Portugal · SAILING
This is the shortlist to send a friend: 15 sailing trips worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
3-hour eco catamaran cruise from Funchal with hybrid-electric silent cruising for dolphin and whale watching in Madeira.
“Offering a complimentary water would be appreciated. Overall it was fun, appreciative of the guide helpfulness and they helped retrieve a lost backpack. I’d definitely recommend Magic Dolphin Boat tours, and will use them next time I come here.”
3-hour catamaran cruise from Funchal to Cabo Girão to spot dolphins, whales, and turtles, with panoramic views and a swim stop.
“It was a beautiful activity, we were fortunate enough to see dolphins! My only advisory for people is the chance of getting sea sick. It’s a long ride, so by the last hour i got sea sick. But one of the staff, Philip, was so kind and attentive with ensuring I was feeling okay.”
Catamaran cruise from Albufeira to Benagil Sea Cave with guided coastal sights, a possible swim stop, and sea cave views in 2.5 hours.
“The boat felt safe and it was very comfortable and clean.”
A small-group Tagus sail in Lisbon with live commentary, a welcome drink, and big views from Belém to Alfama, timed for day, sunset, or night.
“Seeing the city from a different angle was amazing, and the crew was super friendly, sharing cool bits of history as we went along.”
90-minute Lisbon Tagus sunset catamaran with music, blankets, and a welcome cocktail, sailing past Cristo Rei, Belém, and the 25 de Abril Bridge.
“A 1.5h relaxing journey around the bridge, at sunset. It was very relaxing, we liked that they had 2 catamarans prepared so they didn't overcrowd us. They've got a good bar inside where you can go get your welcome drink and order more. The music was a playlist, had a nice mix of 80s, 90s, and 2000s music. Don't forget to bring a jacket, after sunset, it got really chilly.”
Luxury catamaran cruise from Funchal Bay in Madeira with snorkeling at Cabo Girão and chances to see dolphins and whales.
“Very nice boat. On the smaller side which is why I booked it. Friendly, helpful staff. We saw some dolphins which was nice. Each boat can only stay 10 minutes when there’s a sighting so it seems a lot of boats go to the same spot. There’s a bathroom on the boat that I did not use and drinks available to purchase. I thought the trip was worth the money.”
Belém sunset sailing with Portuguese wine, skipper stories, and landmark views for a small group on a 2-hour cruise in Lisbon.
“We really enjoyed the tour on a beautiful boat. The guides were very attentive to us getting us wine blankets and everything we needed. Very kind and knowledgeable about the area. Was a great tour to enjoy our last evening in Portugal with.”
Sail the Tagus from Doca do Bom Sucesso, see Belém Tower and the 25 de Abril Bridge, and enjoy sunset or easy cruising with one drink.
“What a great way to see Lisbon. The crew and staff could not have been better. Do this trip !”
Funchal sunset sailing with an open bar, a swim at Cabo Girão, and possible dolphins or whales on a small-group yacht in Madeira.
“We had a really lovely experience on the sunset cruise. The team were so friendly and welcoming, Joe, Anne and the rest of the crew were absolutely brilliant and made everyone feel relaxed and looked after. We were lucky with a beautiful sunny day and the sunset was gorgeous, really special to see from the water. It never felt rushed, just calm, enjoyable and very well run. Definitely worth doing if you’re visiting a really nice way to spend the evening and see the coastline from a different perspective 🌅”
Kayak Lagos sea caves from a catamaran at Ponta da Piedade, with a slide into and out of the ocean, plus a short swim break.
“the guides were fun and informative, we very much enjoyed the good vibes on the water and the well organized trip. did not expect we could swim in the sea in november and were pleasantly surprised! big recommend!!”
Two-hour Porto Douro sunset sail with port wine tasting, Dom Luís I Bridge photo moments, city stories, and a calm ride toward the sea.
“Lovely cruise, great host, delicious wine and great weather. Couldn’t ask for more!”
Eco catamaran cruise from Funchal to spot dolphins and whales, guided by land spotters and hybrid-electric sailing, plus Madeira coastline views.
“Best way to see dolphins and whales in Madeira in their natural environment, excellent boat tour respecting the wildlife and providing lots of information and getting as close as possible safely”
Luxury catamaran dolphin and whale watching from Funchal to Cabo Girão, with comfort, expert ocean talks, and possible swims.
“The most amazing experience! We were very lucky to see many bottlenose dolphins. And we were very near to killer whales and the crew done their best for us to get a sighting, I managed to see a glimpse of their fins from afar! Thank you!”
Catamaran cruise from Lagos along Ponta da Piedade and Camilo, with a swim stop near Praia da Luz. WiFi onboard, drinks available.
“This was so much fun. Th crew was so nice and professional. Amazing tour for the price we paid. It’s so much more worth. Would recommend this to everyone.”
Lagos catamaran cruise for dolphin watching in the Algarve, plus a swim stop with a water slide, snack, and marine biologist commentary.
“This trip was enjoyable, firstly looking for dolphins which we luckily saw, they swam around the boat for about 20 minutes, and we had plenty of time to observe and take pictures. Afterwards were given the opportunity to dive off the boat and use the inflatable slide which my husband and son thoroughly enjoyed in a quiet bay. Guides were friendly with everyone and accommodating to everyone's needs. We were all given cookies and delicious fresh fruit skewers as a snack which were very welcome. Overall an enjoyable experience.”
Every kind of day out, and the best of each.
