Amalfi Coast Kayak Tour: Pandora Cave from Maiori or Grottoes from Amalfi?
Updated October 22, 2026 · 5 min read
For most people the better Amalfi Coast kayak trip is the 3.5-hour paddle from Maiori to Pandora Cave: from €55 per person, with a swim and snorkel stop on a beach you can reach only by sea, rated 4.9 from 470 reviews. The grottoes trip from Amalfi at €59 is the choice if you want to start in Amalfi and keep the group small.
Both are guided sea-kayak trips, both need you to swim, and both turn away several groups of people. Read the not-suitable list first; it is the part that decides whether you can book.
Two kayak trips compared
| Tour | Duration | From | Rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amalfi kayak and snorkel to Pandora Cave, hidden beach and aperitif | 3.5 hours | €55 per person | 4.9 from 470 reviews | Most people, starts in Maiori |
| Amalfi Coast: kayak tour with snorkeling and grottoes visit | 3 hours | €59 per person | 4.7 from 100 reviews | Starting in Amalfi, up to 10 in the group |
The €55 trip to Pandora Cave
Despite the title, the trip starts in Maiori, at the Moorea Beach Club on the coast road, and not in Amalfi. After a briefing on paddling and safety at sea, the group paddles eastward along the shore. The listing mentions the Norman Tower, the small Acquachiara beach reachable mainly by sea and the Pandora Cave, and a break on a beach for a swim, snorkelling and a fruit snack. The terraced lemon groves on the slopes are part of the view. The booking page lists kayaks, paddles, life jackets, dry bags, snorkel gear, fresh fruit, bottled water and photos sent by email, and one reviewer was glad that two guides came along. The title also mentions an aperitif; the description lists a fruit snack, so confirm what is served when you book.
The restrictions are real. The booking page names children under 10, non-swimmers, people with mobility impairments, people with heart problems, respiratory issues, high blood pressure or back problems, people prone to seasickness and people over 100 kg as not suitable. It also says you must be able to swim, and that no refund is given if you book without being able to. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed. Parking is mentioned as available about 50 metres from the meeting point at a reduced rate for kayak customers.
The €59 trip from Amalfi
This trip starts at the tour office next to Tonino’s Beach in Amalfi and goes west. The itinerary is simple: about an hour of paddling out, a 30-minute break to swim and snorkel from a beach reachable only by sea, and about an hour back. On the way you pass the Arc of Lovers and Conca dei Marini, and visit the small Runghetiello Grotto. The listing offers a short lesson for beginners.
Everyone gets a double kayak, which the provider describes as stable and easy to handle, and minors under 18 must be paired with an adult in the same kayak. The booking page lists children under 13 as not suitable, as are non-swimmers, people with heart conditions, mobility impairments or back problems and people prone to seasickness. All participants must be able to swim and be in good health and shape. The group is limited to 10, and the departure is guaranteed.
Which to book
- Most people: the €55 trip from Maiori, if you can swim and are comfortable paddling for a couple of hours.
- You are staying in Amalfi: the €59 trip starts in Amalfi itself and is limited to 10 people.
- Children: the age limits differ, 10 on the Maiori trip and 13 on the Amalfi trip, and both are taken from the booking pages. Check again before you pay.
- Non-swimmers, back problems, seasickness or limited mobility: neither trip, according to both listings. A larger boat is easier; see the Amalfi Coast boat tours or the Furore Fjord by boat, and ask the operator about your situation first.
- You prefer walking above the sea to paddling on it: the Path of the Gods is the alternative, though it is also demanding.
The full list of paddling, snorkelling and other active trips is on the things to do on the Amalfi Coast page.
