Portugal · SAILING TRIPS IN THE ALGARVE

Sailing Trips in the Algarve Worth Booking: 15 Reviewed

37 tours  ·  from $11

The best sailing trips in the Algarve fill up first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and where they differ.

Albufeira: Coastline and Benagil Caves Tour by Catamaran - Cruising past São Rafael and Praia da Coelha
Algarve Tours, Boat Tours in the Algarve, Cruises & Boat Tours, Sailing, Sailing Trips in the Algarve, Sea Cave Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Albufeira: Coastline and Benagil Caves Tour by Catamaran

1.Coastline and Benagil Caves Tour by Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 4,077 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $35Our pick

From Albufeira Marina, you cruise west along the Algarve coast to Benagil Cathedral Cave aboard a clean, spacious catamaran. Guides such as Filipe, Tomas, and João explain the beaches and rock formations in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish. Expect music, a bar, toilets, and a roughly 10-minute swim stop, subject to sea conditions.

“Thoroughly enjoyed our trip, it was the right length of time and everything was very smooth. The guide was funny but still very knowledgeable”

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Lagos: Dolphins & Caves - Catamaran - Leaving from Marina de Lagos
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Lagos: Dolphins & Caves – Catamaran

2.Dolphins & Caves – Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,512 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $58

Cruise from Lagos with marine biologists such as Nadja, Diogo, or Larissa searching for wild dolphins and other cetaceans. Afterward, stop near the Algarve cliffs for swimming, jumping, and a catamaran water slide. The 2.5-hour trip includes shaded seating, a marine life talk, and fruit with a cookie.

“Great trip with Discover Tours. Saw lots of dolphins and had great fun on the water slide at our swimming spot. Diago was a fun guide. Very knowledgeable and even went down the slide with us!! Would highly recommend.”

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From Lagos: Algarve Cruise by Catamaran - Ponta da Piedade from the water
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From Lagos: Algarve Cruise by Catamaran

3.Algarve Cruise by Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,408 reviews · from $38

Sail from Lagos to Ponta da Piedade and Praia da Luz on a steady catamaran with English and Portuguese guides. You get cliff views, a swim stop, paddle boards, an inflatable water track, sun nets, and a reasonably priced onboard bar. The boat carries up to 80 people, so expect a lively shared outing rather than a private cruise.

“The boat trip was the highlight of our holiday. There were spectacular views along the coast during the trip. The best part was when the boat stopped and we were able to swim off the boat, use the SUP's and take a trip into the rocks in a dingy. The staff were very polite, friendly and helpful, nothing was too much trouble and they made the trip very enjoyable. We saw a number of other smaller boat trips and very very happy with our chose as non of the other gave the same great experiences.”

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From Lagos: Ponta da Piedade Caves Kayak Tour from Catamaran - Starting at Lagos Marina
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From Lagos: Ponta da Piedade Caves Kayak Tour from Catamaran

4.Ponta da Piedade Caves Kayak Tour from Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,394 reviews · from $41

Board at Lagos Marina, sail to Ponta da Piedade, then slide into a kayak for a guided 75-minute trip through arches, caves, and narrow passages. Guides such as Thomas and Ricardo keep the outing lively and safe. Afterward, return to the catamaran for a short swim or a slide into the sea.

“It was awesome! And, doubley so for a senior citizen of the world!”

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Albufeira: Caves and Coastline Catamaran Cruise to Benagil - São Rafael, Coelha, and the first Algarve cliffs
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Albufeira: Caves and Coastline Catamaran Cruise to Benagil

5.Caves and Coastline Catamaran Cruise to Benagil

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,385 reviews · 3 hours · from $35

Sail from Albufeira Marina toward Benagil on a relaxed three-hour catamaran cruise. Your multilingual crew points out beaches, arches, cliffs, and caves from São Rafael to Praia da Marinha. You can swim during a supervised ocean stop, buy drinks on board, use free Wi-Fi, and finish with a cup of champagne. Caves are viewed from the boat, not entered.

“Real easy going experience! Amazing views and lots of great photo opportunities.”

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From Faro: 4 Stops, 3 Islands in Ria Formosa Catamaran Tour - Ilha Deserta: your first taste of open beach
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From Faro: 4 Stops, 3 Islands in Ria Formosa Catamaran Tour

6.4 Stops, 3 Islands in Ria Formosa Catamaran Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,129 reviews · 5 hours · from $47

From Faro, spend about five hours visiting Ilha Deserta, Ilha do Farol, Hangares, and Culatra Island by catamaran. You’ll swim, walk through a fishing village, spot birds, learn about oyster farming, and have time for a Portuguese seafood lunch. Guides including João, Pedro, and Juan lead tours in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French.

“An unreal experience. Our guide/captain JC was full of knowledge and was just generally great fun! Best decision I made was booking this boat trip and that was mainly down to JC's energy and enthusiasm. Would 10/10 recommend, unreal value for money. And no I was not asked to write a review, I just wanted to! Hahahaha”

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Faro: Deserta Island and Farol Island Catamaran Boat Trip - Reading the Ria Formosa from the water
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Faro: Deserta Island and Farol Island Catamaran Boat Trip

7.Deserta Island and Farol Island Catamaran Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 955 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Set out from Faro Marina on a three-hour catamaran with a multilingual guide such as Miguel, Diogo, or João. Cruise the Ria Formosa, stop for an hour on Farol Island, then spend up to 30 minutes on quiet Deserta Island. Bring swimwear, sun protection, water, and cash for island cafés.

“Our guide Miguel was sensational.. you could easily add two more hours to each of the stops but it’s an excellent way to see some rich history and landscape in an expedited fashion”

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From Lagos: Kayak Tour of Ponta da Piedade Caves on Catamaran - Boarding in Lagos and learning the basics
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From Lagos: Kayak Tour of Ponta da Piedade Caves on Catamaran

8.Kayak Tour of Ponta da Piedade Caves on Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 905 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $48Top rated

From Lagos, you’ll ride a purpose-built catamaran to Ponta da Piedade, receive kayak instruction, then paddle through sea caves and past cliffs in a double kayak. Guides such as Ricardo, Jaime, Andre, and Bruno are praised for clear safety help and good local stories. Finish with a swim and coastal cruise back to the marina.

“I highly recommend this tour company. They are so well organized, and have it dialed in to perfection. Their staff absolutely amazing professional, yet a lot of fun. And very handsome young men I must say. The adventure was worth every penny. I know you’ll agree with me.”

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Albufeira: Catamaran Cruise with BBQ & Open Bar on the Beach - Leaving Albufeira Marina and heading west
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Albufeira: Catamaran Cruise with BBQ & Open Bar on the Beach

9.Catamaran Cruise with BBQ & Open Bar on the Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 685 reviews · from $76

Sail west from Albufeira Marina along the Algarve coast, passing Galé, Benagil, and Carvoeiro. Your crew takes you close to the caves, then transfers you by small dinghy to a beach for a fresh BBQ, open bar, swimming, and sunbathing. The six-hour trip ends with champagne and a relaxed ride back.

“Absolutely amazing day! Great crew, entertaining, all very friendly! Lovely food on the BBQ, lots to choose from & good portions, even a free couple of beers!! Amazing views of the caves, the catamaran gets really close (I was worried we wouldn’t get a good look being on a bigger boat but it was really good!!) then we got lucky & even saw the dolphins on the way back! I’d recommend this trip to anyone & will deffo book again if we come to Albufeira again!”

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From Faro: Catamaran Boat Trip to Deserta Island with Stop - The catamaran ride through Ria Formosa
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From Faro: Catamaran Boat Trip to Deserta Island with Stop

10.Catamaran Boat Trip to Deserta Island with Stop

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 636 reviews · 45 min · from $11Best value

Take a catamaran from Faro’s Porta Nova pier through Ria Formosa Natural Park to Ilha Deserta. Spend a few hours or the day on the beach, walk the 2-kilometer boardwalk, and eat at Estaminé Restaurant. The crossing takes about 45 minutes, with Portuguese and English service and several return times.

“Nice to enjoy a boat ride to the island with free time on the nature walk and beach. Very relaxing.”

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Ophelia Catamaran Cruises + Beach BBQ - Cruising the Algarve Coast by Catamaran
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Ophelia Catamaran Cruises + Beach BBQ

11.Ophelia Catamaran Cruises + Beach BBQ

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 582 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $87

From Portimão, Ophelia Catamaran Cruises takes you along the Algarve coast to Benagil, with a close look at the famous caves and a long stop at a private beach for a BBQ lunch. Expect a spacious catamaran, friendly crew, music, Wi-Fi, toilets, swimming time, and a bar where drinks cost extra.

“Very well organised and the staff were very attentive and couldn't do enough for you. We really enjoyed going into the speed boat into the caves and the excellent BBQ on the beach which we were even provided with parasols to sit under.”

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From Portimão: Catamaran Cruise to Benagil Caves with BBQ - Cruising past Ferragudo Castle
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From Portimão: Catamaran Cruise to Benagil Caves with BBQ

12.Catamaran Cruise to Benagil Caves with BBQ

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 466 reviews · from $82

Spend six hours aboard Ophelia, cruising from Portimão past Ferragudo and Carvoeiro to Benagil. Small boats take you into the caves before a beach BBQ with salad, mixed grill, bread, and an open bar of water, orange drink, and wine. You also get swim time, paddleboards, music, and a friendly multilingual crew.

“A great way to spend the day in the sun and have amazing scenic views while visiting the caves. The bbq at the beach was delicious. Warning: if anyone in your party suffers from sea sickness this may not be the tour for you.”

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Catamaran Cruise: Caves and Coastline to Benagil - Leaving Albufeira Marina
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Catamaran Cruise: Caves and Coastline to Benagil

13.Catamaran Cruise: Caves and Coastline to Benagil

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 375 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $36

Set out from Albufeira Marina for a three-hour catamaran cruise along the Algarve coast to Benagil and nearby caves. Expect live English commentary, Wi-Fi, music, a swim stop, and a complimentary glass of champagne. The crew, including team members such as Ricardo and Gyl, keeps the mood relaxed, though seating and sea conditions can vary.

“I received a message the day before the cruise informing me that my booking had been 'upgraded' to the dolphin tour due to a mechanical issue with the catamaran. I was expecting a boat upgrade, but instead, the boat was small, and I couldn’t even sit next to my partner. The seats were low, so I couldn’t really see what was happening. I didn’t enjoy the overall experience—it was cold, and there wasn’t much to see.”

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Vilamoura: Algarve Coast 3-Hour Sailing Cruise With Open Bar - Falésia and the first open-water views
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Vilamoura: Algarve Coast 3-Hour Sailing Cruise With Open Bar

14.Algarve Coast 3-Hour Sailing Cruise With Open Bar

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 362 reviews · 3 hours · from $33

Set out from Vilamoura Marina on the schooner Condor for a three-hour cruise past Falésia, Olhos d’Água, Albufeira, São Rafael, and Galé. Your crew provides coastal commentary, handles a cave visit by dinghy when conditions allow, and may invite you to help with the sails. Miguel is among the friendly crew members praised for his care.

“We had a fantastic afternoon aboard the Condor. The crew were friendly and pointed out certain locations along the way. There was a bar and toilets on board. We had the opportunity to get into a dinghy and look in caves, those that also wanted to were able to jump off the side of the sailing boat and swim in the sea. I would definitely recommend this sailing trip. 😊”

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From Portimão: 2-Hour Catamaran Tour to Benagil Caves - Leaving Portimão Marina
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From Portimão: 2-Hour Catamaran Tour to Benagil Caves

15.2-Hour Catamaran Tour to Benagil Caves

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 339 reviews · from $34

Sail from Portimão Marina with an English, Portuguese, or Spanish-speaking guide to Benagil Cave, Carvoeiro, and Marinha Beach. You’ll see cliffs and arches from a stable catamaran, with time for a swim when sea conditions allow. Guides including Miguel, Celia, and captain Antonio have earned praise for friendly, clear service.

“We enjoyed seeing the cliffs and different caves as well as sharing the adventure with our family!”

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New in Sailing Trips in the Algarve

★ 4.5Ria Formosa Half Day Sailing TourFrom $6058 reviews
★ 5.0Nature Catamaran Tour from FaroFrom $3153 reviews
★ 5.0Yatch FINISMAR: 3hours Sailing to BenagilFrom $6050 reviews
★ 4.56-Hour Sunset Dinner Catamaran Cruise with Open BarFrom $85170 reviews
★ 5.0Coastal Tour on a Luxury Sailing Yacht From VilamouraFrom $48143 reviews
★ 4.7Sunset Catamaran ExperienceFrom $27170 reviews
★ 4.8Half-Day Sailing Yacht Cruise to the Benagil CavesFrom $6744 reviews
★ 4.8Luxury Sail-Yacht Cruise with Sunset OptionFrom $37126 reviews
★ 4.9Ponta da Piedade Half-Day Yacht CruiseFrom $7841 reviews
★ 4.8Benagil Cave and Coastal Cruise by CatamaranFrom $3786 reviews
★ 4.42-Island, 2-Stop Ria Formosa Catamaran TourFrom $4191 reviews
★ 4.8Ria Formosa Guided Sunset Tour by CatamaranFrom $3562 reviews
★ 4.5Quarteira: Benagil Cave Guided Catamaran Day Cruise & DrinkFrom $5494 reviews
★ 4.9Sailing Boat Cruise BBQ & Open Bar on the BeachFrom $10851 reviews
★ 4.6Algarve Sunset Sailing ExperienceFrom $7443 reviews

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