Solar Boat Tour of Portimão

Come and relax and discover the beautiful landscapes of the mouth of the River Arade and the history of Portimão aboard a boat that looks after the future — 100% electro-solar, silent and with no pollution impact at all.

We will sail calmly along the banks of the River Arade, following the city of Portimão and the village of Ferragudo at the river’s pace, on a tour lasting approximately 1h30. It is a serene, silent and relaxed experience, where the silence of the electro-solar boat makes it easy to chat on board and to hear the river and the city, while our captain tells a little of the history and shares local curiosities about the places we pass.

On this tour, you can enjoy truly unique perspectives, visible only from the river, which show Portimão and Ferragudo from a different and privileged angle.

As we leave Portimão Marina, we can spot the two forts that guard the entrance to the river — Forte de Santa Catarina, next to Praia da Rocha, and Forte de São João do Arade, opposite Ferragudo. We then follow the right bank of the River Arade, with sweeping views over the surrounding landscape and a beautiful view towards Monchique, the highest mountain in the Algarve.

On the other side of the river, we spot the Igreja de Ferragudo, with the village outlined on the hillside, while on the Portimão bank the Convento de São Francisco comes into view.

Soon after, we spot the Museu de Portimão, one of the main symbols of the city’s connection to the river and the sea. We then continue along the riverside area of Portimão, where you can observe the waterfront from a calm and privileged perspective.

Further up the river, we pass the Ponte Velha de Portimão and the Ponte Ferroviária do Arade. It is by the railway bridge that we turn back and cross to the other bank of the river, gaining a new and beautiful perspective over Portimão and Ferragudo.

From there, we pass the Porto de Pesca de Portimão, keeping alive the city’s connection to fishing and the canning tradition — Portimão, the sardine capital — before heading back past Ferragudo, closer to Forte de São João do Arade and the mouth of the River Arade, where the river meets the Atlantic.

This is a unique electro-solar boat in the Western Algarve, and that is precisely what makes it perfect for this tour. The sailing is calm, with no engine noise whatsoever, no smells and at a relaxed pace, creating a genuine sense of tranquillity, communion with nature and relaxation — ideal for fully enjoying the views.

On board, you can buy drinks or bring your own drinks and snacks. You are allowed to bring a small snack, such as a sandwich, biscuits or fruit, but full meals are not permitted. At the end of the tour, we ask that you take with you all the food and drink waste you brought and avoid bulky bags, as space on board is limited.

• Electro-solar boat tour on the River Arade (duration approximately 1h30)
• Experience aboard a unique boat in the Western Algarve
• Silent and relaxing sailing, with no engine noise or emissions
• Exclusive views from the river over Portimão and Ferragudo
• Discovery of the mouth of the River Arade and the surrounding landscapes
• Live commentary from the local captain (Portuguese and English)

• Activity for ages 4 and over only
• Suitable for pregnant women, due to the calm and stable sailing
• Participants must be able to board and disembark independently, with the crew’s assistance
• Children must always be accompanied by a responsible adult
• Pet friendly for small-breed dogs, provided they behave well on board (max. 2 dogs per tour)
• Booking for the dog is mandatory and must be made at the time of booking