Boat trips in the Algarve
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The best boat trips in the Algarve
Climb aboard a catamaran, sailboat, pirate ship or yacht and feel the salty sea breeze blow through your hair as you leave the colourful harbour behind you. Explore the typical Algarve rock formations at Ponta de Piedade from the water’s surface, see inside the famous domed Benagil cave and find hidden beaches and coves along the beautiful coastline of southern Portugal.
Ever wanted to see wild dolphins? Search the crystal clear blue waters for the many species of dolphins that pass the southern Portuguese coast every day. The chance of encountering them in the waters of the Algarve is huge!
View and book the best boat trips and excursions in the Algarve below . Departures from Albufeira, Portimão, Faro, Lagos and other major places.
💡 My tips for choosing a boat trip in the Algarve (click to open)
David:
“The range of different types of boat trips in the Algarve is enormous. Not without reason, because with more than 150 km of coastline there are more than enough highlights that are worth a visit and a photo. Get the most out of your boat trip by deciding in advance what you want to see, how long you want to be on the water and how big the group can be. These are my local tips and recommendations:”
⛵ The most popular sights to see from the water are the Ponta de Piedade, the Benagil cave and the wild dolphin search. There are tours that offer combinations, so if you book this you will get the most out of your day. If you want a short but powerful tour, depart from Lagos or Portimão, as most of the sights are between and around these two places.
⛵ Do you get seasick easily ? Then choose a larger vessel such as a catamaran. These bob less violently on the waves, so you will suffer less (quickly). In the summer, the number of days with waves on the south coast is small, but in the spring and autumn it can be rough.
⛵ Around the Ponta de Piedade in Lagos you will find numerous caves created by erosion . Large boats such as catamarans cannot enter. If you want to see the caves from the inside, choose a small (speed)boat.
⛵ If you want some exercise during your boat trip, choose a boat trip in combination with a
SUP tour . This boat will take you from the harbor to the rock formations, from where you can jump on SUPs to paddle through and around the caves yourself.
⛵ Besides boat trips, there are also many fun adventures to experience on land, such as
visiting a vineyard , quad biking , visiting a deep salt mine or making a skydive!
Jump to:
⛵ Boat trips from Albufeira
Most boat trips organised in Albufeira leave from the Marina in the west. This is located just outside the old town and is easy to reach if you are staying near Praia dos Pescadores. If you have worked up an appetite before or after your boat trip, you can visit one of the many restaurants in the harbour where you can find dishes from all over the world. The most popular boat trips from Albufeira go to the Benagil cave or in search of wild dolphins.
These are the 3 best boat trips in Albufeira that I recommend:
1. Benagil cave + dolphin spotting with
Dream Wave Algarve
2 Hours – Small Speedboat – Small Group
⭐ View availability (click)
Climb aboard for an adventurous boat trip from Albufeira to the Benagil Cave and experience the perfect combination of nature and adventure. Discover the iconic landscapes that the Algarve coastline has to offer, and who knows, you might even spot some wild dolphins along the way!
The adventure begins at the meeting point in the port, where you will be warmly welcomed by the crew. No waiting at the check-in desk for you: you will receive a special welcome package and relax with a cup of coffee or water in the lounge until it is time to board. Soon after, the tour along the breathtaking Algarve coastline begins. Along the way, the expert guide will inform you about all the sights you pass.
Enter the famous Benagil Cave and marvel at this impressive rock formation. Take the best photos of the cave and capture the unique light that enters through the hole in the dome roof. Then, continue to the beautiful beaches of São Rafael and Marinha, two of the most popular beaches in the Algarve, known for their cliffs and fine golden sand.
2. Multiple caves + dolphin spotting with
Dream Wave Algarve
2.5 uur – Grotere Speedboat – Kleine groep
⭐ View availability (click)
Search for playful dolphins and explore eroded sea caves on this unforgettable half-day boat trip along Portugal’s southern coast from Albufeira. There will of course be time for a swimming break during the tour, so don’t forget to bring your swimsuit and a towel!
Admire the rocky coastline and sail to places where large boats can’t go. An expert marine biologist will be on board to tell you all about the dolphins. Although they are almost always spotted during the tour, it is of course not a 100% guarantee, as they are wild animals.
Enjoy the breathtaking views of the nature around Albufeira and Carvoeiro during the search while you search for these beautiful animals. This boat trip promises to be a unique and unforgettable experience!
3. Benagil Coastline + Swimming with
Algarve Charters
3 uur – catamaran – zwemstop – champagne
⭐ View availability (click)
Have you ever been on board a catamaran? Enjoy the extraordinary beauty of the coastline around Benagil as you glide across the water in this beautiful boat.
Departing from Albufeira Marina, you will first sail west along the coastline of southern Portugal. Learn about the places and sights you pass from the skipper and crew, with great views of the rock formations and caves of the Benagil, Galé and Carvoeiro areas.
During the cruise, the captain will choose a nice spot to stop the boat so that anyone who wants to can take a dip and swim in the ocean under the supervision of the crew.
Take advantage of the ship’s free Wi-Fi to post your favorite photos instantly. On the return journey, before arriving back at the marina, you will be served a glass of champagne while background music plays, toasting the end of a relaxing and unforgettable cruise.
⛵ Boat trips from Faro
The range of boat trips in Faro is more varied, because in addition to sea cruises and the Ria Formosa islands, you can also find river cruises here. Where trips in the west of the Algarve mainly go along the cliffs and rock formations, from Faro you can discover the various islands that lie off the coast and their beautiful beaches. The Marina is the meeting point for most boat trips and is located directly adjacent to the centre of the old town.
These are the 3 best boat trips in Faro that I recommend:
1. Catamaran cruise Ria Formosa Islands with
Estrela da Ria Formosa
4 hours – small CATAMARAN – Small group
⭐ View availability (click)
Formosa Natural Park. Explore the three islands and make 4 stops along the way. Swim and snorkel in the crystal clear waters, explore a traditional fishing village and see how oysters are farmed.
Begin your boat trip through the channels of Ria Formosa, scanning the waterfront for seabirds feeding on the edges of the marshes. Enjoy a first 45-minute stop at Ilha Deserta where you can swim and snorkel in the crystal clear waters.
Then the tour continues to the next stop: Ilha do Farol, where you will also have a 45 minute break and can see the lighthouse and take pictures of the typical Algarve houses around it. Then sail towards the fishing community of Ilha da Culatra for the third stop. Here you will have 2 hours of free time.
Enjoy lunch at one of the island’s traditional restaurants, where you can choose fresh fish or seafood for the main course. Finally, make a final stop at a place where you can take a look at oyster farming in the hangars. Admire the tide changes at the Ria Formosa.
2. Dolphin spotting along the coast with
Ocean Vibes Algarve
2.5 hours – Small Speedboat – Small group
⭐ View availability (click)
Discover different species of cetaceans, birds and other marine life during this relaxing boat trip. The departure point is Faro and from there the trip crosses the Ria Formosa Natural Park towards the Atlantic Ocean.
Enjoy the view of the barrier islands (Deserta and Culatra) or the marshes as you sail along the coast. A team of two marine biologists will help find as many species as possible during the trip on the ocean, and provide facts and information about the fauna and the environment.
3. Ria Formosa boat trip by solar boat with
Lands
1 hour – solar boat – small group – bird watching
⭐ View availability (click)
Enjoy the natural beauty of the Ria Formosa Natural Park on an eco-friendly solar powered boat tour. Experience one of the most relaxing ways to navigate the Ria Formosa Lagoon and discover this protected area in the Algarve.
On this 1-hour adventure through the Ria Formosa, visit the protected marshes of the Algarve and spot some of the area’s native flora and fauna.
If you like peace and quiet, this is the perfect boat trip to discover the nature of southern Portugal.
⛵ Boat trips from Lagos
Lagos is perhaps the most popular starting point for boat trips in the Algarve. Thanks to its central location, trips to the cliffs and rocks around the Ponta de Piedade, the Benagil cave and dolphin spotting excursions depart from here. The
marina (harbour) of Lagos is easily accessible from the centre via the pedestrian bridge. There is also a large car park around the harbour if you come with a rental car.
Below you will find the 3 best boat trips in Lagos that I recommend:
1. Benagil Cave & Coastline Boat Tour with
Days of Adventure
2 hours – small speedboat- Small group
⭐ View availability (click)
Climb aboard this sturdy speedboat in the marina of Lagos and enjoy all the natural beauty that can be found off the coast of Lagos during this two-hour boat trip.
Thanks to the comfortable seats, you can sit back and relax during this relaxing experience on the water. Listen to the commentary of the experienced skipper on board as he tells you all about the history of the region and how the typical rock formations that the Algarve is rich in were formed.
Although it is not part of this boat trip, there is a chance that you will see wild dolphins playing in the water, so keep your eyes open.
2. Dolphin watching with
Sealife Dolphin Watching Algarve
2.5 hours – Small Speedboat – Small group
⭐View availability (click)
Departing from the Marina in Lagos, this boat trip takes you on an exciting 1.5 hour ride on the Atlantic Ocean in search of wild dolphins. The high success rate and friendly & professional crew make this a must-do tour in Lagos if you want to see wild dolphins.
The marine biologist on board helps to identify the dolphins and interpret their behavior. In addition to telling you everything about these beautiful animals, this professional will also collect data for research and statistics for the conservation of this species.
Every trip is a unique experience that provides great memories and education, while also generating scientific data.
3. Ponta da Piedade boat trip excursion with
Boatrips.Lda
1.25 hours – small group – cave boat tour
⭐ View availability (click)
Discover the Ponta da Piedade in Lagos on this unforgettable boat trip off the coast of Lagos. These special boats are designed to go through the smallest caves, allowing you to go places that larger boats can’t!
The skipper will tell you about the area and point out rock formations with special shapes. Along the way you will pass some beautiful small beaches such as Praia Dona Ana & Praia do Camilo, as well as the typical sandstone cliffs that the Algarve is known for.
This boat trip near Lagos lasts an hour and 15 minutes and departs from Lagos harbour.
⛵Boat trips from Portimão
Portimão is an excellent starting point for boat trips along the southern coast of Portugal. It is a bit longer to Ponta de Piedade, but the Benagil cave is just around the corner. Dolphin spotting tours are also organised from here and you can choose from many types of ships, from sailing boats to catamarans and speedboats.
Most boat trips in Portimão leave from the marina, which is easily accessible if you are staying in the centre or at Praia da Rocha.
These are the 4 best boat trips in Portimão that I recommend:
1. Benagil Cave & Coastline Boat Tour with
Atlantis Tours
2 hours – small speedboat- Small group
⭐ View availability (click)
Meet your skipper at the pier in Portimão and board this luxury speedboat to begin your adventurous cruise. As you leave the harbour behind, your guide will tell you stories about the Arade River and its role in the history of the Algarve.
From the water, see the Santa Catarina Fortress, Ferragudo Castle and the picturesque fishing village along the coast. Pass eroded caves and towering cliffs as you sail across the beautiful blue waters towards the famous Benagil Cave.
Keep an eye on the horizon, as wild dolphins are often spotted in the water here. The great thing about this boat tour is that if they are spotted within 5 kilometres, the boat will head towards them, giving you a closer look at these playful mammals!
2. Dolphin spotting & visiting Benagil cave
3 hours – dolphin watching – visit benagil cave
⭐ View availability (click)
Discover the Algarve coast on a combination sunset cruise, cave visit and wild dolphin search. Learn about the area’s geology and wildlife from a marine biologist as you sail past the Castelo de Sao João do Arade and admire the colours of the sunset.
The tour starts in the marina of Portimão and first sails past the Castelo de Sao João do Arade and the Forte de Santa Catarina in Rio Arade. Once on the open ocean, the search for wild dolphins begins. The chance that you will see them is very big, but since they are wild animals this is of course no guarantee.
The second part of the trip is a cruise along the coastline and secluded beaches surrounded by golden cliffs. Of course you will also pass the famous Benagil cave and there will be time to explore the fascinating rock formations inside.
3. Pirate Ship Cruise along the Algarve Coastline with
Santa Bernarda
3 hours – pirate ship – bar service – excluding keelhauling
⭐ View availability (click)
Feel like a true pirate sailing the Atlantic Ocean on this unique cruise from Portimão on a vintage wooden ship! This boat tour sails from the port of Portimão along famous sights such as the Alfanzina lighthouse and of course the Benagil cave.
Walk off the board and swim in crystal clear waters on this three-hour boat trip. From the harbour, you’ll head out into the open water and navigate along the Portimão coast via the Arade River, the village of Ferragudo and two medieval castles.
The tour then heads east, passing Carvoeiro, where the famous rock formation of Algar Seco is located. Arriving at the Alfanzina lighthouse, you will transfer to a small boat to visit the inside of the local caves, including the famous Benagil cave.
4. River cruise by electric solar boat on the Arade river to Silves
4.5 hours – electric boat – Small group
⭐ View availability (click)
When you think of boat trips in the Algarve, the first thing that probably comes to mind is a boat trip across the ocean along the towering colorful cliffs such as the Ponta da Piedade. However, if you are looking for a relaxing boat trip without waves, where you sail silently over the water, then this is a hot tip: An eco-friendly boat trip on an electric solar boat along the Arade River from Portimão to Silves .
Since there are only a few boats sailing on the Arade River because the water is very shallow, this trip is in my opinion a ‘best kept secret’ in the Algarve.
⛵ The best boat trips from other places in the Algarve
Of course, there are also boat trips from smaller places in the Algarve. These are the boat trips I recommend in places not mentioned before:
Recommended boat trips from Alvor:
Recommended boat trips from Armação de Pêra:
Recommended boat trips from Carvoeiro:
Recommended boat trips from Olhão:
Recommended boat trips from Vilamoura:
⛵ More boat trips in the Algarve
Still not found what you are looking for? Or do you want to see more boat trips? Find below an overview of more boat trips in the Algarve, including other departure points than the ones above.
Frequently asked questions about boat trips in the Algarve
Which boat trip should I choose in the Algarve?
If you have to choose from the many boat trips offered in the Algarve, I recommend booking a boat trip that visits multiple highlights in one trip. The most popular sights in the Algarve are the Ponta de Piedade, Benagil cave and the wild dolphins that swim along the coast.
From Albufeira you can go via this boat trip visit the Benagil cave and at the same time search the sea for wild dolphins.
Departs from Lagos this boat trip to the Benagil cave. If dolphins are spotted along the way, the boat will sail there to see them up close!
What to bring on a boat trip in the Algarve?
On all boat trips, especially in the summer, it is advisable to bring sunscreen, a cap and a bottle of water. In addition, of course, your camera and if you have them: binoculars! If there are dolphins nearby, you can watch them up close with binoculars.
How rough is the sea in the Algarve?
If you come in the summer, you will not be bothered by waves and swell. Most days the sea is wonderfully clear blue and flat. This way you do not have to worry about potentially getting seasick. If there is a strong wind one day that does cause waves, choose a boat trip on a catamaran. This is more stable in the water, so you will not be bothered by the swell as much!
What is the best boat trip to visit the Benagil cave in the Algarve?
There are many boat tour operators to the Benagil cave. However, if you want to avoid the crowds, choose a boat tour that visits the cave at sunset. There will be fewer other boats, SUPs and kayaks, which will allow you to take better photos!
View here which boat trips visit the Benagil cave at sunset.
What is the best boat trip to visit Ponta de Piedade in the Algarve?
The best way to visit Ponta de Piedade is to board one of the many boat trips that leave from Lagos harbour. From there it is just a fifteen minute boat ride to reach the beautiful cliffs.
This boat trip is the best reviewed tour, because the small size of the boat allows you to enter the caves!
What is the best dolphin watching boat trip in the Algarve?
In the Algarve there is a great chance of spotting wild dolphins. View this page for more information about boat trips in search of these beautiful animals.
Affordable car rental in the Algarve
The best way to discover all the beauty in the Algarve is with a rental car. By renting a car for a few days you can much more easily reach the sights and activities that are not always accessible by public transport.
By renting a car from Luzcar, you are helping a local family business run by Portuguese entrepreneurs. This way you support the local economy and you also get top service, which is often a stark contrast to the large corporations. Luzcar is based in Lagos, but they also offer cars at the airport in Faro. This way you can pick up the car immediately upon arrival and return it at the airport upon departure.
Luzcar’s reputation speaks for itself. Almost 5 out of 5 on Google Maps.
More of our local tips for your Portugal adventure
⭐ Check out our favourite sights in the Algarve on this page
⛵ Check out this overview of all activities you can do in the Algarve
🚗 This is the best car rental company in the Algarve
📌 Discover the top towns and cities to visit in the Algarve here
🏖 These are our favourite beaches in the Algarve
🛎 Get inspired with our local tips for accommodations in the Algarve
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