Pirate Ship Cruises from Portimao

The 8 Caves Cruise

In the mornings the sea is often very calm, ideal for exploring the sea caves. Cruising out of Portimão, we follow the Rio Arade, throught the fishing village of Ferragudo and past to two medieval forts to the river mouth. Once out at sea the ship cruises south-east.

Highlights along the way include the Ferragudo lighthouse, Carneiros beach, a Roman tower, a smugglers' cave, the dramatic rock formations of Algar Seco and the lighthouse of Alfanzina.

Close to the beaches of Benagil, Praia da Marinha and Armação de Pêra are some of the largest, deepest and most fascinating caves of the Algarve and we will explore at least 8 of these!

The morning caves cruise from Portimao starts from €35/pp for adults and €20 for kids aged 4-13 years old, younger children are free.

The Cape S.Vincente Cruise

This cruise sails the coast of Sagres and Cape St Vincente the windswept, most westerly point of the Algarve. Follow in the wake of Christopher Columbus! You can choose between three routes:
1) 9:45 – 12:00 sail from Portimao to Sagres, passing Ponta da Piedade, Praia da Luz, Burgau and Salema to Sagres
2) 12:00 – 14:00 Sagres – Cabo S. Vicente – Sagres. Sailing west from Sagres, past the Ponta de Sagres and the spectacular Cape S. Vicente which boasts the strongest lighthouse in Europe!
3) 14:00 – 18:00 Sagres – Portimao. Boarding in Sagres we will then set our sails and ride the westerly winds, sweeping past Lagos to Portimao.
The Cape S. Vincente cruises start from €35/pp for adults and €20 for kids aged 4-13 years old, younger children are free.

Caves of Lagos

This cruise heads west from Portimao sailing past the iconic beaches of Praia da Rocha, Praia do Vau, Praia de Alvor, Meia Praia. We drop anchor in calm seas near Lagos, a town steeped in sailing history since it was the starting point of Vasco da Gama's mediaeval journeys of discovery. Here you can cool off in the clear waters and visit the famously bizarre rock formations and caves of Ponta da Piedade.

On the return journey we will sail through the Bay of Lagos before heading out to sea again. Sometimes wild dolphins will follow the ship!

The Lagos caves cruise from Portimao starts from €35/pp for adults and €20 for kids aged 4-12 years old, younger children are free.

Sailing and Caves of Carvoeiro Cruise

This cruise sails past the fishing village of Ferragudo and two medieval forts before reaching the ocean. From the lighthouse we follow the picturesque coast to the rock formations of Algar Seco, the smuggler’s cave, the deep cave of Alfanzina and the cape of Carvoeiro. We will be cruising under the sails on the way out.

Then there is time to drop anchor, visit the famous Benagil caves and take a dip in the sea. We will cruise back on motor power along a scenic route past the rocks and caves.

The sailing and caves cruise from Portimao starts from €35/pp for adults and €20 for kids aged 4-12 years old, younger children are free.

Full Day BBQ Cruise

This full day cruise from Portimao is an unforgettable adventure for all ages! From Rio Arade the ship follows the coastline of Carvoeiro past the lighthouse of Alfanzina to Benagil. Here we anchor the ship and board the smaller motor boats to explore some of the most beautiful caves in the Algarve.

Then its time to land on a beach that can only be accessed from the ocean. Here you can swim and sunbathe. At the beach you will be served a three course lunch, including fresh grilled fish, chicken Piri Piri, meat kebabs, mixed salad, traditional bread and fruit for dessert, accompanied with chilled wines and soft drinks. The meals are served on china dishes with proper cutlery so you can picnic in style! At around 2.30pm we will return to the pirate ship to cruise towards Alvor and part way home will set the sails so you can enjoy the magic of a traditional ship under sail.

Please note that in the unlikely event of waves over 1 metre high then the barbecue lunch will take place in the Bay of Ferragudo. The full day, barbecue cruise from Portimao starts from €70/pp for adults and €40 for kids aged 4-12 years old, younger children are free.