Water safety in Lagos: 9 things every kayaker should know

The waters around Ponta da Piedade are some of the most beautiful and beginner-friendly in the Algarve, but they are still the open Atlantic. A little preparation turns a good day into a safe one.

First, always wear your life jacket — not stowed under the seat, on your body and clipped. Every rental and tour we work with provides one, and our guides won't launch without them.

Second, check the wind, not just the sky. Mornings are typically glassy and calm; afternoon onshore breezes can build quickly and make the paddle back harder than the paddle out. If you're renting independently, plan to be heading home before early afternoon.

Third, stay clear of cave entrances when there is any swell — water moves unpredictably against rock. Our guided cave tours read the conditions for you; on a rental, when in doubt, admire from outside.

Other essentials: tell someone your plan, keep the shore in sight, carry water and sun protection, and never paddle after drinking. If you ever feel unsure, raise a paddle overhead — the universal signal that you need help — and wait. Operators on this coast look out for each other.