Lagos: Catamaran Cruise, Ponta da Piedade Caves & Swim

Summary

Golden beaches, sea caves and swimming stops from Lagos

You’ll drift along Lagos’ coastline on a catamaran cruise past golden cliffs and sea caves, with paddle boards and an inflatable waterpark ready for your swim stop. Listen to live English commentary as you sip a drink under the sun — it’s relaxed, sometimes funny, always real. It might just stick with you longer than you expect.

What’s the experience like?

“That rock looks like a camel,” our guide grinned, pointing as we drifted past Ponta da Piedade’s cliffs — honestly, I could kind of see it. The sun bounced off the water in that way that makes you squint even with sunglasses on. We’d barely left Lagos marina when someone handed me a cold drink (they mix them strong here) and I just sort of melted into the netting at the front of the catamaran. There’s something about salt air and sunscreen that makes you feel like you’re seven again.

The captain kept up this gentle commentary — switching between English and Portuguese — but mostly I remember the sound of water slapping against the hull and people laughing when someone tried to pronounce “Camilo” beach (Li laughed hardest, probably because my attempt was truly hopeless). Those golden cliffs really are something though, especially around Dona Ana. You get close enough to see all these tiny caves carved out by waves, some big enough for kayaks to disappear inside. At one point a local fisherman waved from his little boat, holding up a fish almost as long as his arm — he looked proud but also like he wanted us to know who really owns these waters.

We stopped near a cove — Canavial maybe? — where the crew dropped anchor so we could swim. The Atlantic was colder than I expected but after thirty seconds it felt perfect. Some folks grabbed paddle boards or flopped onto inflatable things they called their “open water waterpark” (I still have no idea what half those shapes were supposed to be). I just floated for a while, staring up at those wild yellow cliffs with bits of green scrub clinging on top. It’s weird how peaceful it feels out there, even with music coming from somewhere behind me and kids splashing each other.

On the way back toward Porto de Mós, my hair all salty and tangled, I realized I hadn’t checked my phone once since we left Lagos. There’s Wi-Fi onboard but honestly — why bother? That last bit of sun on your face is better than any screen anyway.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Coastal catamaran cruise and swim

• Cruise past D.Ana beach cliffs
• View Camilo beach rock formations
• Pass Canavial beach and caves
• See Porto de Mós golden cliffs
• Cruise through traditional village
• Stop nearby for swimming

Top questions

How long is the Lagos catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts about 3 hours along the coast near Lagos.

Is swimming included on this cruise?

Yes, there’s a stop for swimming in calm Atlantic waters during the tour.

Are paddle boards available?

Paddle boards are included for guests to use during the swim stop.

Is there commentary in English?

Yes, live commentary is provided in English throughout the cruise.

Can children join this catamaran tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers are allowed onboard.

Are drinks included on board?

You can buy drinks onboard but only bottled water can be brought with you.

What happens if there’s bad weather?

If poor weather cancels your trip, you’ll get an alternative date or full refund.

Is Wi-Fi available during the cruise?

Wi-Fi is included for passengers throughout the journey.

What’s included

Your day includes use of paddle boards and an inflatable open water waterpark during your swim stop, live commentary in English from your multilingual guide, free Wi-Fi onboard to share photos or check messages (if you want), plus space for strollers or service animals if needed before heading back to Lagos marina after three hours along the Algarve coast.