On the Water
2–3 hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 90% of travellers
90% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
£30
per adult
Kayak Adventures
Kayak Adventures
4.5
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Full view
About
The Algarve region of Portugal is an ideal location for holidaymakers to spend a weekend or holiday. Kayaking and snorkeling are two of the most popular activities in this beach-abundant area of the world. We paddle with kayak lovers out on a stretch of the Atlantic Ocean, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty of the scenery around you. This section of Portugal is famous for its ancient caves and grottoes, and we allow you and your fellow travellers to explore these wonders firsthand. You will be able to paddle through fascinating rock formations, observing their every detail in a way that would be impossible if you were travelling on a boat. On the beach we provide snorkel equipment to make your Kayak & Snorkel Trip an even better experience. There is no rush, we normally stay at least half an hour at the beach swimming, snorkeling, relaxing and chatting. Whether you’re an experienced kayaker or are new to paddling, we encourage you to join in on our kayak adventures. An experienced guide leads every group excursion and will be glad to keep an eye on you and answer any questions you may have. The guide is well up to date with the local wind, tidal and current conditions.
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4.5
532 reviews
Excellent
390
Very good
92
Average
22
Poor
15
Terrible
13
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Momo
Muenster, Germany14 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
The tour was very nice and you could go into a few grottos, but that depends on the waves. The guide was very friendly and spoke very easy-to-understand English. But that wasn't so important because there wasn't much information. At the end you were pulled back to the start by a motorboat and that was also very good because the route was relatively long. The tour is still suitable for everyone and it is something special when you paddle across the sea in a kayak for the first time. The operators only had 2-seater kayaks, but that wasn't a problem because the group was very nice. It will probably be quite full in summer, though. That's why I recommend autumn. It's still quite warm, but there are a lot less people.
The tour is definitely highly recommended.
The tour is definitely highly recommended.
Written 11 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you
Written 8 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Luv2experience
Wasaga Beach, Canada36 contributions
Sept 2017 • Couples
We booked a kayak tour with Rui of Kayak Adventures and it was the best decision we made while visiting Lagos in early September. We had a wonderful, informative and friendly guide to lead us along the shoreline pointing out the fascinating landmarks and told us of some of the history behind the cliffs and caves in Lagos. We took a break about halfway on the tour and landed on a secluded beach which had only water access. Overall a wonderful day.
Written 2 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
roksok
Cork, Ireland36 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
4 of us (2 adults 2 children) did this tour yesterday. Booked via their online system, no hassle. The set up seemed quite professional compared to some of the other kayaking companies in Lagos. We were quite lucky, we got a private guided tour as the other group who were meant to be with us did not show up. We were delayed by a few mins because of this but there was no problem.
Our guide, Sophie, took us out and showed us the basics of manoeuvering the kayak. She took us along the coastline and into some caves, explaining what different rocks were called etc. We had done this by boat previously, but kayaking is by far the better way to see the coastline and get an appreciation of the beauty of this part of Lagos. None of us were nervous in the slightest during the trip, Sophie really made us feel at ease on the water. In fact, my son (he's only 6) has not stopped talking about her since yesterday!
We stopped on beach for a break (much needed!) for about 45 mins. This was lovely, even though the beach was busy. My teenage daughter really enjoyed snorkelling here. The trip was one of the highlights of her holiday.
There was a boat with the group in case you got tired but I'm glad to say we managed to complete the journey without its help.
All in all, a very memorable way to spend some time on holidays. I would not hesitate in recommending this company or returning in the future.
Our guide, Sophie, took us out and showed us the basics of manoeuvering the kayak. She took us along the coastline and into some caves, explaining what different rocks were called etc. We had done this by boat previously, but kayaking is by far the better way to see the coastline and get an appreciation of the beauty of this part of Lagos. None of us were nervous in the slightest during the trip, Sophie really made us feel at ease on the water. In fact, my son (he's only 6) has not stopped talking about her since yesterday!
We stopped on beach for a break (much needed!) for about 45 mins. This was lovely, even though the beach was busy. My teenage daughter really enjoyed snorkelling here. The trip was one of the highlights of her holiday.
There was a boat with the group in case you got tired but I'm glad to say we managed to complete the journey without its help.
All in all, a very memorable way to spend some time on holidays. I would not hesitate in recommending this company or returning in the future.
Written 9 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ghizzy Bee
28 contributions
Sept 2020 • Solo
The nature was beautiful but the guides were horrible. Everything had to go fast and one guide who wasn't even part of our group kept yelling at us. I saw a pigeon struggling on a rock and wanted to grab it and the guide insisted on letting it drown, while i could perfectly save it - no one was in danger. And that I shouldn't forget that i'm on a tour. They only think about the money. Then they tried to leave the bird on a deserted beach, calling me crazy for saving the bird and laughing at me saying it's sick. The only thing i found sick, was their behavior.
Written 5 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claire🍐
Leigh, UK5 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
I booked for a kayak tour over a month ago and I still have no reply about if I have a booking or not. I'm going travelling in two weeks and I want to make sure my booking is sorted before I leave, I don't want to miss out on this kayak tour it looks amazing. I have no idea how to contact someone to see if I have actually got a booking for the tour. Can someone help me with this, please?
Written 7 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christiane M
7 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
Let me begin by saying that we've done many kayaking trips, such as this one, so our expectations were realistic. We booked this trip online, well in advance. As per their instructions, arrived 30 minutes ahead of our 9:30 start. Upon our arrival, had unclear instructions thrown at us, were pointed in a general direction to get lifejackets, another direction to get a dry bag (which turned out NOT to be dry), were instructed to throw our shoes in a bin and head out to find a guy who was a guide. There were dozens of people milling about in total confusion and different stages of readiness, we didn't know where to go so picked a guide randomly and attached ourselves to his group. After a ridiculously inadequate briefing, where the guide finally asked as we were grabbing our kayaks "does everyone know how to swim?", we grabbed a kayak and headed out on the water, where other kayakers with other groups and excursion companies were bobbing aimlessly in the water. Several people in our group just joined other groups by mistake as the situation was so chaotic. We finally headed out. The views were nice, but there were soooooo many groups out there (even though we'd booked the earliest available time), that it completely sucked the enjoyment out of the whole experience. We would find ourselves with a dozen (and more) other double kayaks in tiny caves, and what's more, motor boats carrying tourists would also come into the cave at the same time as us, which was unbelievably dangerous. On the open water, motor boats were zigzagging at top speeds between kayaks and paddleboarders, creating wakes, with total disregard for any minimum standard of safety at all. 10 minutes in, I couldn't wait for this experience to be over. We were finally brought to this beach where you're supposed to relax and snorkel...in fact, this as nothing more than a waiting area where they packed the kayakers until a motor boat could come along and tug us back to our starting point. This was the most disappointing beach we had seen in all of Lagos, full of garbage, flies, and seaweed, the entire beach front taken up by dozens of kayaks, parked, waiting to leave. Our guide was utterly uninterested in any of us or our safety, didn't do a headcount, didn't engage with us except to point out a few cliff formations, and played on his phone the entire time we were on the beach. Didn't offer snorkeling equipment (not that we were interested in it as we could clearly see that there was nowhere to snorkel at this beach). Do yourself a favour and rent some kayaks on the beach and go kayaking at your own pace. Or Google Backyard Tours if you want a truly memorable and unique experience.
TL;DR This tour was complete CRAP. Avoid at all costs.
TL;DR This tour was complete CRAP. Avoid at all costs.
Written 10 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ilikemyopinions
New York City, NY22 contributions
This trip was advertised as kayaking and snorkeling. I even asked about snorkeling as we were getting ready to get the kayaks because I didn’t see any snorkel gear in sight. I was told it was at the place we were stopping. The kayaking was nice but when we stopped at a beach, the leader had a few masks for people - no fins, no breathing tubes. About all you could do was stick your head in water and look. That’s not snorkeling so it shouldn’t be advertised or charged that way.
We had two guides for 12 kayaks, 2 to a kayak. They really didn’t pay much attention to what was going on. It was very chaotic. The worst part was when we were trying to go into a cave area. Motor boat after motor boat came and they got to go in first. All of those serene kayaking photos are false. You’re surrounded by motor boats.
We had two guides for 12 kayaks, 2 to a kayak. They really didn’t pay much attention to what was going on. It was very chaotic. The worst part was when we were trying to go into a cave area. Motor boat after motor boat came and they got to go in first. All of those serene kayaking photos are false. You’re surrounded by motor boats.
Written 20 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
azenchenko
Prague, Czech Republic2 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
This place is horrible. Starting with awful service when they told us literally "stand here" when we came to the time they asked, not giving any instructions on how to use kayak (luckly it's easy but still you are on a small boat in the ocean). Tour guide wasn't very loud and he wasn't saying much just naming beach after the name of some animal and then asking "do you know what beach X is called elephant? see elephant in the rocks?". Yes, that's it. Some couples were a bit behind like 50 meters while he was saying something and obviously they didn't hear anything. But tour guide didn't care.
Then we ended up on the beach where we supposed to snorkle for 30 mins or so and to have a break before they're going to tow us all back. First of all the guy left to some motor boat saying "I'll be back eventually". Second he said he'll give us snorklign masks while we will be on the beach - that didn't happen. Third it was around 7pm and it was getting cold, everyone from our tour wanted to leave the beach as it was in the shadow faster, but guess what... the guy was still on the boat. By the time he finally came he took snorkling masks from his kayak. Seriously?
While we were there we saw kayaks from other tour being towed. And all of them had some wind jackets that were provided be their tour. So we didn't have any jackets. On the way back we were constantly in the shadow with more or less strong wind. Even I got a bit cold during towing and I'm usually fine with cold. Towing back was so bad that my girlfriend said it was worst hour in her life.
On the other hand it's cool experience in general. But avoid this particular place, find the other who provide the better service.
Then we ended up on the beach where we supposed to snorkle for 30 mins or so and to have a break before they're going to tow us all back. First of all the guy left to some motor boat saying "I'll be back eventually". Second he said he'll give us snorklign masks while we will be on the beach - that didn't happen. Third it was around 7pm and it was getting cold, everyone from our tour wanted to leave the beach as it was in the shadow faster, but guess what... the guy was still on the boat. By the time he finally came he took snorkling masks from his kayak. Seriously?
While we were there we saw kayaks from other tour being towed. And all of them had some wind jackets that were provided be their tour. So we didn't have any jackets. On the way back we were constantly in the shadow with more or less strong wind. Even I got a bit cold during towing and I'm usually fine with cold. Towing back was so bad that my girlfriend said it was worst hour in her life.
On the other hand it's cool experience in general. But avoid this particular place, find the other who provide the better service.
Written 20 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
elamarre61
Lagos, Portugal1 contribution
Jun 2018 • Couples
My girlfriend and I did this tour in the morning (9.30) and it's quite expensive (30€) What we were advertised was: 2h30 tour with kayak in the caves, snorkeling and a beach stop. Well, our tour lasted 2h and we couldn't snorkel because there were so many rocks on the beach where we went that is was too dangerous to go past that to snorkel. When we came back, we confronted the manager about these problems (especially the time of the tour, because a group left before us and came back at the same time!) He told us that the tour is between 2h and 2h30 BUT IT'S NOT WRITTEN OR SAID ANYWHERE. About the snorkeling, he told us that he can't control the tide. When it's a high tide, you can snorkel easy but you can't get into some caves, and when it's a low tide you can't snorkel but you can go in pretty much every cave... SO YOU CAN'T DO EVERYTHING, BUT NOBODY TELLS YOU THIS. We suggested him that we could snorkel by jumping off the kayak where it's deep enough, but he told us that the "boat police" doesn't tolerate that. Guess what... in the promotional video playing behind the counter on a big TV, WE SEE PEOPLE JUMPING OFF THEIR KAYAKS. The guy didn't want to give us our money back.
CONCLUSION : THEY DO FALSE ADVERTISEMENT, PLEASE DON'T BOOK WITH THEM.
CONCLUSION : THEY DO FALSE ADVERTISEMENT, PLEASE DON'T BOOK WITH THEM.
Written 16 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jamey W
Scottsdale, AZ32 contributions
Jun 2017 • Couples
We had a great time on this 3 hour tour of the coast just south of downtown Lagos. There is a small strip of kayak trip providers on Cais da Solaria next to the fort. We chose Kayak Adventures because it was the only one posted on TripAdvisor at the time. Others might be good, but I must say we had a marvelous paddle down the coast past beaches, under cliffs, through arches, and into caves. After an hour and a half or so we stopped at a beach for a bit of relaxing and/or snorkeling. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for the journey:
1. Decide between shoes, sandals, or bare feet. Some kayak companies I've used in other places have strict rules about shoes. This one is pretty laid back. I went in bare feet and threw my shoes in a dry bag that they provided. (They also offered to keep my shoes in a box at their truck.) If I was traveling with lots of clothes, I probably would have preferred my Tevas, but the sand is soft and I didn't regret going in bare feet.
2. You do want to wear a swim suit. The kayaks are open (no messing around with spray skirts) so you are likely to get at least a bit wet. And if you want to go snorkeling you'll need to be wearing a suit.
3. Have sun protection. There is little protection from the sun during much of the paddle. I wore a hat, sunscreen, and a t-shirt I didn't mind getting wet. You do have a chance to reapply sunscreen at the beach after an hour and a half of paddling if you like.
4. Kayak Adventures does a good job of looking after your safety. When we went we were broken up into two groups of 6 boats each – 2 people in each kayak. That allowed our paddling guide to look after us. In addition they send a motorboat out to track the groups and be there in case anyone needed extra assistance.
5. Some paddling experience is useful, but not necessary. Guiding yourself in and out of most of the caves isn’t too difficult. The guides are very helpful and we noted that some kayak tours ended up being towed back from the beach in a chain by the motorboat.
6. If you are really keen to snorkel and you have your own equipment you may want to bring it. The equipment they loan you at no extra charge is pretty beaten up. For me, however, it was fine for what it was. The snorkeling is not the highlight of the trip. You have maybe as long as half an hour to snorkel and the conditions are not ideal – it’s not like there is a large coral reef nearby. But it was fun to chase fish around the cove and I was lucky enough to spot a couple of cuttlefish. I was glad to have the opportunity.
7. If you have a waterproof camera or waterproof camera pouch, it’s probably worth bringing. If not, leave it at home. The main time you have spectacular views is when you are in the kayaks. I can’t really envision a safe way to use a regular camera while on the boats. You could potentially take a regular camera in the dry bag they provide, but those bags still get pretty damp and the views from the beach where you rest aren’t a highlight of the trip.
I hope these suggestions help – have a great trip!
1. Decide between shoes, sandals, or bare feet. Some kayak companies I've used in other places have strict rules about shoes. This one is pretty laid back. I went in bare feet and threw my shoes in a dry bag that they provided. (They also offered to keep my shoes in a box at their truck.) If I was traveling with lots of clothes, I probably would have preferred my Tevas, but the sand is soft and I didn't regret going in bare feet.
2. You do want to wear a swim suit. The kayaks are open (no messing around with spray skirts) so you are likely to get at least a bit wet. And if you want to go snorkeling you'll need to be wearing a suit.
3. Have sun protection. There is little protection from the sun during much of the paddle. I wore a hat, sunscreen, and a t-shirt I didn't mind getting wet. You do have a chance to reapply sunscreen at the beach after an hour and a half of paddling if you like.
4. Kayak Adventures does a good job of looking after your safety. When we went we were broken up into two groups of 6 boats each – 2 people in each kayak. That allowed our paddling guide to look after us. In addition they send a motorboat out to track the groups and be there in case anyone needed extra assistance.
5. Some paddling experience is useful, but not necessary. Guiding yourself in and out of most of the caves isn’t too difficult. The guides are very helpful and we noted that some kayak tours ended up being towed back from the beach in a chain by the motorboat.
6. If you are really keen to snorkel and you have your own equipment you may want to bring it. The equipment they loan you at no extra charge is pretty beaten up. For me, however, it was fine for what it was. The snorkeling is not the highlight of the trip. You have maybe as long as half an hour to snorkel and the conditions are not ideal – it’s not like there is a large coral reef nearby. But it was fun to chase fish around the cove and I was lucky enough to spot a couple of cuttlefish. I was glad to have the opportunity.
7. If you have a waterproof camera or waterproof camera pouch, it’s probably worth bringing. If not, leave it at home. The main time you have spectacular views is when you are in the kayaks. I can’t really envision a safe way to use a regular camera while on the boats. You could potentially take a regular camera in the dry bag they provide, but those bags still get pretty damp and the views from the beach where you rest aren’t a highlight of the trip.
I hope these suggestions help – have a great trip!
Written 25 June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
what a great review of our Kayak & Snorkel Trip, wauw!
Thank you so much for all your tips; it will definitely help other participants to prepare better.
We will definitely renew our snorkel sets and I also will review our "shoe policy".
best regards,
Frank
Written 27 June 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hola! Se siente sensación de mareo en la ruta con el kayak??
Written 13 August 2020
Buenas , existe la posibilidad de llevar un perro pequeño ? Gracias
Written 10 August 2020
Is the tour poosible in december? or it is closed for winter?
Written 26 November 2019
Kayak Adventure... L
Lagos, Portugal
hola
o guia pode tentar falar espanhol .
obrigado
Written 11 August 2019
Hi, I am trying to book a tour on your kayak and snorkel trip in Lagos but tripadvisor isn't really working for me. is there any chance i could save a space for two people on August 9th and pay when I arrive?
Written 5 August 2019
When I want to book 2 kayaks for 2 persons ( not 1 kayak for 2 persons) do I need to book apartly? So in 2 times or can I just book in one time? And is it even possible to have a 1person kayak? :)
Thanks!
Written 11 July 2018
Whem i booked it was clear that the kayak is for couple, however, i recomend you to ask to their staff about this possibility.
Written 11 July 2018
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