We will be in the Algarve April 24-30 and wondered how rough the sea gets that time of year for kayaking. I realize there is no crystal ball 🔮, but if it does get rough is it typically in the morning or the afternoon? Is it influenced more from the Atlantic or the Mediterranean? Thanks for your help!
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
Where in the Algarve will you be?
I have seen 2 fit looking 20 something men get into difficulties in June in a sea kayak off Furnas beach, west of Lagos, as the currents were so strong. One had to be rescued by a man on the beach, as he was exhausted. It was quite scary to watch.
The sea is likely to be choppier (and freezing!) in April, as it’s the Atlantic (nowhere near the Med) plus, at that time of year, kayak operators may not have opened for the summer season.
If you are on the eastern Algarve, there tends to be less wind, although it’s still windy, and therefore kayaking will be easier. The kayaking in places such as Cabanas haven’t been operational when I have been there in mid April.
In the summer, when it’s hot, the wind tends to get stronger around lunchtime and into the afternoon, but earlier in the year, it can be windy all day. Cape St Vincent is supposedly the windiest place in Europe.
Posted by
OP
BC, Canada
92 posts
Thanks Jennifer. It is with a kayak touring company out of Lagos to visit the caves and rock formations along the coast between Lagos and Faro. They have three tours a day, morning, mid-day and afternoon. They take all the kayaks and the group on a boat, unload and then we’re off. They are near us the whole time in case there’s unexpected weather, etc. The thing that attracted us to the tour is one of the stops is the Benegil caves/beach. There is also a company that does SUP tours, but that was outside my comfort zone and they are sold out the last week of April anyway. We do a lot of kayaking where we live so are comfortable in kayaks.
Posted by
3 posts
Hi,
on the south coast there is rarely really rough seas. It really depends on the wave direction coming from the Atlantic Ocean. I've been to that cave and it's really nice. There is a public beach right next to it. I used my surfboard to paddle there (5 min) but I've also seen people swim there. So don't worry too much. The companies know the sea conditions and won't do it unless its calm (many times on the south coast). If you need more advice, there is a water sports center in Lagos. Maybe they can help you. They also to SUP Lessons. Here is the Link to Algarve Watersport
Enjoy your trip.
Posted by
OP
BC, Canada
92 posts
Thank you ryano for the info! Our daughter actually swam to the cave a couple of years ago during April and didn’t find it too rough or too cold. I don’t think we will attempt that, but a kayak trip would be our style for sure.