The 13 Best Algarve Catamaran Cruises

1.Coastline and Benagil Caves Tour by Catamaran

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

Set out from Albufeira Marina on a spacious catamaran with guides such as Philippe and Tomas. You will pass beaches and rock arches, reach the entrance to Benagil Cathedral Cave, then stop for about 10 minutes in the Atlantic on the return. Expect music, a small bar, toilets, multilingual commentary, and room to sit in sun or shade.

“Very beautiful experience ! I recommend a 100% to see the wonderful coast of Algarve. The staff were Amazing especially the guide Tomas who was very attentive to our needs and explained everything very well in English Portuguese and Spanish and also a little bit of French. Good music at board also ! Thank you guys”

Check availability →Read our review →

2.Ponta da Piedade Caves Kayak Tour from Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,015 reviews · 2 hours · from $37 per person Top rated

From Lagos Marina, you ride a comfortable catamaran to Ponta da Piedade, then slide into a double kayak for about 75 minutes among cliffs, arches, and grottoes. Guides such as Bruno, Ricardo, and Alfonso are known for keeping the pace safe and lively. Finish with 10 to 15 minutes for swimming or the boat slide.

“The kayaking was great. The guide was entertaining and even though it was foggy it was a great experience overall.”

Check availability →Read our review →

3.Piedade Caves & Coastline – Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,694 reviews · 2h 30m · from $34 per person

Sail from Lagos Marina along the golden Algarve coast, passing Ponta da Piedade, Dona Ana, Camilo, and Porto de Mós before a swim stop near Praia da Luz. The 150-minute catamaran trip includes paddle boards, Wi-Fi, English and Portuguese guides, and a bar serving drinks and snacks.

“Definitely more a sailing / catamaran experience than sightseeing but fun nonetheless. Mostly young couples, friends and some families. Swim stop was fun and refreshing, we were able to use the paddleboards and lots of people tried the inflatable balance track. Bar was good with reasonable prices too.”

Check availability →Read our review →

4.Dolphins & Caves – Catamaran

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

From Marina de Lagos, join AlgarExperience for a 2.5-hour catamaran cruise led in Portuguese and English by a marine biologist such as Nadia or Diogo. Watch for dolphins, whales, and orcas, then stop by the cliffs for swimming, boat jumps, and an inflatable slide. Fruit and a cookie are included.

“This boat ride was SO FUN. The 3.5hrs didn’t feel lik a lot at all. We got a cookie and some fruit as a snack, was very yummy. We saw many dolphins, and got to ask the guide questions. Very kind and fun crew. We had to reschedule once and that went very smoothly!”

Check availability →Read our review →

5.Caves and Coastline Catamaran Cruise to Benagil

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

Join Algarve Charters for a three-hour catamaran cruise from Albufeira Marina to Benagil. You’ll pass São Rafael, Galé, Praia da Marinha, Albandeira, and other Algarve landmarks, hear commentary in four languages, swim if sea conditions allow, and finish with sparkling wine. The boat offers space to sit, stand, sunbathe, and take photos.

“The boat trip was very good and the staff were very informative about the area. We had a lovely time watching the sunset.”

Check availability →Read our review →

6.4 Stops, 3 Islands in Ria Formosa Catamaran Tour

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

From Faro, spend four to five hours crossing the Ria Formosa by catamaran with a guide such as Joao, Pedro, or JC. Swim at Ilha Deserta, visit Farol, explore Culatra, see oyster farming at Hangares, and choose a traditional fish lunch. Masks and life jackets are included.

“Absolutely brilliant trip, would definitely recommend. Joah was fabulous, very knowledgeable, nothing was too much trouble and he made sure everyone was okay all the time. Enough time spent on each Island, never felt rushed. Very good value for money.”

Check availability →Read our review →

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

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

Set out from Albufeira Marina for a six-hour catamaran trip along the Algarve coast. You’ll pass Galé, Benagil, and Carvoeiro, approach caves by dinghy when conditions allow, then enjoy a beach BBQ, drinks, swimming, and a glass of champagne on the return journey.

“This was truly a Top Ten lifetime experience! Just book this trip - you’ll have an amazing day! The scenery was spectacular, the crew was fantastic and really engaged with us! The food, the drinks, and the picnic setting were great - I did not want it to end. We are a family that is tough to please and each of us LOVED it!”

Check availability →Read our review →

8.Catamaran Boat Trip to Deserta Island with Stop

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

From Faro’s Porta Nova pier, you’ll take a smooth 45-minute catamaran 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. Guide João has led some departures, though commentary varies.

“Even tho GYG didnt update their schedule, everyone at animaris was extremely helpful! Next time we will definitely try their hop on hop off experience”

Check availability →Read our review →

9.Benagil Caves Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 520 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $47 per person

Cruise from Lagos with a Portuguese or English-speaking skipper along the Algarve coast to Benagil Cave. Expect cliff views, Carvoeiro and Paradise beaches, a front photo platform, and a possible swim near Benagil. The spacious catamaran has shade, a toilet, stroller storage, and room to move around.

“We loved every minute of this trip. Highly recommended!”

Check availability →Read our review →

10.Catamaran Cruise to Benagil Caves with BBQ

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

Spend six hours aboard the Ophelia catamaran from Portimão, passing Ferragudo and Carvoeiro before reaching Benagil. Small boats take you into the caves, then you have beach time, paddleboards, a BBQ, and an open bar with wine, water, and orange drink. Crew members including Nuno, Rui, Ricardo, and Miguel are known for keeping the day friendly and lively.

“We had an amazing day. My wife, son ( who is autistic) and myself went on this trip and thoroughly enjoyed it. the trip to the Benagil caves was absolutely a trip in a lifetime also the crew who brought us there were very informative regarding the naturally formed caves. The BBQ was beautiful with chicken, Portuguese sausage, fresh salad and sardines, not to mention as much wine, beer as you want.”

Check availability →Read our review →

11.2-Hour Catamaran Tour to Benagil Caves

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 443 reviews · 2 hours · from $35 per person

From Portimão Marina, you’ll cruise east with an English, Portuguese, or Spanish-speaking guide, visiting Benagil Cave and other Algarve sea caves before stopping near Praia da Marinha for a swim. The stable catamaran can enter many caves, and guides such as Miguel and Elio add clear commentary and friendly humor. The tour lasts two hours.

“Amazing. The whole family loved it. Informative, beautiful and we were lucky enough to spot dolphins twice!”

Check availability →Read our review →

12.Benagil Caves & Golden Coast Eco Catamaran Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 300 reviews · 3 hours · from $44 per person

Set out from Portimão Marina for three hours aboard an electro-solar catamaran. Your Portuguese or English-speaking crew guides you past Carvoeiro and into Benagil Cave and nearby sea caves. Expect shaded seating, a restroom, bar service, music on the return, and a summer swim stop, except on sunset trips.

“Excellent guides - super friendly and very knowledgeable! We really enjoyed our tour”

Check availability →Read our review →

13.Dolphin Watching Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 257 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $47 per person

Set out from Lagos Marina on a 1.5-hour catamaran cruise in search of wild dolphins. You can move between shaded benches, sunny seating, side viewing spots, and a forward platform for photos. A multilingual skipper shares facts about marine life and the Algarve coast. The route may also include views of Benagil Cave and a swim stop, depending on sea conditions.

“We had a lovely morning out on the boat. We saw lots of dolphins and were able to get a good view of them from the side of the boat and then up on the viewing platform right at the front of the boat. The crew made sure everyone had the chance to go up to the viewing platform if they wished. My 3 year old son loved the whole experience! The crew were very friendly and seemed very knowledgeable about the dolphins and were happy to answer questions. Definitely recommend this trip!”

Check availability →Read our review →