REVIEWS · ALGARVE
The 14 best algarve catamaran cruises you can book right now, each with the per-head price, the hours it runs and how much of that is spent at anchor. Number one is first for a reason.
Set out from Albufeira Marina on a modern catamaran with guides speaking English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish. Cruise past beaches and rock arches to Benagil Cathedral Cave, then stop for about 10 minutes of swimming before returning. Filipe and Tomas are among the guides who may lead departures.
“Super nice and relaxed boat ride. The staff and guides are nice and make it a fun trip.”
From Lagos Marina, you’ll cruise by catamaran to Ponta da Piedade, slide into a double kayak, and paddle through arches, grottoes, and narrow passages with an English or Portuguese guide. Allow about two hours, including a short swim stop and the boat’s fun ocean slide.
“Bruno and the team were excellent and had great humour! We really enjoyed this and highly recommend to anyone visiting Lagos!”
Set sail from Lagos Marina for 150 minutes along the Algarve coast. You’ll pass Ponta da Piedade, Dona Ana, Camilo, and Porto de Mós, then stop near Praia da Luz for swimming and paddle boarding. English and Portuguese guides, a bar, music, and a spacious sun deck round out the trip.
“The Catamaran Cruise to Ponta da Piedade & Praia da Cuz was absolutely fantastic! The scenery was breathtaking, the crew was friendly and fun, and the atmosphere on board was amazing with great music that kept the vibes high. Cruising along the stunning coastline, exploring caves, and relaxing by the beach made it an unforgettable experience. Highly recommend this tour for anyone looking to enjoy beauty, fun, and good energy all in one trip!”
Set out from Marina de Lagos on a 2.5-hour catamaran cruise with a marine biologist such as Nadja or Diogo. Search for dolphins in the open sea, learn about local marine life, then stop near the Algarve cliffs for swimming, sunbathing, and a water slide. Fruit and a cookie are included.
“We arrived to the marina and the boat pick up was on time, we boarded and had an introduction to what the boat trip would consist of. The team were really friendly and passionate about their work. We were told there may be a chance we wouldn’t see any dolphins however we saw a whole bunch! The boat sold drinks and provided fruits and snacks which was a delight! It was an absolute amazing experience and I’d recommend it to all.”
Cruise west from Albufeira Marina on a roomy catamaran, passing São Rafael, Marinha, Albandeira, Carvoeiro, and Benagil. Your multilingual crew shares coastal facts, stops for an optional swim, and serves sparkling wine on the return. You will view the caves from the sea, not enter them.
“Would definitely recommend to others, staff were kind and had snack on deck. Very informative tour.”
Spend about five hours crossing the Ria Formosa with a multilingual guide such as Pedro or Joao. Stop at Ilha Deserta, Ilha do Farol, Hangares, and Culatra for swimming, village walks, wildlife viewing, lighthouse photos, oyster farming, and an optional Portuguese seafood lunch.
“l really liked the first stop on Deserta Island, l would like stay mire time...”
Cruise from Portimão toward Benagil on a roomy catamaran with English or Portuguese commentary. You will see Praia da Rocha, Carvoeiro, Marinha, and Benagil, then stop for swimming and SUPs. The boat cannot enter the cave, but it offers shade, sun nets, a bar, and a light meal.
“Really chilled relaxed very friendly and knowledgeable to about the area”
Spend six hours aboard a catamaran from Albufeira Marina, sailing past Benagil, Galé, and Carvoeiro. You’ll approach caves by dinghy, swim when conditions allow, and eat a beachside BBQ with drinks included. The crew speaks English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French.
“This was hands down the best part of our trip to Albufeira. The crew were all super friendly and the meal on the beach was fantastic. I would absolutely reccomend this excursion.”
Take a 45-minute catamaran from Faro’s Porta Nova pier to Ilha Deserta, also called Barreta Island. Spend a few hours or the whole day on the beach and 2-kilometer boardwalk, then return when convenient. Food is available at Estaminé Restaurant, but bring water and sun protection.
“That was a wonderful day, great walk along the beach and path through dunes. You can spend your time walking, relaxing on the beach, having food in the restaurant, many things to do there. Travel to the island by catamaran was very enjoyable, staff very friendly and welcoming. Highly recommend.”
Sail from Lagos to Benagil Cave on a spacious catamaran with English and Portuguese guides. You’ll pass Carvoeiro and Paradise beaches, enter several coastal grottos, and stop for a swim near Benagil if conditions allow. The boat has shade, toilets, stroller space, and a useful front viewing platform.
“The views were fantastic as was the crew!! Highly recommend!”
Spend six hours aboard the Ophelia catamaran from Portimão, passing Ferragudo and Carvoeiro before visiting Benagil’s caves by small boat. Enjoy a beach BBQ, wine, soft drinks, swimming, and paddleboards. Crew members such as Nuno, Rui, Ricardo, and Miguel help keep the day lively.
“It was difficult to enjoy our time at the beach because there was no toilet.”
From Portimão Marina, a live guide such as Miguel or Elio leads a two-hour catamaran trip past Algarve caves, including Benagil, with time near Marinha Beach for a swim. The boat can hold up to 35 people, and the tour runs in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.
“Boat ride to caves - brilliant guide really friendly”
Sail from Portimão Marina to Carvoeiro and Benagil Cave on a quiet, solar-assisted catamaran. Guides such as Marco, Pedro, Anna, and Edgar share coastal details while you enjoy shaded seating, a bar, restroom, music, and a summer swim stop.
“We are so happy that this was the boat we chose to book for our day on the water. The vessel is clean and spacious with a ton of shaded areas as well as a comfy front sun deck. We had young kids with us so having an area for them to be able to walk around or sit was key. The boat also has a washroom which was important with young kids. Our captains were very professional, friendly and knowledgeable. We went into many caves, saw dolphins and had a quick swim. It was such a great day and I highly recommend booking this boat.”
Set out from Lagos Marina for a 1.5-hour dolphin search aboard a spacious catamaran. You get padded seating, shaded areas, a toilet, and several viewing spots. The route also features Algarve beaches and cliffs, with a possible Benagil-area swim stop when sea conditions allow.
“We got to see a large pod of dolphins. More information about the species and their habits would have been useful.”
By what the day is for, by what comes with the ticket, or by who else is aboard.
