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Algarve Cruises & boat tours

Our most recommended Algarve Cruises & boat tours

Albufeira: 2.5-Hour Caves & Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

1. Albufeira: 2.5-Hour Caves & Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

Look for dolphins and hidden caves on a half-day dolphin watching cruise of the Algarve from Albufeira. Bring your swimsuit and towel, as the activity includes a stop for a swim. Marvel at the rock formations, and access areas that other vessels can’t reach. A marine biologist will be on board to provide all necessary information about these wonderful creatures. Be aware that as dolphins are wild animals, sightings can not be guaranteed.

From Lagos: Boat Cruise to Ponta da Piedade

2. From Lagos: Boat Cruise to Ponta da Piedade

Witness the dramatic beauty of the Algarve on a cruise from Lagos. Hear coastal secrets from your guide, admire the towering rocks of Ponta da Piedade, and see idyllic beaches, including Camilo Beach. Choose between a small-group experience or a private experience. Set sail in comfort with cushioned seats as you depart Marina de Lagos. Make your way along the coast, passing pristine beaches, such as D. Ana Beach and Camilo Beach. Listen to insightful explanations about the sights from your guide. Take in the breathtaking views of the Barlavento region as you sail across the turquoise waters. Pass the beaches of Batata, Pinhão, and a nudist beach as you draw closer to the rock formations of Ponta da Piedade. Marvel at the towering arches and golden cliffs of Ponta da Piedade and discover the interesting meanings behind their given names, such as the "Kitchen" and "Living Room" from your guide. Then, head towards the small semi-circular beach of Barranco Martinho, between Canavial Beach and the Ponta da Piedade Lighthouse, characterized by a tall rock near the waterline. Finally, enjoy the scenic ride back to Marina de Lagos, where you will disembark at the end of the tour.

Albufeira: Coastline and Benagil Caves Tour by Catamaran

3. Albufeira: Coastline and Benagil Caves Tour by Catamaran

Soak up the views of the Algarve coastline on a guided catamaran cruise from Albufeira. Enter the Benagil Sea Cave and take in secluded beaches, rugged rock formations, and hidden swim stops. Start your tour from Albufeira Marina, where you'll set off on the spacious and comfortable catamaran. From here you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the views of the beautiful rock formations and deserted beaches. The team will tell you more about our fantastic coastline and all its hidden secrets. Relax to some nice music and enjoy a cool drink. Visit the beautiful caves and rock formations as far as Benagil (Cathedral Cave). Head back east towards the marina before stopping off for a swim in the sea.

Vilamoura: Benagil Cave Boat Tour with Entry

4. Vilamoura: Benagil Cave Boat Tour with Entry

Explore the famous Benagil Caves from Vilamoura on a customized boat tour. Discover the stunning rock formations, beaches, and other sights with a chance to spot dolphins during the journey. You will depart from the Vilamoura Marina and your skipper will welcome you on board one of the 4 custom-built boats. Your skipper will travel along the stretch of the coast leading toward the Benagil Cave, where you will have the opportunity to view all the other stunning rock formations and secluded beaches along the way. Once at the Benagil Cave the boat will enter the caves safely and securely, so you can sit back, enjoy, and take in the beautiful views. This location is simply breathtaking and will make for many perfect photo opportunities. This cave tour will visit many other beautiful locations en route, and your guide will aim to locate wild dolphins whenever possible.

From Albufeira: Benagil Hidden Caves Tour by Kayak or SUP

5. From Albufeira: Benagil Hidden Caves Tour by Kayak or SUP

Uncover the treasures of Benagil's coast on a stand-up paddle and kayak tour from Albufeira. Follow your guide to hidden caves and secluded beaches, and enjoy a drink on your boat ride back to the marina. Start your Benagil tour and depart from Albufeira Marina on a specially-built boat. Enjoy the stunning views of the coastline as you sail in the boat for 40 minutes, before stopping and transferring to the Kayak or SUPs. Paddle into the caves and caverns and stop to take pictures of the rock formations. You can choose to paddleboard and embrace the freedom to move around. You can reposition yourself to wherever you feel comfortable, standing up or on your knees. Have a safe and rewarding experience regardless of age or skill level. Alternatively, you can ride in a single kayak or double kayak. Gain confidence even as a beginner with a water safety briefing from your guide before starting the tour. Take a dive in the ocean before returning to the marina by boat, where you can enjoy a cool drink on board.

Portimão: Benagil Caves Cruise with Dolphin Watching

6. Portimão: Benagil Caves Cruise with Dolphin Watching

Join a marine biologist on a guided cruise of the Benagil Caves. Cruise in search of dolphins, visit the stunning coves of the Algarve coast, and cruise into the iconic Algar de Benagil cave. Set sail from Portimão and head to the Marinha beach. As you sail, hear live commentary about the area's geology and marine life from a marine biologist. Stop at the famous cave Algar de Benagil to take an Instagram-perfect picture. Cruise down the Algarve coast and stop to visit hidden caves and secluded coves. At one of the beaches, dive off the boat and swim in the clear water. Next, leave the coast behind and sail off into the Atlantic in search of dolphins. Get videos of these playful creatures jumping and swimming around the boat before returning to the mainland.

Portimão: Pirate Ship Cave Cruise

7. Portimão: Pirate Ship Cave Cruise

Feel like a pirate sailing the Atlantic on this unique cruise from Portimão that combines adventure and relaxation. Visit famous sites like the lighthouse of Alfanzina and the Benagil Cave. Swim in crystalline water, and walk the plank like a real pirate.  After boarding, begin by receiving a full briefing on your safety and comfort for your cruise. From there, hit the open water and navigate the coast off of Rio Arade, the village of Ferragudo, medieval castles, and the Atlantic Ocean. Cruising east, pass Carvoeiro, which contains the famous rock formation of Algar Seco. Arriving to the lighthouse of Alfanzina, transfer to a small boat to visit the inside of the local caves which run from the lighthouse to Marinha Beach. These caves include the famous cathedral cave of Benagil. Returning to the boat, take a dip to swim in the enticing crystal clear water which surrounds you. On your return journey, be on the lookout for dolphins, which are regularly spotted in this area.

From Lagos: Algarve Golden Coast Cruise

8. From Lagos: Algarve Golden Coast Cruise

Explore southwestern Algarve on a round-trip cruise from Lagos to Cabanas Velhas with an onboard meal. See pristine beaches, towering cliffs, the caves of Ponta da Piedade and the black rock of Praia da Luz. Observe marine life with the snorkeling gear provided, and ride the waves with a SUP board. Drop anchor in a secluded bay near the fishing village of Burgau. Enjoy a complimentary meal. Jump into the water for a swim and snorkel among the marine life, sip a cocktail on the deck or grab a paddleboard for a little adventure. Work off some energy on the inflatable balance track. Laze in the sun on the way back to Lagos but keep an eye open to spot dolphins in their natural environment.

Dolphin Safari and Cave Tour in Vilamoura

9. Dolphin Safari and Cave Tour in Vilamoura

Depart from Vilamoura Marina and sail out to sea in search of beautiful dolphins in their natural habitat. Bottlenose and common dolphins are 2 species that visit this stretch of the southern Algarve and they can often be viewed along the coast. No creature touches the hearts of more people than intelligent, friendly and playful dolphins. Their delightful personality is sure to make you smile like a child.  This is an eco tour that aims to protect the beautiful species and their natural environment for future generations. This trip is purpose-built for dolphin watching and will get you as close as possible to the amazing creatures. Then, head to some caves and rock formations for a look at the Algarve's geological landscape, before cruising back along the coast. 

Albufeira: 2.5-Hour Dolphin Watching and Benagil Cave

10. Albufeira: 2.5-Hour Dolphin Watching and Benagil Cave

Look for dolphins and other marine life off the coast of the Algarve on a 2.5-hour cruise by boat. Explore sea caves, including the Benagil Sea Cave, enjoy close ocean animal encounters, and swim next to beautiful beaches. Depart from the Marina de Albufeira and head towards Carvoeiro Beach enjoying the breathtaking landscapes, pleasant weather, and crystal-clear waters of Portugal's southern shore along the way. Marvel at the contrast of colors between the rocky cliffs and caves, the blue of the sea and the indigenous flora and fauna. Get a safety briefing to ensure you are comfortable once on board the boat, and enjoy the services of an experienced captain throughout the journey. Benefit from life jackets and raincoats to keep you safe and dry on the trip. Explore a selection of sea caves along the coast of the Algarve, looking for dolphins and other animals on your adventure. Enter the caves for up-close encounters, and swim next to beautiful beaches to make this an experience to remember for a lifetime.

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What people are saying about Algarve

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 4,867 reviews

We took the tour with Jorge and Sebastian this afternoon-absolutely amazing! We learned so much about the fascinating history of the area and were lucky enough that the sea cooperated and allowed us to enter many of the caves and grottoes. The views were stunning - and both Jorge and Sebastian were wonderful - providing great stories and interesting information, plus an excellent recommendation for dinner after the tour. If there is one thing that you are going to do while visiting Lagos, this should be it!

We had a wonderful experience watching the Cliffs of Ponta da Piedade from the boat. John and Rui were great tourguides sharing many interesting facts about the cliffs and pointing out formations that looked like animals.

A really great trip not to be missed! The tour guides were both excellent and very entertaining. Sadly no dolphins on this trip but not surprising this time of year. Definitely recommend.

Great !! The team is top they were able to make themselves understood in French we were lucky to be able to see the dolphins

This is the best part of our Algarve trip. Highly recommend it.