What to do · Cabo de Gata
Guided Kayak and Snorkel along the Volcanic Cliffs
Information
- From
- €39 per person
- Duration
- 3 h
- Season
- Late April to mid-October
- Who it's for
- Families and teenagers
The guided kayak and snorkel route run by Cabo de Gata Activo covers, over about three hours, a stretch of the volcanic coast of the natural park, with caves you can paddle into, passages between reefs of volcanic rock and a halfway stop to swim with mask and snorkel. The company is registered in the Andalusian active tourism register (AT/AL/00073) and is a member of the Almería association of kayak companies. No experience is needed: they rate it medium-low difficulty, for normal fitness.
How it goes
On arrival at the meeting point you are given a life jacket, a paddle and a small bottle of water, and the instructors give a mini-course on how to paddle, how to handle the kayak and the safety rules. Then the group sets off. The route advances with short rest stops in which the guide explains the volcanic geology, the wildlife and the history of that coast; depending on the stretch, you enter caves and cross reef barriers.
Halfway, you stop at a cove to swim and look at the sea floor with mask and snorkel. The route is circular: you return to the point you left from. It is accompanied by a support boat and the guides carry radios.
Five stretches, and none to choose
The company works five stretches of coast: Las Negras-El Playazo, La Fabriquilla-Sirenas reef, Agua Amarga-Punta de la Media Naranja, Los Escullos-Punta de Loma Pelada and San José-Cala Tomate. Which one is done depends on the wind and the state of the sea that day, so it cannot be chosen; the meeting point is confirmed when you book. Departures are at 9:00, 12:30 and 16:30, depending on the date.
Price and equipment
In November 2026 the website advertises an offer: €39 per person for ages 11 to 75 and €29 for ages 4 to 10, against the normal rate of €45 and €35, with group discounts. It includes the kayak, paddle, life jacket, mask and snorkel, water, the mini-course, third-party liability and accident insurance and a photo report that can be downloaded from its website. The waterproof dry bag and a wetsuit, for the cooler months, are requested when booking.
The kayaks take two adults and two children at most, so a family of four goes in one. The children's rate starts at age 4, although the company recommends in its FAQs an age of 7 to enjoy it.
From April to October, if the sea allows
The season runs from late April to mid-October. With a ground swell or strong wind the stretch is changed or the trip cancelled. If you don't feel comfortable in the water, remember that the stop includes swimming in the open sea, always with a life jacket.
If afterwards you want to go deeper, the introductory scuba dive leaves from San José. The kayak is one of the stops of the Sunday with Rodalquilar, La Isleta and kayaking and of the weekend from Almería.
Tips
- Choose the 9:00 departure It is the first of the day and avoids the afternoon sun in summer.
- Bring water shoes For getting in and out of the water at the stony coves.
- Ask for the dry bag If you want to carry your phone or keys, request it when booking.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose the route?
No: it is decided according to the wind and the state of the sea.
From what age?
From age 4 at the children's rate; the company recommends 7.
How much does the kayak and snorkel route cost?
€39 for ages 11 to 75 and €29 for ages 4 to 10, with the offer published in November 2026.
Can you go in winter?
No: the season runs from late April to mid-October.
As a familyWith teenagers
Who runs it
- Cabo de Gata ActivoGuided kayak and snorkel trip in the Natural Park Visit their website
