Stand up paddle boarding in the Algarve – The best SUP tours in Lagos, Albufeira, Portimão, Sagres & Faro
The best stand up paddle tours in the Algarve
A great fun and sporty activity where you discover the Algarve coastline on your own is stand up paddleboarding, also called supping. Come supping in the Algarve and experience an adventure on the water while sailing along small beaches and through narrow caves. Supping in the Algarve is an absolute highlight of your holiday.
In the Algarve there are many beautiful sights to discover from the water surface and this is exactly what makes stand up paddleboarding so popular in this part of Portugal. From places like Lagos, Albufeira and Faro there are almost daily sup tours where you go supping along the coast with a guide.
From Lagos, book a SUP excursion to see the Ponta de Piedade from below while paddling along the impressive cliffs. Since a SUP is much smaller than a boat, you can sail through caves and discover remote beaches. In Faro you can go SUPing through the beautiful and peaceful Ria Formosa nature park, where you won’t be bothered by the swell.
Check out below the sup tours in the Algarve that I recommend. Departures from Albufeira, Portimão, Faro, Lagos and other major cities.
💡 My tips for stand up paddling in the Algarve (click)
Renting a SUP or taking part in a SUP tour is a great and sporty way to discover the Algarve coastline. My girlfriend and I regularly go out with her SUPs in the summer (the garage is now full of boards…) to discover a new part of the Algarve. Thanks to our experiences, we would like to give you the following tips:
🛶 For your first SUP experience, book a guided tour. The instructor will explain how to stand, how to hold your paddle properly and how to get the most power out of your stroke.
🛶For a relaxing SUP excursion, book one with a guide boat. This way you only have to paddle one way and the boat will take the group back to the start/end point.
🛶 Do you want to rent SUPs yourself without a tour? First check the weather forecast and the wave forecast. If the wind is strong, your body will act as a sail, which could blow you towards the rocks or towards the open ocean. If there are waves (especially in the fall), getting up will also be more difficult and you also run the risk of washing up on the rocks or on the beach. The best conditions for SUPing are when there is no wind and no waves.
Albufeira sup tours – stand up paddle Algarve
Albufeira sup tours leave from the Marina (the harbour). This is located just outside the old town and is within walking distance if you are staying overnight in the centre. If you are hungry before or after your sup tour, you can go to one of the many restaurants in the harbour. Since the end of 2023, it is no longer permitted to visit the Benagil cave by SUP or kayak. The cave can only be visited by boat.
These are the best SUP tours in Albufeira that I recommend:
1. Albufeira SUP tour from the harbour (2.5 hours)
2.5 hours – CAVE VISITS – SUP OR KAYAK
⭐ View availability (click)
Explore the coastline between Albufeira and Praia da Coelha by SUP (or kayak) during this SUP tour off the Algarve coast.
Together with an experienced guide you will depart in a group of maximum 10 participants by boat from the port of Albufeira to Praia da Coelha. There the sups and kayaks will be launched and the sup adventure will start.
Along the way you will pass impressive rock formations, small hidden beaches and paddle through caves in calm sea conditions. This sup tour is suitable for young and old and you do not need any previous experience with supping.
2. Standup paddleboarding Albufeira from Praia de São Rafael (2 hours)
2 hours – DEPARTURE FROM BEACH
⭐ View availability (click)
This Albufeira SUP tour departs from the golden sands of Praia de São Rafael just outside the city centre. After a short introduction to how to drive the SUP, you will explore the beautiful coastline and visit some small caves.
After about 45 minutes of paddling there will be a stop at one of the beaches to relax and explore the beach.
After an hour and a half you turn around and paddle back to the beach of Sao Rafael. On the beach there is a storage room where you can safely leave your belongings.
3. Albufeira sup tour from Praia da Coelha (2 hours)
2 hours – max 10 persons – Departure from the beach
⭐ View availability (click)
A sup holiday in Portugal is not complete without taking a sup tour off the coast of the Algarve. This sup tour in Albufeira departs from Praia da Coelha and after you are equipped with board, life jacket and paddle the adventure begins.
First there is a short lesson so that everyone knows how to paddle efficiently and keep their balance on the SUP.
Then it’s time to start the sup tour! On the way you will pass the typical cliffs of the Algarve and with good sea conditions there will be the possibility to sail through some caves. There are also some ‘hidden’ beaches around this area that you can’t reach by foot. On the way there will be pictures taken as a souvenir of your sup adventure.
Stand up paddle in Lagos – The best SUP tours in Lagos (Algarve)
Lagos is perhaps the most popular starting point for sup tours in the Algarve. Thanks to its central location, tours to the cliffs and rocks around the impressive Ponta de Piedade depart from here. Lagos sup tours depart from the Marina (the harbour) or from a nearby beach. The Lagos Marina is easily accessible from the centre via a pedestrian bridge. There is also a large car park around the harbour if you come with a rental car.
These are the best SUP tours in Lagos that I recommend:
1. Stand up paddle Lagos tour to Ponta da Piedade
2.5 hours – Ponta de piedade- Small group
⭐ View availability (click)
Start your day off right with a sunrise SUP tour in Lagos! Explore the Ponta da Piedade by SUP while it’s still lovely and calm on the water.
On this SUP tour you will meet and depart from Praia Dona Ana, right next to Ponta da Piedade. The tour starts with a short lesson from the certified SUP guide. If you want, you can borrow a wetsuit to stay warm while paddling. Then the adventure begins as you set out to explore the dramatic landscapes of the Algarve from the water.
Paddle under the Ponta da Piedade, a natural arch carved into the rocky coastline. Don’t worry about bringing a camera, as your guide will take plenty of photos along the way and share them free of charge after the tour.
2. SUP tour + boat trip along the coast of Lagos
4 hours – SUP & BOAT TRIP – INC LUNCH – SNORKELING
⭐ View availability (click)
Can’t decide between a SUP tour and a boat trip in Lagos? Why not do both? This half-day catamaran cruise combines sailing along the Algarve coast with the opportunity to go SUPing!
Explore the southwestern Algarve on a cruise from Lagos to Praia das Cabanas Velhas including a meal on board. See the many golden beaches, towering cliffs, the caves of Ponta da Piedade and the black rock of Praia da Luz.
Dive into the water and see the marine life with the provided snorkeling gear and paddle across the water yourself on a stand up paddleboard. Prefer to stay dry? Then sip a cocktail on deck and work on your tan as the sun shines in the clear blue sky.
3. SUP rentals in Lagos
4-24 hours – incl. roof straps – rental point
⭐ View availability (click)
For a sup holiday in the Algarve, you can go to Coast Supply in Lagos. Here you can easily rent a stand up paddleboard for a few hours or a full day so that you can discover the Algarve coastline on your own initiative.
Pick up your sups in the centre of Lagos, which are lightweight and easy to carry. Your boards will come complete with a paddle, life jacket, pump and a map of the best SUP destinations in Lagos and the Western Algarve.
You will also receive suggestions for a tour, including nature paddling in the Ria do Alvor, a coastal cruise from Praia da Batata to Ponte da Piedade and a river cruise with waves in Odeceixe.
Faro SUP tours – The best stand up paddle boarding tours in Faro (Algarve)
Stand up paddle tours in Faro leave from the harbour or a nearby beach and take you to the beautiful Ria Formosa Natural Park. With a bit of luck, you will encounter many different species of birds that inhabit the nature reserve during these tours. SUP in Faro is a relaxing activity that allows you to discover the beautiful Algarve coastline.
These are the best stand up paddle tours in Faro that I recommend:
1. SUP or kayak lesson + Ria Formosa nature park tour with
Salty Experiences
2 hours – small groups – lesson + RIA FORMOSA tour
During the two-hour SUP or kayak tour, the experienced instructor will first teach you the basics of efficiently steering a SUP or kayak, before you set out with him to explore the Ria Formosa nature park.
If you come with a group, you will receive extra discounts on the price of the activity. The price of the tour includes all necessary materials plus insurance.
2. SUP les + Ria Formosa tour from Praia de Faro with
ZEN SUP
2 hours – LES + RIA FORMOSA TOUR – INC. SNACKS
ZEN SUP is located on the beautiful Praia de Faro. From here they organize SUP lessons at four different locations, depending on the weather conditions.
During the two-hour activity you will first receive instructions on techniques and safety, then it is time to go on the water and discover the beautiful coastline. If you come with more than 3 people, you will receive a small discount per person.
Don’t have your own transport? Within a radius of 5 kilometers they will pick you up for a small fee.
3. Ria Formosa SUP tour with
MárioSUP vanuit Olhão
2.5 hours – LESSONS – SUNRISE TOUR – RIA FORMOSA
A few kilometers east of Faro you will find the SUP club of MárioSUP. Here they organize Stand Up Paddle tours through the Ria Formosa Natural Park together with a certified guide. They also offer lessons and you get extra discount if you bring your own SUP.
From Faro they organize two tours: one through the channels of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, the other towards Ludo, Quinta do Lago. Both are relaxing tours where you will see many different species of birds that live in the area.
For the early birds they also offer sunrise tours, where you can watch the sun slowly rise from your SUP.
Portimão SUP tours – The best stand up paddle tours in Portimão (Algarve)
Portimão is also an excellent starting point for SUP excursions along the south coast. The city is located close to the Benagil cave in the middle of the most beautiful part of the Algarve coastline. The SUP tours that are organized here are in combination with a boat trip. This way you experience the fun of surfing but also cover some kilometers on a catamaran or luxury sailing boat.
These are the best stand up paddle tours in Portimão that I recommend:
1. SUP in Portimão on a private boat tour
3 hours – BENAGIL CAVE – private tour
⭐ View availability (click)
Combine SUP in Portimão with a boat trip along the Algarve coastline on a private boat tour. Come with the whole family or a group of friends and be welcomed by the experienced crew before the adventure begins from the Portimão harbour, near the museum.
During this private tour you will visit a number of caves along the coast and there will be time for SUP and swimming. A maximum of 8 people can join on board.
2. Stand up paddle in Portimão during a catamaran cruise
3.5 uur – boat trip + supping
⭐ View availability (click)
Stand up paddle off the Algarve coast on this catamaran tour departing from Portimão Marina.
Along the way you will sail past the Benagil cave and Praia da Rocha and see the typical Algarve cliffs up close. Halfway through the tour the anchor will drop and there will be time to swim, snorkel and of course SUP!
This boat + sup tour lasts about 3.5 hours and you can order drinks on board.
3. SUP and sailing off the coast of Portimão
2 a 2.5 uur – boat trip + supping
⭐ View availability (click)
Climb aboard this luxury sailboat in the marina of Portimão and set off on an adventure along the Algarve coast during the day or at sunset. On board are two stand up paddleboards that you can use so that the ship anchors in the bay of Alvor or elsewhere along the coast.
This boat trip with sup option is ideal for small groups, with the possibility to rent the boat completely for your own group. Check out the different options below and create your own adventure
⛵ Sagres SUP tours – The best stand up paddleboard excursions in Sagres (Algarve)
The area around Sagres is the most southwestern point where you can paddle in the Algarve. Here, paddle tours are organized along the southwestern coast of the Algarve, which is known for its high cliffs and eroded caves. In addition, there are few other tours here, which makes it wonderfully quiet.
These are the best stand up paddle tours near Sagres that I recommend:
1. Stand up paddle tour to the caves of Ingrina
3 hours – small group – PADDLE through caves
⭐ View availability (click)
This stand up paddle tour in the southwest of the Algarve is a best kept secret . Where most sup tours in the Algarve go to the Ponta da Piedade or stay around Albufeira, this is one of the most southwestern tours you can experience.
You will meet in Raposeira at the office and leave by bus to Praia da Ingrina, a beautiful small beach surrounded by rocks. From there the 2.5 hour long sup tour along the coast starts, passing hidden beaches and eroded caves along the way. Do you dare to sup in it?
Of course you will first receive instructions on how to use the SUP and paddle and photos will be taken of your adventure along the way..
2. SUP excursion with
SUP in Sagres
TOURS – SUP LESSONS – SUP SURF LESSONS – RENTAL
At SUP Sagres you can learn how to SUP or book excursions where you can discover the nearby coastline from a SUP. If you want to learn how to paddle surf, you can book private lessons here to learn how to brave the waves with a surf SUP.
If you come with a group to take a tour or lesson, you will receive additional discounts.
Frequently Asked Questions about SUP in the Algarve (FAQ)
What does SUP stand for?
SUP stands for Stand-Up Paddleboarding or Stand Up Paddleboard and is a water sport where you stand on a large (inflatable or solid) board, similar to a surfboard, and propel yourself forward with a long paddle. The origins of SUP date back to ancient Polynesian cultures, where paddleboarding was a traditional form of transportation for fishermen and surfers to move around the waters of the Pacific Ocean.
In modern times, SUP gained popularity in the 2000s, both as a recreational activity and a form of surfing. It is appealing because of its versatility; you can paddle on a variety of waters, from calm lakes and rivers to coastal waves. It not only offers a great full-body workout, but also a way to enjoy nature and the waterscape.
What is the best place to go SUP in the Algarve?
The Algarve offers several great spots for SUP, but two absolute favourite locations are Ponta da Piedade and the Ria Formosa Natural Park.
Ponta da Piedade is a breathtaking area along the coast of Lagos, known for its impressive rock formations, caves and crystal clear waters. SUPing around Ponta da Piedade offers a unique experience where you can paddle between rocks, manoeuvre through caves and enjoy the spectacular cliffs from a different perspective. The calm sea and sheltered bays make it ideal for beginners and experienced SUP practitioners alike.
The Ria Formosa Natural Park is a vast protected area along the Algarve coast, made up of lagoons, islands, marshes and canals. SUPping in Ria Formosa gives you the chance to paddle through the calm waters, surrounded by an abundance of birdlife and diverse flora. The canals provide a network of routes where you can enjoy the natural beauty and serene surroundings.
What is the best SUP tour in the Algarve?
The most popular sup tour in Albufeira is the stand-up paddle tour from Praia da Coelha. In Lagos the sunrise sup tour is an absolute must, as it is nice and quiet on the water in the morning.
Is SUP in the Algarve suitable for children?
Yes, stand up paddle boarding in the Algarve is great for kids! It’s a great activity for families as it’s relatively easy to learn and offers a fun way to explore the coastline. However, it is mandatory that children taking part are able to swim independently.
Can you SUP to the Benagil cave?
Since the end of 2023, it is no longer permitted to go to the Benagil cave by stand up paddleboard. Unfortunately, there have been too many accidents in the past, which means that the cave is now only accessible by boat.
More of our local tips for your Portugal adventure
⭐ Check out our favourite sights in the Algarve on this page
⛵ Check out this overview of all activities you can do in the Algarve
🚗 This is the best car rental company in the Algarve
📌 Discover the top towns and cities to visit in the Algarve here
🏖 These are our favourite beaches in the Algarve
🛎 Get inspired with our local tips for accommodations in the Algarve
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