Kayaking at Las Negras and Cala de San Pedro

About Kayaking at Las Negras and Cala de San Pedro

Las Negras is a former fishing village beneath Cerro Negro, the dark volcanic dome that gives it its name, inside Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park. North of the beach the cliffs are black lava; to the south they turn to pale limestone built from fossil reefs, with sea caves and coves that can only be reached from the water.

The wind decides the route. Heading north, you round Cerro Negro, where a small cave can be entered, pass Cala Hernández, a pebble cove reached only by sea, and land at Cala de San Pedro with its ruined fort: about 1 hour each way, low difficulty. Heading south, you paddle past Cala del Cuervo to the Cueva de las Palomas, the largest sea cave on the park's coast and once a smugglers' hideout, and on to El Playazo below the San Ramón castle: about 40 minutes each way.

Buceo Las Negras rents kayaks from its beach hut (no advance bookings; 10:00–14:00 and 17:00–20:00): €25 for a single for 2 hours, €35 for a double, €5 per extra hour, with life jackets and a dry barrel (2026). Cabo de Gata Activo runs 3-hour guided trips with snorkelling stops from €45 per adult, minimum age 12. Boats only go out when the sea is safe; you should be able to swim.

June to September brings the warmest water; May and October are quieter, and mornings calmer. Bring water shoes, a hat, sun cream and 1.5 litres of water. Ask at the hut which way the day's wind favours before setting off.

Kayaking at Las Negras and Cala de San Pedro in pictures

What you’ll find

• Equipment hireGear rental (€25–€35)Buy
• Family friendlyEasy for childrenFree
• Guided activityGuide or instructor (€45)Book
• KayakingKayak or canoe (€25–€45, 10:00–20:00)Book
• Swimming spotRiver or sea swimFree
• ViewpointScenic viewpointFree

Nearby places to visit

The same cliffs can be explored on foot on the Las Negras to Cala de San Pedro Walk (1 km), which ends on the beach you can paddle to. To the south, Playazo de Rodalquilar (2 km) is reachable by kayak on calm days. Inland, Venta del Pobre (14 km) is a traditional roadside restaurant serving Almería stews on the way to the A-7. Further down the coast, Playa de la Calilla (17 km) and Playa de los Genoveses (18 km) near San José are two of the park's finest beaches for a swim after paddling.