Snorkeling Tour

An octopus may change color beside your hand, a moray eel may slip between rocks, and small fish may pass through the clear shallows. This three-hour Porto Santo snorkeling trip takes you into a calm natural rockpool within a large protected marine area, where Matias and his Portuguese Water Dog, Sherlock, help you spot the life below.

I like the small group of up to eight and the included equipment, private transport, insurance, and local guide. I also like that you do not need to be an expert swimmer, since much of the experience takes place in shallow, calm water. The main catch is that confident snorkelers may find the outing too basic.

Key points at a glance

• Octopus, moray eels, fish, and starfish: The sheltered pool offers a good chance to see several kinds of sea life in a compact area.
• Matias and Sherlock lead the way: Your guide and his Portuguese Water Dog add personality to a simple nature outing.
• Calm, shallow water: The setting works well for children, beginners, and anyone who prefers a gentle introduction.
• Small groups matter: With no more than eight people, the guide can keep the outing personal and help you notice small creatures.
• Transport is included: You can arrange a pickup point, then leave the driving to the tour provider.
• Bring your own food and swim gear: Snorkeling equipment is supplied, but swimsuits, towels, snacks, and drinks are not.

What this Porto Santo snorkeling trip is really about

This is not a long open-water expedition or a technical water sport. It is a guided look at a shallow marine habitat, with the emphasis on spotting creatures rather than covering a large distance.

That distinction matters. In a natural rockpool connected to the sea, you can spend time watching one patch of water instead of rushing from place to place. An octopus hiding among rocks, a moray eel easing through a crevice, or a starfish resting on the bottom can be easy to miss without someone showing you where to look.

Matias leads the activity, and Sherlock, his Portuguese Water Dog, is part of the experience. The dog gives the outing a friendly, unusual touch, especially for families. The focus remains on the water, but having Sherlock nearby helps this feel less like a formal lesson and more like a relaxed morning outdoors.

The tour lasts about three hours. That is enough time to handle the equipment, reach the water, get comfortable, watch for sea life, and return without giving up an entire day of your holiday.

Pickup and the short ride to the water

You can define your pickup point when joining the activity. Private transportation is included, so you do not need to work out your own route to the snorkeling site.

The exact meeting arrangement is flexible rather than fixed in the information provided. I would confirm the pickup time and location before setting out, especially if you are staying somewhere that has several entrances or reception areas.

The ride to the site is short according to the available details. That is useful on a three-hour outing because less time is lost in transit. The location is also near public transportation, though the included private ride should be the simpler option for most people.

Once you arrive, expect to get ready with the supplied mask, fins, and wetsuit. The equipment has received especially strong marks for condition. That is not a minor point: a fogging mask, poor-fitting fins, or a tired wetsuit can spoil a short water activity quickly.

Swimsuit and towel are not included. Put your swimsuit on before pickup if that is convenient, and bring a towel from your accommodation. Food and drinks are also your responsibility, so a small snack and water make sense for the morning.

Entering the protected natural rockpool

The main setting is a natural pool with a connection to the sea. It is calm enough for a gentle introduction, while still allowing sea life to move through the area.

You are not being taken to an artificial aquarium. The appeal comes from watching a real underwater habitat in its normal setting. Rocks provide shelter for eels and octopus, while fish move through the open water. Because the pool is shallow, you can take your time and keep your attention on the bottom and the spaces between the rocks.

The calm water also helps if you are new to snorkeling. You do not need to be an expert swimmer, and the activity calls for a moderate level of physical fitness rather than athletic ability. Still, you should be comfortable in water and able to manage a few hours of light physical activity.

The description presents the location as part of one of the largest marine protected areas. That protected status is important because it helps explain why the area can support a variety of sea life. It also means you should treat the site gently: look, do not handle the animals, and follow Matias’s instructions around the rocks and pool.

What you may see below the surface

The star of the outing is the octopus. These animals are famous for camouflage, and spotting one takes patience. You might see only a shape blending into the rocks at first. With a guide pointing out the movement or outline, the creature becomes much easier to recognize.

One especially memorable possibility is a young octopus moving close to the group. A child on the outing even described one holding a hand. That is not something anyone can promise, and you should never reach for or disturb an animal, but it gives you an idea of how close the marine life may appear in the shallow pool.

Moray eels are another highlight. They often stay among rocks and crevices, so you may see the head or a section of the body rather than an eel swimming across open water. Their appearance can surprise first-time snorkelers, but Matias can help you understand what you are seeing and where to look.

You should also expect plenty of smaller fish. The setting may not deliver a single dramatic sight every minute, but the pleasure comes from noticing activity all around you. A starfish adds another easy-to-spot creature to the list.

The experience is best understood as a guided search. You float, watch, listen to directions, and let your eyes adjust. If you expect a fast sequence of major sights, the pace may feel slow. If you enjoy noticing small changes in a natural setting, the format works well.

Why the small group improves the experience

The group limit is eight people. That is a useful size for a shallow-water activity because the guide can keep an eye on the group without turning the outing into a crowded line in the water.

Small groups also help with creature spotting. If Matias sees an octopus or moray eel, he has a better chance of directing everyone toward it. Beginners can ask questions without needing to compete with a large crowd.

Families should find the group size reassuring. Children can need extra help with masks, fins, and confidence in the water. A guide working with eight people can give more attention than an instructor managing a large class.

There is one practical tradeoff. A small group does not make the natural setting more predictable. Sea life can move or hide, and no guide can guarantee a particular sighting. The value is in having someone who knows where to search and can make the most of what appears.

Is this suitable for children and first-time snorkelers?

The outing is clearly designed with beginners in mind. You do not need expert swimming skills, and the water is described as shallow and calm. That makes it a sensible choice for adults and children who want to try snorkeling without committing to a demanding boat trip.

I would still consider each child’s comfort around water. The tour is not a substitute for supervision or swimming ability. The moderate fitness requirement suggests that you should be ready to get into the water, use fins, and remain active for part of the three-hour session.

The guide’s role is especially valuable for first-timers. Instead of simply handing you equipment and pointing toward the pool, Matias can help you notice what is around you. A friendly instructor can also make the first few minutes less awkward, when mask fit and breathing through a snorkel feel unfamiliar.

For a child who enjoys animals and close observation, the octopus and dog may be as important as the snorkeling itself. For a confident young swimmer expecting speed or adventure, the gentle pace could feel less exciting.

The equipment, guide, and overall feel

The supplied wetsuits, masks, and fins are in very good condition according to the information available. Good gear gives this activity real value, particularly for people who did not pack snorkeling equipment or do not want to rent it separately.

Matias is described as funny, friendly, and passionate about the site. Those qualities matter in a small outdoor activity. You want clear instructions, but you also want someone who can keep the mood relaxed when a creature refuses to appear.

Sherlock adds a distinctive local character to the morning. He is not a decorative mascot separate from the activity. He is Matias’s Portuguese Water Dog and part of the guide team’s personality. If you like animal-friendly outings, this detail may be a deciding factor.

The tour is offered in English. That makes the key instructions and explanations accessible to English-speaking visitors. A local guide also gives the experience more connection to the place than simply using a rental shop and exploring alone.

What the $59.28 price includes

At $59.28 per person, the cost is reasonable if you value convenience and instruction. You are paying for roughly three hours, snorkeling equipment, private transportation, insurance, and a local guide. The small group limit adds value because the experience is not built around moving a large crowd through the water.

The price makes less sense if you already own gear, have strong snorkeling skills, and only want independent time in the water. One clear criticism of the outing is that it can feel basic for experienced snorkelers. The setting is beautiful, but the activity is aimed at learning and gentle wildlife watching rather than extended exploration.

For a first-time snorkeler, the package is easier to justify. You avoid buying or arranging equipment, finding the site, and working out how to approach the protected area responsibly. The guide can also help you see more than you might notice alone.

Food and drinks are not included, and neither are a swimsuit or towel. Those costs are small, but you should plan for them. The price is best judged as a guided half-day-style outing, not as a simple equipment rental.

Weather, cancellation, and planning details

This experience needs good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded, and changes inside that same period are not accepted. The cutoff follows local time.

The activity is booked an average of 16 days ahead. That gives you a useful planning clue: it is not necessarily a last-minute experience, particularly during busy periods. If snorkeling is important to your Porto Santo plans, reserve early enough to secure a suitable date.

Confirmation arrives at booking. Since pickup is arranged rather than tied to one public meeting point, check the details carefully and keep your schedule free for the full three hours.

Who should book this experience?

I would recommend it to families, first-time snorkelers, and adults who prefer calm water and a personal guide. It also suits anyone who wants a short nature activity rather than a full-day excursion.

You are a good match if you like watching animals, learning how to spot them, and taking your time. The octopus, moray eels, fish, and starfish give the outing plenty of interest, while the shallow pool keeps the physical demands moderate.

I would hesitate if you are an experienced snorkeler looking for a large area to cover or a more challenging session. The outing is intentionally basic. One rating from a confident participant praised the equipment, setting, and guide but found the product limited because it catered so strongly to beginners.

The high overall score, with 99 percent of people recommending it and a 4.9 rating from 268 reviews, points to a consistently well-received experience. Still, those numbers should not erase the key warning: a beginner-friendly tour is not automatically a strong choice for an advanced snorkeler.

Should you book the Porto Santo snorkeling tour?

Book it if you want easy logistics, calm water, reliable equipment, and a guide who can help you find small sea creatures. Matias and Sherlock give the activity a personal touch, and the chance to see an octopus or moray eel in a natural pool is far more memorable than simply swimming near shore without knowing where to look.

Skip it if you already snorkel confidently and want distance, depth, or a more demanding route. For everyone else, $59.28 buys a well-organized introduction with transport, equipment, insurance, and a small group. Bring a swimsuit, towel, water, and patience. The best moments come when you slow down and let the pool reveal what is hiding among the rocks.

FAQ

How long does the snorkeling tour last?

The experience lasts approximately three hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $59.28 per person.

Is pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is offered, and people joining the activity can define their pickup point.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, including the wetsuits, masks, and fins used during the activity.

Are food and drinks provided?

No. Snacks, food, and drinks are not included.

Do I need to bring a swimsuit and towel?

Yes. Swimsuits and towels are not included, so you should bring your own.

Is the tour suitable for children and beginners?

Yes. The activity is suitable for children and adults, and you do not need to be an expert swimmer. A moderate level of physical fitness is expected.

How many people can join the tour?

The group has a maximum of eight people.

What happens if bad weather cancels the activity?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the experience to be canceled.