How far is Ponta da Piedade from Lagos Marina by boat?

It is very close, just a few minutes along the coast south of the marina, so most of your charter time is spent at the grottos and coves rather than travelling.

Can you go inside the Ponta da Piedade grottos?

On calm days a small boat can enter some of the grottos. Your skipper decides on the day, depending on the swell and tide.

What is the best time for a Ponta da Piedade boat trip?

Mornings tend to be calmest and quietest. Late afternoon and sunset give the warmest light on the cliffs.

Yes. Every charter is just your group: up to 5 guests on Grace or up to 8 on Glory.

Ponta da Piedade by private boat

Ponta da Piedade is the headland of grottos, arches and rock pillars just south of Lagos. It is a few minutes from the marina by boat, and it looks completely different from the water than from the clifftop.

Why see it by boat

From the lighthouse and the clifftop paths you look down on Ponta da Piedade. From a boat you look up at it, and you can go into the grottos and through the gaps between the stacks. That is where the colour of the water and the shapes of the rock make most sense.

On a private boat you also get to choose how long you spend there. Many group trips do a fixed loop; on a charter we can wait for the light, anchor in a cove for a swim, or go back for a second look.

What you will see

The grottos. Sea caves cut into the soft golden limestone, some big enough to take the boat into on a calm day.
Arches and stacks. Pillars of rock standing in the sea, worn into arches and odd shapes, many with local nicknames your skipper will point out.
The beaches below the cliffs. Small coves near Lagos such as Praia do Camilo and Praia Dona Ana look their best from the water.
Clear water. On calm days the water around the headland is clear enough for snorkelling from the boat.

Best time of day

Mornings are usually calm and quieter on the water. Late afternoon and sunset give the cliffs their warmest colour, which is why our Sunset Cruise finishes as the sun drops behind Ponta da Piedade. Ask us which slot suits the date you have in mind.

How long to allow

Ponta da Piedade is close to the marina, so even a shorter charter has time for the grottos plus a stop to swim, snorkel or paddle board. If you want the whole coastline, combine it with Benagil on a full-coast day.

Swimming and paddle boarding

Paddle boards and snorkel gear are on board on every charter. If you have never tried a paddle board, we will give you a first lesson in a sheltered spot.