the elements all day each 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 easy going amount of elevation to get through. The main challenge is the distance to get through this day, though after 3 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 lugagge 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 individual day of the trip.
The Rías Baixas - a series of estuarine inlets which you'll be kayaking through - in Galicia 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 ranging 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.
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's not possible to leave excess luggage at the start of the trip with your host or at an accommodation. There are private luggage storage facilities available at and near to Santiago de Compostella Airport which you can research independently and arrange online in order to lock your luggage on arrival after your flight before meeting your host and heading off to the start of the adventure on the Galician coast.
We recommend checking out the country specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
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 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 and are non-compulsory on this trip. Of course, if you feel that your guides provided an exceptional experience then you are welcome to tip as much as you feel is appropriate. You should factor in tipping 10% on top of the bill in any bars and restaurants during the trip.
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.
You'll be paddling in a single-berth, closed sea kayak with spray skirt. Models will vary, but some examples are: 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 is suitable for your comfort and safety.
Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.
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.
We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!
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.
Our team of Adventure Hunters create exclusive adventures with highly vetted, specialist hosts. 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.
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.
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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
