Albufeira: Kayak Caves & Beaches Tour from Sao Rafael

4.67

(146 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the water at Sao Rafael beach to look so clear that morning — almost glassy, but with this salty smell that hit me as soon as I stepped out of the car. The parking lot was already filling up, people hauling coolers and umbrellas, but our little group met by a faded sign that just said “Caves Tours.” Our guide, Tiago, handed out life vests and helmets while cracking jokes about how “nobody ever looks cool in these.” He showed us how to paddle (I was honestly nervous I’d go in circles), then we dragged the kayaks down across the warm sand. It felt lighter than I thought it would. I could hear gulls fighting over something behind us.

Once we pushed off, it was quieter than I expected — just the sound of paddles dipping in and out. The cliffs looked huge up close, all orange and gold layers. Tiago pointed out one cave where fishermen used to hide from storms; he called it “the old man’s pocket,” which made me laugh for some reason. Paddling into those caves was kind of eerie — the air got cooler and it smelled like wet stone. There was this moment when light bounced off the ceiling and turned everything greenish. I still think about that view sometimes.

We stopped at a tiny beach you can only reach by water. The sand was rougher here, almost pebbly, but it felt good after sitting in the kayak. Some folks explored inland a bit; I mostly just lay back listening to waves slap against rocks. Tiago told us stories about growing up nearby — apparently his grandma still swims here every summer. After a while we paddled back along the coast, arms tired but kind of happy-tired, if that makes sense. Ended right where we started, sun higher now and more people on the beach. Didn’t really want to leave yet.