Boat Trips from Vilamoura Marina
Boat trips are on every single list of Best things to do in Vilamoura. Not surprising, as there are over 800 boats berthed in the Vilamoura Marina. The Algarve coast has optimal sailing conditions and offers some stunning scenery.
Numerous tour companies operate boat tours from Vilamoura, we have grouped the tours by theme: caves, dolphins, boat type and also included some boat tours in other locations that are really worth seeing.
Disclosure: Some links on this page may be affiliate links. Should you make a purchase via one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no cost to yourself) which helps maintain this site. All bookings are provided by third parties we do not own or operate any of the trips.
Cave Boat Trips from Vilamoura Marina
The sea cave tours are the most popular boat trips in the Algarve. From Vilamoura these trips take a minimum of 2.5 – 3 hours. Cruise along the rugged coastline, visit rock formations and caves that can only be accessed by sea.
The most visited cave is the famous Benagil Cathedral, a huge airy cave with a hidden beach, two entrances and a dramatic circular ‘skylight’.
Planning on exploring the Benagil Caves by boat? We have selected some of the most popular boat trips for you.
Benagil Cave Boat Tour
Tour Highlights
- 3.5 hours trip
- very stable catamaran
- welcome drink
- cave entry
- suitable for everyone
- available for groups max. 120 people
Where to Book
Visit us in Vilamoura at Kiosk Fortuna where we can answer all your questions, book your trips and assist you with your booking.
Alternatively book online with our preferred partner here.
Sunset Benagil Cave Trip
Tour Highlights
This boat trips combines two of the most popular tours in Vilamoura – the Benagil Cave Trip and Sunset Cruise. Depart from Vilamoura Marina late afternoon and cruise along the coast until you get to the natural wonder that is Benagil Cave. On your return, enjoy the cool breeze while you watch the sun set. Read More
Where to Book
Visit us in Vilamoura at Kiosk Fortuna where we can answer all your questions, book your trips and assist you with your booking.
(Not available in June 2024)
Benagil Cave Speed Boat
Tour Highlights
- best seller and one of the most reviewed boat trips on GYG
- 2.5hrs
- itinerary: Vilamoura Marina to Benagil caves
- max. group size: 10
- activities: dolphin watching, cave exploring
- type of boat: open rib speed boat
Where to Book
Visit us in Vilamoura at Kiosk Fortuna where we can answer all your questions, book your trips and assist you with your booking.
Alternatively book online with our preferred partner here.
Dolphin Watching Trips
Dolphins are regularly seen along the Algarve coastline all year long, making these Vilamoura boat trips extremely popular. Peak season for dolphin sighting seeing is during the warmer months coinciding with best sea and weather conditions for a boat trip- usually available from May to October.
Go on a dolphin safari cruise in search of the playful creatures out at sea in their natural enviroment. Watch them race around, doing flips and jumps before coming up for air to breathe. Get an inside look at the sea caves along the coast as well as other rock formations in this magnificent area!
Vilamoura Private Dolphin Watching and Caves Trip
Tour Highlights
- duration: 2hrs
- itinerary: Vilamoura Marina to Benagil caves
- max. group size: 12
- type of boat: open rib speed boat
- group booking/price for max. 12 people
Where to Book
Visit us in Vilamoura at Kiosk Fortuna where we can answer all your questions, book your trips and assist you with your booking.
Alternatively book online with our preferred partner here.
Dolphin Safari from Vilamoura Marina
Tour Highlights
- duration: 2.5hrs
- itinerary: Vilamoura Marina towards the latest sightings
- max. group size: 110
- type of boat: Ocean Quest Catamaran
Where to Book
Visit us in Vilamoura at Kiosk Fortuna where we can answer all your questions, book your trips and assist you with your booking.
Alternatively book online with our preferred partner here.
Full Day Trips with BBQ and Benagil Caves
Our favourite Vilamoura boat trip is the full day (usually 7 hours) BBQ and caves tour. There are three tour boat companies in Vilamoura that offer this trip. The itinerary is very similar: depart in the morning from the marina, cruise along the coast, visit the Benagil caves, see the dolphins, disembark on the beach for the BBQ, stop for a swim and return to Vilamoura at around 5pm.
With the BBQ lunch and drinks included, this trip is one of the most popular in the summer and is also fantastic value. Read on for more details.
Full day BBQ and Caves Boat Trip
Tour Highlights
- duration: 7hrs
- itinerary: Vilamoura Marina to Benagil caves
- max. group size: 42
- activities: paddle board, snorkel
- type of boat: catamaran
- included: BBQ lunch and drinks on the beach, kayaks
- prices vary by season and demand
Where to Book
Visit us in Vilamoura at Kiosk Fortuna where we can answer all your questions, book your trips and assist you with your booking.
Vilamoura BBQ Cruise
Tour Highlights
- duration: 7hrs
- itinerary: Vilamoura Marina to Benagil caves
- max. group size: 120
- type of boat: schooner replica
- included: BBQ lunch and drinks on the beach
- price: €65pp (child, senior and teenager prices available)
Where to Book
Visit us in Vilamoura at Kiosk Fortuna where we can answer all your questions, book your trips and assist you with your booking.
Alternatively book online with our preferred partner here.
Vilamoura Full day BBQ and Kayak Catamaran Trip
Tour Highlights
- duration: 7hrs
- itinerary: Vilamoura Marina to Benagil caves
- max. group size: 42
- activities: kayak, paddle board, snorkel
- type of boat: catamaran
- included: BBQ lunch and drinks on the beach, kayaks
Where to Book
Visit us in Vilamoura at Kiosk Fortuna where we can answer all your questions, book your trips and assist you with your booking.
Alternatively book online with our preferred partner here.
Relaxing Coastal Cruises from Vilamoura
3-Hour Sailing Trip on the Condor de Vilamoura
Tour Highlights
- duration: 3hrs
- itinerary: Vilamoura Marina to Galé Beach
- max. group size: 120
- type of boat: replica schooner
- available for private charter
- great value
- price: from €27pp
Where to Book
Visit us in Vilamoura at Kiosk Fortuna where we can answer all your questions, book your trips and assist you with your booking.
Alternatively book online with our preferred partner here.
Vilamoura Sunset Sailing Tours
A great way to end the day in the summer. You can enjoy a welcome drink with some appetizers before you get to see the beautiful sunset over the horizon.
Stop for a swim or snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and if you are feeling laidback then relax on the decks of your boat while listening to mellow music as it sails back into Vilamoura.
Sunset Sailing Yacht Trip from Vilamoura
Tour Highlights
- duration: 2.5hrs
- Vilamoura Marina to Falésia Beach and Tomato Beach (Albufeira)
- max. group size: 12
- stop for a swim and snorkel
- type of boat: sailing yacht
- welcome drink and snack
- private charter available max. 12 people
Where to Book
Visit us in Vilamoura at Kiosk Fortuna where we can answer all your questions, book your trips and assist you with your booking.
Alternatively book online with our preferred partner here.
Fishing Trips from Vilamoura
Enjoy a half-day or full day fishing trip from Vilamoura. Either join a trip or charter a private boat for your group. All equipment is provided and all levels of experience accepted. In the area you will find trips for reef fishing, big game fishing and shark fishing. Contact Kiosk Fortuna for more info and local bookings.
Hen and Stag Boat Parties
Charter a luxury yacht for a full-day or a few hours for your hen do, birthday or a romantic proposal.
Luxury Private Cruise for Group of 10
Most private charters will accommodate 8-10 people. Contact us for larger groups.
Ria Formosa Boat Tours
The Ria Formosa Natural Park is a coastal lagoon area that extends along the coast from Quinta do Lago to Cacela Velha (Tavira). This scenic area is home to over 200 species of birds and a wide array of marine wildlife. This is a popular hiking and cycling area but the best way to see it is by boat.
Check out Viator´s most popular tours here.
Where to check-in for boat trips at Vilamoura Marina
Most of the Vilamoura boat trips (except the Condor) have their meeting points/check-in desks on the west side of the marina near Murphy’s Bar (blue marker on the map). The Condor de Vilamoura is one of the few that departs from the opposite side, the pier next to the Tivoli Marina Hotel. Private charters will depend where the boat is berthed.
Tips
- These trips are very popular and are usually sold out – book early;
- Dolphin sightings cannot be guaranteed;
- Check-in is generally 30 minutes before departure;
- All trips depend on weather and sea conditions;
- You will not be allowed to disembark inside the cave on any of the trips;
- Don’t forget sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and a windbreaker just in case;
- Wear appropriate clothing, high heels are usually not allowed.
FAQ
Can you swim with the dolphins during the boat trips in the Algarve?
No. None of the boat tour operators will allow you to swim or interact with the wild dolphins, this is for your safety and the animals’ welfare. You can swim with dolphins in a controlled environment at the Zoomarine in Guia.
When do the boat trips start in Vilamoura?
The season typically starts from May to October, weather and sea permitting.
Can I book a private boat trip for a large party?
The private yachts or speed boats usually take about 8-10 people max. The largest luxury yacht in Vilamoura can accommodate 14 people. For larger parties check out our page: Boat trips for Groups and Parties.
Where do I find information about Vilamoura Marina?
Visit the official website for Vilamoura Marina.
