Best Boat Tours in Portimao

The Algarve Coast is a region with a variety of caves, bays and coves that you can explore aboard a comfortable boat. The best tours in Portimao often offer boat trips, cruises, kayaking, sailing and motorboats. I recommend booking in advance, as these are popular activities that sell out quickly.

You can choose the tour that best suits your tastes and itinerary. For example, there are sea excursions to the Benagil Caves, rated as one of the best things to do in Portimao. You can also explore other paradisiacal destinations like a real pirate. If you want to travel back in time, I suggest you book a sailing boat tour.

The Benagil Caves in Portimao are a paradisiacal destination not to be missed on your itinerary. The safest way to get there is on board a boat, which usually offer all the comforts and depart daily from the port. If you are visiting the city for the first time, I recommend you book a cruise in advance, as they tend to sell out in high season.

During these types of sea tours, it is possible to spot dolphins which cruise along the Portuguese coastline. Summer is the season when most species are sighted and the weather is more pleasant. The caves are located in Praia da Benagil, near a fishing village. Note that the best tours in Portimao include kayak tours, cruises and eco-boats to this beach and its altar.

These types of cruises are usually guided by a professional marine biologist, so you can learn about the history of the cave, explore interesting facts about the dolphins' behaviour. In addition, these tours usually go along the coast of the Algarve. Most interesting are the rock formations of the caves, whose holes at the top allow the sun to shine through.

Interesting details

• Price: from 34 euros per person.
• Duration: approximately two and a half hours.
• Means of transport: usually includes transfer by boat or catamaran to the Benagil caves and back to Portimao.
• Advantages of this option: it is usually a guided experience available in English.
• Disadvantages of this option: Not suitable for people with health problems or pregnant women.

If you liked the Benagil Caves in Portimao, you can continue exploring as there are other interesting options. Pirate ships are spacious vessels characterised by their antiquity and picturesque elements, as they are set on the basis of what real pirates used to wear. These cruises explore fishing villages, cliffs and coves with crystal clear waters.

It's an ideal experience to pass by Portimao' s best beaches and take a refreshing dip. As well as stopping in Benagil to enjoy its beaches, villages and caves, you may also visit the tourist attractions of Alfanzina. Here you will find the Alfanzina Lighthouse, an architectural heritage site in the Carvoeiro region of Lagos, located twenty minutes from the town.

You will also experience the Alfanzina cave, which has no holes in the top, but is hidden under the lighthouse. It's huge, so you'll have a nice time exploring inside. It's a great option if you're looking for relaxing plans, as it's just as beautiful as Benagil cave, but less crowded.

Details of interest

• Price: from 37 euros per person.
• Duration: around three hours.
• Means of transport: a meeting point is usually arranged near the coast. In addition, it usually includes a transfer in a pirate ship to and from the boat.
• Advantages of this option: child seats are usually included.
• Disadvantages of this option: it is not possible in bad weather conditions.

The Algarve has exciting secrets, such as the Benagil Caves in Portimao. Without a doubt, they are a hidden paradise away from the crowds. Upon arrival you will find a lively atmosphere, with the sun's rays streaming through the opening of the Altar of Benagil. Many people take advantage of the warm temperatures to go kayaking, especially in the summer when the tides are milder.

These types of water sports reduce stress and take you out of your routine, so they are ideal for your holiday. As well as exploring the interior of the cave, you can dive into the most beautiful coves along the Algarve coast. Another advantage is that it is very close to the best beaches of Portimao, which offer activities for children, surfing or volleyball tournaments and themed parties by the sea.

Interesting details

• Price: from 41 euros per person.
• Duration: approximately two and a half hours.
• Means of transport: usually includes transfer to and from the Benagil caves, as well as the kayaking experience.
• Advantages of this option: usually includes all the equipment to use the kayak and professional guides.
• Disadvantages of this option: good weather conditions are necessary for this trip.

The Costa Dorada is a destination bordered by Portimao's best beaches, where you'll find luxury hotels, bars, restaurants and a lively atmosphere. If you want to enjoy a quick visit I suggest you sign up for a guided boat tour. This is the most comfortable way to tour most of the bays, and the best thing is that they are usually customised experiences designed for small groups.

Some of these tours usually pass through the Benagil caves in Portimao, but you should check with your tour operator beforehand. Additionally, it is a great way to learn about the history of the caves and rock formations that surround this Portuguese coastline. You may make stops at:

• Lagoa: it is a municipality with very interesting cultural proposals, where Praia da Marina is hidden. You will also find a variety of wine-growing areas that offer incomparable experiences. This stop is fifteen minutes from Portimao.
• Faro District: it is a Portuguese province ideal for watching the sunset, enjoying the beach bars in the area, traditional restaurants, boat rides and kayaking, among others. In the surrounding area you will find medieval castles, countryside, beaches and ancient churches. Please note that it is only fifty minutes from Portimao.

Interesting details

• Price: from 37 euros per person.
• Duration: approximately two hours.
• Means of transport: a meeting point is usually arranged, and boat transfers may also be included.
• Advantages of this option: it usually includes a guide and protective equipment for adults and children.
• Disadvantages of this option: not recommended for pregnant women.

If you would like to live an ecological experience, you can take advantage of your visit to Portimao to travel on a boat propelled by the sun. These types of tours usually go along the Arade River, which runs through the south of Portugal. You may pass by the Arade Estuary, an aquatic area where you may see herons, swallows, seagulls and more. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Portimao if you want to relax and enjoy nature.

You may also stop in Silves, the Islamic capital of the Algarve region. To make the most of this destination, I recommend stopping by the Silves Castle which was built in the Middle Ages. Here you will find interesting stories and ancient artefacts, as well as gardens and restaurants with Arabic touches. Admission is around 3 euros.

Interesting details

• Price: from 42 euros per person.
• Duration: around five hours.
• Means of transport: does not usually include land transfers, but usually includes a sea trip on an ecological boat.
• Advantages of this option: it is usually an experience for small groups due to the capacity of the boat, so it is completely personalised.
• Disadvantages of this option: it sells out quickly, as it is highly sought after. Also, it can only be done on certain days of the month due to the tides.

Portimao's sunsets are truly breathtaking, especially in summer. A boat trip is a very fun activity, which will allow you to escape from the traditional. Usually, this type of sea tours include tastings of traditional wine produced in the region. There is no better plan than sitting with a glass of wine in front of the last rays of the sun.

Luxury catamarans often set sail at sunrise, ideal for a relaxing experience. In fact, this is an excellent plan for a romantic getaway in the south of Portugal. If you prefer, you can take a dive to enjoy the waters of the Mediterranean.

I suggest taking advantage of the best excursions from Portimao, which often take you to hidden coves where you can enjoy the sunset. Some of the places to visit are:

• Portimao Marina: is an ideal area for walking and exploring the shops, beach bars and bars near the coast.
• Alvor: a fishing village located ten minutes from Portimao, it offers the best accommodation close to the beaches and is a quiet area ideal for a holiday.
• João de Arens beach: one of the best beaches in Portimao, it offers hidden coves among the rock formations typical of the Algarve coast. It is located approximately twelve minutes from Portimao. Please note that a few metres away there is a nudist beach not suitable for children.

Interesting details

• Price: from 37 euros per person.
• Duration: approximately two hours.
• Means of transport: does not usually include transfer to and from the hotel, but generally covers the cost of the boat trip.
• Advantages of this option: usually includes a professional guide.
• Disadvantages of this option: Tips are generally not included. In Portugal it is compulsory to leave around 10%.

The best tours in Portimao take you to discover interesting stories related to the past of the Portuguese coast. A great option for a different kind of holiday is to get on an authentic sailing boat. In the south of Portugal there are usually preserved boats from the 1940s. These boats do not have an engine, as they are powered by the wind.

These experiences are exclusive, as they have capacity for only a few people. Therefore, you will enjoy a personalised tour, while exploring Portimao's best beaches and some unspoilt coves. The best thing is that they usually make stops in the middle of nowhere, where the wind will take you adrift. Don't worry, experts will be on board to ensure your safety.

Interesting details

• Price: from 37 euros per person.
• Duration: around three hours.
• Means of transport: pick-up is not usually included, but you can enjoy a sailboat ride.
• Advantages of this option: complimentary drinks are usually offered.
• Disadvantages of this option: This is a highly sought-after experience, so it can sell out if not booked in advance.

To explore Portimao, there is nothing better than venturing out on a boat trip. This kind of tour needs good weather and controlled tides. Here are some tips to help you before setting sail.

Book in advance

Although you can sign up for a boat tour at the last minute, there are dates when the best Portimao tours are completely sold out. To ensure this experience, you can choose the tour that best suits your tastes, needs and itinerary, and book your place - don't worry, most offer cancellation policies that allow you to cancel between twenty-four and forty-eight days before the tour starts.

Be on time

To avoid any inconvenience, I recommend arriving before the scheduled time. In general, guides on these types of tours usually wait a maximum of ten minutes. However, if you are delayed due to traffic or miscalculation of time, you may miss the tour without refund. If you are planning to go to the Benagil Caves in Portimao, you may want to arrive early to get some fresh air before setting sail.

Avoid taking babies on board

Some boat experiences are not recommended for children. The sun can make them dehydrated and it is often very windy. In any case, the best option is to opt for a cruise and stay on deck. You can also sign up for private experiences aboard a catamaran at dawn, when the tide is calm.

Beware of nausea

Some people tend to get seasick or nauseous during boat trips. However, there are a few tips that can help you avoid such uncomfortable discomfort. The idea is that you enjoy the best things to do in Portimao and that your trip is not affected by unforeseen events.

For example, make sure you get a good night's sleep the day before your excursion. Also, avoid fatty, heavy or excessively acidic foods. You can also ask your doctor to prescribe special medication to prevent discomfort at sea. As an additional recommendation, you can drink soft drinks on board to relieve stomach upset.

If you are travelling in the low season, you may be able to visit the harbour and buy tickets for a tour of southern Portugal on the same day. However, in high season it is very important to make sure you book online. The procedure is usually quick and easy and offers special benefits for the same price. To make the purchase online, remember to choose a reliable and authorised agency.

How to book a boat trip in Portimao in 5 steps

• Step 1: choose the boat tour that best suits your needs.
• Step 2: select the booking option and choose the date as well as the number of travellers.
• Step 3: determine the time you want to start the tour, usually the best Portimao boat tours depart between two and three times a day.
• Step 4: add your personal details, select your language and add your contact information. Remember that your booking details will be sent to your email instantly.
• Step 5: make the payment and check the confirmation email.

Portimao offers destinations that blend coastal and rural life, with beaches, caves, citrus and wine growing areas, countryside and more. The best tours of Portimao take you to hidden corners with very interesting stories. I'll tell you which are the most important fishing villages!

• Ferragudo: is a neighbouring village, known for its fishing village. Some of the best excursions from Portimao make quick stops here.
• Benagil: in this fishing village you will find heavenly beaches and coves, as well as the Benagil caves in Portimao, known for their strangely shaped holes.
• Carvoeiro: a small town that hides the best locations in Lagos, where ancient structures are preserved.
• Sagres: a small fishing village ideal for surfing, kitesurfing and diving with professional supervision.