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Last Updated on December 14, 2024 by sydabroad
Looking for the best Algarve boat tours? Then keep reading!
I’ve curated a list of the best Algarve boat tours for your perfect Portugal vacation. These tours range from sunset tours on speed boats to dolphin-watching cave tour experiences. You’ll find it all in this list no matter what you are looking for!
I’ve also included some common questions regarding boat tours in the Algarve and everything you need to know about each tour before booking. I’ve broken down the cost, duration, how to book, and more.
If you are planning a trip to Lagos or anywhere else in the south of Portugal, this is the perfect travel guide. Alright, let’s get into it.
Looking for more Portugal travel guides?
Ultimate Guide to The Best Algarve Boat Tours
Short on time? Here is everything you need to plan your trip to the Algarve
🏠Book accommodation in the Algarve via Booking.com and Hostelworld
✈️Book flights to the Algarve on Skyscanner
🏔️Find activities and tours for the Algarve via Get Your Guide and Viator
👩🏽💻Get travel insurance for your trip to the Algarve through SafetyWing
🚌Find trains and buses for your trip to the Algarve with Omio and Trainline
📱Access the internet anywhere in the Algarve with Airalo
💭Find more travel recommendations for the Algarve on the Out Of Office app
🚘Rent a car in the Algarve with Rentalcars.com
🌎Looking to join a group trip? Search tours with EF Ultimate Break
FAQs About Boat Tours in the Algarve
Where to stay in the Algarve?
The Algarve is a region in southern Portugal made up of various towns such as Lagos, Faro, Albufeira, Portimão, Vilamoura, and Olhão. There is a diverse range of areas to stay depending on what you are looking for.
If you’re traveling with a family, consider Lagos or Albufeira. For those looking for nightlife, I suggest Vilamoura or Albufeira. For those into surfing and adventure, check out Portimão, Lagos, or Sagres.
The Algarve offers something for everyone, and you really can’t go wrong with any town you choose. Search for all accommodation options in the Algarve here.
If you are heading to Lagos, I suggest Olive Hostel Lagos (if you are looking for a hostel). If you are searching for a boutique hotel, check out Casa Margô.
What are the best things to do in the Algarve?
There is no shortage of amazing things to do in the Algarve. If you are visiting Lagos, make sure to check out my travel guide here. Some of my favorite things to do in Lagos are to watch the sunrise, explore Lagos Old Town, and relax at Praia Dona Ana.
Aside from Lagos, spend time at the stunning beaches in the Algarve, take a boat tour to Benagil Cave, visit Ponta de Piedade in Lagos, indulge in all the yummy seafood, and visit the local markets in the Algarve towns.
What’s the best place to visit in the Algarve?
As mentioned above, this depends on your travel style. For history and gorgeous beaches, head to Lagos. Other amazing destinations include Albufeira, Tavira, and Sagres.
Often Lagos is considered the best place to visit in the Algarve because it offers a mix of beaches, rich culture, and a lively yet relaxed atmosphere.
The Best Algarve Boat Tours
Now that we’ve covered some of the popular questions about Algarve boat tours, let’s get into the best boat trips in the Algarve! See below for a detailed list of all the best boat tours in the Algarve.
I spent about a week traveling around Portugal in Lisbon, Lagos, and Porto. All of these destinations were incredible and Portugal certainly deserves a spot on your bucket list. However, one of the highlights of my trip was a speedboat tour in southern Portugal. It was so much fun and we saw the most stunning sea caves.
1 | Sea Caves & Dolphin Watching | ✨My Top Pick✨
Portimão: Benagil Caves & Dolphins Watching with Biologist
Price: €50.00
Duration: 2.5 hours
Rating: 4.8 stars
This is the tour I suggest because it includes both a sea cave tour and dolphin watching! You get the best of both worlds and I love it. Portimão is also such a lovely town so this gives you a chance to explore Portimão after the tour.
You’ll cruise along the coast, go inside the famous Benagil sea caves, and watch playful dolphins swim around the boat. You also get a really nice swimming stop.
2 | Benagil Cave Speed Boat Tour
Portimão: Benagil Caves Speed Boat Tour with Sunset Option
Price: €35.00
Duration: 1.5 hours
Rating: 4.8 stars
This is a tour similar to the one I did from Lagos. If you only want to experience the sea caves I highly recommend this tour. You’ll get to experience the coast of Portugal on a speed boat.
The boat tour is offered many different times during the day so there’s an option for everyone. You can even book a sunset tour which would be an amazing experience. Keep in mind, this tour does not include transportation so you will have to meet at the dock in Portimão.
3 | A Family Friendly Boat Tour
From Lagos: Family-Friendly Catamaran Tour of Benagil
Price: €40.00
Duration: 2.5 hours
Rating: 4.3 stars
For those with kids, this is the tour for you. This Algarve boat tour leaves from Lagos and is on a catamaran. You’ll go to the famous Benagil Sea Cave and then back to Lagos.
The tour also includes a swimming spot and amazing photo opportunities. The catamaran has plenty of space for you and your family to move around. Make sure to bring a towel and SPF.
4 | A Lagos Boat Tour
From Lagos: Boat Cruise to Ponta da Piedade
Price: €20.00
Duration: 75 minutes
Rating: 4.8 stars
If you are looking for one of the best Algarve boat tours in Lagos, consider this cruise to Ponta da Piedade. You’ll get to experience unique caves and rock formations along the Algarve coast from Lagos.
It’s a small group, limited to ten people, making the experience better. You’ll experience the stunning Ponta da Piedade and learn all about the region from local guides.
5 | Dolphin Watching and Sea Caves from Albufeira
Albufeira: Dolphin Watching and Benagil Cave Boat Tour
Price: €33.00
Duration: 2.5 hours
Rating: 4.7 stars
For those looking for a sea cave and dolphin-watching tour from Albufeira, this is the tour for you. It’s two and a half hours of sailing along the scenic coast of the Algarve and spotting dolphins around the boat.
On this trip, you also have the option to swim in the sea, so wear a swimsuit and bring a towel. The tour includes a marine biologist guide, life jackets, and a boat tour. You’ll also see the stunning Benagil Cave and the Alfanzina Lighthouse.
6 | A Sunrise Sea Cave Tour
From Portimão: Benagil Sea Caves Boat Tour at Sunrise
Price: €29.98
Duration: 1.5 hours
Rating: 4.8 stars
Looking for a sunrise tour? Consider this Algarve boat tour from Portimão! Enjoy the colorful view of the coast at sunrise while exploring all the sea caves including Benagil Cave.
It’s an hour-and-a-half tour that includes a knowledgeable captain, life jackets, and an amazing sunrise tour. I will say, the sunrises in the Algarve are some of the best. Being on a boat during sunrise would be magical.
7 | Lagos Dolphin Watching Trip
From Lagos: Dolphin Watching Boat Trip
Price: €40.00
Duration: 105 minutes
Rating: 4.9 stars
And lastly, I’ve included another tour that leaves from Lagos. This is solely a dolphin-watching boat trip. This would be a great tour to pair with one of the sea cave tours in the Algarve.
You’ll have an experienced crew who will help spot dolphins and other sea animals. You’ll learn all about these animals and the region from professional guides. The group is capped at 18 people so it’s not too large of a tour.
Travel Insurance
Travel medical insurance is essential for every trip. This can save you time, money, and a lot of stress on the road. I love using SafetyWing for travel insurance. SafetyWing offers affordable and flexible travel medical insurance coverage. You can enter your details below for a free quote.
And that’s a wrap on the best Algarve boat tours! If you have any questions about planning your trip to Portugal, comment below or DM me on Instagram. And be sure to check out my Lagos travel guide for your time in the Algarve.
Recommended Tours in The Algarve
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