THE ALGARVE · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS
Good cruises & boat tours fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Portimão RIB speed boat to Benagil Caves, with optional sunset. Guided with safety brief, possible dolphin spotting, 1.5 hours.
“The sea was rough so we couldn’t get too close to the Benagil caves but we still managed to see them! Our guides, Sergio, Eduardo and captain Chiko were really good. They were so friendly and made us laugh!”
Speed boat from Albufeira to Benagil Caves with a swim stop and dolphin spotting. Live guide, small groups, 2 to 2.5 hours.
“it was really nice trip..but couldnt able to see dolphins.”
Cruise Albufeira to Benagil by modern catamaran for sea caves, hidden beaches, a short swim, and local multilingual guide commentary.
“A very enjoyable tour along the coast including into the key cave”
75-minute boat cruise from Lagos to Ponta da Piedade with live commentary, close-up sea caves, arches, and turquoise water. Small group.
“Beautiful photo cruise to see the grotto up close and personal. I was thinking of the kayak option but glad i did this because i wouldn’t have been able to get all the great shots. The guides were lovely and pointed put all the interesting points and rock formations”
Small-boat Benagil Cave and dolphin watch from Albufeira, with a marine biologist, swim stop, and 18 km of Algarve coast.
“Great trip, rib boat was excellent fun. Picked a good day, so not too rough, although couldn't go in the caves, just saw them from outside. Beautiful coastline and beaches. Saw a pod of around 25 common dolphins - they were great. Excellent trip - highly recommended.”
Small-group, diesel-free boat tour from Portimão to Benagil Cave and Praia de Marinha, with a possible swim and dolphin detours.
“We had an excellent time discovering the caves of the Algarves with Algarve Discovery. They were so professional, friendly, and knowledgeable of the area. Andre was a wonderful captain of the boat, along with Guilherme sharing stories and interesting facts about each cave. They even allowed for a swim in the ocean before returning back! If you are looking for a boat company to show you the Algarves, Algarve Discovery is a perfect choice!”
Pirate-ship cruise from Portimão to Benagil caves, small-boat cave entry, possible dolphins, and sunset options.
“Fabulous trip. The kids ages 7, 5 and 3 absolutely loved it. The staff were amazing and entertaining.”
Traditional Portuguese boat cruise from Lagos to Ponta da Piedade caves, 75 minutes of cliffs, photo stops, and local skipper stories, $20.
“If you are in Lagos, this trip is a great option. The coastline is beautiful in the Algarve region, and while you can visit Ponta da Piedade by foot, being able to see things from an offshore perspective and to able to go into caves and through arches in a boat is great. The person maneuvering the boat was very skilled. We really enjoyed the trip.”
Small-group boat tour from Faro through Ria Formosa channels, with time on Farol and Deserta islands, bird spotting, and swims.
“Miguel, our Skipper/guide was wonderful. He shared stories of the fishermen and the marine life. Very enjoyable - excellent price for this adventure/tour.”
A small-group 90-minute sunset boat cruise from Portimão to Benagil, with possible cave views, lighthouse sightings, and expert crew.
“Overall it t was very good. People sometimes got in the way of taking pictures. Not sure what can be done about that other than a different kind of boat.”
Small-group Lagos boat tour at Ponta da Piedade, with sea cave stops and famous beaches like Dona Ana and Camilo, guided in multiple languages.
“Everything went well. Guides are super informative. Only thing we are unlucky is due to weather, we’re unable to enter in to the caves”
Kayak and boat through Lagos sea caves at Ponta da Piedade, with safety-first guides, a swim stop, and support boat. 2 hours.
“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!”
Shaded small-boat trip from Olhão through Ria Formosa’s 3 islands, with bird and fish guidance, beach time, and Culatra lunch options.
“Tour guide was really awesome, but felt like this tour is little bit repetitive. Wish we spend more time at last island. Tour guide squeezed maximum out of this tour.”
Take off from Albufeira Marina for a guided parasailing flight up to 80 meters, with clear instruction, great crew, and coastal views.
“when I went to collect our picture at the end there was No one on the computer to purchase. I did wait but another activity told me they had left and no one was available to help me. everything else was fine.”
Algarve catamaran cruise from Albufeira to Benagil’s Cathedral Cave. 3 hours of caves, coastline views, swim stop, WiFi, from $34.
“This activity is nice and easy. Our guide was very nice and funny. His explanation along our way to Bengali cave on the caves and coastline were interesting. The boast was confortable, has a bar and little restaurant if needed. I would recommend for everybody. It easily can be a family activity or friends activity and both would be happy!”
Pick a coastline, pick a kind of day, and see what it costs.
