Top Portugal On the Water - page 5

Swap the busy city for the serene Berlenga Grande, a scenic island in the Berlengas Nature Reserve, on this small-group day trip. See a side of Portugal many visitors miss and heighten your chance of spotting local wildlife with your guide. On arrival, visit St. John the Baptist Fort and take a guided stroll along the pathways of the UNESCO-listed Biosphere Reserve. Then, take a glass-bottom boat excursion through Berlenga Grande’s caves.

Experience authentic Portuguese boating culture on this coastal tour from Marina de Lagos. Board a traditional sailing ship and set off along the coast, soaking up views of the beaches, cliffs, and Atlantic Ocean as you go. Near Ponta da Piedade, change to a smaller vessel for a more intimate glimpse of the grottos and caves and learn about the area’s history directly from the on-board crew.

Visit the caves in Benagil by Kayak, it is the only way to go inside the caves, where you can photograph and swim in these crystal clear waters and interact with nature.

Marvel at the mesmerizing beaches, historic sites, and cultural gems of Lagos, Portugal when you take this small-group boat tour. Guided by local skippers, see spectacular rock formations and hidden caves, and discover the beauty of Ponta da Piedade. Ride in a smaller boat, with fewer people, for a beautiful and more intimate journey along the coastline.

Visit one of the most beautiful locations in the Algarve as you embark on this tour to the Benagil Caves. Join a small group and board your inflatable RIB for the trip to the sea caves, located just past Portimão. Sail past towering limestone cliffs, secret beaches, and rugged coastline until you reach the caves where your skipper guides your RIB inside to admire the hole in its roof.

Admire the landscapes of Northern Portugal on a day trip from Porto to Régua by bus and boat. Begin your day with a scenic drive from Porto, watching as the landscape transforms from urban to rural and admiring the Douro Valley’s terraced vineyards. In Régua, hop onto a cruise boat, which will transport you back to Porto along the Douro River. Enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch on board.

It can be tough knowing where to find good snorkeling spots while traveling. This tour takes away the risk of wasting time, by traveling with a guide to a spot known for its rich marine life. All equipment is provided which means you can pack light. The day starts with a Kayak tour along the Underwater Nature Reserve of Garajau and then plenty of time to snorkel and swim.

Lisbon's waterfront landmarks were built to face the Tagus, and the views that define the city open up from the river rather than the crowded streets. See them from the water on a sightseeing cruise, gliding past Belém Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries, and the Alfama district. Onboard commentary covers the history of the sights as you pass.

Discover the wild dolphins and surreal rock formations of The Algarve on a boat tour from Albufeira. Using advanced marine technology, your captain takes you to spots renowned for harboring pods of wild dolphins. See, too, sandstone caves, secluded beaches, and interesting rock formations on this tour.

Book a beginner or intermediate surf lesson on the soft sands of Galé Beach in Albufeira. Enjoy a two-hour session with a professional instructor who guides you through warm-up, ocean safety, and essential surfing techniques. Practice on consistent, safe waves with personalized attention in small groups limited to 10 people, helping you improve your skills and confidence on the board.

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.

Venture along the Atlantic coast in the beautiful Algarve region on this 3-hour guided kayak trip in Lagos. Discover one of the region’s most exciting coastal activities as you stroke along and see unparalleled views of ancient grottoes and caves. Kayak to these marvels for an up-close and personal experience and see why the Algarve region is so popular for weekend travelers around the globe.

Admire the beauty of the Algarve coastline as you discover Portugal’s caves and dolphins during this cruise from Albufeira. Aboard your sleek boat, bask in the sapphire blue waters of the Atlantic and maneuver to the Beach of Carvoeiro to uncover the stunning rock caverns. During your cruise, dip into the Atlantic for a bit and enjoy a chance to see friendly dolphins.

Lisbon sits where the Tagus River meets the Atlantic Ocean, offering a unique opportunity to see marine wildlife close to the city. Sail along the Portuguese Riviera with a marine biologist in a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) so you can get up close in your search for dolphins, jellyfish, sharks, and more. Learn about the local marine wildlife from your expert guide.

Many people visit the famous Benagil Caves in the Algarve on a boat tour, but this exciting tour takes you inside these natural formations by kayak. Join a small group and set off from Benagil Beach for the cave system adventure. Once you reach the grotto, you can step out of your kayak and take lots of pictures of the natural skylight, something you can't do on a boat tour.

This boat tour will show you the magnificent natural park of Ria Formosa. Travel safely in a small group, with experienced crew members to steer the boat and keep you entertained with commentary along the way. During the tour, learn about local landscapes and wildlife, discover picturesque islands such as Armona and Culatra.

Soar above Albufeira’s golden coastline on a 10-minute parasailing adventure with panoramic views of the Algarve and turquoise Atlantic waters. After a safety briefing and boat ride from the marina, gear up and rise as high as 262 feet (80 meters) above the sea. From the air, enjoy a surprisingly peaceful perspective of the coast before gently descending back toward the water.

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.

Step aboard a catamaran yacht for a full-day cruise from Albufeira along the Algarve's stunningly rugged coastline, with a chance to visit the famous Benagil caves. Since catamarans offer greater stability and more space than monohull boats, you’ll have plenty of room to stretch out on deck for a smooth ride past soaring rock formations and coastal caves, then enjoy free time to swim and sunbathe on a beautiful beach.

Skip the busier stretches of the São Miguel coastline, and head out by boat to discover the marine life and exclusive swimming spots of the island’s south coast. With an in-the-know local guide, you’ll improve your chances of finding the region’s famous whales and dolphins. Swimming and a traditional Azores lunch follow the boat ride at the islet of Vila Franca do Campo.

Soak up the sunshine while sailing down the Tagus River on this afternoon Lisbon yacht cruise. As you sip a glass of Portuguese wine or beer and snack on appetizers like cheese and sausage, look out for sightings of major monuments like Belem Tower—your guide makes sure you don't miss any key sights.

Adventure enthusiasts that haven't tried coasteering are in for a pleasant surprise on this outdoor adventure tour in Setubal. Explore the rocky coastline and intertidal areas, where you can swim, walk, and climb your way along the cliffs. With a few cliff jumps thrown in for good measure, this tour makes for a fantastic outdoor experience. Just don't forget to wear comfy, water-friendly shoes and a swimsuit for your day adventuring.

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.

Admire the views of Madeira's coastline and look out for local wildlife at the same time with this catamaran adventure. Eliminate the guesswork of wildlife spotting and benefit from having a crew to take you to areas where dolphins, turtles, and whales have been spotted before. In the summer months, it’s also possible to hop off the boat and go snorkeling.