Paddle boarding in Murcia: where to go and why Mazarrón
Paddle boarding in Murcia, Spain: where to go, why Mazarrón bay is ideal for beginners, prices for tasters, courses and board hire, plus first-timer tips.
Kayaking
Sea kayaking in Mazarrón: Paco Island and Phoenician wrecks
Sea kayaking in Puerto de Mazarrón, Spain: the route to Paco Island and the Phoenician wrecks, hire and course prices, and tips for first-timers.
Puerto de Mazarrón is one of the best places in the Murcia region for sea kayaking. From Playa de la Ermita you can paddle out across a sheltered bay, follow the coast to where two Phoenician ships from around 2,700 years ago were found, and paddle round Paco Island. Here is the route, what you will see and how to get started even if you have never held a paddle.
Why Mazarrón bay is ideal for kayaking
- Sheltered water: the school sits inside the natural bay of Playa de la Ermita, between Isla de Adentro and the marina.
- Shallow water to learn in calmly and, once you are confident, the open sea beyond.
- Good weather almost all year: an average annual temperature of 19 ºC, mild winters and around 3,000 hours of sunshine.
- Kayaking all year round: taster sessions run Monday to Sunday and courses Monday to Friday, in every season.
The route: Paco Island and the Phoenician ship
This is the trip we run from the school:
- Set off from Playa de la Ermita (Bahía).
- Follow the coastline to near the spot where the Phoenician ships were found.
- Stop to hear their story: a short explanation of this remarkable find.
- Reach Paco Island: a rest in its small, unspoilt cove, taking in the island’s plants and wildlife.
- Paddle round the island if sea conditions allow.
- Head back to the start, where we share the experience and refuel.
The Phoenician ships of Mazarrón
Two Phoenician wrecks, known as Mazarrón 1 and Mazarrón 2, were found off Playa de la Isla. Both date from the second half of the 7th century BC.
- Mazarrón 1 was discovered in 1988-1989.
- Mazarrón 2 was located in 1994 and was carrying around 2.8 tonnes of litharge, a lead ore, in round ingots.
- They were shallow-draught boats with no deck, rigged with esparto rope.
Paddling the same waters the Phoenicians sailed almost three thousand years ago is one of the most special experiences on the Murcia coast.
Paco Island
Paco Island is the popular name for Isla de Adentro, the small island of around 8 hectares that shelters the bay. It is protected and nothing can be built on it. From your kayak you will see colonies of seabirds, such as gulls and egrets, and a wide variety of fish in its clear water.
Would you rather stand up? You can do the same route on a board: find out how in Paddle boarding in Murcia: where to go and why Mazarrón.
Four ways to kayak in Mazarrón
| Option | Who it is for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Taster session (2 hours) | Your first time, just to try it | €20 |
| 2-day course (2 h each day) | You want proper technique and to paddle on your own | €35 |
| Hourly hire | You already know what you are doing | Single kayak from €5 an hour |
| Guided trip to Paco Island | You want to explore the coast with an instructor | Please ask |
Kayak hire prices
| Kayak | 1 hour | 2 hours | 3 hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | €5 | €8 | €12 |
| Double | €10 | €18 | €25 |
| Triple | €12 | €20 | €25 |
A lifejacket is included and must be worn.
Is sea kayaking difficult?
No. It is one of the easiest watersports. After a taster session or a two-day course you will be able to paddle on your own, limited only by your fitness and the state of the sea.
On the course you learn:
- How to prepare the equipment and handle the kayak and paddle.
- Techniques for making progress at sea.
- Manoeuvres, getting in and out, and what to do if you capsize.
- Safety rules and how to respect the environment.
The kayaks are self-draining and unsinkable, which makes them very safe. There are single, double and triple kayaks, so you can go out with company.
Tips for your first trip
- Requirement: you need to be able to swim.
- What to bring: swimwear and water shoes, sun protection, a cap, a spare T-shirt and, if you have them, sunglasses. The school provides all the technical equipment.
- Check the sea conditions before you go and ask at the school if in doubt.
- Start in the bay and only head into open water once you feel confident.
- Respect the island and its wildlife: keep your distance from the birds and take all your rubbish home.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I hire a kayak in Puerto de Mazarrón? At Grímpola, on Playa de la Ermita (Ordenación Bahía), Calle La Reya, Puerto de Mazarrón.
How much does kayak hire cost? A single kayak costs €5 for one hour, €8 for two and €12 for three. A double costs €10, €18 and €25; a triple, €12, €20 and €25.
Can I go kayaking in winter? Yes. Kayak taster sessions and courses run all year round, and Mazarrón’s winters are mild.
Can I bring children? Yes. Double and triple kayaks let children paddle with an adult. Please check the minimum age with the school before booking.
You might also like: School watersports trips: a guide for teachers · Boating licences in Spain: titulín vs PER
