Private Tour: Berlenga Grande Island Day Trip from Lisbon
Recommended by 97% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Lisbon, Portugal
- 8 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Discover gorgeous Berlenga Grande Island without having to arrange buses and boats on a private day trip from Lisbon. On this tour, journey by boat to the Berlengas Nature Reserve (Reserva Natural das Berlengas), a granite island off the coast of the village of Peniche. With your own private guide, explore the UNESCO-listed scenery and see the 17th-century fort that defended coastal settlements. Savor plenty of free time to snorkel, swim, or lounge on the shores, then explore the island's caves on a glass-bottom boat adventure.
- This private tour promises undivided attention from your guide
- Best of both worlds: Enjoy a flexible mix of free time and guided sightseeing
- Let someone else take care of logistics so you can focus on the sights
- Explore the island’s caves and cliff faces on a glass-bottom boat excursion
What's Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Private guide
- Transport by private minivan
- Round-trip boat trip
- Use of Snorkeling equipmentUse of Snorkelling equipment
- Glass-bottom boat excursion
- WiFi on board
- Bottled water
- Gratuities
- Lunch
- Kayak Ride at the Island
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Operating hours.9:00 am
Itinerary
Start your day trip to Berlenga Grande Island by meeting your guide at your Lisbon hotel. Then, climb aboard your air-conditioned minivan and head to the seaside fishing town of Peniche where a boat will be waiting for you. Once aboard, cruise to Berlenga Grande and admire the rocky arcs and bends of this petite yet striking island. As you lounge on the sunny deck, listen to commentary about the hidden caves and other factoids about the Berlenga Archipelago. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, your guide is happy to accommodate your interests.
Arrive at Berlenga Grande after a 40-minute cruise and stop for some food and drinks at a beachside joint (own expense). Next, lap up more island views and coastal charm as you motor to St John the Baptist Fort (Forte de São João Baptista).
A true spectacle of the Berlenga Grande Island, visit this 17th-century fortification and learn how it was erected using the bones of the island’s old monastery. Listen as your guide tells tales of pirates and invaders sieging the fort and vanquishing the monks out. Then, observe seabirds in the Berlengas Nature Reserve (Reserva Natural das Berlengas) and appreciate the thousands that use this tiny island as a nesting ground.
Hop off the boat and explore the pristine walkways enjoying the reserve’s UNESCO Biosphere Heritage–listed scenery. Watch the skies as your guide helps you discover guillemots and other birds types. Head back to the island port for lunch (own expense) and free time. Eat local fare at a seafood restaurant or if you brought picnic eats head the sandy beach to enjoy.
Next, swoop some snorkel gear from your guide (provided) and swim through the calm waters capturing scenic sea life. Afterward, board a sleek glass-bottom boat and journey through the island’s caves or perhaps see the cave and marine life below.
After a fun day at Berlenga Island, voyage back to your hotel in Lisbon where your private day trip ends.
Arrive at Berlenga Grande after a 40-minute cruise and stop for some food and drinks at a beachside joint (own expense). Next, lap up more island views and coastal charm as you motor to St John the Baptist Fort (Forte de São João Baptista).
A true spectacle of the Berlenga Grande Island, visit this 17th-century fortification and learn how it was erected using the bones of the island’s old monastery. Listen as your guide tells tales of pirates and invaders sieging the fort and vanquishing the monks out. Then, observe seabirds in the Berlengas Nature Reserve (Reserva Natural das Berlengas) and appreciate the thousands that use this tiny island as a nesting ground.
Hop off the boat and explore the pristine walkways enjoying the reserve’s UNESCO Biosphere Heritage–listed scenery. Watch the skies as your guide helps you discover guillemots and other birds types. Head back to the island port for lunch (own expense) and free time. Eat local fare at a seafood restaurant or if you brought picnic eats head the sandy beach to enjoy.
Next, swoop some snorkel gear from your guide (provided) and swim through the calm waters capturing scenic sea life. Afterward, board a sleek glass-bottom boat and journey through the island’s caves or perhaps see the cave and marine life below.
After a fun day at Berlenga Island, voyage back to your hotel in Lisbon where your private day trip ends.
Praca Dos Restauradores (Pass By)
Estacao Do Rossio (Pass By)
Avenida da Liberdade (Pass By)
Estatua do Marques de Pombal (Pass By)
1
Fortaleza de Peniche, Portugal
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Baleal Beach (Pass By)
Cabo Carvoeiro (Pass By)
2
Berlengas
4 hours • Admission Ticket Free
3
Berlenga Grande
4 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Obidos (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- IMPORTANT: From the 1st June of 2022, local authorities are implementing a population control to the island that requires a previous visa. Therefore, we need you to send us the following data for all participants: Name, Country, ID number (an ID you can show locally if requested).
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Infant seats available
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Wear comfortable clothing and footwear
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.8
based on 36 reviews
Tang_H, Aug 2023
Our tour guide Joao is one of the best part of the trip, he is quite knowledgeable about the culture and area, the trip is very well planned and carried out. The view on the island is amazing, food in the only restaurant on the island is surprisingly good. Thank you.
Gizem_D, Jun 2021
This Trip is a must do when you are in Portugal. The Water is clear blue. You can go for snorkling or for Kajak. Our Tour Guide Gil made sure that we were having good time. He also took his time to tell us about the history of the Castle.
shawnalvira, Oct 2018
My family and I 5 adults and 1 child took this tour on 28 Sep 2018. Our tour guide Rita made our day trip to Berlenga Grande Island a great experience. She had a wonderful personality and love of history that really helped make the area come alive. She picked us up right on time, told us all about the area as we made the hour long drive to the docks in a comfortable van. Once at the docks we had a few minutes to grab a coffee and treat before boarding, although the restaurant options were limited at that hour, so I would suggest that you eat breakfast before you're picked up. The boat ride to the island took about 45 minutes and was relatively smooth, although I took some motion sickness medicine just in case. We were blessed with beautiful weather. The morning clouds along the coats burned off by about 10 am and the sky was blue and cloudless on the island. I can't say enough about the beautiful scenery on the island. The fort on the island was a sight to behold. The caves that we saw during the short glass bottom boat ride were breath taking. One complaint: we were looking forward to kayaking, but the option was not available on the day we went, which was disappointing. We're easy going so it wasn't a big deal to us...but if you're counting on it, you may want to confirm it's available before you go. The only other issue was that the water was pretty cold, so snorkeling was tough. We went at the very end of the season though, perhaps it's warmer during the middle of summer. Very refreshing to jump in and out of though! After a long day on the island, Rita led us back to the boat and drove us back to our lodging. Along the way, she gave us suggestions for other things to see and do during our stay. This was a wonderful tour that I would happily recommend to others!
Margie G, Oct 2017
Not just another cathedral, castle kind of day. A peaceful boat ride, an informative walk to the Fortress, a great fish and kayaking. Our tour guide did everything to ensure we had a great, safe day.
Rita L, Sep 2017
This was definitely one of the highlights of our vacation. Our guide, David, was extremely attentive and made every effort to make sure we had a good time. The boat ride out to the island was enjoyable on a private boat and his local knowledge was informative. We would highly recommend this private tour to maximize your experience.
elnikol500, Sep 2017
Joana was amazing. Knowledgeable, patient and extremely accommodating. Would definitely recommend!
Nicole M, Aug 2017
Excellent communication/service with viator and local guide. Recommend Nuno! He is the most knowledgeable, attentive and helpful guide you could imagine.
Notes: Boat ride not private. Public ferry – don't be late and sit outside / Choose Kayaking over glass bottom boat / Bring Cash for island Restaurant
Marta H, Aug 2017
This was a great tour! Pedro was our guide and was fabulous! The boat ride from the mainland is about an hour. You get to visit the caves and the fort and then have free time to explore the island and the beach. Recommend you bring a lunch. There is only one restaurant. What a great day!
Victoria E, Jul 2017
Once in a lifetime experience. The gorgeous pictures do not do it justice. We had a lovely guide named Rita- she was warm, friendly and professional. There were 5 of us, including two teens and a six year old and it was perfect. Some adventure, some history, some nature and even a little beach time. We took a boat over the the island, ate lunch, hiked around and learned about the flora and fauna, also the history- Berlengas was once a pirate haven. Then we toured the old fort, jumped off the docks into ocean, took a glass bottom boat into caves of the island. There was a small beach where we swam and relaxed and then headed back. Our seventeen year old son said it was the best part of his trip. A few suggestions- if you get motion sickness, beware of the boat ride over and take something ahead of time- the Atlantic Ocean is rough here. BUT- we saw dolphins, which completely made up for it. It is also windy on parts of the island an can feel cold even on a sunny day- listen to them when they email you ahead of time and wear a jacket! But still absolutely perfect excursion!!!!
LiviniaP, Jul 2017
Sensational tour! The area is stunning and it would have been difficult to manage the transport and transfers in one day without a guide. The history, the physical landscape and flora and fauna, swimming in the clear waters, the fresh fish for lunch at the restaurant plus our guide, Miguel was incredibly knowledgeable, accommodating and a great story teller. An amazing day- incredible experience...
Natasha R, Sep 2016
This tour was amazing! We drove up to Peniche from Lisbon (1hr 15 min drive) and were welcomed by the friendliest if boat crews. The best part was the people, but the island and fort were stunning backdrops. Would highly recommend this tour with Around Lisbon!
James R, Sep 2016
I'm not normally one for reviews, but i just had to after this experience. My girlfriend and I were picked up at our hotel at 8am by our amazingly energetic and friendly tour guide Nuno. Nobody else had signed up for the tour that day so it was just us and him. The drive to the adorable sea side town of Piniche, Portugal was filled with a lesson in Portuguese culture as well as history in a comfortable van. Nuno is a polite and well educated tour guide who can pretty much answer anything you throw at him. We took a pleasant boat ride that was about 50 minutes long to the beautiful Berlenga Grande Island the sea can be rough for those who get sea sick, but its not bad. We explored the Island and the old Fort which is absolutely amazing. Nuno gave us a histroy lesson about that battle that took place there. From there we took a boat ride around the island and were given time to eat lunch at the local restaurant. We ordered this massive fish stew which was very good. we could not finish it between the 2 of us. There is time to swim or snorkel if you like. The water was too cold for us to go swimming so we explored the light house and the walking trails. The island itself isnt too big, but it makes for the perfect day trip and has beautiful views that photos cant do justice to. Between our great tour guide Nuno and the scenic island it made our trip that much more special. I highly recommend taking a day to see this gorgeous island. Oh and the boat ride back is much smoother than going there which is a nice ending as well.
yasmina h, Aug 2016
The best experience ever with a great company !! Our guides were awesome and very friendly! Plus Nuno A. is wonderful story teller and Fatima a talented photographer, our day trip to this beautiful island couldn't get any better. Thanks a lot to both of you !!!
Harry J, Aug 2016
Unbelievable tour! Our tour guide, Nuno A., was very friendly and knowledgable about the area. Berlenga is such a beautiful island, and this tour was a perfect way to discover and learn more about it! This tour was definitely the highlight of our experience in Portugal!!!!
Steven N, Aug 2016
We submitted our review on Saturday 30/7/2016. Have you not received it ?
Prashna B, Jul 2016
This was a definite must do tour. We were picked up by our tour guide Diogo from our hotel and were driven to the town of Peniche. From there, we took a boat to Berlenga. The boat ride was apparently the calmest it had been in days and we were one of the lucky few who had the dolphins join us for part of our journey. It was an amazing sight to see.
Our tour took us to the island at which point Diogo encouraged us to explore the island - there are many small paths all over that one can take and get different vantage points. After a quick lunch at the island's only restaurant cash only! of fresh fish, Diogo then took us on a trek towards the fortress and from there, we had the choice of the glass bottom boat or kayak to get back to the main area of the island.
Diogo, our guide, was friendly and informative - he had a lot of knowledge about Lisbon and the surrounding areas and as well, a lot of information about the island. I would definitely recommend him as a guide.
The tour itself was excellent - ensure to pack a bathing suit and some cash for the restaurant. I regret not doing the kayak experience so if you do have the chance, kayak!
Ben E, Jul 2016
great trip for sight seeing, some amazing views of the fort and island. It is a long day with between 1.5 and 2 hours travel betwen the car and boat journey but is a good day out. I did feel it was over priced although the guide was very knowledgeable and friendly.
Lisa L, Jul 2016
I would recommend getting away from the city for a day to take this tour. The water there is freezing though! So don't be fooled by the description saying that you can snorkel. I wouldn't snorkel there unless I had a wetsuit! They do take you on a nice boat ride around the island to see the caves.
Megan M, Jul 2016
The tour was extreamly amazing. Our tour guide was fantastic and wonderful. He was full of knowledgeable information. He was so much fun and enjoyable. The tour was amazing, the views were incredible. Kayaking was fun! Nuno was so nice, he made our tour so enjoyable. We loved him!
Kari O, Oct 2015
I cannot recommend this tour enough! David was great!!!! He picked us up and dropped us off at our door and catered to our every need in between. We were even offered lunch with the local fisherman, and it was one of the best meals of our entire trip. The Captain of the boat and the local fisherman his friends and family treated us like we were family and they sent us home with leftovers. :
Thank you David for a most wonderful day. We will recommend this tour to everyone we know.
Julie Ann P, Sep 2015
The Berlengas Island were amazing. My husband and I had a great time. We had the pleasure of meeting Racquel our tour guide and she was very informative and amazing. We were picked up directly from our hotel which was really convenient. The trip to the Island took around an hour and half but it didn't even fell that long. Once arriving at the island, we were so amazed at its beauty and pristine waters! The food was amazing and fresh! Pricing wasn't too bad for us. We hiked to the Fort as Racquel was giving us the history of it. The only con I will say was the inability to kayak since the waves were very rough. We did the glass bottom boat tour instead and it was choppy. The beach was nice but small as it was a bit crowded, but all and all we enjoyed the scenery! I hope to visit again in the upcoming years. Thank you again!
Fiona B, Sep 2015
This tour was excellent, would highly recommend that anyone take this tour if they are in the Lisbon area.
Berlengas grande is a beautiful little island, the organisation of the tour was very good with Nuno being unobtrusively helpful through the day. We had booked the tour on line before setting out for Lisbon, but everything went as planned we were picked up from our hotel, driven an hour to Peniche then sailed to Berlinga. The walk , the fort , the food, the kayaking, the beach and the guide all couldn't have been bettered, the description on the site do not do justice to the island and the experience. The only thing I would add is that you need decent shoes as the climb is steep and gravelly in parts, and the stairs down the cliff uneven.
Brooke V, Sep 2015
If you are headed to Lisbon, I highly recommend that you do this trip! It was the highlight of our trip. You are able to go to the most beautiful place on earth and explore the entire island. We had the most amazing guide and you won't regret it!!!! DO IT!
dcoles33, Sep 2015
Definitely the highlight of my time in Lisbon. Nuno was an excellent guide. The island is beautiful. We didn't get to kayak or go in the glass-bottom boat because the water was too rough, but the lunch cooked by the captain/local fisherman and their unforgettable hospitality more than made up for it.
mathew c, Aug 2015
We spent a fortune on this trip being a family of 5 and we were so disappointed. We left this trip till the last day of our Lisbon trip hoping that it will be a great end to the holiday, but it ruined the whole holiday.
First off, we wasn't informed that we had to take a ferry to the island, which then battled huge waves for 45 minutes rendering the whole family to be sea sick, it was ridiculous. Then we got to the island and tried to hit the beach, which was a tiny patch of sand full of tourists and sea gulls pooing everywhere, the water was freezing cold, because it was overcast the whole day, which is normal apparently, as the island generally doesn't get much sun according to the guide which meant that we couldn't swim. So we went with the glass boat tour, where we viewed the odd tiny fish, nothing fascinating and to top that off the glass was covered in a couple of inches of water which made it even harder to look at anything.
The only highlight to this trip was the tour guide, who was very nice and polite and informative, however I really do not recommend this trip, I really regret booking this, I would've saved the hundreds.
Kimberly R, Jul 2015
This spectacular site is an hour drive outside of Lisbon and a 45 minute boat ride from Peniche, Portugal to the island but it is well worth the trip. The waters are clear blue and the island is pristine. The fort is well preserved and fun to walk through. There is a restaurant on the island with fresh fish. Note, there are stairs and a beautiful hike across the island. It was cold during our visit but swimming and kayaking are available and would be recommended. The water was a little choppy on the boat ride over so if you are prone to seasickness, be prepared. If you catch the right boat, you might even get to share some delicious Port wine on the trip back. Due to our schedule we did a private tour. If you can't make the group tour, a private tour is well worth the extra cost. Our guides were native to the area, knew the locals and provided a more personal, in depth experience that we may not have got in a larger group tour. Their love of the island was obvious in their presentation. Highly recommended!!!!
schneur l, Jun 2015
This trip was amazing.
Raquel was an excellent and skilled guide!
This trip was not something that my wife and I could have done by ourselves. The island is the hidden treasure of portugal and by far and aways the best experience and highlight of our trip. We recommend kayaking once at the island.
Waseem S, Jun 2015
Without a doubt the highlight of my Lisbon trip. A one hour shuttle ride from the hotel to the destination. Our amazing guide Ruy was friendly, approachable and well spoken. The boat trip is quite chilly, the mornings are normally overcast but clears in the afternoon but this makes the trip to the island icy so dress warm. Ruy is a well stocked prepared man who supplied my brother and I with motion sickness bracelets. I didn't get sick so I guess it worked. The island is breathtaking. Truly a wonder. The simple and sturdy fort is filled with history and the fact that you can book a cheap room to stay there is mind blowing and truly an experience I would like to try. Resources like water and electricity are limited so don't expect a five star stay just ten star views. From the fort there is a steep hike up the mountain with the most insane panoramic views of the fort, crystal clear waters and dramatic rocky landscapes. The island is home to thousands of seagulls so expect poo to drop on you suddenly. The Berlenga Baptism. Also the birds are quite protective of their young during the baby making season. So tread carefully. Wear comfortable walking shoes. After the hike you have some time to cool off at the cutest cosiest little beach which is shielded on all sides by rocks which reduces wind. Thereafter there is either a glass bottomed boat tour of the islands many caves or a kayak tour paddling up close to the caves and rocks. My brother and I chose the kayak even though we couldn't swim or kayak. It was the most daunting and hair raising experience of my life. With the guidance of Ruy we ended up kayaking home like pros... If you only do one thing in Portugal... Do this... To rate this experience I need more than five stars. I need a sky full :-
Alexandra S, May 2015
Fantastic day at the island with Raquel our guide. it was only the 3 of us so very personalised and relaxing. Such a beautiful place - its a must visit if you have time!
Christophe B, Sep 2017
Excursion exceptionnelle ! Fidèle aux photos et à ce qui était annoncé. Notre guide Gil était juste parfait !!!!
From $239.10
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