Lisbon · CANOES & KAYAKS
Every trip has a spare morning and a shortage of good answers. These 15 kayak trips are priced and timed so you can decide over coffee and get on with the day.
Meet near Lisbon’s Time Out Market and ride to Sesimbra for a guided kayak trip through caves and limestone cliffs. Rui, Afonso, Luis, or another local guide leads the outing, with stable tandem kayaks, beach towels, a homemade picnic, and time to swim at Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach.
“Very nice experience but the driver do not drive safely”
Leave Lisbon with guides such as João, Nuno, or Pedro for an eight-hour Arrábida coast trip. Paddle past cliffs and caves, stop for swimming or a possible cliff jump, and eat a fresh picnic on a quiet beach. Small groups of up to 12 make the day friendly and easy to manage.
“Had such a great time. The guides Joao and Pedro make sure that anyone can keep up. The lunch was set up tastefully. When I’m in town, I would do it again for sure. Very good, very nice 😆”
Paddle a sit-on-top canoe along Sesimbra’s coast with a guide such as David, Diogo, or Santiago. Expect limestone cliffs, sea caves, coves, and a short beach break with a Portuguese pastry. The three-hour outing includes equipment, safety gear, and guides in English, Spanish, or Portuguese.
“Everything was well. Very attentive personal and guide. During the trip we were accompanied by a safety boat, which drove quietly and far away enough for not to interfere. We were with a child (5 years old). They gave everything we needed and even a bit more (we were treated to sweets on the beach during our short break). The landscapes are amazing. I highly recommend!”
Travel from Lisbon to Praia do Creiro with guides Antonio or Miguel for a small-group day of kayaking, snorkeling, cave exploration, and optional cliff jumping in Arrábida Natural Park. Wetsuits, kayaks, water shoes, masks, helmets, and life vests are included.
“All. Waiting on the pics Water was breathtakingly beautiful and clear. Guide was patient and helpful”
Travel from Lisbon to Sesimbra for a full day on the water in Arrábida Natural Park. Guides such as Afonso, Rui, and Luis help beginners handle the kayaks, lead you past caves and cliffs, and serve a homemade lunch at Ribeira do Cavalo Beach.
“We had a wonderful time kayaking along the coast and swimming in the water. We enjoyed our time on the beach and the tour guide was engaging and entertaining.”
Paddle a sit-on-top canoe through Arrábida Natural Park with a certified guide, stopping at Anicha Island to see marine life and visiting caves and quiet beaches. Guides such as Monica, Filipa, André, and Rafael have been praised for clear instruction and a calm, friendly approach.
“We had an amazing time kayaking! The experience was both relaxing and adventurous, with stunning views all around. The equipment was well maintained, and everything felt very safe and organized. I especially appreciated that we always had an additional motorboat with us in case anyone needed help—it gave us extra peace of mind. On top of that, the team captured wonderful photos of our adventure, so we could fully enjoy the moment without worrying about missing it. Our guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and made the whole trip enjoyable by sharing interesting facts and tips. Whether you’re a beginner or more experienced, this is such a rewarding way to spend time…”
Meet BORK at Oeiras Harbor for a two-hour guided sea-kayak trip along Lisbon’s coast. Learn basic paddling, pass São Julião da Barra and nearby forts, pause at beaches, and swim if conditions allow. No experience is needed, and guides speak English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French.
“I had a grand time! Learned some stuff I didn't know about Lisbon. The tour guide, Lucas, was Great! And it was the Perfect day to kayak.”
Start at Oeiras Harbor with a safety briefing and full kayak gear, then paddle 6 to 10 kilometers toward Santo Amaro Beach and several coastal fortresses. Certified guides such as Raquel, Lucas, Pedro, and Annabelle help beginners handle river and sea conditions during this two-hour outing.
“It was a lot of fun. We were disappointed that the guide took pictures of us and promised to send them but we never received them.”
Meet Main SUP Cascais at Alameda Duquesa de Palmela for a one-hour stand-up paddleboarding lesson around Cascais Bay. Your English-speaking guide provides the board, paddle, and lifejacket. Groups are capped at 12, with bathrooms on site and a return to the same meeting point.
“The location is very easy to find ,We had lots of fun, The owner and His team Very friendly and Kind”
Travel from Lisbon with guides Joao and Nuno to kayak Arrábida Natural Park. Paddle about 5 kilometers, explore a cave, snorkel, relax on a small beach, and enjoy a generous picnic before returning by minivan.
“The actual kayaking experience and the location was amazing and we loved it. We saw a beautiful cave, a small tiny beach which felt private where we had lunch and relaxed. So I would recommend kayaking as an activity. Though if you are not willing to put in the physical work, this isn’t for you because you need to be somewhat strong/fit for this. Let me now speak about the hosts Joao and Nuno. Joao took us in his van to the location to kayak and I’ve never heard so many offensive things and swear words come out of someone’s mouth. As a customer, you need someone who is at…”
Meet your guide at Praia da Ribeira in Cascais for a private sea-kayaking outing along the bay. Learn safe paddling, launch from shore, and follow a route toward the marina and Santa Marta lighthouse, with gear and wetsuits supplied if needed.
“Amazing ! I love how he customized our trip based on our ability and experience . We had the perfect day and even got to jump into a swimming hole !”
Join guide João of West Portugal Tours for a nine-hour trip from Lisbon to Peniche and Berlenga Grande. Walk through the reserve, hear its shipwreck legends, enjoy a beach picnic, then choose kayaking through caves or a glass-bottom boat. Small groups are limited to six.
“Highly recommend this tour! Without the organized planning and insider insight, we would not have been able to do as much on the island and experience it to the fullest. Our friendly (and super popular) tour guide Joao was warm and knowledgeable. Our day was filled with a hike, exploring the fortress, snorkeling, cliff jumping, kayaking through caves, sitting by the beach, having Caipirinhas while looking out at the ocean. A day we won’t soon forget!”
Explore the calm Óbidos Lagoon from Foz do Arelho with an English-speaking Intertidal guide such as Miguel, a marine biologist by background. Learn about birds, crabs, edible seaweed, local fishing, and lagoon history while paddling stable single, double, or triple kayaks.
“We had a wonderful morning with Miguel who was incredibly knowledgeable about the plants, wildlife and history of the area. Highlights included learning about edible lagoon plants, beachcombing and meeting local fisherman and learning about their traditional fishing techniques. Thank you Intertidal!”
Meet your guide in Alfama, transfer to Sesimbra, and paddle along Portugal’s bright blue coast to Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach. You’ll see Boca de Tamboril cave, swim or snorkel, eat a picnic, and play beach games. Guides such as Antonio, Jerom, João, and Nuno keep the small group lively and well supported.
“Antonio and Jerom were fun, friendly, and demonstrated an appreciation for the beautiful Lisbon coast. My family and I really enjoyed our picture perfect day.”
Rent a stand-up paddleboard at Piscina Oceânica Alberto Romano and explore Cascais Bay on your own for about an hour. Equipment is supplied, boards can hold two people, and the activity runs daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., weather permitting. No named guide is provided.
“Me and my friend decided to book 2 paddle boards with paddleboard rentals and we arrived at the checkpoint specified on the map and was looking for the paddleboard rental for a long time and it was only until after someone in The café opposite us that he hadn’t been there all day we left and had to pay for a different paddle boarding experience, even though we had already booked with paddle boarding rentals. I am utterly disgusted with his poor manner and lack of communication and I would not recommend anyone that they would book with this man, I messaged him two days prior to our booking to…”
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