Stand up paddleboarding in Albufeira

With its clear sea-green waters, white beaches and warm climate, the Algarve coast is the ideal location for watersports. It is also the perfect area for standup paddle boarding, which has become a popular activity for people of almost all ages and fitness levels.

On stand-up paddle tours and rentals in Albufeira, you can paddle along the spectacular Algarve coastline, discovering impressive cavern systems and skirting underneath natural rock arches.

Here's all you need to know about Stand-up Paddle Tours & Rentals, one of the most exhilarating outdoor activities in Albufeira.

What are the best stand-up paddle tours in Albufeira?

Benagil area kayak and SUP tour

Explore the Benagil caves off the Algarve coast on a half-day stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking tour from Albufeira. The caverns are only accessible from the seaside, which you can now leisurely paddle and kayak through. At the end of your excursion, head back to Albufeira marina by boat and enjoy the views and sun along the way.

You will meet at SeaAlgarve Kayak & SUP, Gate 3, Marina de Albufeira. You’ll be provided with all the necessary kayak, SUP equipment and life jackets and you can choose from double or single kayaks or SUP (short for stand-up paddleboard).

Before the start of the tour, the guides will give a water safety briefing. You’ll also be shown the correct sea kayaking techniques by these expert guides, who will be at hand to assist throughout the trip.

The tour departs from Albufeira Marina in a specially built boat and for the first 40 minutes you can enjoy the views of the coastline. You will then transfer to the kayaks or SUPs, and explore the coastline and discover the places only accessible from the sea.

While the weather and conditions allow, you can paddle into caves and hidden caverns. With paddle boarding you have the freedom to find your comfortable stance, standing up or kneeling. If you go for kayaking, you do not have to possess previous experience of the sport, so beginners are welcome on all tours.

Also take a plunge into the ocean if you want to cool off. Then return to the Albufeira marina by boat, to enjoy good music and a drink on board. Also enjoy looking at the guide’s photos from your tour.

Albufeira: stand-up paddle boarding at Praia da Coelha

Experience the lovely Algarve coast from a different perspective on this 2-hour guided paddle boarding tour from Albufeira. Explore the local coast, its dramatic cliffs and caverns and hidden beaches, while learning the skills of paddleboarding with a professional instructor.

The meeting point for the tour is at the operator’s kiosk on the beach at Praia da Coelha. Remember to bring your swimwear, sunscreen and waterproof bags. You will be out on the water for almost two hours, so drink water before the start to stay hydrated. You’ll be fully equipped with a board, paddle and lifejacket, followed by a brief instruction to enable everyone to paddle properly.

Thereafter, everybody goes into the water with the instructors for the tour to start right away. At first, you will be getting used to standing up on your board while you’re paddling. Once everyone has become comfortable standing up, you can now start to admire the lovely landscapes around the shore cliffs.

During your tour, you will paddle closer to the cliffs to have a good look at it and pass through a few caves. Around this area there are also some secluded beaches to explore and a secret hidden beach where you can stop for a rest. Once all the area has been explored, you can return to the starting point at the beach. At the end of the tour, photos of your excursion will be available.

*This tour is not suitable for children under 12 or people with mobility impairments.

Discover the grottos and caves in a SUP guided tour

Admire the wild beauty of the beaches on the South Coast of the Algarve on this stand-up paddleboarding guided tour from Albufeira. Starting at the beach, you will explore grottos and caves off the shore during a 2.5-hour paddling excursion. At the same time, improve your SUP skills as you go along on the water and negotiate caverns.

The meeting point is at Carrapateira Extreme Tours on E. da Praia and you will be transferred from here to the beach where your tour starts. Remember to bring your passport or ID card, swimwear, towel and sunscreen. You will be issued with all the necessary equipment including a wetsuit, a paddleboard and paddle and life jacket. You’ll be part of a small group limited to six participants.

The delightful tour kicks off at Barranco Beach, which is a wild beach and difficult to access. Here at Barranco you can admire the beautiful scenery – the ocean, rugged cliffs, grottos and caves. For your tour, you will head from the beach out to sea and start your journey going through the various impressive caves.

Going along, you’ll learn more about the art of stand-up paddle boarding. You’ll marvel at the different caves, and the light-colored, rough limestone cliffs. At a distance, across the waters, you will also see the ruins of an old fortress from the 17th century. If you're feeling adventurous, you can jump from the rocks into the alluring blue waters. After your tour, you will be transferred back to the meeting point.

*This tour is not recommended for people with mobility impairments, are scared of the sea, or can’t swim.

How much do stand-up paddle tours in Albufeira cost?

The standup paddle boarding tours from Albufeira cost about €40 to €60 on average. The Benagil Area Kayak and SUP tour costs about €50 per person and the stand-up paddle boarding at Praia da Coelha about €40 per person. The Discover the Grottos and Caves SUP tour costs from €50 per person.

What is included?

SUP tours from Albufeira include transfer from the meeting point to the beach, all equipment (wetsuit, paddleboard, paddle, life jackets) and qualified instructors. Also included are safety briefings, activity insurance and photos of your trip (available to purchase).

Where does it start?

SUP tours usually depart from the operator's base in the Albufeira Marina, such as SeaAlgarve Kayak and SUP, the Praia da Coelha and Carrapateira Extreme Tours on E. da Praia.

How long does it last?

The typical duration of paddle boarding tours in Albufeira is 2 to 2.5 hours.

When is the best time for stand-up paddle tours in Albufeira?

The best seasons for paddle boarding are spring and fall when temperatures are neither too hot nor too cold. The sun will also be less intense and beaches will be less crowded.

Is it safe?

Standup paddle boarding is not particularly dangerous, but it still involves risks. To reduce these risks, do not become separated from your board, which is your primary flotation device. Also be aware of offshore winds (blowing from the land to sea), which can make it difficult to paddle back to land.

These tours are not recommended for people with mobility impairments, are scared of the sea, or can’t swim. It is also not suitable for people with back or heart problems, or other serious medical conditions.

Are children allowed?

According to Tripadvisor, the minimum age is 14 for the Stand-up Paddle Caves tours. The Stand-up Paddle Boarding at Praia da Coelha and Discover the Grottos and Caves SUP tour accept bookings for 12 years old and above. The Benagil Area Kayak and SUP tour allow children 3 years and older (most likely, children under 12 are allowed to accompany an adult on the kayak).

Do I need a driving license?

You won’t need a driver’s license for the paddle boarding tours from Albufeira.

What happens in case of bad weather?

These tours depend on good weather. If it’s canceled due to bad weather, you can choose a different date or request a full refund.

Which other outdoor water-based activities can be done in Albufeira?

• Boat tours in Albufeira
• Dolphin watching in Albufeira
• Kayaking in Albufeira
• Jet boat in Albufeira
• Surf lessons in Albufeira
• Jet ski in Albufeira
• Scuba diving in Albufeira
• Wakeboarding in Albufeira
• Snorkeling in Albufeira

Travel tips

• Make sure to book your stand-up paddle boarding tour from Albufeira in advance.
• Don't remove your life jacket while paddle boarding.
• Drink plenty of liquids to stay hydrated.
• Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
• Bring your own waterproof bags.