7 Best Lagos Kayak Tours You Don’t Want To Miss (2024)
Are you considering joining one of Lagos kayak tours while in Algarve? That is a great idea!
If you want to see majestic rock formations along the coastline, discover hidden caves, and swim on secluded beaches, kayaking in Lagos Portugal is for you!
I backpacked along the Algarve coast for a week, and Lagos was my favorite town in all of the Algarve.
Its proximity to some of the most iconic spots like Ponta da Piedade makes it the perfect location for kayaking in Algarve.
I was in Algarve in late October and early November, and it was still possible to go on kayak tours. Some might find the water too cold for swimming, but the views are unmatched!
While the coastline is undoubtedly stunning to see from the shore, it’s even more magical from the sea!
I’ve kayaked in many beautiful places around the world, but Lagos coastline is one of the most unique.
So pack your waterproof bag, get ready to paddle, and let’s find you the best Lagos kayak tour!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. I hope you find the information here helpful!
My Top Pick: Best Kayak Tour In Lagos
Best Lagos Kayak Tours
Going on a kayak tour in Lagos is one of the best things to do in the Algarve.
The rugged Algarve coast around Lagos is lined with breathtaking rock formations, hidden coves, and pristine sand beaches only accessible by sea.
These Lagos kayak adventures are a fun way to combine sightseeing and some sporty activities on your Lagos itinerary!
1. From Lagos: Kayaking and Boat Cave Explorer Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars (over 1277 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | Check it out!
If you want to kayak Lagos caves, look no further than this Lagos kayak tour!
The tour starts in Lagos Marina. You’ll board a boat that will take you on a short ride to Ponta da Piedade.
This quick boat transfer is perfect as you’ll save energy and hop in a kayak in the best area. You’ll get about 1.5 hours of kayaking and swimming in Lagos caves and beaches.
Ponta da Piedade is one of the most stunning spots along the Algarve coast, and a must-visit on your Portugal itinerary!
You can choose among different departure times, with up to 4 time slots in high season!
Remember that the sun is intense in Algarve in the summer. Unless absolutely necessary, I avoid outdoor activities between 12 and 4 pm. However, it might be the best time to cool down in the cold Algarve Sea!
As it is the most popular kayak tour in Lagos, I suggest you book as soon as you know you’ll be in Lagos to make sure it doesn’t sell out!
This tour usually runs from March until mid-November, which is perfect even if you visit Algarve in the off-season.
Top tip: You won’t get a dry bag for your phone and valuables, so bring your own if you want to use it during the tour!
“Fantastic! Amazing experience. Boat, kayaking + swimming in the beautiful Algarve with warm friendly guides and a fanatic playlist. Would strongly recommend it to anyone visiting!”
– GetYourGuide traveler (see more reviews)
🤩 Check Prices and Availability!
2. From Lagos Marina: Ponta da Piedade Kayak Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars (over 740 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | Check it out!
This Ponta da Piedade Kayak Tour is one of the best kayak tours Lagos offers, and it is the best alternative if the first-rated one is fully booked!
The only reason this tour is the second option is that they don’t offer an afternoon 4 pm tour. As someone who doesn’t like being in the scorching sun, I like having options later in the afternoon.
The tour starts in the city center of Lagos. It is perfect if you’re wondering if is Lagos a good place to stay in Algarve if you don’t have a car.
You’ll take a catamaran from Lagos Marina to Ponta de Piedade. There you’ll board a kayak and start to kayak Lagos caves.
As the boat transports you to the most attractive area, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the caves and find hidden beaches for a quick dip.
This tour starts running already in February for those taking advantage of the winter sun in Europe!
“Great excursion. Everything about it was great. The crew did a great job-Ricardo was an excellent guide. Taking the boat to the place to kayak was wonderful, as was the opportunity to go for a swim after the kayaking portion. Would highly recommend this trip.”
– GetYourGuide traveler (see more reviews)
🤩 Check Prices and Availability!
3. Lagos: Guided Kayak Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.7/5 Stars (over 736 reviews)| ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2.5 hours | Check it out!
If you’re looking for a flexible tour with plenty of departure times, this Guided Lagos kayak tour is for you!
With up to 10 departures in the high season, from 9 am until 5:30 pm, you’re sure to find the one that suits you. If you want to avoid the crowds, go for the earlier tours!
This tour is also a great option if you’re visiting Lagos in November or March when most other tour companies don’t have tours running yet.
The tour starts at Batata Beach where you’ll get your kayaks and set for an adventure. Your guide will take you to several hidden coves and tell you the stories about how they were used throughout history.
You’ll spend the second half of the tour relaxing on one of the secluded beaches, accessible only by sea. Remember to bring sunscreen and your swimsuit if you’re visiting during the swimming season!
“We had a great morning out on the water! The tour guides were super helpful and great storytellers! We went far down the coast and got to see lots of caves up close and personal. I’d recommend this to anyone visiting Lagos”
– GetYourGuide traveler (see more reviews)
4. From Lagos: Algarve Coast and Caves by Kayak
⭐️ RATING: 4.6/5 Stars (over 300 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2.5 hours | Check it out!
This guided kayak trip from Lagos along the Algarve coast is great if you want to spend more time on the water, as it lasts slightly longer than most.
The tour starts next to Cais da Solaria, and you board the kayaks immediately, skipping the boat transfer.
You will stop in several caves and beaches. Also, you’ll have free time to swim in the crystal clear sea on one of the beaches only accessible by sea.
I know I’m not the only one who gets super tired of kayaking. So, it’s good to know you can opt to be pulled by the boat back to the starting point instead of kayaking back!
The tour will also provide lockers and waterproof bags! That way you can take your phone and valuables along for the ride.
“Loved our kayak experience! We went through multiple caves and past stunning beaches. The kayaks were easy to use, and the guide was super friendly and helped everyone.”
– GetYourGuide traveler (see more reviews)
5. Lagos Kayak Adventure
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars (over 60 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2.5 hours | Check it out!
Departing from Lagos Marina, this Lagos Kayak Adventure will take you along some of the most stunning caves and secluded beaches in the Algarve. It is a small group tour, perfect if you need some personalized attention from your guide!
The boat will transport you to the main location while the tour guide explains everything you need to know about kayaking if it’s your first time.
You’ll get into the kayaks, paddle along the breathtaking rock formations, and into the caves for about an hour.
After kayaking, you can jump into the water and swim around the boat. There are about 20 minutes of free time dedicated to swimming.
At the end of the tour, you’ll be transported back to the departure point by boat.
If you want to take your phone on the kayak, be sure to put it in a waterproof pouch since the waves can make the kayak ride rocky.
If you don’t want to risk it, the guides take plenty of photos and can send them to you at the end of the tour!
“Highly recommend. The boat ride, kayak time, and group size were excellent. One of the highlights of our trip.”
– GetYourGuide traveler (see more reviews)
6. Swim and Chill at Benagil From Lagos
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars (over 80 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours | Check it out!
If you’re staying in Lagos but don’t want to miss out on the iconic Benagil Caves, this is the tour for you!
It isn’t possible to kayak all the way from Lagos to Benagil. Benagil Cave boat tours are the most common way to get there.
This Swim and Chill at Benagil tour isn’t exactly a Benagil kayak tour from Lagos. It is a van tour that takes you swimming to the cave instead of kayaking. But you’ll have some free time, and you can rent a kayak on Benagil beach.
Since you get to the cave by swimming, this might not be the best tour for those who want a more effortless way to get to the cave.
If you’re up for a challenge, they will provide life jackets and surfboards to make sure you successfully reach the stunning beach inside Benagil Cave.
This tour is led by a super friendly, laidback guide, who will make you feel like you’re going to the beach with a group of friends. Great for Algarve backpackers!
Also, this tour runs year-round, which is perfect if you’re visiting Lagos in winter!
“We loved this day! Brody was so cool as was the rest of the small group that joined us. The swim was such a fun alternative compared to all the kayaks and boats. Do this if you want something different than the typical experience! Recommend!”
– Dahlia F. (read more reviews)
7. Kayak Rental to Explore The Caves and Coast of Lagos
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours | Check it out!
Sometimes, you just don’t want to kayak at the same pace as the group and you prefer exploring the landscape yourself.
If that’s the case, why not rent a kayak and discover the caves and coast of Lagos on your own?
Escape the crowds and admire the rugged landscapes at your own pace. Stop when you want to relax, not just when the tour takes a break.
Renting a kayak is also a cheaper alternative to joining a group tour if you’re backpacking Portugal on a budget!
These kayaks can take two people, so you can save money by splitting the cost with a friend!
Personally, I wouldn’t rent a kayak solo. I often go on kayak tours but I tend to get tired after a while, and I’m not sure if I’d have enough strength to paddle back if I go too far.
However, if you don’t skip the gym like I do, I bet it’s a fantastic experience!
The rental went smooth and without any problems. Gavin was also really helpful with giving us some tips about safety and navigation.
– Thanawan_V (see more reviews)
What to bring on a kayak tour in Lagos?
Before you pack your things for a day of kayaking, double-check if your tour provider offers free waterproof bags or boxes where you can safely store your things while kayaking.
If you’re kayaking in summer, sunscreen is a must! You’ll be exposed to the sun for at least two hours and you want to be protected.
I suggest you wear a swimsuit and clothes you don’t mind getting wet. I usually go for a short dress over my bikini, as I find shorts are more uncomfortable when wet.
Ideally, you would wear a light shirt that covers your shoulders. If you’re sensitive to the sun, I suggest you go for light long pants as the top of your legs will be exposed to the sun.
You know your skin the best, so if you think you won’t get sunburnt you can stay in your bikini during the ride.
As for footwear, go for flip-flops or shoes you don’t mind getting wet, as you will probably get wet when stepping out of the kayak.
If you’re kayaking in the colder months, the best thing you can do is to avoid tipping over and getting wet.
Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated! I love my Chilly’s bottle as it keeps the water nice and cool in the scorching sun.
As you can see by the lack of photos, I didn’t have a waterproof bag for my phone, so I didn’t take my phone at all. Do better than me and get yourself a good quality waterproof phone pouch.
FAQs About Kayak Tours Lagos:
For most people, it is not possible to kayak from Lagos to Benagil Caves. The journey would take multiple hours along the coastline. The alternative would be to join a tour from Lagos to Benagil that includes kayaking in Benagil caves.
The price of Lagos kayaking tours ranges from 30-45€ per person. It is not unusual to see price changes depending on the time of the year and tour popularity.
Yes, you should book kayak tours in Lagos in advance if you visit in high season or you have limited time in the city. While you can book a tour once you’re in the city, booking in advance ensures availability on your desired dates, you get the best prices and get to read the reviews.
Final Thoughts: Best Lagos Kayak Tours
Kayaking along the rugged Algarve coast is one of the top reasons to choose Lagos over Faro.
With so many kayak tours Lagos offers, I’m sure you’ll find the one for you!
Most Lagos Portugal cave tours run from March to November, and you can have this fun experience even outside of the high season!
You don’t need a car to join these tours, as they all depart from the city center of Lagos.
Now that your activities in Lagos are sorted out, you can plan the rest of your Algarve itinerary!
Whether you visit the Algarve in summer or winter, Southern Portugal is one of the most beautiful regions in Europe with so many places worth visiting.
You can also join fun kayak tours in Albufeira, especially if you want to kayak to Benagil Cave!
🤩 Lagos Kayaking and Boat Cave Explorer Tour
is my top pick to kayak in Lagos!
