Best boat trips and cruises in Portugal

Water is one of the predominant elements in the country, being present in lakes, ponds, streams, rivers and, of course, in the vast Atlantic Ocean that kisses the national coastline. The Portuguese territory is rich in rivers and seas, and cruises in Portugal allow for unique experiences – often themed – aboard ship.

The options are diverse and appealing to water sports enthusiasts, including surfing, bodyboarding, canyoning, and others. In addition, Portugal is also a must-see destination for river cruises in Portugal or even to start or end an international cruise.

The options for boat tours in Portugal and its cruises come in many forms, and it is common to find trips that offer you a different perspective of the city, that take you to visit marine animals, or that offer you gastronomic and wine tasting experiences. There is so much diversity that the most difficult thing will certainly be to choose the ideal destination for a magnificent cruise in Portugal. We leave you with 10 unmissable suggestions, from North to South.

Douro Cruise

Porto, Régua, Vale do Côa… the boat trips along the Douro River, usually departing from Vila Nova de Gaia or Ribeira Quays, are a treasure waiting to be discovered along the stretch that stretches from the mouth of the river to Barca de Alva. Dozens of operators and hundreds of boats invite you to get to know the magnificent landscapes on the river bank, and some are even hotel boats, where you can fully enjoy a few days of tranquility and beauty on the water. Depending on which option you choose, you can enjoy these cruises for between $27 and $148 per person.

Here, gastronomic cru ises allow you to taste local delicacies (such as, for example, Tripas à Moda do Porto) or to try the wines of the Douro Region and Port Wine. Interestingly, many of the landscapes you will be invited to see will show you precisely the vineyards from which the raw material for this drink of the Gods comes.

Tagus River Cruise

To see Lisbon from another perspective is something that the Tagus allows through the boat trips and cruises organized by several operators, usually departing from Cais do Sodré. Prices vary according to the experience, with options starting at $12.

Here, it is possible to choose thematic options, which invite you to taste the local gastronomy, to taste the best wines of the region, to experience a romantic moment for two, to watch the sunset aboard a boat, or even to experience the exciting nightlife at a kickass party. In addition, you can choose to go upriver and see magnificent wildlife, getting to know the islets and nooks and crannies of the Tagus.

Whale and Dolphin Watching in Funchal

The Madeira Archipelago has many different offers when it comes to cruises, including inter-island ships. An exciting cruise to take in Funchal, however, deserves our highlight. We are talking about the catamaran cruise for whale and dolphin watching, which you can enjoy starting at $25 per person.

To do this tour you will leave Funchal Marina to travel along the southern coast of the island and visit marine creatures such as dolphins, whales, and turtles. In the summer, the invitation extends to swimming near the cliffs of Cabo Girão.

A trip on a Moliceiro in Aveiro

The Moliceiros are the typical boats of Aveiro and, for those staying in the central zone, a boat trip through the channels of the Ria de Aveiro is a must.

Urban, these canals allow you to see the city from the traditional boats, following the Canal Central, the Canal do Côjo, the Canal das Pirâmides, and the Canal de São Roque. You will probably leave from the city’s Pier 8, and can enjoy the trip from 10€ per person. On this cruise, you will also learn about the history of the boats, formerly used for harvesting moliço (algae for agricultural fertilizer).

Catamaran in the Ria Formosa

A boat trip on the Ria Formosa, located between Faro and Vila Real de Santo António, allows you to see many wonders of the southern region for an average price of 20 euros per person.

These cruises are ideal for getting to know the islets, rock formations and for seeing the Algarve coastline from a new perspective, and the departure of the catamarans depends on the itinerary chosen and the exact location where you are spending your vacation. You will have the opportunity to choose between romantic or festive packages that meet the preferences of each traveler. The gastronomic options often include menus rich in seafood and where you can highlight the best of the national wines.

By boat to Berlengas

Off Peniche, you will find the Berlengas and taking a boat is the only way to visit them, which immediately adds value to this cruise. You can catch the boat at Peniche Marina and enjoy your trip from 20€, children up to 3 years old don’t pay and children between 3 and 12 pay only 10€ for this trip.

You can count on a traditional and adventurous experience, taking the boat from the coast of Peniche and following the route that takes you to the island. There, you will be invited to visit sceneries of great natural beauty and even to go to the beach, delighting yourself with the clear waters.

Cruise to the sea caves of Albufeira

In the Albufeira region, one-day or half-day cruises invite you to discover the region’s hidden caves for about $27 per person. Leaving from Albufeira Marina, this cruise will take you to observe the rock formations and even take the opportunity to see some sea creatures, including, if you are lucky, dolphins.

Many cruises include a stop to swim or snorkel, and this is a magnificent option, especially during the warmer months.

Basophias in Coimbra

Boat rides on the Mondego River have made Basófias a recognized landmark of the city. This maritime-tourist vessel invites you to get to know the landscapes of Coimbra from a new perspective, and is available between 2 and 8 pm every day for 9.5€ for adults and 5€ for children aged 3 and up.

This vessel departs from the Dr. Manuel Braga Park pier and serves 60 passengers. The trip takes about an hour, allowing you to see, from the river, such emblematic places as the Old Cathedral, the University of Coimbra, and the Santa Clara-a-Velha Monastery. You will also have the chance to encounter the magnificent architecture of the city and enjoy the traditional Fado of Coimbra on board.

Navigating the Alqueva

Heading to the Alentejo, you will be invited to take a boat trip on the Great Lake Alqueva, starting at $15 per person. This tour starts at Amieira’s Marina or from the Dam’s Quay you can get to know, from the boats, much of the magnificent and natural landscape, as well as the resorts of some typical villages.

These tours can last a few hours or a whole day, depending on the option you select. On board of the boats you can experience moments of gastronomic richness or taste the wonderful Alentejo wines.

Arrábida coastline

Finally, it is a must that you get to know the cruises that run along the edge of the Serra da Arrábida. Here, the end of Sado offers a fabulous scenario where there is no lack of rich and green landscapes, rocky constructions of great geological value, bird and dolphin watching, and thematic experiences.

The cruises with wine tastings and sunset parties are highly recommended, and you can enjoy them leaving from Tróia or Setúbal and with prices starting at 30 euros per person.