Kayak Cova Tallada cave + snorkeling in Cabo de San Antonio

Paddle into a medieval quarry, explore it on foot with a lamp, then float among the fish

A 3-hour guided kayak and snorkeling activity in the Cabo de San Antonio marine reserve, where you paddle to a cave that was hand-carved as a stone quarry in the 12th century, disembark and walk inside with a headlamp to see the carved stone and water channels, then return to the water to snorkel in the reserve before a snack on the beach. Professional guides lead the whole outing in English or Spanish, and all equipment—kayak, lantern, snorkel mask, safety gear—is provided; children from age 12 are welcome.

The Experience

You arrive at the beach and get fitted with a kayak and safety gear while the guides give a short talk on paddle handling and water entry. The paddle out to Cova Tallada takes you through the marine reserve, where the water is clear enough to spot fish even before you stop. When you reach the cave mouth, you pull the kayak ashore, pick up a headlamp, and walk into the interior—a space carved by hand centuries ago when workers extracted stone block by block. You can see the tool marks on the walls, the channels they cut to move water, the geometry of the quarry work itself. It's not a natural cave; it's a record of labor.

Back at the kayaks, you pull on a snorkel mask and slip into the water. The marine reserve means the fish are abundant and unafraid—you float among them without chasing anything, just watching. After the snorkel, you paddle back to the beach, where a small snack and water are waiting. The whole outing runs 3 hours from the moment you start gearing up to the moment you're back on sand.

What’s included

• Kayak and safety gear.
• headlamp for cave exploration.
• snorkel mask and snorkeling equipment.
• bottled water.
• snacks.
• accident insurance.
• professional guide in English or Spanish.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by Turismo Activo Montgó

Is this one for you?Most kayak tours in the area stick to paddling and snorkeling alone. This one adds the cave itself—you disembark and walk inside a medieval quarry with a lamp, so the history and the stone work become part of what you see, not just the water around it.

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Top questions

What exactly is inside the Cova Tallada cave?

The cave is a 12th-century stone quarry that was hand-carved into the rock. Inside you see the tool marks left by workers, the channels they cut to move water during extraction, and the carved walls themselves—evidence of how the stone was removed centuries ago. You walk through it with a headlamp provided by the guides.

Do I need to know how to kayak before I book this?

No. The guides give a short talk on paddle handling and water entry before you start, and they assist you as you get into the water. The activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and the paddle to the cave is part of the guided route.

What's included in the 3-hour activity?

The kayak, safety material, headlamp, snorkel mask, bottled water, snacks, and accident insurance are all included. Professional guides lead the whole outing and provide instruction on kayak use and cave entry.

Can children do this activity?

Children are welcome from age 12 and up. Specialized infant seats are available if you have younger children, though the activity itself is designed for ages 12 and older.

Is the snorkeling difficult or do I need experience?

No experience is needed. You snorkel in the marine reserve after leaving the cave, floating among the fish in shallow, clear water. The guides are with you, and all snorkel equipment is provided.

What should I bring or wear?

Bring a swimsuit and a towel. The guides provide all water gear—kayak, safety equipment, headlamp, snorkel mask. Footwear is not included, so wear water shoes or sandals you don't mind getting wet, or go barefoot if you're comfortable. Public transportation options are available near the beach.