Eco-Friendly Solar Boat Tour: Discover History and Nature on the Arade River
5.0
140 Ratings
Portimão
Embark on an eco-friendly solar boat tour along the Arade River, exploring the medieval city of Silves and its rich history and breathtaking landscapes. Relax and enjoy the peaceful journey while learning about the river's past. Don't miss the chance to visit historical sites and indulge in local cuisine in Silves. Experience the beauty of Portimão and the Arade River from a unique perspective on the return trip.
Duration:
4 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Algarve SUN BOAT Trips - We will departure from the Pier A, at Marina de Portimão.
What's Included
- All taxes, fees and handling charges included
- Personal driver/guide
- Live on-board commentary
What's Not Included
- The listed price does not include the car parking price, on the high season.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information
Experience the enchanting river and the historical city of Silves, rich with ancient tales, diverse nature, and breathtaking sights.
Relish a tranquil journey from Portimão to Silves along the historically-rich Arade River on our environmentally-minded eco-boat, where the new age harmonizes with antiquity.
Our eco-friendly vessel provides a tranquil, serene voyage - perfect for those seeking a peaceful boat trip. It’s outfitted with plush cushioned seats, shade apparatus, and tables for placing beverages and personal effects.
On the way, our captain will offer interesting tidbits about the river and its backstory. On arrival at Silves, you will have approximately 90 minutes to explore historic sites, monuments, the castle, the museum, or sample the delightful local food.
On our journey back to Portimão, relish a unique view of the city and the mouth of the Arade River.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
- Availability for shows cannot be checked without making a booking. Credit cards will only be charged upon confirmation of show availability
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
Location
Estrada Marina 276
Estrada Marina
Please meet us at Pier A/B from Portimão Marina 15 minutes before the start of your tour. This is the exact location where the captain will meet with you.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(140 Ratings)
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Compass02111561441
Apr 6, 2024
Sunboat to Silves - Lovely 3/4 day trip option - and fully recommended by ourselves to other couples, families and solos.
Trully a great host sharing lots of history and insights with wit & humour. Other wonderful guests from around the world. Serene and relaxing. You'll love it !
Tip for Silves itself. Grab soup and bifana at the corner cafe opposite pier ("bifanas do marinho"), then head up to castle and walk the castle walls for more amazing views (free entry).
A super stop in Silves without rushing, and you'll be back in time for the return trip with wine on the boat.
It is a 90min journey on boat, so use the free (and clean) loos at the Marina in Portimao and market in Silves on either side to make it worry free !
Colin & Kae (from Scotland & Japan)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Coastal01901245338
Mar 27, 2024
UNFORGETTABLE - Best boat experience ever! It's just difficult to describe all the added value, I'm sure it will fall short of reality!
Starting with the most important -
SIMPATHY and PROFESSIONALISM of the staff. Always available to tell us a little history of the areas we passed through. In addition to being great company, they are very good people.
THE BOAT is SILENT, you can only hear the nature that surrounds us! This allowed us to see the fauna and flora without disturbance, we were able to get up close to flamingos and other species.
UNFORGETTABLE!
I RECOMMEND THE EXPERIENCE!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Davidm736
Mar 23, 2024
A Memorable Experience - This is great trip. Some interesting views of Portimaio at the beginning and then gently gliding along the river. Lots of birds etc to see. Excellent long views of Silves as boat approaches. 90 minutes in Silves is not very long if you want to eat as well as sight see but we had already visited Silves so no problem.
Captain very knowledgeable and able to answer most questions. Gives great overview of changes in Algarve life as tourism replaced farming. Only about 10 passengers, all very civilised.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Leely7150ip
Mar 22, 2024
A quiet and environmentally responsible journey - A great relaxing journey to Silves. The weather wasn’t great, a bit rainy, but our boat pilot, Antonio, made the most of the journey. Very informative and personable, it was a nice day even with the morning rain. The only thing I wish is that there would have been more time in Silves. The 1.5 hours is a bit short.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Freedom43322242937
Mar 14, 2024
Very nice and relaxing boat tour. - The boat trip to Silves was really very nice. The boat is extremely silent and this gives a very relaxing atmosphere. The Captain Pedro was also very friendly and helpful to all quest on board. He explained a lot of interesting details about the environment which we were able to see and to enjoy on this tour.
Also we were lucky to have a tour in the afternoon so that we returned with the beautiful sunset.
Many thanks to Pedro an have a good time a your beautiful Algarve.
Cheers Thomas
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mikec175y
Jan 28, 2024
Enjoyable and most recommended trip - We thoroughly enjoyed our excursion to Silves. We were very impressed with the concept of a silent sunboat and with the information given to us by Captain Antonio who couldn't have done more to make the trip most enjoyable. Thank you.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Realaleman1949
Nov 12, 2023
solar experience - The trip was amazing. The crew were very informative and friendly. The whole experience was excellent would highly recommend this trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nicped
Nov 10, 2023
Relaxing boat tour - This is a great way to spend the day. We left at 10am to go to Silves. We were there about 2 hours exploring the castle and the town. On the way back, our captain (sorry, I cannot remember his name) served us a glass of wine and took us in the bay by Ferragudo (across Portimao Marina). I think we were back around 3:30pm. Our captain was very knowledgeable, funny and helpful. He made sure to stop the boat if somebody wanted to take pics of the many birds we saw along the way. It was so refreshing to go on a boat that was so quiet and the captain didn't have to scream while talking. It was super relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable. I highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Compass470714
Nov 9, 2023
Solar Power! - We had a wonderful time from boarding to unloading! The guys were great guides and made us feel very welcome. Informative about the area as we traveled quietly and undisturbed along the River. Thank you for all you are doing for the environment one boat trip at a time! It is very important!! Keep growing the business!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Homeraway33
Oct 25, 2023
Eco tour, very enjoyable, guilt free. - Fabulous trip. Really appreciated the silence as we travelled at a leisurely pace. Skipper very pleasant and was an excellent guide. Drinks on both journeys were a nice surprise.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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