Algarve Kayaks

How about some fun, splashing about on an Algarve Kayaks trip?

Sounds great, but don't fancy paddling?

Well, with Hobie kayaks, you don't have to!

You just sit back and pedal while you enjoy the sights and sounds around you...

And when I mention that the sights include those in the Ria Formosa nature reserve, you'll know I'm referring to some seriously great sight-seeing!

Just to put you in the picture, Hobie kayaks are pedal-powered craft, imported specially into the Algarve for your enjoyment.

The pedals work some simple, but effective, underwater flippers - and that's what propels you along on your Algarve kayaks trip. That little moving picture below shows how the flippers work underwater. Pretty nifty, eh?

It is a very efficient mode of propulsion, as my non-aching legs bore witness!

Hobie Kayaks

By way of expanding on the information, let me tell you about the great day out I had with friends Flip and Paul, who were visiting in September 2007.

After making our telephone booking, we turned up at the Centro Nautico at Ilha de Faro. There was plenty of parking space, so no worries there. And the reception building has toilet, shower facilities and a bar/cafe, should they be needed before you start off.

We were met by Steve and Ben, who set us up with life-jackets, showed us where to stow our belongings on the support craft (a speedy, all-water, 4.5 metre Zodiac Rib, I'm told) and the kayaks we were to be using for the day. Steve addressed our group with an introductory talk about the workings of the kayaks: foot pedals and fins, rudder, and hand-held paddle/oar, together with the procedure of landing the craft. 

Algarve Kayaks Set Off

Once we all headed out, we stayed close to the beach accustomizing ourselves to our crafts' foibles. 

I was in a tandem kayak with my best friend, Flip, and our initial efforts did not achieve much in the way of forward propulsion. After a few (obligatory, I'm sure) 'women-drivers' comments by Flip's husband, Paul, we summoned help. Whereupon it was revealed that our pedalling efforts had been cancelling each other out, because of an error in fin-fitting (and it wasn't our fault, is all I'm saying!)

Once back underway, we were soon back with the others in Indian file, behind Steve in the support boat.

It wasn't long before we were able to test our skills over the shallows, taking the foot paddles out of action and paddling manually (which was my job as the front seat passenger- the rear passenger had to steer the rudder - or bring it up quickly if we ran aground!)

After a short time, we needed to stop, beaching at the very end of Ilha de Faro, just before the channel opened out into the ocean. Drinks and melon were provided and all our questions were answered about the wildlife,  marine life, kayaks and best things to view. We were encouraged to venture over the sand dunes to the Atlantic side to see the views back to Albufeira, Quarteira, Quinta do Lago with the impressive hills as the backdrop.

After navigating the multi-currented entrance to the Ria Formosa, we glided along the water at a steady 4-5 knots (go, girls!) to the far end of the Ilha Deserta which is now a natural lagoon. At one time, this had been the opening to the Atlantic, but nature decided to close it off and make a new opening further to the west. 

Algarve Kayaks - Sights and Sounds

The lagoon was crammed with birds, big and small. There were many sandbanks and pools to investigate the marine life. 

Just before we came ashore, a flock of pink flamingos swooped across the entrance to the Ria Formosa and did a fly-past some 100-200 metres away before heading away to their favourite gathering place near Quinta da Lago. Unfortunately, I didn't manage to wield my trusty digi-camera fast enough, so it will have to remain just a treasured memory.

Next stop was the main one... Lunch was provided, and we had plenty of time to explore the Ilha or the lagoon, try out a different craft, or go off on our own. Some of the party tried the kayaks with sails.

Then, Steve took us across to a sandbank, some hardy types wading up to their chests, others being ferried in a tandem kayak. Once there, we were able to see sea slugs, hermit crabs of all sizes, oysters, limpets and sundry other marine creepy-crawlies. 

It was fascinating, the more so because Steve was so knowledgeable about many of the wild and marine life-forms we encountered. 

Shells were a must to collect; large, multicoloured and of tremendous variety. 

Algarve Kayaks - Chow Down!

We all had a picnic lunch ,which was most welcome by this time, and got our second wind ready to explore the lagoon some more and then make our way home.

The lagoon had several herons, one HUGE blue heron, and a few storks along with waders of every size. I went off on my own and took control of our tandem kayak while Flip and Paul tried out their sailing skills in single kayaks.

Great fun was had by all. The other members of the party (it was a birthday treat for Eloise, 13 that day) all went swimming, and exploring over the dunes as well as peering under the clear water at the crawlies.

Three Portuguese Hobie enthusiasts had joined the expedition with their own kayaks, and had come along to join in the fun. One had an underwater camera, which was put to good use all day. 

At 3.15 we were all gathered again to set off back in Indian file behind the leader. As the tide had changed the water now covered all the sandbanks and it was a clear run home.

We kept up a good pace, as Steve rounded up the stragglers and guided us across the entrance to the Ria Formosa, now very choppy with strong swirling currents. Those who needed help got a tow home.

The last kilometre was good - passing the locals in their beach homes or on their boats, and watching the seagulls watching us as we sailed by their resting places. 

We got back to base by 1700, thoroughly satisfied with our day spent in Algarve kayaks.

Our effort ended then, but Steve and Ben still had to bring the kayaks and dinghy ashore, hose them and generally 'put them to bed'. We customers retired to shower and use 'the facilities' before settling ourselves at the cafe with beers (and a pot of tea for me, as I was driving). 

Friends Flip and Paul were keen to talk to Steve about the capabilities of the kayaks with a view to buying one! They had been much impressed with the sailing capability and the simplicity of the propulsion equipment.

Algarve Kayaks - The Verdict

It was a great day out, just as Steve had promised. And, imagine our joy when, two days after the outing, our legs had not ached at all. 

A real commendation for the comfort and ease of the pedal-propulsion. I'll finish with some pointers, should you decide to head out for a day in the Algarve kayaks.

What You'll Need

I would advise wearing a swimsuit under quick-drying stuff like shorts and tee-shirt. Take a towel, lots of sun cream and lip protector, sunglasses and a hat. Binoculars are a bonus, camera a must. 

Keep a change of clothes in your car should you want to shower and change before you head home.

I wore beach-shoes all day - in and out of the water. I found the pedalling easier with them on. There were lots of sharp shells around, and one of the party stood on a sea urchin and got spines in her foot.  Although not life threatening, that's pretty painful and best avoided by adopting suitable footwear such as 'jelly' shoes or strapped sandals. 

Algarve Kayaks - Options

Hobie Kayak Tours run half-day and full-day trips all year round. It's a great day out for anyone, and - even better - something the whole family can do together.

Minimum age is 5 years, accompanied by a parent - and Steve's  oldest client (so far) has been 85! 

Provided you are agile enough to get in and out of a craft on water, and can pedal, then there is no reason why you won't have a fine time.

Have a chat with Steve on [00351]289 703 269 or 966 034 723 to find out more about Algarve kayaks...

... Or visit the shop (with the kayaking video playing in the window) at:

Poder do Sol 
Avenida 5 de Outubro 150a 
8700 304 
Olhão

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