REVIEWS · BAY & COASTAL
Sheltered water, short hops and the shore in sight the whole way, which makes these the sailings that survive a breezy forecast. These 15 coastal cruises are compared on duration, what is included and how exposed the route gets.
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.”
Sail from Puerto de Alcúdia along Mallorca’s north coast, stopping at quiet coves for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fish spotting. Your crew serves a barbecue lunch on daytime trips or dinner at sunset, with two drinks included. Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and your own goggles.
“Very smooth sailing with good music tour guides and company aboard. Best part is stopping off in clear blue waters for a swim. They water was so turquoise felt like I was in the Caribbean. the bbq food was good value for the package deal. would 100% recommend”
Join Atlantic Pearl Catamaran in Funchal for a three-hour cruise with Portuguese or English-speaking crew. Watch for dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, and other marine life, then stop to swim beneath 580-meter Cabo Girão. The smaller boat, onboard bathroom, covered seats, hammocks, and paid bar make this a relaxed alternative to a large party cruise.
“Both staff were absolutely quality, good laugh and a great tour! Saw pilot whales and dolphins at first spot and had a great swim in the beautiful waters! All the best with the new baby captain!”
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!”
Join Ocean Vibes Scuba and Watersports for a four-hour catamaran sail from Grace Bay. Snorkel a warm-water reef, visit Half Moon Bay or Little Water Cay, look for rock iguanas, and enjoy sandwiches, fruit, rum punch, beer, and soft drinks. Crew members such as Ross, Reggie, Jay, and Captain Mike have earned warm praise for their family-friendly help.
“Awesome snorkeling and overall experience! Fun and informative, great crew who were great with young and old! Highly recommend!”
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.”
Board Adventure Cat at Pier 39 for a 1-hour-35-minute evening sail past Alcatraz and beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. You get one beer, wine, or non-alcoholic drink, with indoor and outdoor seating, multilingual audio guides, and warm jackets available when the bay turns cold.
“You have to do this if you are in San Fran! It made our trip! Truly once in a lifetime experience to sail under the Golden Gate Bridge at sunset! The ultimate date night! The crew were fabulous and made the whole trip fun!”
Sail from Pier 39 on a 55- or 65-foot catamaran for 90 minutes of skyline, Alcatraz, Sausalito, and Golden Gate Bridge views. You get one complimentary drink, protected seating, open trampoline nets, and an English-speaking crew, with audio commentary listed in seven languages.
“It was a perfect final experience for us in SFO. Thanks to the crew and the weather!”
Join Catamaran Charters at Walvis Bay Waterfront for a 210-minute morning cruise toward Pelican Point and the open sea. Guides such as Bertie, Steven, and Tu-Tu explain the marine life while you look for dolphins, whales, mola mola, turtles, and seals. Fresh oysters, sparkling wine, snacks, beer, and soft drinks are included.
“Oh wow what an amazing trip one of the best ever ! Staff were lovely, friendly and just so chilled and informative as well as accommodating! Food was great and what we got to see priceless! Thank you”
Cruise Ma'alaea Bay aboard Quicksilver’s roomy double-deck power catamaran from December through April. Your captain and crew explain humpback behavior, track blows and breaches, and use an underwater hydrophone so you can hear whale songs. Soda, juice, water, restrooms, and paid drinks are onboard.
“Captain Kiwi was very entertaining. We saw whales in several different locations leaving on the first boat departing in the morning. The service and crew were great. This was a nice value when you consider the costs of other whale watching options. We had good time!”
Cruise Mallorca’s southwest coast by modern catamaran, passing Paguera, Santa Ponsa, Camp de Mar, and the Malgrats Islands Marine Reserve. You’ll have a 20-minute swim stop, sea views through underwater windows, multilingual commentary, toilets, music, and snacks and drinks for purchase.
“Very good activity and very nice staff on board we really enjoyed it”
Sail from Alicante for 45 minutes to Cabo de Huertas, where you get about 90 minutes to swim and snorkel. Your catamaran includes masks, fins, music, a restroom, fruit, and one beer, wine, or tinto de verano.
“Size and number of passengers was manageable. Had a great time in the water!!”
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”
Cruise Mallorca’s east coast aboard a glass-bottom catamaran from Porto Cristo, Cala Millor, Cala Bona, Sa Coma, or Calas de Mallorca. You’ll pass beaches, caves, Cala Varques, the Pirate Cave, and Punta de n’Amer, with swimming stops when sea conditions allow.
“I love everything about my activity it was amazing….”
Board a power catamaran at Quay 5 for a one-hour run along Cape Town’s Atlantic shore. You’ll see Table Mountain and the city from the water, with chances to spot seals, dolphins, penguins, whales, or sunfish. English-speaking crew members such as Charlie and Rock have earned praise for lively service and helpful photos.
“The boat wasn’t too overloaded, the crew was proper too.”
By what the day is for, by what comes with the ticket, or by who else is aboard.
