Top Portugal Nature and Wildlife Tours

Take a break from driving and explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscapes of the Douro Valley from the water on this river cruise that departs from Pinhao. Climb aboard your covered boat—a great way to avoid the sun—and admire the grapevine-dotted hills, learning about the region's rich winemaking traditions from your guide. As a bonus, sample the famed libation with an included cup of port wine.

Search for whales and dolphins along the southern coast of the Azores on this wildlife watching trip from Ponta Delgada. Traveling in a nimble, open boat with an experienced captain, you’ll have the best chance of spotting the bottlenose dolphins, sperm whales, sei whales, bearded whales, and blue whales that flock to the islands. This whale and dolphin tour is a fun, family-friendly way to see the coast, and both morning and afternoon departures are available.

Look for pods of dolphins around the coast of Albufeira, where marine life and caves abound. Aboard a semi-rigid inflatable boat, you will have access to isolated coastal areas that are difficult to reach by larger boats or by land. A stop for a swim is included, along with a visit to the famous Benagil Cave, provided the sea is calm.

The Algarve is full of caves and grottos to explore, the most famous being the Benagil caves. But on this tour, you can explore the beautiful Point of Mercy (Ponta da Piedade) grotto, which lies just outside of Lagos. Board your boat and sail past small beaches to reach this cliff-lined lagoon. Learn about the geological formations from your tour guide and snap photos for an unforgettable memory.

Take the scenic route between Albufeira to Benagil on this group catamaran cruise. Admire the dramatic coastal cliffs; come with us to explore the sea caves, including the Algar de Benagil; and dive in to cool off with a swim.

Spend time on the Atlantic Ocean spotting whales and dolphins during this small-group wildlife tour. Board a fast, agile speedboat in Funchal and sail along the coastline to observe marine life in their natural habitats, learning about their behavior from your skipper. The tour operates responsibly, with no chasing or feeding, ensuring respectful encounters. This operator is the first WCA (World Cetaceans Alliance) certified in Funchal, supporting marine conservation efforts.

Bask in the sun and sea of Madeira, one of the world’s tallest oceanside cliffs, on this catamaran excursion from the Funchal Marina. After boarding, find a nice spot on the deck or one of the four trampoline nets for spotting whales and dolphins. Your crew highlights landmarks and wildlife plus you have a choice of a morning or afternoon departure time.

Madeira’s strategic placement in the North Atlantic Ocean makes it a great location for dolphin and whale watching. On this exciting tour, observe the cetaceans in their natural habitat without disturbing them. You can also observe other wildlife such as fish, sharks, and birds during your adventure.

Portugal's southern coastline boasts some of the country's best views. On this small-group boat tour, venture from Carvoeiro to the famous Benagil caves in a longboat. These small boats allow for the captain to easily maneuver through the cave system, allowing you to get up close. Your tour also takes you to other locations along the way including Marinha Beach and Covo Valley.

Trade the crowded Algarve beaches for some time out on the water with this boat tour that combines a visit to the famous Benagil Caves with wildlife-spotting. Set sail for the caves from the Portimao Marina, accompanied by a marine biologist who shares valuable insights into the area's dolphins, whales, seabirds, and other wildlife. Admire the rock formations of the Algarve coast, and if conditions allow, venture into the caves and enjoy a swim stop.

Cruise along the beautiful Douro River from Pinhão to the Tua River, soaking in the stunning views of terraced vineyards. Enjoy a welcome drink of Port or Sparkling Wine as you embark on this scenic boat tour, which lasts 1 hour and 15 minutes. After the cruise, return to Pinhão by train, admiring breathtaking landscapes along the way. Make sure to visit the unique Pinhão Train Station, adorned with hand-painted tiles depicting local culture and the wine harvest. - Explore the oldest wine region in the world on a scenic cruise - Savor a glass Sparkling Wine during the journey - Return to Pinhão via train, enjoying picturesque views - Visit the Pinhão Train Station and admire its hand-painted tiles

Skip the cruises and board a kayak to see Lagos' sea caves up close. This short kayak tour offers a fun and eco-friendly way to check out the coast on a scenic round-trip route to Ponta da Piedade. You'll paddle inside caves and under naturally formed bridges, and stop at a beach that is only accessible by sea.

Make the most of your time in Madeira and cover the entire island in just two days on this small-group excursion. Set out for two full-day tours to see top landmarks including Girao Cape, the Porto Moniz natural pools, the fishing village of Camara de Lobos, and the Arieiro and Ruivo summits. Experience nature, history, and tradition on this comprehensive tour.

Funchal’s waters are home to whales and dolphins—and this luxurious catamaran tour offers the best way to spot them. Head to Funchal’s marina and hop aboard your vessel, where you’ll enjoy Champagne, cocktails, soft drinks, and snacks like local bread and cheese. Indulge as you look out for whales and dolphins. Then, if you wish, enjoy a swimming and snorkeling break at Cabo Girao before returning to shore.

Ride a hybrid-electric catamarn off the coast of Madeira on this half-day wildlife-spotting trip from Funchal. Hold tight and watch for dolphins and whales as your super-fast craft bounces through the waves in search of dolphins and whales. Take a set on one of the two levels with trampoline nets located at the bow of the boat. Your tour includes a guide, live onboard commentary, and a bar.

The south coast of Madeira is a popular spot to watch whales and dolphins in their natural environment. This small-group yacht cruise offers a more personalized experience, with a chance to customize the tour to your group’s preferences, stopping to swim or snorkel along the coast, and looking out for bottlenose dolphins, sperm whales, and Bryde's whales.

Explore caves, towns, and the limestone formations of Algar Seco on this small-group tour from Faro. Relax in the waters of Praia da Marinha, and see the Benagil Cave from above, and wander around the streets of Carvoeiro on your own. Transport from Faro is all arranged, plus your guide is there in case you have any questions.

Exploring São Miguel Island’s stunning landscapes can be challenging with its mix of rugged terrain and remote viewpoints. This half-day quad biking adventure offers the perfect solution, combining thrilling exploration with guided expertise. Take the driver’s seat and navigate both on-road and off-road routes through the mountains surrounding the Sete Cidades Volcano. Weather permitting, marvel at panoramic views of tranquil lakes and the vast ocean.

Take a cruise along the Algarve coast aboard a comfortable catamaran with this group boat tour from Portimão. See the coast’s rocky cliffs, beautiful beaches, and lighthouses. Visit several of the Algarve’s sea caves, including the famous Benagil Cave and the cave beneath the Alfanzina Lighthouse. If the weather is warm enough and you have your towel and swimsuit handy, you can even go for a swim.

Head west from Lagos and discover one of the windiest cities in the country on this sunset tour to Sagres. Climb aboard your off-road vehicle for an adventure to Cape Saint Vincent, where towering cliffs meet the expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. Explore the area and then settle in to watch a stunning sunset before heading back to Lagos.

Spend the day exploring Portugal’s famed Douro Valley on this guided excursion. Enjoy experiences that include touring the valley in a comfortable vehicle, enjoying a cruise on the Douro River, savoring a delicious lunch and wine pairing, and tasting a variety of reds and whites at a small, family-owned winery.

Explore the surroundings of the Sete Cidades Volcano in a different way on this side-by-side tour from Ponta Delgada. Join a small group and climb aboard your buggy to start your rugged adventure. Head towards the north coast and make stops at villages and scenic viewpoints to get a full picture of the Azorean landscapes. This tour is great for families, couples, or small groups who want some adventure on their vacation.

Leave Lisbon’s cobblestone streets on a premium small-group half-day tour to Sintra and Pena Palace. Travel in an air-conditioned minivan to Pena Palace’s colorful facades and terraces. Explore Sintra’s UNESCO World Heritage historic center, taste traditional pastry and local cherry liqueur, and enjoy free time to stroll and shop in the charming old town.

Swim with dolphins in the Azores, where a thriving population of Atlantic spotted dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and common dolphins make this a thrilling place to encounter the marine mammals. Choose between morning and afternoon departures for your dolphin tour, then slip into the water to swim at a safe and respectful distance. This dolphin tour in the Azores is limited to 8 people for a personal experience with minimal impact on the dolphins.