Add dates

Portimão Dolphin & whale watching

Our most recommended Portimão Dolphin & whale watching

Portimão: Benagil Caves Speed Boat Tour with Sunset Option

1. Portimão: Benagil Caves Speed Boat Tour with Sunset Option

Meet your guide at the pier in Portimao and listen to a short safety briefing. Then, board the RIB speed boat to start the journey out to sea. On your way, the guide will tell you stories about the Arade River and the Algarve region. Admire views of the Fort of Santa Catarina, the Ferragudo castle, as well as a quaint fishing village along the coast. See many dramatic caves and cliffs as you travel along the coast. Keep a lookout, as dolphins can often be seen navigating the waters here. If they are spotted and are less than 3 miles away, the boat will head in their direction so you can get a closer look at these playful mammals. Then, head inside the famous Benagil Caves, which are only reachable by boat. Marvel at the naturally-formed holes at the top, which let the sunlight filter down to the sandy beach below in a beautiful display. Listen to the echoes and the sound of the wind and let yourself be moved by these impressive natural surroundings. On the way back to the marina, the boat will make a brief swimming stop with views of the beautiful beach at Corredoura. If you choose the sunset option, watch a spectacular sunset on the return journey. Finish off the day by admiring the vibrant colors on the horizon as the sun goes down.

Portimão: Pirate Ship Cave Cruise

2. 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.

Portimão: Benagil Caves Cruise with Dolphin Watching

3. 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.

From Portimão: Benagil Caves Boat Tour

4. From Portimão: Benagil Caves Boat Tour

Depart from Portimão and take in breathtaking views of the coast on your way to these world-famous caves. With the small boat it will be possible sail inside some of them, the most popular one being Algar de Benagil. Your knowledgeable guide will show you caves so hidden, that you wouldn't spot them one your own. They will also explain all there is to know about these natural formations and reveal some of their secrets. Travel in comfort on this boat tour that can be adapted to your needs, in case you want to stay longer in a specific cave.

Portimão: Dolphin Watching, Benagil Caves Cruise & Sunset

5. Portimão: Dolphin Watching, Benagil Caves Cruise & Sunset

Discover the Algarve coast on a combination sunset cruise, cave visit, and dolphin-watching tour. Learn about the area's geology and animals from a marine biologist, sail past the Castelo de S.João do Arade, and marvel at the colors of the sunset over the ocean. Set sail from the marina of Portimão and cruise past the Castelo de S.João do Arade and the Forte de Santa Catarina in Rio Arade. Head into the ocean to search for dolphins. Snap a picture as they playfully swim around your boat. Continue back to the coastline and sail by secluded beaches framed by golden cliffs. Head into the iconic Algar de Benagil Cave and marvel at the fascinating rock formations inside. After leaving the cave, relax and feel the sea breeze as you watch the sunset over the water while you return to the marina.

Portimão: Dophin Watching on the Algarve Coast

6. Portimão: Dophin Watching on the Algarve Coast

Depart from Portimão and sail out to sea in search of beautiful dolphins in their natural habitat. Dolphin watching is a unique activity for anyone visiting the Algarve! Take part in a tour and enjoy the stunning coast of Southern Portugal you'll never forget. See the coast of Portugal from the water and feel the thrill of the wind in your face as you glide along the ocean while we try to spot dolphins and other marine species. Led by an experienced guide, you’ll learn more about the dolphins you see, well known for their intelligence and playfulness.

Portimão: 2-Hour Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

7. Portimão: 2-Hour Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

Today we offer you adventure and educational knowledge of nature. We will take you from the harbour in Portimão on a 2-hour speed-boat cruise. We invite you to a spectacular tour in the magical world of the dolphins. Our fully trained captains know just where to look for dolphins. Fortunately, these beautiful and curious creatures are glad to help us find them and seem to like the company of our boats. They often reward us with and exciting welcome - You will be amazed! You will also be able to admire some of the most beautiful caves of this area! Relax and enjoy the beauty of this hidden caves with their fantastic colours and odd shapes! An experience you will surely never forget!

From Portimão: Private Boat Tour to Benagil Cave

8. From Portimão: Private Boat Tour to Benagil Cave

Join this guided journey along the Algarve coastline to Benagil Cave. This fun and fantastic adventure will fully immerse you in the natural beauty of Portugal. From the pier of Clube Naval de Portimão, begin your boat ride along the coastline, admiring its churches, castles, and beautiful caves. As you glide over the water, your guide will tell you sometimes spooky ancient stories and teach you about the history of the Arade River. All boats are equipped with VHF Radios synchronized with dolphin-watching vessels. If these breathtaking animals are spotted within a 3-mile radius, the boat will go to their location.   Take in the unbelievable beauty of Benagil Cave, with its naturally formed hole at the top that lets the sunlight filter down to the sandy beach below. Listen to the echoes of the wind and let yourself be calmed by your surroundings.

Frequently asked questions about Portimão

What top attractions are a must-see in Portimão?

The must-see attractions in Portimão are:

What are the best deals and discounts on activities and attractions in Portimão?

Other Sightseeing Options in Portimão

Want to discover all there is to do in Portimão? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Portimão

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 20 reviews

Amazing tour, travelling solo and got to sit with the captain. Captain and guides were amazing! Great info/jokes along the way & will give great recommendations for the rest of your holiday! Highly recommend this boat trip

I found the staff absolutely lovely, kind, and friendly. was really good with my toddeler was only two and run out of patience on the way back.

These guides work their butts off to make sure you have an amazing time! Our family lives our tour!

Very nice experience and worth every penny. A must try excursion when you visit Algarve.

The cave tours were so worthwhile. It was beautiful and our guide, Rafa, was fabulous