Lagos: Ponta da Piedade Grottos, Beaches & Aqua Trampoline

Summary

Grottos, wild beaches and a floating trampoline in Lagos

You’ll cruise along Lagos’ coastline past hidden beaches before anchoring by Ponta da Piedade for cave exploring in a small boat, swimming off the side or bouncing on an aqua trampoline. With local guides sharing stories and chilled drinks included, it’s easy to lose track of time out here.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely left the Lagos marina when the air started to taste salty and sharp — you know that feeling when you realize you’re really out on the water? Our captain, João, waved at some fishermen near the old Bandeira Fort and pointed out Praça do Infante as we slid past. I kept trying to name each beach as we passed: Potato Beach (which made me laugh), then Students Beach, and that long stretch near the pine trees where João said slaves once landed. The sun bounced off the white cliffs in a way my camera just couldn’t catch.

When we anchored near Ponta da Piedade’s lighthouse, everything slowed down for a minute. The sea was this weird mix of turquoise and shadow, and I could hear kids arguing about who would jump first on the aqua trampoline. I tried it myself — honestly, not graceful — but it felt good to just flop into the Atlantic. There was sangria (cold enough to make my teeth hurt) or juice if you wanted it, and people lounged under the awning with music playing softly from someone’s phone. A couple from Porto kept joking about how “nobody swims in June,” but there we were anyway.

The caves were smaller than I pictured but somehow more mysterious — our guide squeezed us into this tiny support boat and ducked his head every time we floated under an archway. The light inside was all gold and green stripes. At one point he told us a story about pirates hiding here, which sounded like something he’d told a hundred times but still made me look twice at the shadows. Heading back toward Porto de Mós, hair still salty and skin sticky from sunblock, I realized I hadn’t checked my phone once since leaving shore. That’s rare for me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Coastal boat tour and grotto visit

• Leave Lagos marina
• Pass Praça do Infante de Sagres and Bandeira Fort
• View Potato, Students, Pine, D. Ana, Camilo, and Nudist beaches
• Anchor near Ponta da Piedade Lighthouse
• Visit caves by smaller boat
• Swim and use aqua trampoline
• Sunbathe and enjoy complimentary drink
• Return coast to Porto de Mós
• Arrive back at marina

Top questions

How long is the Lagos coastal tour?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Is swimming included during the Lagos grotto tour?

Yes, there’s time to swim when the boat anchors near Ponta da Piedade.

Are drinks provided on this Lagos boat trip?

Yes, complimentary sangria, water or juice are included.

Does the tour include visiting caves?

Yes, you’ll visit caves in a smaller support boat after anchoring.

Is there shade on board during the cruise?

Yes, there is a shaded area on board for passengers.

Can children join this Lagos beach & grotto tour?

Yes, it’s suitable for all ages and specialized infant seats are available.

Is there an aqua trampoline on this tour?

Yes, guests can use an aqua trampoline while anchored near Ponta da Piedade.

Where does the tour start and end?

The trip starts and ends at Lagos marina.

What’s included

Your day includes cruising from Lagos marina along beaches like D. Ana and Camilo before anchoring near Ponta da Piedade lighthouse; you’ll explore caves by small boat, swim or try out an aqua trampoline with drinks provided onboard—plus shaded seating, music and even a WC for comfort throughout.