7 Best Albufeira Kayaking Tours In 2025
If you’re visiting the Algarve, one of Albufeira kayaking tours should be on your itinerary!
I love going on kayak tours when traveling, so exploring Albufeira’s caves was high on my Algarve bucket list.
From hidden beaches to the iconic Benagil cave, kayaking in Albufeira offers unforgettable experiences.
Let’s dive into the best kayak tours Albufeira has to offer
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My Top Picks:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✔️ Visit Benagil Cave
✔️ Boat transfer from Albufeira
1. Benagil Hidden Caves Tour by Kayak or SUP
⭐️ RATING: 4.7/5 Stars (over 1170 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3.5 hours | Check it out!
Benagil Hidden Caves Tour is the most popular kayak tour to take from Albufeira! It is great value for money, and you get to see all the iconic spots along the coastline.
This is my favorite tour because it includes a boat transfer from the city center of Albufeira, perfect if you’re visiting Albufeira without a car.
The boat takes you all the way to the most famous spot in the Algarve, the Benagil cave. Unfortunately, disembarking in the cave is no longer allowed, but you’ll get to see it from the sea.
But don’t worry, it is not the only stunning cave in the area! After seeing the Benagil cave, you’ll hop into your kayaks or SUPs and explore the coastline.
The boat will be nearby throughout the activity, so it is great for beginners as you don’t have to paddle as much, and you can come back to the boat at any moment if the sea is too rough or you get tired.
The tour provides a life jacket, so it is suitable for non-swimmers too!
“We were able to kayak in/out of several caves, and that was an absolute blast! Your guide was so much fun–he made the trip very memorable!”
– Carla, United States (read more reviews)
2. 2-Hour Caves and Cliffs Kayaking Experience
⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | Check it out!
This kayak tour is the best option if you have a car or you don’t mind traveling to Castelo Beach from Albufeira.
Unlike the first tour, this tour doesn’t include the boat transfer. Instead, you start kayaking right from the beginning.
This tour doesn’t take you to the Benagil Cave. Given that kayaks are no longer allowed inside the cave, you might enjoy other less popular caves along the coastline better!
You’ll have two hours to explore the caves, swim, and admire the landscapes.
If you want to take your phone along, get a waterproof pouch as they are not provided on this tour. However, your tour guide will take photos during the tour and send them to you afterward!
This tour is fantastic if you want to spend more time actually kayaking and in the water.
If you stay in the Algarve without a car, it might be more complicated to get to the starting point compared to taking a tour from Albufeira Marina.
“Guides are fantastic, we kayaked through caves and swam in the sea (optional) and then stopped at a secluded secret beach… incredible experience!”
– Zoe, United Kingdom (read more reviews)
3. Albufeira: Kayak Tour of Hidden Caves and Secret Beaches
⭐️ RATING: 4.6/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | Check it out!
Hidden caves and secret beaches tour is a fantastic budget-friendly option, departing from the sandy Sao Rafael Beach.
This tour doesn’t include a boat transfer, but you won’t paddle for a full 2 hours!
After about 45 minutes of kayaking and admiring the Algarve coastline you’ll get to a hidden beach Praia do Ninho das Andorinhas, which is accessible only by sea.
If you’re visiting in the summer, it makes for a perfect stop to get out of the kayak, swim and explore.
However, don’t be surprised to see other travelers on the beach. It is a hidden beach, but it is not exactly a secret.
Your guide will take photos along the way, and you can purchase them after the activity.
The tour departs from Praia de Sao Rafael, which is about 5 km from the center of Albufeira.
You can drive to the meeting point or reach it by bus line 8 from the city center of Albufeira if you’re backpacking Algarve and didn’t rent a car.
“Great for beginners good Instructions and 3 staff on hand 2 in a boat and 1 on a paddle board if you needed them. Took us into some amazing small caves that were a tight fit but we made it.”
– Leanne, United Kingdom (read more reviews)
4. Albufeira: Algarve Kayak and Coastline Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.6/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2.5 hours | Check it out!
This Algarve kayak tour also takes you along the coastline from Castelo Beach, but it includes a boat transfer from Albufeira Marina.
The tour starts with a short sail to Castelo beach where you’ll board the kayaks and get ready to sail along the coastline.
If you’re visiting in the summer, or if the water is calm, you’ll stop at one of the hidden beaches for a quick dip in the sea.
Your tour guide is there with you throughout the tour, telling you stories about this unique landscape.
Also, the catamaran will stay nearby, so you can return to the boat if kayaking gets too tiring. That makes this tour perfect for beginners, as the sea along the Algarve is known to get rough.
Take a waterproof bag with you if you want to take photos while kayaking, as they are not included in this tour.
“Great experience. The guys were amazing and gave clear instructions. Would do it again.”
– GetYourGuide traveler, Netherlands (read more reviews)
5. From Albufeira Marina: Benagil Caves Kayaking
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3.5 hours | Check it out!
If a visit to Benagil Cave is on your bucket list, this is another fantastic tour to consider.
This is one of the newer Benagil Cave tours, with enthusiastic guides who are excited to teach you more about the area.
It is a small group tour, with up to 10 people per group.
One of the common complaints about these tours is they are crowded, so this one is great if it is your first time kayaking, and you prefer to have more personalized attention from your guide.
However, it is quite affordable if you’re visiting Portugal on a budget!
You’ll visit the iconic Benagil Cave and several other Albufeira kayaking caves.
Your guide will be following you in a small boat, so they’ll be quick to assist if needed!
6. Albufeira: Guided Highlights Jeep & Kayaking Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7 hours | Check it out!
If you’re looking for a perfect Algarve day trip from Albufera, this is it!
This full-day tour from Albufeira is not only a kayak tour. Instead, you’ll get to see the best of the region, land and sea!
Your day starts with a 4×4 journey from Albufeira to countryside villages, that are off the usual tourist trail.
Some of the places you’ll visit are Paderne Castle, an ancient Moorish fortification with a stunning view over the Algarve region.
Next up is a visit to the village of Alte, where you can swim in natural springs or just stroll the picturesque streets.
Finally, you’ll end the trip with a guided kayak tour from Albufeira to explore the sea caves and hidden beaches.
“Fantastic way to discover the region!”
– Tripadvisor Reviewer (read more reviews)
7. From Albufeira: Algarve Coastline by Kayak
⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | Check it out!
This Algarve coastline tour takes you along the stunning rock formations between Albufeira and Praia da Coelha.
The tour starts next to the Praia dos Arrifes beach.
If the sea is rough, I suggest you go for a kayak because it is hard to stand on the board with the waves. Also, some caves are very low, so you’ll probably have to kneel on the board.
You’ll get life jackets, but drinks and snacks are not included. Also, if you want to take your phone, you should bring a waterproof bag.
“It was a great trip, no complaints, the staff was lovely, so helpful, and very understanding. So worth the money and time.”
– Wiktoria, Ireland (read more reviews)
Is Kayaking Better in Lagos Or Albufeira?
If you’re deciding whether you want to stay in Albufeira or Lagos, you might be wondering where is the better place to kayak.
Both Lagos and Albufeira are fantastic kayaking destinations, as quite similar landscapes surround the cities.
The main difference is that Albueira is closer to the popular Benagil Cave, and most Albufeira kayaking tours take you to the famous cave.
Kayak tours in Lagos take you along the Ponta da Piedade and rock formations around Lagos, which are equally stunning.
What To Pack For Kayaking In Albufeira?
Before embarking on your tour, you should check what your tour provides.
Each of these tours is different, some provide boat transfer, water bottles, and photos, while others just take you kayaking.
Regardless of which tour you opt for, you should bring sunscreen!
The sun is strong in the Algarve, and you’ll be exposed to the sun throughout the tour.
Some tours will hand out water, but bring your own just in case. Kayaking is a sport, so you’ll get thirsty.
If you’re kayaking in the summer, take a swimsuit and a towel.
Of course, don’t forget your sunglasses and a cap to protect yourself from the sun during kayaking.
FAQ: Albufeira Kayak Tours
No, since September of 2023, it has been forbidden to disembark inside the Benagil Cave. Before, you were permitted to walk in the cave if you came by kayak, but this is no longer the case.
Final Thoughts: Albufeira Kayaking
Albufeira is well worth visiting for kayaking in the Algarve!
The rugged Algarve coastline is best explored from the sea, and going on a kayak tour is a fantastic way to learn more about the different Algarve caves and their history.
If Albufeira doesn’t fit into your Portugal itinerary, you don’t have to stay in Albufeira to kayak in Algarve.
There are many kayak tours in Lagos or Faro but the kayaking experience will be different in these areas.
The coast around Faro is quite flat while kayaking in Lagos is more similar to kayaking in Albufeira by the recognizable cliffs and unique rock formations.
🤩 Benagil Hidden Caves Tour from Albufeira
is my top pick for the Albufeira kayak tour!
