SUP or kayak in the Algarve? Which is better for the caves

The two best ways to see the Algarve sea caves are stand up paddleboard (SUP) and sit-on-top kayak. Both work, both are beginner-friendly with a guide, and we run tours on both. Here's how to choose.

Stand up paddle: You stand higher off the water, so you see further into the caves and the photos are dramatically better. SUPs are more manoeuvrable in tight grottos because you can pivot the board with one paddle stroke. The downside: in wind over 15 knots, SUPs become hard work.

Kayak: You sit lower, you're faster on flat water, and you cover more ground with less effort. Kayaks handle wind and swell more easily, which makes them a better choice for the more exposed Benagil coastline. The downside: you can't see as deep into the caves, and your camera angle is lower.

For Ponta da Piedade (Lagos): SUP wins for most people. The headland is sheltered, distances are short (25 minutes from Praia da Batata) and the photo angles are better.

For Benagil: Either works, but on a windy or swelly day kayak is more reliable. SUP is still our pick on calm mornings.

For families with kids under 8: Tandem kayaks are the easy answer — kid in the front, parent paddling behind. Kids 8+ can usually manage their own SUP in calm water with a guide.

For fitness: SUP burns roughly twice the calories of an equivalent kayak session because you engage your core to balance.

For total beginners: Both are easy. SUP has a 5-minute learning curve (you'll fall in once or twice — that's part of the fun). Kayak is more forgiving but less rewarding.