Paddleboarding Algarve – Best SUP Spots
Best places to make SUP in Algarve! Caves, rivers and lakes. Rent our boards and paddle where other tourists can’t go.
Paddleboarding Algarve – Best SUP Spots
Nina
Ocean Camper CEO
Ocean Camper CEO
Paddleboarding Algarve means turquoise water, sea caves, golden cliffs and calm sunrise sessions. We rent inflatable SUP boards that fit easily in your campervan or car — fast to inflate, stable, and OK for up to 2 people. Ask us for a quote and routes tailored to your dates.
Benagil Cave, July 2012” by Beeston, licensed under CC BY 3.0.
Each spot below includes: Level • Highlights • Launch • Tide/Wind • Parking/Notes.
| Season | Sea state & crowds | Best time of day | Wetsuit note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr–Jun | Generally calm mornings, moderate crowds | Sunrise–late morning | 3/2 or shorty on warmer days |
| Jul–Sep | Calm early, breezy afternoons (NW) | Sunrise sessions best | Shorty or rashguard |
| Oct–Nov | Fewer people, variable wind | Morning windows | 3/2 full suit |
| Dec–Mar | Cooler water, quiet | Light-wind days only | 4/3 if staying long |
Tide rule of thumb: most lagoons/estuaries = mid to high tide. Caves/cliffs = early, glassy mornings with light wind.
Level: Beginner+
Highlights: Calm lagoon paddling with flamingos and sandbanks.
Launch: North side of Faro Beach into Ria Formosa Natural Park.
Tide/Wind: Mid–high tide, light wind.
Parking: Beach parking; watch boat lanes.
👉 Map location
Jules Verne Times Two / julesvernex2.com / CC-BY-SA-4.0
Level: Beginner–Intermediate
Highlights: Cliff arches and small caves along the coast near Albufeira.
Launch: Start at Arrifes Beach and paddle right (west) towards Coelha.
Best Time: Sunrise or early morning, small swell only.
👉 Map location
Photo “Praia dos Arrifes, 13 Nov 2013” by Beeston, licensed under CC BY 3.0.
Level: Intermediate
Highlights: The natural Albandeira Arch and small sea caves.
Launch: Albandeira Beach.
Tide/Wind: Mid tide, low swell, calm wind.
Note: Bring a waterproof camera – perfect sunrise reflections.
👉 Map location
Photo “Arco da Albandeira, Lagoa (Algarve)” by Alvesgaspar, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Level: Intermediate
Highlights: The famous Benagil sea cave with its skylight dome and turquoise water.
Launch: From Benagil Beach or nearby coastal departure points.
Important: 🛑 Individual paddling inside the Benagil Cave is no longer allowed.
Access is now restricted to guided tours only, for safety and environmental protection.
Alternative: Join a local guided SUP or kayak tour — it’s safer and still magical!
👉 Map location
Level: Beginner–Intermediate
Highlights: Small coves and quiet beaches accessible only from the sea.
Launch: Praia do Alemão.
Tide/Wind: Low swell, early morning best.
👉 Map location
Praia do Alemão 2017 09.jpg” by Joséolgon, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Level: Intermediate
Highlights: Golden cliffs, rock arches, and crystal-clear water.
Launch: Praia do Camilo or Praia Dona Ana.
Tide/Wind: Go at dawn for calm conditions and beautiful light.
👉 Map location
Level: Beginner+
Highlights: Calm river paddling with dunes and town views.
Launch: River beach near the village.
Avoid: The river mouth — currents are strong.
👉 Map location
Photo “Vila Nova de Milfontes.jpg” by Francisco Santos (Xuaxo), licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
Level: Beginner
Highlights: Peaceful flat-water paddling surrounded by pine trees.
Access: Shore launch near the main dam access.
Notes: Bring water and snacks – no services nearby.
👉 Map location
Level: Beginner
Highlights: Long, peaceful paddles; birdlife.
Launch: Public access points on the shore.
Tide/Wind: N/A; avoid windy afternoons.
Parking/Notes: Remote; bring water/snacks.👉 Map location
Photo “Funcho dam on the Arade river, Silves, Portugal (PPL1-Corrected) julesvernex2.jpg” by Jules Verne Times Two / julesvernex2.com, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Level: Beginner
Highlights: One of the largest lakes in the region; vast, calm water.
Launch: Multiple ramps/coves.
Tide/Wind: N/A; best on calm days.
Parking/Notes: Great for a full-day picnic paddle. 👉 Map location
Photo “Barragem de Santa Clara Alentejo (2264826229).jpg” by Guy MOLL, licensed under CC BY 2.0
No. For safety and environmental protection, individual paddleboarding or kayaking inside Benagil Cave is no longer allowed. You can still visit it on guided SUP or kayak tours, which are the only legal and safe options.
Early mornings (sunrise to 10 am) are best — the wind is calm, the water is glassy, and boat traffic is minimal.
Afternoons often bring stronger north-west wind, especially from June to September.
It depends on the season:
For beginners, calm and protected waters include:
Yes! Ocean Camper in Faro rents inflatable SUPs that fit in any car or campervan.
Each set includes a pump, paddle, leash, PFD option, and roof straps — perfect for exploring the Algarve coast and lakes.
Explore freely with a campervan equipped for watersports!
All Ocean Camper vans include:
Best places to make SUP in Algarve! Caves, rivers and lakes. Rent our boards and paddle where other tourists can’t go.
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