# Kayaking through the caves of Ponta da Piedade Kayak · 2 h 15 · Guided · €40 adults, €30 children Fuente: https://www.geocalia.com/en/portugal/algarve/lagos/things-to-do/ponta-da-piedade-kayak · Revisado: 2026-11-11 Dónde: Lagos It is the calmest, closest way to see Ponta da Piedade. You paddle right up against the cliff face, the guide takes you through the arches when the sea allows, and you stop at a cove you cannot reach on foot. ## What it is and why it is worth it South of Lagos, the coast breaks up into a labyrinth of ochre rock: free-standing sea stacks, arches that let the water through, caves open to the sea and small coves wedged between cliffs. From above, along the walkways, you see the whole; from the water, you see it from the inside. The kayak fits through passages where motor boats cannot enter, and it goes slowly enough for you to notice the colours of the rock and the green of the water. The trip is guided and in a group with Lagos Adventure, a company with a tourist-activity licence registered with Turismo de Portugal. The guide knows the coast and decides at each moment which caves can be crossed with that day's tide and swell. ## Who it is for Beginners: you do not need to have paddled before. Children pay their own fare from 4 to 11 years old and go in a double kayak with an adult. It works with teenagers and with active families. You need to be comfortable in the water, because in a kayak you get wet. ## How to get to the base Lagos Adventure is on Rua da Docapesca, in warehouse number 9, beside the fish market and the fishing harbour, a short walk from the old town. By train, the Algarve regional line ends at Lagos station, next to Meia Praia. By car from Andalusia, take the Algarve motorway. In summer, parking near the centre and the coves is hard: if you are staying in Lagos, walk. ## When to go From spring to autumn, depending on the sea. May, June, September and October are the months with the calmest sea on most days and the fewest people. In July and August the morning sessions fill up first, and these usually have the stillest sea: book in good time. The tide changes what is possible: at low tide some caves are almost dry, and at very high tide others cannot be crossed. ## How much it costs €40 for adults and €30 for children aged 4 to 11. A private trip for a group, from €480. If the sea does not allow a departure, the company cancels and offers you another date or refunds your money. ## If there is a ground swell The trip is called off: it is not worth paddling with waves against the cliff. Switch the plan to the Ponta da Piedade walkways, which can be done in any sea and give you the view from above, or to the walled old town of Lagos. ## Paso a paso ### 15 min · Introduction You arrive at the Lagos Adventure base, at the fish market, a quarter of an hour early. They give you a life jacket, a paddle and an explanation of how to paddle. ### 30 min · Heading south You paddle out past the harbour mouth and the beaches of Batata and Pinhão towards the cliffs. ### 1 h · The caves Between Dona Ana and the Ponta da Piedade lighthouse, the guide chooses which caves and arches to cross according to the tide and swell. ### 30 min · Return You head back the same way to Lagos. ## Qué llevar - Swimsuit and clothes that can get wet - Sun cream and a cap with a strap - Dry bag or phone case - Water - Shoes that can get wet ## Consejos ### Go in the morning The sea is usually calmer and in summer you avoid the midday heat. ### Watch the tide At low tide some caves are almost dry and at very high tide others cannot be crossed. The guide decides. ### Double kayak with children Children go in a double kayak with an adult. ### Book in July and August The morning sessions fill up first. ### Ponta da Piedade twice Kayak in the morning and walk the walkways in the afternoon: they are two different landscapes. ## Aviso ### No trips go out in a ground swell. The caves and arches are dangerous in heavy swell. Follow the guide if they decide not to enter one. ## Preguntas frecuentes ### Do I need to know how to paddle? No. Before setting out they explain the basics and the pace is relaxed. ### From what age? Lagos Adventure has a child fare for ages 4 to 11. Adults pay from age 12. ### How much does it cost? €40 for adults and €30 for children. There is a private trip from €480 per group. ### What happens if there is a ground swell? The trip is called off and they offer you another date or refund your money. ### How long does it last? Two and a quarter hours, including the briefing beforehand and the return to the harbour. ### Where does it start? From the Lagos Adventure base, on Rua da Docapesca, next to the Lagos fish market. ### Is the kayak or the boat better? The kayak goes into narrower passages and moves more slowly; the boat is faster and less tiring. If you can paddle for two hours, choose the kayak.