Kayaking Costa Brava: Rats Penats Cave at dawn

Paddle into a sea cave at first light, when the water is calmest

A guided sea kayaking excursion on Costa Brava that departs at 8:15 a.m. and paddles a closed single kayak to Cova dels Rats Penats, a sea cave accessible only from the water. The route follows the bay of Sant Pol–S'Agaró, passing Les Sofreres, Cala del Molí, Cala Ametller, and Cap de Mort. Groups stay under eight people. No paddling experience is required, and a professional guide leads the full two-hour journey with instruction on technique and safety. You must be able to swim to participate.

The experience

You arrive at 8:15 a.m. when the sea is usually at its calmest and the morning light is soft on the cliffs. The guide briefs you on paddling technique and how to handle the closed sea kayak (a single-person boat designed for coastal touring, more stable and efficient than a sit-on-top), and covers safety before you push off. No prior experience is needed. The instruction and the guide's presence throughout are what make this work for a first-timer.

For roughly two hours, you paddle along the Costa Brava coastline, passing the natural bay of Les Sofreres, Cala del Molí (known for its sea-cliff via ferrata), Cala Ametller, and the dramatic cliffs and channels of Cap de Mort. The route builds toward Cova dels Rats Penats, a sea cave that sits just above the waterline and is reachable only by kayak. You paddle inside, take in the space, then return along the same route, still riding the calm conditions of early morning.

The group stays small, maximum seven paddlers, which means the guide can watch everyone closely and adjust the pace if needed. You wear a life jacket and spray skirt. A rescue motorboat stands by if anything goes wrong. Activity photos are taken during the paddle and included with your booking. A secure place to leave your belongings is provided, and a wetsuit is available if the water is cold.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English or Spanish.
• closed single sea kayak with paddle, life jacket and spray skirt.
• activity photos.
• optional wetsuit for colder water.
• secure storage for personal belongings.
• rescue motorboat on standby.
• public liability and accident insurance.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 3 Apr 2027

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (14 to 80 years) · Under 14: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 7

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Kayak Center Guíxols

Is this one for you?The 8:15 a.m. departure is what keeps the water calm and the light soft. Ideal if you have a free morning and want to paddle without fighting choppy conditions or crowds. Small groups mean the guide can watch everyone closely, so this works whether you've paddled before or you're picking up a kayak for the first time.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

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

No prior paddling experience is required. The guide conducts a full briefing on paddling technique, how to handle the closed sea kayak, and safety guidelines before you launch, and stays with the group throughout the two-hour route.

What is Cova dels Rats Penats like when you paddle inside?

Cova dels Rats Penats is a sea cave accessible only from the water, located in the bay of Sant Pol–S'Agaró. You paddle into the cave as part of the main objective of the route. The cave sits just above the waterline and is framed by the surrounding cliffs.

How many people paddle together on this route?

Groups are kept small at a maximum of seven paddlers, which allows the guide to provide personalized attention and maintain greater safety throughout the two-hour journey.

What time does the kayaking start and how long does it take?

The activity departs at 8:15 a.m., a time chosen because the sea is usually calm and the morning light is favorable for paddling. The full excursion, including the guide's briefing and the coastal route to and from the cave, takes approximately two hours.

Can I swim if I'm not a strong swimmer?

You must be able to swim to participate in this activity. For safety reasons, non-swimmers will not be allowed to join and will not receive a refund.

What equipment is provided and what do I need to bring?

The kayaking includes a single closed sea kayak, life jacket, paddle, spray skirt, and activity photos. A wetsuit is available if the water is cold. You should bring a swimsuit and towel. A secure place to leave personal belongings is provided at the start point.