Lagos: Ponta da Piedade Kayak Caves Tour & Support Boat

Summary

Kayak along Lagos cliffs, drift past caves, pause for swims and laughter

You’ll paddle beneath soaring cliffs and into hidden caves at Ponta da Piedade near Lagos, always with a support boat close by if you want to rest or just watch. Listen to local stories from your guide, take a dip in clear water, and share laughs with your group — it’s less about skill than soaking up the Algarve sun together.

What’s the experience like?

We slid off the support boat right where the water turned that impossible blue — you know the one. Our guide João grinned as he handed us paddles and pointed to the caves along Ponta da Piedade, saying something about “the elephant rock” in his soft Algarve accent. I was nervous at first (kayaks wobble more than I remembered), but João kept close, calling out little stories about each archway. Salt spray hit my lips. Sunlight flickered gold on the stone above us. There was this moment when all you could hear was our paddles and someone laughing behind me — maybe it was me.

It didn’t matter if you were a pro or had never touched a kayak; everyone found their rhythm after a few minutes. The support boat drifted nearby for anyone who wanted a break (my arms gave up for a bit, not gonna lie). At one point João pointed out some fishermen waving from the cliffs — he shouted something back in Portuguese and they just laughed. We squeezed through narrow tunnels where the water smelled faintly of seaweed and sunscreen. Sometimes I’d look up and forget to paddle because the light made everything glow weirdly orange against blue.

After we looped around the last cave, we got to jump in for a swim — cold but worth it. Someone passed around little cans of soda from a cooler on the boat (tasted like summer). The sun was hot enough that drying off happened fast. I still think about that feeling: floating there with strangers who didn’t feel like strangers anymore, salt on my skin, not really wanting it to end.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kayak tour and coastal adventure

• Start at Lagos marina
• Travel by boat to caves
• Kayak along coastline
• Cross Ponta da Piedade
• Swim and dive
• Enjoy a refreshing drink
• Sunbathe before return

Top questions

Is this kayak tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, no prior experience is needed and there’s always a support boat nearby if you want to rest or stop kayaking.

Does the tour include swimming time?

Yes, there’s time at the end of the activity for swimming or relaxing in the sun.

Are children or infants allowed on this tour?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport; families are welcome.

Is there a bathroom available during the tour?

Yes, there’s a WC on board the support boat throughout the trip.

Are wheelchairs or service animals allowed?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and service animals are allowed.

How many kayaks are in each group?

A professional guide leads up to 6 kayaks per group for a small-group feel.

Where does the kayak adventure start?

The tour begins at Lagos marina before heading out by boat to Ponta da Piedade.

What’s included

Your day includes all fees and taxes covered, use of kayaks with guidance from a local expert for up to six boats at once, full civil liability and accident insurance, access to an onboard bathroom, plus support from a nearby boat if you need to pause or just want to enjoy from deck instead of paddling.