Kayak excursion to Cova dels Coloms from Platja Mascarat

The main attraction here is the chance to paddle into Cova dels Coloms, then leave the kayak behind for a short, adventurous cave visit and a swim in the sea. This is not a passive boat ride. You should expect to get wet, move around on slippery rock, and use your arms to get back into the kayak afterward.

I like the compact two-and-a-half-hour format, which fits neatly into a day in Benidorm, and I like the small maximum group of 16 people. The tour also includes snorkeling equipment, and the route combines several activities without demanding a full day.

The catch is physical. You need to feel comfortable in open water and capable of climbing back into a kayak after swimming. Flip-flops are a poor choice, and the excursion depends on good weather.

Key points to know before you book

• Cova dels Coloms is the star: Paddle out from Platja Mascarat, enter a sizable sea cave, and make the return trip by kayak.
• The water is part of the action: Expect a swim, a jump into the sea, and snorkeling near the starting point.
• Bring proper footwear: Sports shoes that can get wet and grip slippery rock are better than flip-flops or basic swim shoes.
• The group is capped at 16: You get a more manageable outing than a large boat excursion, though it is still a shared activity.
• The price is $62.31 per person: That is reasonable if you want a guided, multi-part sea activity and need snorkeling gear supplied.
• Plan your own way there: Private transportation is not included, and the meeting point is at Campomanes in Pueblo Mascarat.

What this Mascarat kayak trip is really like

This excursion begins at Playa del Mascarat, a practical launch point near Benidorm. You meet the guides at Campomanes, C. Currica, 25, in 03590 Pueblo Mascarat, Alicante. The activity ends at the same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup location.

The first 15 minutes are given to orientation. The guides explain the plan, cover basic safety, and hand out the equipment. That opening matters more than it may sound. You are not simply climbing into a kayak and following a boat. You will be working around the water, rock, and cave entrance, so knowing what comes next helps you make sensible choices.

The listed outing lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes. That gives you enough time for several short stages without turning the experience into an all-day commitment. I would allow extra time around the activity for arriving, changing, and getting settled, but the actual tour itself is fairly compact.

The group limit is 16 people. That is small enough to keep the briefing and route reasonably personal, though you should still expect a shared excursion rather than a private guide. The experience is offered in English, and confirmation arrives at booking.

Paddling out from Playa del Mascarat

The kayak section gives you the first close look at the coast from water level. Instead of seeing the cliffs and coves from a promenade or beach, you move along the shoreline under your own effort. That change in viewpoint is one of the best reasons to choose a kayak outing over a standard sightseeing cruise.

The supplied information does not specify the kayak model or whether each participant paddles alone or shares a boat, so you should ask the operator if that detail matters to you. What is clear is that paddling forms the main route to Cova dels Coloms, and the outing is built around active participation.

You should be ready for a little coordination. Kayaking is not technically difficult for most people, but it does ask you to pay attention to balance and direction. The sea can also make getting in and out less simple than it looks from shore. Most people can participate, yet that broad statement does not mean the tour is effortless.

This is a good choice if you want your time near Benidorm to include movement and scenery. It is less suitable if you want to stay dry, sit back, or avoid physical work. The guides provide the necessary activity equipment, while snorkeling equipment is specifically included.

Inside Cova dels Coloms

The cave is the excursion’s most distinctive stop. From the kayak, you make your way into a large sea cave and take part in a short climb. The experience includes an adventurous ascent inside the cave, so you should expect uneven and wet surfaces rather than a paved passage.

That is where footwear becomes important. Wear sports shoes that can go into the water and give you grip on slippery rock. Swim shoes may be less useful than a sturdy pair of wettable athletic shoes, according to the practical advice supplied for this activity. Flip-flops are especially unsuitable because they can slide off and provide almost no support.

The cave visit adds a bit of challenge that a normal paddle trip does not have. You are not just photographing the entrance from the kayak. You get out, move upward, and see the interior from a different angle. At the same time, the cave section may feel awkward if you have poor balance, limited mobility, or dislike scrambling over wet surfaces.

Bring a swimsuit, and consider a shirt that can get wet. A water bottle is also a sensible addition. There is no reason to carry a large bag into the cave, and you should keep personal items to a minimum.

One useful point from the operating instructions is that you should not plan to take your phone along. Photos are taken during the activity, so the safest approach is to leave your phone behind unless the operator gives you a secure way to carry it. The supplied experience information does not promise a large collection of cave or viewpoint images, so do not book this mainly for a guaranteed photographic record.

The swim, jump, and snorkel section

After the cave visit, the outing adds its most playful moment: a jump into the sea. From there, you swim back toward the starting area and use the snorkeling equipment in the water.

This sequence is why I would not describe the tour as a simple kayak rental. You paddle, climb, jump, swim, and snorkel in one short outing. Each part is manageable on its own, but the combination makes the tour feel more like a small coastal adventure than a basic beach activity.

The water entry may be exciting, but it also creates the clearest physical test. You need to be willing to jump into the sea and comfortable enough in the water to return to the kayak. Getting back aboard can require strength, coordination, and a calm approach. If you are unsure about that, ask the guides for instructions before you leave the shore.

Snorkeling equipment is included, which saves you from packing or renting a mask and related gear separately. The available information does not describe the marine life, water clarity, or exact snorkeling time, so keep expectations sensible. The snorkeling is one part of a wider route, not a dedicated half-day reef session.

Still, the stop gives you time to cool off and enjoy the water after the cave climb. It also breaks up the paddling, which is useful if your arms begin to tire. The activity returns to the original meeting point, so you can change and continue with your day in the same general area.

Is $62.31 a fair price?

At $62.31 per person, this sits above the cost of simply hiring basic beach equipment, but the comparison is not quite fair. You are paying for a guided route, a safety briefing, access to a cave-based activity, snorkeling equipment, and a planned combination of kayaking and swimming.

The value is strongest if you would otherwise book several separate activities. A kayak rental alone would not necessarily include a guided cave visit or snorkeling gear. A boat excursion might show you the coast, but it would not give you the same active role.

The value is weaker if you only want a short paddle and have no interest in the cave, swimming, or snorkeling. You would still be paying for the full experience, even if you decide not to take part in one of the more physical sections.

The group limit helps the price feel more reasonable. A maximum of 16 people is not private, but it avoids the scale of a large commercial boat trip. You get a structured outing with enough people for a social feel, without a stated crowd of dozens.

The tour is also time-efficient. At about two and a half hours, it can fit before lunch, after a morning on the beach, or between other plans. That makes it a practical add-on for a Benidorm stay, especially if you do not want to give up an entire day.

What to bring for a safer, better outing

Your packing choices will have a real effect on comfort. I would prepare the following:

• Swimsuit: You will be in and around the sea.
• A shirt that can get wet: Useful for sun protection or comfort during the paddle.
• Sports shoes with grip: Choose footwear that can get wet and stay secure on slippery cave rock.
• Water bottle: The activity involves paddling, swimming, and a climb.
• Very little else: Leave your phone and valuables behind unless the operator provides a safe storage option.

The footwear point deserves repeating. Flip-flops are not just inconvenient here. They can make the cave section less secure and may fall off in the water. Standard snorkeling fins or delicate beach shoes may not give you the grip needed for wet rock.

I would also arrive ready to take part rather than dressed for a formal beach day. The experience begins with equipment and a safety talk, then moves straight into active outdoor time. You will enjoy it more if changing clothes and getting wet are already part of the plan.

Who will enjoy it, and who should think twice

This tour suits you if you want a short, active outing near Benidorm and like the idea of seeing the coast from the water. It is especially appealing if one activity feels too limited and you want a route that mixes kayaking, cave exploration, swimming, and snorkeling.

You do not need to be an expert paddler. The operator states that most people can participate, and the opening briefing is meant to explain what you need to know. Still, basic comfort in the sea is important because the route includes a jump, a swim, and climbing back into the kayak.

You should think twice if you dislike wet clothes, slippery surfaces, or open-water activity. The cave ascent may also be a poor match if you have difficulty climbing or keeping your balance. The supplied details do not give a specific accessibility assessment, so contact the provider before booking if you need accommodations.

Families and mixed-age groups should judge the outing person by person. The broad participation guidance is encouraging, but the tour’s actual demands are more physical than a standard sightseeing activity. A person who can paddle but cannot comfortably swim or re-enter a kayak may not enjoy the full route.

Weather, timing, and cancellation

Good weather is required. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. That is useful protection for a sea activity, where wind and water conditions can affect both comfort and safety.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. Keep the weather rule and the cancellation deadline in mind when building your Benidorm plans.

The experience is commonly booked about five days ahead, so you do not necessarily need to reserve far in advance. Still, summer beach activities can fill up, and the 16-person limit gives you a reason to book earlier if your schedule is fixed.

Should you book the Cova dels Coloms kayak excursion?

Book it if you want active coastal fun in a compact package and are comfortable swimming, climbing on wet rock, and getting back into a kayak. The cave visit gives the route a clear purpose, while the snorkel stop adds time in the water rather than ending the outing as soon as the paddle is over.

Skip it if you want a calm cruise, dislike physical activity, or need a fully accessible route with no climbing. For the right person, $62.31 is a fair price for a guided two-and-a-half-hour outing with snorkeling equipment and several different water activities. Just bring proper shoes, leave the phone behind, and arrive ready to get wet.

FAQ

Where does the kayak excursion start?

It starts at Campomanes, C. Currica, 25, 03590 Pueblo Mascarat, Alicante, Spain, at Playa del Mascarat.

Where does the activity finish?

The excursion ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the experience.

How many people can join the excursion?

The maximum group size is 16 people.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time.