Family Kayak and Snorkelling in Lloret and Tossa: A Step-by-Step Guide
The coves of the Costa Brava are the perfect setting for a family day of kayaking and snorkelling in Lloret and Tossa. With calm waters and accessible coves, both kids and adults enjoy it equally. This guide gives you all the steps: from choosing the cove to coming back with the most beautiful memories.
Lloret de Mar and Tossa de Mar are separated by just 7 km of coastline, an ideal distance to cover by kayak with stops for swimming and snorkelling. Coves like Cala Banys or Sa Boadella offer crystal-clear waters and seabeds full of life. What's more, most beaches have equipment rental services, so you don't need to bring your own gear.
Here is a step-by-step route to organise a stress-free full day, with practical tips to make everything go smoothly.
Why choose kayaking and snorkelling in Lloret and Tossa with kids?
The combination of kayaking and snorkelling is ideal for families because it combines gentle exercise with underwater exploration. The beaches in the area, such as Cala Boadella or Lloret beach itself, have shallow waters and moderate waves, perfect for beginners. Children can paddle with help from an adult in double or triple kayaks, then jump into the water with a mask and snorkel to see colourful fish.
In addition, the landscape of the Costa Brava, with cliffs and pine forests that reach the sea, makes the kayak journey a visual adventure. From the sea you can see coves inaccessible by land and the silhouette of Castell d'en Plaja in Lloret or the Vila Vella of Tossa. It's a different, more intimate way to experience the coast.
The best coves for the family kayak and snorkel adventure
In Lloret, the most famous cove for snorkelling is Cala Banys, a small cove with transparent waters and a rocky seabed where fish are easily spotted. It's a 15-minute walk from the centre of Lloret, but you can also get there by car (limited parking). Another option is Sa Boadella, larger and with fine sand, ideal for kayaking because the bay is sheltered from the wind. Here there are several kiosks that rent kayaks by the hour.
In Tossa, Cala Morisca is one of the most beautiful for snorkelling: its rocks and underwater caves are home to a wide variety of marine life. To get there from Lloret, the best option is to drive along the GI-682 road (about 15 minutes) or, if you prefer a longer route, take the L80 bus from Lloret station to Tossa and then walk 20 minutes to the cove.
If you feel like doing the kayak crossing between Lloret and Tossa, the distance is about 7 km. It's advisable to leave early (around 9:00) to take advantage of the calm sea. Along the way you'll find coves only accessible by water, such as Cala Canyelles or Cala sa Musclera, perfect for stopping for a snorkel.
For more ideas of excursions along the coast, you can read about boat excursions from Lloret and Tossa, another option for seeing the coves without paddling.
To secure your kayak and snorkelling equipment without queues, it's best to book in advance in peak season. There are family packages that include equipment and life jackets.
What to bring and where to rent kayak and snorkelling equipment
The basic equipment for a day of kayaking and snorkelling includes: kayak (single, double or triple), paddles, life jacket, mask, snorkel and fins (optional). Don't forget water-resistant sunscreen, a lycra rash guard, plenty of water and some snacks like fruit or granola bars, as the more remote coves have no beach bars.
On the main beaches of Lloret (Lloret Beach, Sa Boadella) there are several rental points. Prices range from €15 to €25 per person per hour for a kayak, and around €10–€15 for a full snorkel set. If you rent for half a day (4 hours), the price usually drops to around €35–€45 per person. In Tossa, at Platja Gran and Cala Morisca, there are also rentals, but with fewer options.
I recommend bringing a dry bag for your phone and keys, and a small cool box to keep water fresh. If you don't want to carry equipment from home, most rentals include everything you need – just bring towels and sunscreen.
Step-by-step plan: a day of family kayaking and snorkelling
8:30 – Departure from the apartment. If you're staying in central Lloret, you can walk to Lloret beach (about 10 minutes). There you rent the kayaks and snorkelling equipment. It's worth arriving early to avoid queues and get the best boats.
9:00 – Start of the kayak route heading south. Paddle along the coast towards Cala Banys (2 km, about 20 minutes). Make a first stop for snorkelling in the cove, where the water is usually calmer in the morning. Kids can see fish as soon as they look in.
10:30 – Second stop: Cala Boadella. Continue another 15 minutes to this fine-sand beach. Here you can rest, have a snack and swim again. If the sea is calm, it's worth circling the small islet opposite the beach, where there is usually more marine life.
12:00 – Third stop: Cala Morisca (Tossa). This is the farthest point, about 30 minutes from Sa Boadella. The waters here are crystal clear and the rocky seabed with caves is perfect for snorkelling. Note: in high season it tends to be busier, but the cove is large. After this stop, it's time to head back.
13:30 – Return to Lloret. Paddle back following the same route. If you still have energy, you can stop at a cove you liked. You'll arrive at the rental point around 14:30. Return the equipment and enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants along the seafront.
For more activity ideas in the area, check out things to do in Lloret de Mar.
If you prefer a guided kayak excursion that includes a guide, equipment and insurance, there are options departing from Lloret beach. That way you only worry about paddling and enjoying.
Safety tips and the best time to go with children
The best time for kayaking and snorkelling in Lloret and Tossa is from June to September. The water is warmer (22–26 °C) and visibility is optimal. Within these months, weekdays and early mornings are quieter; in August the coves get busy but the sea is usually calm.
For going with children, safety is key. Everyone must wear a life jacket, even if they can swim. Choose coves without strong currents, like Cala Banys or Sa Boadella. Bring plenty of water and broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50+), and reapply every two hours. Sunglasses with a strap prevent loss.
If the wind picks up, don't stray far from the coast. A good rule is to stay within 50 metres of the shore. Carry a phone in a dry bag in case of any mishaps. Most importantly, go at the kids' pace: it's better to cover fewer kilometres and enjoy than to exhaust them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to rent a kayak in Lloret?
How long does it take to kayak from Lloret to Tossa?
What is the best time for snorkelling?
Is it safe to go kayaking with small children?
Do I need to book kayak rental in advance?
Where can I park near the coves of Lloret?
With this guide, you have all the steps to organise a day of family kayaking and snorkelling on the Costa Brava, choosing the best coves between Lloret and Tossa. Remember to get up early, bring sunscreen and respect the kids' pace. The sea, the coves and the fish will do the rest.
For a nature-and-beach-focused getaway, staying at Apartamento Remo makes logistics easy: you're a 5-minute walk from the centre of Lloret and 200 metres from the main beach, so you can combine a morning of kayaking with lunch in the old town and an afternoon of snorkelling without needing the car. Check availability.
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