Portugal · NATURAL PARK TOURS
Good natural park tours fill up weeks ahead; the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Explore three Ria Formosa islands from Faro by catamaran, with birdlife, beaches, oyster farms, local villages, and an optional island lunch.
“Nice trip, the time run very quickly and would have been nice to spend more time in each stop. The tour guide/ driver was very polite and acknowledged. Unfortunately we missed the last stop for tide reasons”
Cruise Faro’s Ria Formosa, visit Barreta and Farol islands, spot birds, swim, and enjoy a relaxed three-hour trip with a local guide.
“it was nice to be on the water and see the national park but once we got to the islands (there were 2), no instruction was given on how to spend our hour. The first island (dune island) was very pretty and we went to the restaurant to take it all in, but the second island was so depressing. I think it was because we didn't go in peak season but there still wasnt anything to do or instruction given. Also, this was NOT on a catamaran. It was a regular boat, which is fine but not what we expected.”
Review of Porto’s Peneda-Gerês day tour, with waterfalls, lagoon swims, hiking, village life, lunch, green wine, and a vintage Land Rover ride.
“It was an excellent experience. Good combination of breath taking scenery , history and local culture”
Explore Deserta and Farol islands from Faro on a small-group Ria Formosa boat tour with swimming, birdlife, and free snorkeling masks.
“Sergio was awesome guide, knowledgeable and gave us good advice on restaurants on Farol island. It was a beautiful morning for the short trip”
Review of Lisbon’s private Arrabida wine tour, with Setubal market, ocean views, wineries, cheese, tiles, lunch, price, and practical tips.
“This is a great tour and included more than just wine tasting. Yes the wine tasting was fun and enjoyable. But our guide Pedro was fun and engaging, taking us to a tile shop to see how authentic tiles were made, we had lunch by crystal clear ocean and he found a number of scenic views. The tour was great and we highly recommend our tour guide Pedro.”
Explore Peneda-Gerês from Porto by vintage Land Rover, with waterfalls, river swimming, village traditions, a generous lunch, and local guides.
“I really loved swimming in river and under the waterfall. Tour around the village was entertaining and lunch was very tasty. I also enjoyed the bumpy road in landrover!”
Paddle Sesimbra’s coast through Arrábida caves, swim at Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach, and enjoy a small-group tour with snacks for $41.
“Wonderful experience, beautiful scenery and the guide Tomas was outstanding, would recommend!”
Kayak from Lisbon along Arrábida’s cliffs to Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach, with caves, local guides, transport, equipment, and a homemade picnic.
“I am so glad I chose to do this here in Lisbon. Our guide Afonso was lovely and the experience as a whole was worth it :)”
Kayak from Sesimbra through Arrábida caves to Ribeira do Cavalo Beach, with calm-water swimming, local sweets, and striking coastal views.
“The guides micromanaged us a bit during the kayaking experience, which limited our ability to explore on our own. While their concerns were understandable, given the conditions in this area can be very rough, it did take away some of the adventure. Even in the summer, the water can be challenging, and it would have been nice to have a bit more freedom to navigate. That said, the guides were knowledgeable and provided useful safety tips, which helped ease any worries about the conditions. Overall, while the experience was enjoyable, I would have appreciated a bit more autonomy to truly immerse myself in the surroundings.”
Explore Sagres by 4x4, from Cape St. Vincent to secret beaches and 140-meter cliffs, ending with wine, pastel de nata, and sunset views.
“Our Sagres sunset tour was amazing from beginning to end. After being picked up on time, we made our way to several points with great views before a breathtaking view of the sunset at Europe's most western point. Cheers to you all.”
Kayak Arrábida’s cliffs, caves, and Galapinhos Beach from Lisbon, with snorkeling, a picnic lunch, transport, and a small-group guide.
“This was a solid day of kayaking, you definitely get a workout. You see the beautiful coastal cliffs and end at a beautiful beach with nobody on it and have lunch prepared by the upbeat and wonderful guides. You can swim and enjoy a couple hours on the beach before heading back. Overall it was a great day and well worth it.”
Watch dolphins, seabirds, and possible whales in Arrábida Natural Park on a three-hour Sesimbra boat tour led by a marine biologist.
“Both the guide and the skipper were nice and pleasant. The guide was professional and answered all the questions we had. It took awhile until we've found dolphins but when we did it was an amazing experience!”
Cruise from Sesimbra through Arrábida’s caves and wild beaches, with swimming, snorkeling, local liquor, and striking coastal scenery.
“Our guide Chantel was very informative, we learned a lot about Sesimbra and the history of the area. She and the skipper were very relaxed, we had plenty of time for a swim. Really enjoyable trip!”
Paddle Sesimbra’s cliffs, caves, coves, and beaches on a guided Arrábida kayak tour with a pastry stop and optional Lisbon transfer.
“The customer service was excellent starting from the beginning when trying to arrange the tour. What seemed to be impossible they made it work especially tailored for me ( thanks to José) , so I had an fantastic kayaking tour with an amazing guide who looked after me!! It’s a great way to explore this beautiful place . I will definitely be back and would recommend to everybody !! Fabulous team and fantastic tour operator. Huge thank you, Loreta”
Kayak from Lisbon to Sesimbra and explore Arrábida’s caves, cliffs, marine life, and Ribeira do Cavalo Beach with lunch included.
“We thoroughly enjoyed this kayaking tour. We had lunch on a beautiful beach. Luis was very knowledgeable.”
From the cave boats to the cellar tastings, and the best of each.
