Costa Brava Kayaking Tour: Hidden Coves & Cliffs

A full day split between coastal walking and sea kayaking through rock formations and transparent water

This eight-hour activity combines a guided coastal hike and a two-hour kayak through the Costa Brava, starting in Sant Feliu and ending at Sant Pol de S'Agaró. You walk the cliffside trail for an hour, then paddle through hidden coves with unusual rock formations, snorkel in clear water and swim from the kayak if you want to. Transport by air-conditioned minivan, a professional guide in English, Spanish or French, bottled water and all kayaking gear are included; children from age seven are welcome, and you need to be a comfortable swimmer.

The Experience

The day starts with a drive to Sant Feliu, where you begin a guided walk along the coast toward S'Agaró. The trail runs above the water through the cliffs and passes the beaches and coves you'll paddle through later—it's the land view of what becomes the sea view. After an hour on foot, you reach the kayak launch point.

The two-hour paddle takes you into the rock formations and transparent water the Costa Brava is known for. You glide past coves that have no road access, only water entry, and stop to snorkel and jump from the kayak into the sea. The guide navigates the route and points out the marine life and geology as you move through the water. The day ends at Sant Pol de S'Agaró beach, where you can swim before heading back by minivan.

All equipment—kayak, paddle, snorkel gear—is provided. Bottled water is included throughout. The guide speaks your language and manages both the hiking pace and the water conditions, so the day stays safe and steady even if you've never kayaked before.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English, Spanish or French.
• two-hour sea kayak with all equipment and snorkel gear.
• one-hour guided coastal walk.
• 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?The day runs eight hours with a full hour of hiking and two hours of paddling, so it asks for steady movement and comfort in the water—book this if you want an active mix of land and sea rather than a gentle float or a single-sport focus.

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Top questions

How much of the day do I spend in the water versus on land?

The coastal walk takes about an hour, and the kayaking takes two hours, leaving time for transport, setup and a swim at the end beach. The balance is roughly half walking and half paddling.

What are the hidden coves like, and can I actually reach them on foot?

The coves have unusual rock formations and are only accessible by sea—that's why the kayak is the way to reach them. The coastal walk gives you the view from above, but the paddle is where you enter the water and snorkel inside them.

Do I need to be an experienced swimmer or kayaker?

You need to be a comfortable swimmer, but kayaking experience is not required. The guide leads the paddle and the water is calm in the coves. Children from age seven can join as long as they swim.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

Kayaking gear, bottled water, the guide, transport by minivan and all instruction are included. Bring a swimsuit, towel, sun protection and any personal medications; food and drinks beyond the bottled water are not included.

Does the walk involve steep climbing or scrambling?

The coastal walk is a guided hike along the cliffside trail for an hour. The operator rates it suitable for all fitness levels, though it does follow the terrain of the coast, so there is some elevation change.