Kayak in Lagos: A Stunning Algarve Adventure on the Water

I’m always chasing experiences that mix a little thrill with a lot of wonder. Between walking with elephants in Thailand and paragliding over the Swiss Alps, I guess you could say I have a thing for adventure.

So when I planned my two-day trip to the Algarve, I knew I had to book my kayak in Lagos tour with a company called Days of Adventure- because the name pretty much sums me up.

This is the exact tour I booked:

I’d been on many kayaking trips when I lived in Asheville, North Carolina, but this was my first time paddling in the ocean. I was excited, a little nervous, and totally ready to see the cliffs and caves from the water!

Getting Ready for the Kayak Tour

Check-in is at the Lagos marina, right near the train station. It’s easy to find, and Days of Adventure has its own private shaded waiting area with tables and chairs. That small detail made the start of the morning feel calm and organized.

I arrived early for my 8:45 a.m. tour hoping to find breakfast nearby, but almost nothing was open. I ended up walking back to a gas station I’d passed and grabbing a donut and coffee. Not exactly gourmet, but it got me through.

If you’re doing a morning tour, plan your breakfast ahead of time. There’s no real breakfast menu nearby that early.

After check-in we relaxed in the private shaded area until the crew called our group. There were two small groups leaving around the same time.

Once we were on the boat, our guide gave a short, clear demonstration – how to hold the paddle, how to turn and steer, and some basic safety tips in the water.

Everyone put on lifejackets, and the crew made sure we felt comfortable before we launched.

The Boat Ride Out

The boat ride to the launch point took about 15-20 minutes. The cliffs came into view slowly, and the morning light turned the sandstone into bands of honey, orange, and cream. The water flashed turquoise and deep blue as the sun hit it. It felt like the coastline was waking up just for us.

The crew was three people: two stayed with the boat to follow and help, and one guide joined us in the kayaks or led from a nearby kayak. The setup felt safe and well run the whole time.

Launching and Pairing Up

At the launch, everyone was paired two to a kayak. I was paired with another solo traveler. She was someone who’d never kayaked before and was understandably a bit nervous. Since I had the most paddle experience, I took the back seat so I could steer and help guide.

The launch system is clever: you sit in the kayak while it’s still on the boat, then they slide you down a short ramp into the water. You get a little splash, but you’re mostly dry.

We did a few practice strokes while we waited for everyone to get in the water, and then followed our guide along the coastline.

Kayaking the Caves

The time on the water was everything I wanted! We paddled into narrow caves, under arches, and into small secluded coves. 

Most of the time our group was the only one inside a cave, so it felt quiet and private. Occasionally a small boat or a couple of other kayakers passed by, but the guide timed things so we rarely felt crowded.

No one capsized. The kayaks were stable, everyone wore lifejackets, and the two crew members on the boat followed along to help if needed.

The guide pointed out rock formations (one that looks like a camel), shared short bits of local history, and told us about the boardwalk that runs along the top of the cliffs.

I planned to hike that boardwalk later to see the same views from above. As a matter of fact, I took the two pictures above from thar hike! It’s a stunning route that connects some of the best Algarve beaches, which I’ll share in a separate post.

Photos, Belongings, and the Slide

You can leave most of your belongings safely on the boat. I did that and only took my phone with me. I had it inside a waterproof case and on a wrist strap (the same setup I used for the Komodo Island boat tour). It felt a bit risky but worth it for the photos of the glowing cliffs and cave entrances.

We paddled for about an hour total. When we returned, the crew pulled each kayak up the ramp and we climbed back on board dry.

After the kayaks were stored, they offered a bright orange slide off the front of the boat into the ocean. Most people went for it, laughing and splashing. I skipped the slide. The water was too cold for this Florida girl. Anything under 80 degrees feels freezing to me!

The guides don’t take pictures during the tour, so if you want photos, bring your own waterproof setup. That’s how I got all of mine.

What I Wore to Kayak in Lagos

I kept it simple: bathing suit, T-shirt, shorts, and Keen water sandals. Sunglasses and reef-safe sunscreen are essential because the sun really reflects off the water. I didn’t bring a towel because I wasn’t going to swim, but a few people did bring one and were glad they did.

And don’t forget to bring water with you!

Tips for Booking and the Trip

• Book early. The tours are popular so reserve your spot ahead of time.
• Go in the morning. Fewer boats, calmer water, and the best light on the cliffs.
• Plan breakfast. Very few places near the marina open before 8:00 a.m. I ended up with a gas station donut and coffee.
• Bring reef-safe sunscreen and water. You’ll be out in the sun for the better part of the morning.
• Bring a waterproof phone case and wrist strap. The guides don’t take photos, so plan accordingly.
• Sit in the back if you’re experienced. If paired with a newbie, you can steer and help.
• Leave bulky items on the boat. You’ll be glad not to haul extra stuff into the kayak.
• Enjoy the trip! It’s one of the best ways to explore the Algarve coastline.

Why You Should Kayak in Lagos

This kayak tour is a great mix of calm and adventure. The caves, the colors, the light – seeing the Algarve coastline from the water is something you’ll never forget.

The crew at Days of Adventure made the logistics feel effortless: check-in, boat ride, safety demo, kayak launch, guided paddling, and an easy return to the boat. It’s perfect for first-timers and seasoned kayak explorers alike.

If you want to see the cliffs from another angle, hike the boardwalk above afterward. Together, the kayak and the cliff walk make a perfect two days in the Algarve, blending water and land, beach and bluff.

I went in September: fewer crowds, calm seas, and beautiful light. If you’re visiting Portugal and want an unforgettable kayaking experience on the water, book a kayak tour in Lagos.