Responses from Expenature

Hello,

Thank you for your message and I appreciate your feedback.

I fully understand your disappointment at not being able to experience the experience you planned—please rest assured that we would have preferred to share this moment with you rather than having to cancel it due to the weather.

Regarding the refund, it was processed upon our return from the World Championships in Canada, a period during which our team was exceptionally small. It's therefore possible that the delay was a little longer than usual, for which we sincerely apologize.

We always make it a point to honor our commitments, even when weather or logistical circumstances disrupt our plans. That's why it's a bit of a shame to read such a negative review when the situation was beyond our control and your refund is in progress/finalized.

However, we hope that you will have fond memories of your stay in France—and that, if the opportunity arises, you will give us the chance to offer you the full experience, this time under milder skies.

Sincerely yours.

Responses from Expenature

Hi there,

We've read your second review carefully for the same booking, and we're genuinely sorry that you’ve walked away with such a negative impression of your experience — especially considering you told us at the end that you were satisfied and shared plenty of laughs with the group throughout the activity. That said, your message contains several inaccuracies we feel it's important to clarify, for the sake of transparency with future travellers.

Regarding swimming:

Swimming is possible for sure only on full-day tours, as it allows more time for a proper break to be sure to propose it. When you asked about swimming, your guide chose instead to take you see more into the Calanques to maximise your time exploring — which most guests really appreciate. Of course, you're always free to swim before or after the tour !

Regarding the duration of the activity:

This is clearly listed as a 3-hour experience, including equipment handover, access walk (portage), safety briefing and time on the water. This is detailed at booking and again when you arrive.

Portage is part of the nature-based activity and absolutely not “unpaid labour”, but simply a normal part of accessing an unspoilt natural area — especially when you're in your early twenties and fully capable. The Calanques are wild and beautiful, but they do require a bit of effort to reach. If this isn't to your liking, we also run departures from La Ciotat, with almost no portage.

About the price:

You actually experienced the full scope of what can be explored in a half-day, using real sea kayaks, and enjoyed exceptionally calm sea conditions. The value of the experience reflects that and we finished 30' later to be able to see it all !

About the wait at the start:

We completely understand that waiting can be frustrating. That said, in the spirit of group fairness — especially while on holiday — we chose to wait for a couple who were struggling to find the meeting point. We stayed in contact and guided them in despite difficult reception. It was a collective effort, not passive downtime, and during that time you saw all paddle demonstration and equipment and kayaks where already down so no portage to start and economize yourself.

And finally, regarding your tone:

We're always open to constructive feedback. But the accusatory and condescending tone of your message is inappropriate. Our team has spent the last 25 years delivering respectful, nature-conscious experiences to thousands of happy participants.

To label our work as “unethical” or “false advertising” is simply unfair and offensive — especially when you clearly told us that the tour matched your expectation and that you had a good time, shared jokes with the group, and gave no indication of being upset until your refund request was denied.

Let’s be honest — at 21, it’s easy to lash out online when something doesn’t go your way. But that doesn’t make it right.

We're still open to a calm and respectful conversation if you'd like to discuss things further.

In the meantime, we wish you all the best for the rest of your trip in France — may it bring you better memories and meaningful discoveries.

The Expénature Team