Portugal · BOAT TOURS IN ALGARVE
The 15 boat tours in Algarve below are the ones worth the money, each with its price, its length and the one thing to know before you commit. Start at the top.
Review of Portimão’s Benagil Caves speed boat tour, with practical tips on timing, sea conditions, sunset trips, guides, value, and safety.
“The staff was good. Some more instructions like a bit cooler in the sea would be more appropriate. We got lucky since we had light jackets”
Review of Albufeira’s Benagil Caves and dolphin speedboat tour, including stops, guides, swimming, value, sea conditions, and practical tips.
“I had a great morning on the sea caves and dolphins excursion, and I was lucky enough to see dolphins almost straight away! We had Ruben as our captain and Ana was our guide; and what an exceptional team they made. Ruben made sure to take us where the dolphins had been spotted and then kept a good distance as to not scare them. Ana was simply amazing, she spoke in both English and French and was incredibly knowledgable. I’d recommend this trip to everyone, even without the dolphins the views are stunning!”
Cruise from Albufeira to Benagil by catamaran, see Algarve caves and beaches, enjoy a swim stop, and get practical booking tips.
“The crew was amazing-trilingual, knowledgeable and engaging. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t come through for us and the waters were very rough and nauseating. We weren’t able to go for a swim because it wouldn’t have been safe. I would still recommend this company and activity.”
Cruise from Lagos to Ponta da Piedade for caves, arches, beaches, and turquoise water, with a local guide and small group for $21.
“What a fun and beautiful boat tour of the gorgeous Algarve coast! This small-boat tour, which lasts only an hour, is absolutely worth the small fee. Our guides, Bruno and Fia, were terrific: very easygoing, knowledgeable, and funny. Bruno, is particular, is like a stand-up comic (who is an excellent driver of the boat!). He had all 10 of us laughing continuously as we motored among the spectacular grottoes, stunning cliffs, and beautiful beaches. One of the best times we had during our week in Lagos.”
Review of Albufeira’s dolphin and Benagil Cave cruise, with practical tips on boats, sea conditions, value, safety, and what to expect.
“This experience was amazing. We got to see a mother duck and her little ducklings, and seeing the cabes was just WOW. Learned alot about the caves and when we was just about to give up on dolphin spotting, we saw them. A big group of them. I love how careful the tour guides/captain were when approaching the dolphins. Every one else was just pushing in but the guide said something that stayed with me ‘ they are living, we are working’ and this sentence really shows how much they care to protect the dolphins but still care to give us this opportunity as safe for us and for them.…”
Cruise from Portimão to Benagil Cave and Praia da Marinha on a small boat, with cave views, a swim stop, guides, and dolphin searches.
“Daniel & Mauro were excellent guides. The caves were gorgeous and I liked the duration of the trip. It was perfect for us”
Sail Portimão’s pirate ship to Benagil Cave, explore by wooden dinghy, spot dolphins, and enjoy Algarve cliffs from $41.
“The most authentic, thorough, well-planned tour, no rush, safe, reasonably priced, friendly crew, simply PERFECT! Highly recommended, family of 5 with children 👍”
Review of Lagos’ 75-minute Ponta da Piedade boat cruise, with cave access, local guides, practical tips, pricing, and honest advice.
“great price point, great sights, lengthy viewing experience and super friendly staff. 10/10 recommend you do this if you are in lagos”
Review of Faro’s Ria Formosa boat tour, with island stops, birdlife, swimming, sunset views, practical tips, and honest value advice.
“Boat tour was amazing, especially going back to Faro during sunset, it was really beautiful. And stop at the Desert Island was 10/10, beautiful nature. Also guide stop during the tour and show us birds and tell us something about them, it was good to see the local nature.”
Kayak through Ponta da Piedade’s caves from Lagos, swim in clear water, and enjoy a guided two-hour boat and kayak tour for $41.
“Leo was an amazing instructor and adaptable and made sure everyone who was kayaking made it to each cave safely and swiftly. No one fell off their kayak and the boat and other two crew members were attentive and nearby watching out for us! You don't have to have prior kayaking experience to enjoy!”
Soar 80 meters above Albufeira on a safe, scenic parasailing boat trip with multilingual guides, coastal views, and up to 10 minutes in the air.
“Really enjoyed the time spent. It was totally safe. My kids who are 17 and 11 years also enjoyed. The captain was knowledgeable about ocean conditions and guided us well throughout the 90 minutes trip. Views from the top was exhilarating. Would definitely recommend.”
Cruise from Albufeira to Benagil for caves, cliffs, a sea swim, and friendly bilingual guides on this good-value Algarve catamaran trip.
“Superb experience. Well worth the upgrade to the top deck. Stunning views, great guide. And we even got a treat of seeing the dolphins on the way back. Couldn’t have been better.”
Review of Lagos dolphin and caves catamaran cruise: marine biologist guide, Algarve views, swimming, slide, snacks, price, and practical tips.
“It was awesome, a beautiful trip! Me and my daughter enjoyed it very much, we saw a lot of dolphins and had a wonderful day! Thank you for this experience!”
Review of the Lagos Algarve catamaran cruise to Ponta da Piedade and Praia da Luz, with swimming, paddleboards, caves, and practical tips.
“Me and my husband went 1 the first week of June, and couldn’t recommend it more. We loved it, although it was a bit windy. All staff was very kind, nice and helpful. Toilet was super clean. Very nice cocktails for the price we payed. I didn’t swim but I could see those who did it had a lot of fun. To sum up it worth it each cent!”
Kayak through Ponta da Piedade caves from a catamaran, then swim and use the onboard slide on this lively two-hour Lagos tour.
“Very enjoyable trip -- would highly recommend! We were happy we chose the trip that ferried us from the marina to the interesting part of the coastline. That saved a lot of paddling! The meeting place was easy to find, and Days of Adventure was professional and organized in managing various trip departures in the busy marina. Our trip guides were friendly and spoke English well. Having a guide with us, plus the nearby support boat, removed any anxiety about being on the water and navigating the sea caves in sometimes choppy water around other boats.Read more”
Pick a coast, a cellar or a palace.
