Lagos & Ponta da Piedade: Kayak Cave Tour with Catamaran

Summary

Paddle through sea caves from Lagos to Ponta da Piedade on a guided kayak trip

You’ll ride a catamaran from Lagos before kayaking through Ponta da Piedade’s caves and hidden beaches with a local guide nearby. There’s time for swimming straight off the boat and plenty of laughs along the way. Expect golden cliffs, salty air, and that feeling you get when you realize you’re somewhere completely different from home.

What’s the experience like?

I forgot my sunglasses in the car — classic me — so I squinted as we shuffled onto the catamaran at Marina de Lagos. Our guide, Tiago, joked about “Algarve eyes” and handed out life jackets while the engine hummed us past Meia Praia. The water was that glassy blue you only see in southern Portugal, and someone’s hat nearly flew off in the breeze. It wasn’t what I pictured for a kayak tour; I’d expected more paddling, less cruising, but honestly, it felt good to just drift for a bit and listen to Tiago point out Camilo Beach (he said locals love it best).

Getting into the kayaks was a bit awkward — I wobbled and nearly lost a flip-flop — but the crew didn’t rush anyone. Once we started paddling toward Ponta da Piedade, you could smell salt and sunscreen mixing in the air. The cliffs looked almost gold in the late morning light. At one point Tiago called out something about “elephant rock” (I couldn’t see it at first; maybe I need better imagination or less sun). Inside one of the caves, everything went quiet except for our paddles tapping against stone — that hush is still stuck in my head.

We looped through little coves and tunnels where the water turned this weird shade of green under the rocks. Someone tried to take a selfie and almost tipped their kayak; everyone laughed, even Tiago. Afterward, climbing back onto the catamaran felt like stepping onto solid ground after hours at sea (it was only an hour or so). They gave us time to swim — cold shock at first but worth it. I floated on my back looking up at those cliffs thinking how small we all are here.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kayak tour and catamaran cruise

• Board catamaran at Marina de Lagos
• Cruise past Meia Praia and other beaches
• Listen to guide safety and navigation briefing
• Board kayak with crew assistance
• Kayak through Ponta da Piedade caves and coves
• Observe underwater tunnels and rock formations
• Return to catamaran and swim freely
• Cruise back to Lagos city

Top questions

How long does the Lagos kayak tour last?

The full experience lasts about 2 hours including both catamaran cruise and kayaking.

Is swimming included on this Ponta da Piedade kayak tour?

Yes, there’s free time for swimming after kayaking before heading back to Lagos.

Are guides provided during the kayak cave tour?

Yes, an experienced local guide leads you through the caves and beaches by kayak.

Where does this kayak tour depart from?

The tour starts at Marina de Lagos in Lagos city.

What beaches do we see on this day trip?

You pass Meia Praia, Batata Beach, Dona Ana Beach, Camilo Beach, and more along the route.

Is equipment included for kayaking?

Yes, all kayaking gear is provided as part of your booking.

Can children join this kayak cave tour?

Children over 6 years old can join if accompanied by an adult.

What happens if weather is bad?

If weather conditions are poor, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

What’s included

Your day includes a catamaran cruise from Marina de Lagos out to Ponta da Piedade’s caves and beaches with all kayaking gear provided. A professional local guide leads your group through sea arches and coves by double kayak. After exploring by paddle, there’s free time for swimming off the boat before returning comfortably to Lagos marina.