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.
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.
TIPS FROM THE LOCALS IN VILAMOURA
The best “Value for Money Trip” is the Benagil Cave and Brunch Trip – which includes food and open bar during your trip.
Benagil Cave and Brunch Catamaran Cruise
Tour Highlights
- duration: 5hrs
- itinerary: Vilamoura Marina to Benagil caves
- max. group size: 40
- type of boat: catamaran
- included: Brunch and open bar
- 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.
Benagil Cave Catamaran Tour
Catamaran coastline and caves tour from Vilamoura Marina to Benagil.
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Duration: 3.5 hours
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Route: Vilamoura Marina - Benagil Cave
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Boat type: Custom Catamaran
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Group size: max. 60
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Activities: Cave exploration, dolphin sightings, swimming, relaxing
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Best for: Suitable for all
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Price: €45 per adult
Vilamoura Dolphin & Benagil Cave Tour
The 2026 bestselling Dolphin and Caves tour in Vilamoura.
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Duration: 3 hours
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Route: Vilamoura Marina - Benagil Cave
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Boat type: Catamaran
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Group size: 60
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Activities: Cave sightseeing, dolphin watching, swimming
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Best for: Suitable for all
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Price: from €35 per adult
Luxury Yacht Charter to Benagil
Private luxury yacht charter to Benagil Caves or small groups.
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Duration: 4 hours
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Route: Vilamoura Marina - Benagil Cave
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Boat type: Princess V50
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Group size: 11
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Activities: Coastline and caves
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Includes: Tapas selection, wine, beer, soft drinks
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Best for: Families, couples, small groups
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Price: from €1650 for group of 8 pax
Vilamoura - Benagil Caves Luxury Experience
Full day experience including brunch on board and open bar aboard luxury 18 pax catamaran.
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Duration: 7 hrs
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Route: Vilamoura Marina - Benagil Cave
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Boat type: Catamaran
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Group size: 18
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Activities: Coastline and caves
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Includes: Open bar, brunch, paddle boards
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Best for: Couples, small groups, families
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Price: from €160
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!
TIPS FROM THE LOCALS IN VILAMOURA
The Vilamoura Dolphin & Benagil Cave Tour offers a “Money Back Guarantee” ticket option if no dolphins are sighted you are refunded. Must be booked online – not available with third party agents. Use the booking widget here.
Dolphin Search and Watching
Boat trip that focuses especially on finding dolphins with a dedicated biologist on board.
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Duration: 2.5 hrs
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Route: Vilamoura Marina - along Coast towards latest sighting
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Boat type: Custom catamaran
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Group size: max 110 usually approx. 60
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Activities: Dolphin search
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Includes: Welcome drink
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Best for: Great for families and any age
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Price: from €40
2hrs Vilamoura Caves and Dolphins
Dolphin watching and caves aboard custom built speed boat - 2 hour tour.
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Duration: 2 hrs
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Route: Vilamoura Marina - Benagil Cave
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Boat type: Rib boat
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Group size: 38
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Activities: Cave sightseeing, dolphin watching
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Best for: Suitable for anyone that likes a little adrenaline
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Price: from €45
Vilamoura Dolphin & Benagil Cave Tour
The 2026 bestselling Dolphin and Caves tour in Vilamoura.
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Duration: 3 hours
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Route: Vilamoura Marina - Benagil Cave
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Boat type: Catamaran
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Group size: 60
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Activities: Cave sightseeing, dolphin watching, swimming
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Best for: Suitable for all
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Price: from €35 per adult
Vilamoura - Benagil Caves Luxury Experience
Full day experience including brunch on board and open bar aboard luxury 18 pax catamaran.
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Duration: 7 hrs
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Route: Vilamoura Marina - Benagil Cave
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Boat type: Catamaran
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Group size: 18
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Activities: Coastline and caves
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Includes: Open bar, brunch, paddle boards
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Best for: Couples, small groups, families
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Price: from €160
Vilamoura – Benagil Cave: Private Yacht Charter
Scan QR code in image or click here for more info and bookings.
Full Day Trips with Lunch and Benagil Caves
Benagil Cave and Brunch Catamaran Cruise
Tour Highlights
- duration: 5hrs
- itinerary: Vilamoura Marina to Benagil caves
- max. group size: 40
- type of boat: catamaran
- included: Brunch and open bar
- 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 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.
Vilamoura Sunset Boat Party: DJ and Open Bar
Cruise along the coast for an amazing sunset, with good music and open bar.
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Duration: 2 hours
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Route: Vilamoura Marina - Coastline
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Boat type: Schooner replica
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Group size: 120
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Activities: Open bar, live DJ, dancing, sunset
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Includes: Beer, wine and sangria
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Best for: Over 18´s, anyone looking for a party
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Price: €45 pp
Vilamoura Sunset Cruise with DJ or Live Music
Sunset catamaran sailing for the whole family. Music and good vibes.
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Duration: 2.5 hrs
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Route: Vilamoura Coastline
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Boat type: Ocean Quest Catamaran
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Group size: 60
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Activities: Music, sunset, relaxing cruise
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Includes: Welcome drink
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Best for: Families, couples, anyone that prefers a stable relaxing boat cruise.
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Price: from €35 per adult
Vilamoura Sunset Catamaran Cruise
Enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise from Vilamoura Marina to São Rafael.
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Duration: 2.5 hrs
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Route: Vilamoura coastline
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Boat type: Catamaran
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Group size: 60
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Activities: Sunset experience, cruise along the coastline
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Includes: Welcome drink, free WiFi
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Best for: Families, couples, anyone that prefers a stable relaxing boat cruise.
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Price: from €25 pp
Luxury Yacht Sunset Trip from Vilamoura
Enjoy a welcome drink and aperitifs with great music along the Falésia beach
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Duration: 2.5 hours
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Route: Vilamoura Falesia Beach coastline
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Boat type: Luxury sailing yacht
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Group size: 12
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Activities: Sunset Sailing, music
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Includes: Welcome drink and aperitif
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Best for: small groups or families
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Price: from €50
TIPS FROM THE LOCALS IN VILAMOURA
The Vilamoura Sunset Boat Party: DJ and Open Bar is one of the few trips that allows large parties of same sex groups (stag dos, hen parties etc). Most operators will not accept large groups on the shared trips.
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.
Vilamoura Reef Fishing
Family friendly fishing tour from Vilamoura Marina
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Duration: 3 hours
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Route: Specific fishing spot
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Boat type: Custom built boat
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Group size: max 10 pax
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Activities: Reef fishing
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Includes: Fishing equipment, bait, fuel and crew (fishing license not included extra €5 paid on boat)
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Best for: Families, friends,
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Price: from €55 pp
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.
Vilamoura to Ria Formosa Luxury Cruise
Full day luxury cruise to Ria Formosa and Culatra Island.
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Duration: 7hrs
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Route: Vilamoura Marina - Ria Formosa - Culatra Island
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Boat type: Luxury Catamaran
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Group size: max 18
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Activities: Visit oyster farm, Ria Formosa, Culatra Island
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Includes: Oyster tasting
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Best for: Families, small groups, couples
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Price: from €220pp
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.
Where to park for the Vilamoura Marina Boat Trips
If you driving to Vilamoura Marina there are 3 free car parks nearby. Most boat trips depart from west side of the marina. If you have booked the Condor or a private yacht (check which pier on your reservation) your departure will probably be from the east side – park at the McDonalds car park.
There is also plenty of paid parking around the marina, but note it can be very busy in Summer.
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.
Main Boat Trip Operators in Vilamoura Marina
Ocean Quest
Ocean Quest is one of our favourite companies to work with in Vilamoura, the feedback is always great, as are the reviews. Sarah and her team are amazing, they operate these boats from Vilamoura Marina:
- Ocean Quest: 18m custom built catamaran with maximum capacity for 110 people (but usually capped at 60 for comfort). Large, stable modern boat that can enter the Benagil Cave. Daily trips on the summer
- Bengil Cave Quest – Best Seller
- Dolphin Quest
- Sunset Vibes
- Private charter for large groups – contact us
- Hells Bells: a 7m Axopar speed boat with a capacity for 6 people.
- Private Hire – contact us
- Ocean Vision: a 9m Surfrider, Cherokee 30 equipped for parasailing, max 10 passengers.
- Parasailling
- Private Charter available (with or without parasailing activity) – contact us
Reviews on Get Your Guide for Ocean Quest
AlgarExperience
Algarexperience is an established trip operator based in Albufeira and offers a few trips from Vilamoura Marina. You can book the following boats from the marina:
- Vital Catamaran: a Sailing catamaran/motorboat hybrid with capacity for 60 passengers
- Unwind: A comfortable sailing catamaran for 18 passengers max, featuring 4 cabins and 4 bathrooms
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.