A real sea kayak, to the cave

About this experience

You meet at Kayak Center Guíxols on Passeig Fortim in Sant Feliu de Guíxols, early in the morning. This is not a sit-on-top. You get a single closed sea kayak with a spray skirt, the touring boat the listing calls faster and more stable in open water, with the splashes kept off you. No experience is needed: the guide starts with a safety briefing and shows you how to get in, get out and steer before you launch straight from the beach.

Then the coast. The listing names the stops in order: Les Sofreres, Cala del Molí with its seaside via ferrata, Cala Ametller and the cliffs and channels of Cap de Mort. The goal is the Cova dels Rats Penats, a sea cave cut into the granite in the bay of Sant Pol and S'Agaró that you can only reach from the water. When the sea allows, you paddle up to it or right inside. The group is 7 paddlers at most, the pace is relaxed, and the whole outing takes about 2 hours 15 minutes, briefing included.

Included: the kayak, life jacket, paddle and spray skirt, a wetsuit on the coldest days if you want one, the instructor, a rescue motorboat if needed, photos of the trip and a safe place for your things. Bring your own water, plus swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and socks. Headphones are not allowed on the water. Good swimming is required, and the call on the weather is made at the start time, on the real sea that morning. Our tip: eat a small breakfast. You will be paddling your own boat, and the cave comes after the cliffs and coves.

• A single closed sea kayak with a spray skirt
• The Cova dels Rats Penats, a sea cave reached only by water
• Les Sofreres, Cala del Molí, Cala Ametller and Cap de Mort
• A morning start, when the sea is usually calm
• Groups of 7 at most, with photos included

How the day runs

1. Early morningMeet at Kayak Center Guíxols

   Passeig Fortim, Sant Feliu de Guíxols. Leave your things in the safe space and get your kit.

2. Before launchBriefing and paddle lesson

   Safety first, then how to enter, exit and control a closed kayak.

3. On the waterAlong the cliffs

   Past Les Sofreres, Cala del Molí and its via ferrata, and Cala Ametller.

4. Cap de MortChannels and rock

   The cliffs and narrow channels of Cap de Mort, over very clear water.

5. The highlightCova dels Rats Penats

   Approach or enter the cave in the bay of Sant Pol and S'Agaró when the sea allows.

6. About 135 minutesBack to the beach

   Paddle back to Sant Feliu. The guide's photos are part of the deal.

What's included

Who it suits

What guests say

Tips before you book

• Bring a bottle of water. It is the one thing the listing does not include.
• Pack socks. They are on the listing's what-to-bring list.
• Leave the phone in the locker. The guide takes the photos, so your hands stay on the paddle.
• Check the weather call at the start time, not the night before. The operator decides on the real sea that morning.
• Not sure what to wear? Our guide to what to wear kayaking covers layers, shoes and sun.

Read next:

• Best kayak tours
• Kayaking safety rules
• What to wear kayaking

Frequently asked questions

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