Hiking and sea kayaking Costa Brava: hidden coves and snorkeling

Walk the cliffs, paddle the coves, swim where the rock formations rise straight from the sea

Hike and kayak along Costa Brava's scenic coastline, visiting hidden coves accessible only by sea and snorkeling in clear water. The eight-hour activity includes a one-hour guided coastal walk, two hours of sea kayaking, transport by minivan, bottled water and a professional guide who speaks English or Spanish; children are welcome from age 7, and all participants must be able to swim.

The Experience

The day starts with a coastal walk through the mountains that meet the beaches of Costa Brava, taking in the rock formations and caves that line the shore. From there you move to the water—two hours of sea kayaking through the cliffs, paddling into coves that have no road access and no way to reach them except by boat. The transparent water lets you see the seabed as you glide through, and at several points you can jump from the kayak or climb out onto the rocks to snorkel or simply swim.

Transport by air-conditioned minivan picks you up and brings you back, so the logistics of getting to the starting point and between the hiking and kayaking sections are handled. A professional guide leads both parts of the day, pointing out the marine ecosystems and the geography of the coast. Bottled water is provided throughout the eight hours.

The activity finishes at Sant Pol de S'Agaró, where you have time to swim and rest on the beach before heading back. All participants need to be comfortable in the water and able to swim; the operator notes the activity is not suitable for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, though it is open to all fitness levels otherwise.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English or Spanish.
• one-hour guided coastal walk.
• two hours of sea kayaking.
• transport by air-conditioned minivan.
• bottled water throughout the day.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for heart conditions

Operated by SM Experiences

Is this one for you?You operate the kayak and do the swimming yourself rather than watching from a boat, so this suits anyone who wants to be in the water and moving under their own power. The fixed eight-hour schedule and included transport mean the day is built for you—no arranging pickups, no deciding between stops, no planning the route.

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Top questions

What's the difference between the hiking part and the kayaking part of this activity?

The hiking is a guided one-hour coastal walk through the mountains along the beaches, taking in the cliffs and caves. The kayaking is a separate two-hour paddle through the same coastline, but from the water—it lets you reach hidden coves that have no land access and to snorkel in the transparent water between the rock formations.

Can I jump off the cliffs or kayak into caves during the activity?

Yes—you can jump from the kayak into the water at several points, and the route takes you through caves carved into the cliffs. You can also climb out onto rocks to snorkel or swim in the coves.

What age can children start this activity?

Children are welcome from age 7, provided they are able to swim and comfortable in the water.

How long is the full activity, and what's included in the price?

The activity runs eight hours and includes the one-hour guided coastal walk, two hours of sea kayaking, transport by air-conditioned minivan, bottled water and a professional guide speaking English or Spanish. Food and drinks beyond the bottled water are not included; tips are optional.