FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Find the answer to your question in our FAQ!
You still can’t find the answer to your question? Don’t hesitate to contact us!
Not completely satisfied? We also offer customized services.
From what age can you do kayaking & stand-up paddleboarding?
To participate in our activities, you must be able to swim 25 meters and submerge yourself (generally from 6-7 years old).
Good to know: For children under 10 years old, we recommend choosing a tandem kayak (adult + child).
How to choose your activity: guided tours, rentals, or private lessons?
If you want to discover sea kayaking, the islands, marine currents, and the flora and fauna of the Gulf, join a guided tour with our certified instructors.
We will help you choose a time slot suited to your expectations (calm, sporty, without currents, with currents, etc.).
Prefer to explore at your own pace? Opt for a rental! We will suggest a navigation area sheltered from marine currents.
Never used a paddle before and want to test your skills? Looking to improve and gain independence? We also offer private lessons.
How does a guided tour take place?
A guided tour (excluding specific group requests) takes place in small groups, typically between 4 and 12 people. We organize the group to ensure that everyone enjoys their outing.
After equipping you with a life jacket and a paddle, a briefing is conducted on the beach.
During the excursion, the guide carefully selects a route to help you discover the beauty of the Golfe du Morbihan. It’s a great opportunity to share a memorable experience together.
A short debriefing is given upon returning to the base, including an explanation of the route on a map and answering any questions.
How does kayak & stand-up paddle rental work?
After equipping you with a life jacket and a paddle, we provide a briefing just before departure. We will indicate the recommended navigation area and the best direction to explore it, depending on tide and wind conditions.
This area is outside strong currents, making it ideal for families.
With over 10 km of navigable waters, you can discover two historic tide mills (Pomper and Paluden), the port of Pen er Men, and Irus Island!
You are free to explore this area at your own pace, enjoy the stunning scenery (wildlife, flora, etc.), and take breaks whenever you like.
Good to know: The navigation area can be extended depending on your experience and the conditions of the day 😉
What types of kayaks will be used?
If you choose rental, you will use sit-on-top kayaks (open kayaks), available as single or double kayaks, equipped with backrests.
For guided tours, you will paddle in single or double sea kayaks with a closed deck. These streamlined kayaks are perfect for exploring the islands and navigating marine currents.
Never used this type of kayak before? No worries! With the help of your guide, you’ll get the hang of it in no time!
Good to know: For groups, the type of kayak is chosen based on your preferences and the number of participants.
What can you discover during the sessions?
The beauty of the Golfe du Morbihan! Nothing less 😉
You’ll get to explore islands, marine wildlife and flora, tidal currents, oyster farms, tide mills, charming little harbors, and much more!
What are the possible routes?
Whether you’re renting a kayak or joining a guided tour, we adapt the routes to the day’s conditions (tides, wind, etc.) and your experience level.
For rentals, we recommend a 10 km route featuring the Pomper and Paluden tide mills, the port of Pen er Men, and Irus Island. Depending on conditions, you may also explore Logoden, Drenec, and Île d’Arz.
For guided tours, the possibilities are even broader!
2-hour tours: Irus, Hôlavre, Logoden, Piren, and Creizic Islands.
3-hour tours: Mouchiouse, Drenec, Île d’Arz, Berder, La Jument, Hent Tenn, and Er Lannic.
“Golfe Trotter” full-day tour (6h): The route will depend on your physical condition 😉
What can you bring on the kayaks or stand-up paddleboards?
For rentals, we provide waterproof containers. So, if you’d like to bring a beach towel or a picnic, go for it!
On guided tours, the kayaks are not designed to hold waterproof containers. A simple water bottle is enough.
Good to know: If you want to take your phone on the water, bring a waterproof pouch (about €10 at De*****on 😉).
Are the kayaks comfortable?
On guided tours, we use high-quality, decked kayaks (sea kayaks with a rudder).
For rentals, you’ll be using sit-on-top kayaks (open kayaks), which we equip with backrests for added comfort.
Our kayaks are regularly maintained and renewed. We prioritize local manufacturers (in Vannes), as well as French (in Ardèche) and European (in Germany) brands.
Is there an age limit?
There isn’t really an age limit, but it is preferable to be in good physical shape 😉 (ability to maintain a sitting posture, no musculoskeletal disorders in the arms, etc.).
It is always necessary to know how to swim 25 meters and to be able to submerge.
Which craft to choose: kayak or stand-up paddle?
Comfortable, stable, and easy to maneuver, the kayak is ideal for covering long distances and wandering between the oyster parks.
More technical but more playful than the kayak, stand-up paddle is the perfect craft for a fun time with family or friends!
Is it possible to turn around Île-aux-Moines?
It is quite rare to complete the entire loop!
The island is surrounded by strong tidal currents and navigation channels used by many motor and sailing boats.
That’s why we prefer to offer you routes around the many other islands in the Gulf. On these private islands, far from the crowds of Île-aux-Moines, you can observe beautiful properties and many birds!
During the guided tour, with the guide’s advice, you can venture along the northern and western points of Île-aux-Moines!
Is it possible to take breaks during the sessions?
During rental, you can stop whenever you like at the small beaches accessible along the route. You can have a picnic or swim there. It’s also possible to stop at an oyster farmer’s terrace, Les Belles d’Irus, for an oyster tasting!
During the 2-hour guided tour, to help you discover as much as possible, we stay in the kayaks throughout the session. Of course, we’ll take the time to enjoy the scenery and rest our arms 😉
On the 3-hour guided tour, the guide will find a small beach sheltered from the wind for a break!
Is the activity suitable for people with disabilities?
Yes! We sometimes welcome individuals with disabilities at Varec’h. We will do our best to offer you the most suitable service!
Ideally, please contact us before booking to discuss your capabilities and the recommended craft. You can also come to the base to see and test the equipment.
Who are the Pagaie Santé® sessions intended for?
The Pagaie Santé® kayaking section is offered to individuals with chronic illnesses as well as sedentary individuals (across different time slots).
The aim of this section is to maintain or improve the health of participants!
How to book your kayak or stand-up paddle activity?
By phone at +33 603 323 567 or via our contact form.
We will take the time to guide you to the best service that meets your expectations and to provide you with the available time slots (depending on the tide schedule).
Is it necessary to book for a rental?
The rental times, like those of our other services, vary depending on the tide schedule.
To find out the times and ensure you come at the right moment, call us at +33 603 323 567!
What time should we arrive?
We expect you to arrive, ready, about fifteen minutes before the start of the activity.
Please plan to arrive a little earlier if you need to change, apply sunscreen, etc. 😉
When is the Varec’h base open?
The Varec’h base is open from mid-March to mid-December, every day of the week, between 8:30 AM and 8:30 PM (⚠️ provided that you have made a reservation).
Outside of this period, hours may vary depending on demand and our availability 😉
You can reach us year-round at +33 603 323 567 or through our contact form.
In which languages are the services provided?
Instructions for rental routes can be given in French and English.
Guided tours are available in French or English upon prior request. Thus, we will provide you with a guide who is most comfortable with the language of Shakespeare 😉
How far in advance should we book our activity?
It’s difficult to provide a precise answer, as it varies depending on your availability, your request (rentals, guided tours, private lessons), and the season (off-season, peak season, etc.) 😉
In general:
-If you are fewer than 10 people, a few days in advance is sufficient.
-If you are more than 10 people, it’s better to book a few weeks in advance, especially during the summer season.
We will do our best to accommodate you!
Are there changing rooms and restrooms at the base?
Yes! Three individual cabins are available for you to change before and/or after your activity. A restroom is also available.
Why is it not possible to book online?
Our goal is to offer you the service that best meets your needs. This requires us to learn a bit more about you 😉
What should you prepare for the activity?
Regulations require closed-toe shoes to practice kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. You will need to step into the water to board, so you’ll need shoes that can get wet (water shoes or old sneakers).
We also recommend bringing a swimsuit, shorts or leggings, a t-shirt, a hat, sunscreen, and/or a windbreaker (depending on the weather) 😉
Can we bring a dog?
Yes, for rentals! The tandem kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are spacious enough to accommodate a dog.
For practicality, the dog can either sit in the middle of the tandem kayak or at the front for larger dogs.
Good to know: a harness with a handle is ideal for retrieving the dog if it jumps into the water. A leash to attach it to the kayak is also advisable to prevent it from jumping in repeatedly.
What happens if the weather changes?
In the Golfe du Morbihan, we are sheltered from swell and strong winds. Additionally, we can adapt the routes to the day’s conditions.
It is possible to paddle on almost all days of the year. Don’t just focus on the color of the sky 😉 The clouds can sometimes bring beautiful light and a certain tranquility.
In case of significant changes (storms, strong winds, heavy rain), we will call you before the session to reschedule if necessary.
Good to know: To get an idea of the weather conditions on-site, it is best to check marine weather forecasts like Météo Consult.
Where is the Varec’h base and the boarding area located?
Located in Baden in the Golfe du Morbihan in southern Brittany, Varec’h Kayak is less than 15 km from Vannes and Auray, and less than 7 km from Arradon and Larmor-Baden.
Our Varec’h Kayak base is also less than 5 minutes from Port-Blanc, the embarkation point for Île-aux-Moines.
Find us on the map with the location of the base.
The Varec’h base is situated by the water, making it very convenient for boarding! All our outings depart from the base.
Where can we park our vehicle?
There is free parking available right in front of the base!
On busy days, you will find parking spaces in the surrounding streets. Please allow some time to walk to the base. 😉
Is it possible to come by bike or on foot?
Of course! The Varec’h Kayak base is located less than 50 meters from the GR34 trail, and the V45 greenway runs through our street (Rue de Bois Bas).
Good to know: There is a space available for you to leave your belongings (keys, helmets, spare clothes, etc.) during your outing.
What payment methods are accepted?
We accept cash, credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, American Express, etc.), and holidays vouchers (ANCV Classique and Connect).
Payment by bank transfer is possible for groups.
