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 usually offer boat trips, cruises, kayaks, sailboats and speedboats. I recommend you book 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, listed 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 that cannot be missing in your itinerary. The safest way to get there is aboard a boat, which usually offer all the comforts and depart daily from the port. If it is the first time you visit the city, I recommend you book a cruise in advance, as they are usually sold out in high season.

During this type of sea tours, it is possible to see dolphins which stroll along the Portuguese coasts. Summer is the time when more 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 Portimao tours include kayak routes, cruises and ecological 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 curiosities about dolphin behavior. 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 seep in.

Details of interest

• 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. The pirate ships are spacious vessels characterized by their antiquity and picturesque elements, as they are set based on what the real pirates used. This type of cruises explore fishing villages, cliffs and coves with crystal clear waters.

It is an ideal experience to pass by the best beaches of Portimao and take a refreshing dip. Besides 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 of 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 they are just as nice as Benagil cave, but less crowded.

Details of interest

• Price: from 37 euros per person.
• Duration: about three hours.
• Means of transport: generally, a meeting point is usually arranged near the coast. In addition, it usually includes the transfer in a pirate ship and back.
• Advantages of this option: it usually includes child seats.
• Disadvantages of this option: it cannot be done in bad weather conditions.

Algarve has exciting secrets, such as the Benagil caves of Portimao. Without a doubt, they are a hidden paradise away from the crowds. Upon arrival you will find a lively atmosphere, under the rays of sunlight that sneak through the hole of the Altar of Benagil. Many people take advantage of the good temperatures to go kayaking, especially in summer as the tides are milder.

These types of water sports reduce stress and take you out of your routine, so they are ideal for your vacation. In addition to exploring the interior of the cave, you can dive in the most beautiful coves of 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 the transfer to and from the Benagil caves, as well as the kayaking experience.
• Advantages of this option: usually includes all the material to use the kayak and professional guidance.
• Disadvantages of this option: it is necessary to have good weather conditions for this tour.

The Costa Dorada is a destination bordered by the best beaches of Portimao, where you will 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 tour on a boat. It is the most comfortable way to tour most of the bays, the best thing is that they are usually personalized experiences designed for small groups.

Some of these tours usually go 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 coast. 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 areas that offer unparalleled experiences. This stop is located fifteen minutes from Portimao.
• Faro District: 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 surroundings you will find medieval castles, countryside, beaches and ancient churches. Note that it is located fifty minutes from Portimao.

Interesting details

• Price: from 37 euros per person.
• Duration: approximately two hours.
• Means of transportation: a meeting point is usually established, plus the boat transfer may be included.
• Advantages of this option: it usually includes guiding 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 different species such as herons, swallows, seagulls and more are usually sighted. Undoubtedly, it is 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 you to stop by the Silves Castle which was built in the Middle Ages. Here you will find interesting stories and ancient artifacts, as well as gardens and restaurants with Arabic touches. The entrance fee is around 3 euros.

Interesting details

• Price: from 42 euros per person.
• Duration: about five hours.
• Means of transportation: it does not usually include land transfers, however it usually includes the sea trip in 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 personalized.
• Disadvantages of this option: it sells out quickly, as it is very expensive. In addition, 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 ride 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. Undoubtedly, there is no better plan than sitting with a glass in front of the last rays of the sun.

Luxury catamarans also usually sail at dawn, ideal for a quiet experience. In fact, it 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 you take advantage of the best excursions from Portimao, which usually take you to hidden coves where you can appreciate the sunset. Some of the places you can visit are:

• Portimao Marina: it is an ideal area to walk and explore the stores, beach bars and bars near the coast.
• Alvor: is a fishing village located ten minutes from Portimao, it offers the best accommodations near the beaches and is a quiet area ideal to spend your vacations.
• 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. Note that a few meters away there is a nudist beach not suitable for children.

Details of interest

• Price: from 37 euros per person.
• Duration: approximately two hours.
• Transportation: does not usually include transfer to and from the hotel, but usually covers the cost of the boat ride.
• Advantages of this option: usually includes a professional guide.
• Disadvantages of this option: it usually does not include tips. In Portugal it is mandatory to leave about 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 vacation is to get on an authentic sailing boat. Usually in the south of Portugal there are preserved boats from the forties. 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 personalized ride, while exploring the best beaches of Portimao and some unspoiled 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: about three hours.
• Means of transport: it does not usually include pick-up, but you can enjoy a sailboat ride.
• Advantages of this option: complimentary drinks are usually offered.
• Disadvantages of this option: it is a highly priced experience, so it may sell out if not booked in advance.

To explore Portimao, there is nothing better than venturing out on a sea tour. This kind of tours need a good weather, as well as controlled tides. Here are some tips that can 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 reserve your spot. Don't worry, most offer cancellation policies that allow you to cancel between twenty-four and forty-eight days before the tour begins.

Be on time

To avoid inconveniences, I recommend arriving before the scheduled time. In general, the guides for this type of tour usually wait a maximum of ten minutes. However, if you are delayed due to traffic or miscalculation of the time, you may lose the tour without the option of a refund. If you are planning to go to the Benagil Caves in Portimao, you can arrive in advance in order to be acclimatized 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 usually 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 rides. However, there are some 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 the excursion. Also, avoid fatty, heavy or excessively acidic foods. You can also ask your doctor to prescribe special medications to prevent discomfort at sea. As an additional recommendation, on board you can drink soft drinks to alleviate stomach upset.

If you are traveling in low season, you may be able to approach the port and buy tickets to tour the south of 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 authorized 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 passengers.
• 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 data, select the language and add your contact information. Remember that the reservation data 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 neighboring 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 paradisiacal beaches and coves, as well as the Benagil caves in Portimao, known for their oddly shaped holes.
• Carvoeiro: is 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.