Safety

Safety information and guidelines for kayaking with Litoral Secreto on the Rio Gilão.

Arrival and preparation

Please arrive at the launch site 10 minutes before your booking time. This gives us time to fit your safety gear, review the kayak/SUP equipment, and explain the tide, wind, and river conditions of the day.

Bring your own shoes. Old tennis shoes or water shoes are recommended, as access to the river is through the natural bank, which can become muddy depending on the tide.

A 5L waterproof bag is provided for your phone, keys, wallet, and other personal effects.

Bring sun protection and mosquito repellent, especially during warmer months and later departures.

We recommend arriving in swimwear and a T-shirt. The life jacket must be worn over a T-shirt, not directly against bare skin.

Access to the river is through the natural bank and changes with the tide. The lower the tide, the more muddy and challenging the access can be.

Please read the safety dos and don'ts in advance, especially the restrictions that apply when navigating the downstream route.

Protected launch, no pier

Our launch area is protected. There is no pier by design: we embark from the natural bank with minimal infrastructure to safeguard habitat and water quality. The lower the tide, the more challenging and muddy access is. We are here to help you safely board the kayaks and launch you into your journey. Similarly, we will be here to welcome you back and help you climb safely back on shore.

On the water

Always keep your safety jacket on.
Stay on the correct side (right-side navigation, same as right-side car driving, with exceptions and strict rules for the downstream route).
Paddle at a moderate pace, leave clear space around other paddlers, craft, and wildlife, and anticipate what is ahead. Avoid abrupt turns in confined water and yield rather than forcing through.
Do not climb onto bridges, moorings, or private structures from the water.
Respect wildlife and fragile margins: carry a small rubbish bag, do not litter, and treat shallows, reeds, and shore as habitat. What looks like empty space is often part of the river’s ecology.

On the water

Always keep your safety jacket on.
Stay on the correct side (right-side navigation, same as right-side car driving, with exceptions and strict rules for the downstream route).
Paddle at a moderate pace, leave clear space around other paddlers, craft, and wildlife, and anticipate what is ahead. Avoid abrupt turns in confined water and yield rather than forcing through.
Do not climb onto bridges, moorings, or private structures from the water.
Respect wildlife and fragile margins: carry a small rubbish bag, do not litter, and treat shallows, reeds, and shore as habitat. What looks like empty space is often part of the river’s ecology.

If someone falls in

If someone falls into the water, remain calm and stay with the kayak/SUP. Bring the kayak/SUP toward the nearest safe shoreline and reenter it. If assistance is needed, call the emergency number indicated on the kayak/SUP and wait for staff guidance.

Downstream bridges and tide access

Passage beneath the Ponte Romana and the Ponte das Forças Armadas, and therefore access to the Ria Formosa, depends on tide height and timing. At lower tides, shallow rocks obstruct the passage and access is not possible. The access window is very narrow and varies daily, and for each tide cycle, we calculate access time and provide a strict window during which downstream access is possible. Our time window takes into account the time you need to return to the launch deck, which can be physically demanding when currents are strong.

Strict downstream rulesBetween Ponte Romana and Ponte dos Descobrimentos

Keep on the left side of the river when going down and on the right side when coming up. This is a ferry and motor boat navigation area requiring a high level of alertness and diligence. Immediately after the last bridge, cross right when going down. When coming up, keep right all the way.
Stay in line and not side by side. You must move in single file with clear spacing between kayaks.
Do not stop. You must move through that stretch steadily.
Keep voices low.

Staff presence and local knowledge

Our team is present throughout to keep things calm, clear, and well paced. From equipment and briefings to tide checks and bridge timing downstream, each step is guided by experience on this river. Following that guidance helps keep the flow smooth and the experience composed for everyone.

Equipment return responsibility

If you are unable to return the kayak or SUP for any reason, a €100 recovery fee applies. This covers staff time, retrieval, and the operational disruption caused by equipment being left away from the launch area. If you are unable to return to the launch area, call the emergency number indicated on the kayak/SUP and follow staff guidance.

Ready when you are

When these guidelines feel clear, you can move on to booking with confidence. If you are unsure about conditions or fitness for the route, speak to us before you confirm.

Book your Kayak/SUP