15 Snorkeling and Kayaking Trips in Portugal Worth Booking

1.Madeira: Garajau Nature Reserve Kayak and Snorkel Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 906 reviews · 3 hours · from $41Our pick

Paddle from Funchal toward Lazareto and the Garajau Nature Reserve, then stop at a pebble beach for swimming and snorkeling. Guides such as Marco, Hugo, Luis, and Flora have helped beginners, explained local fish, and kept the outing safe. Expect teamwork, open-water exercise, and possible cliff jumping.

“Marco was a very friendly and informative guide, the snorkel spot was amazing and would recommend to anyone.”

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2.Funchal: Kayak and Snorkel Tour to Garajau NR

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 538 reviews · 3 hours · from $41

Paddle from the Cristiano Ronaldo statue across Funchal Bay to Praia do Lazareto with guides such as Diogo or Henrique. After roughly 2.5 kilometers, stop for snorkeling, swimming, and optional cliff jumps before kayaking back. Beginners are welcome, but the return trip requires steady paddling.

“I had an incredible time on this kayaking tour! Our guide was absolutely top-class — friendly, knowledgeable, and made sure we felt safe from start to finish. The snorkeling was great fun and a perfect way to explore the water, and the cliff jumping was a real adrenaline rush, but everything was carried out safely and professionally. All equipment was provided and in great condition, making the whole experience effortless and enjoyable. Highly recommend this to anyone looking for an unforgettable adventure! 🚣‍♂️🌊”

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3.Lisbon: Kayaking and Snorkeling Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 538 reviews · 7 hours · from $82

Escape Lisbon for a seven-hour Arrábida adventure with guides António or Miguel. Paddle along clear coastal water, explore limestone caves, snorkel near Anicha Rock, and take optional cliff jumps. Transport, wetsuits, kayaks, snacks, and small-group guidance are included.

“A fabulous day and a ‘must do’ activity. António was a brilliant guide; very knowledgeable, patient and friendly.”

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4.Lisbon: Arrábida Kayak & Wild Beach Snorkeling Pickup Option

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 195 reviews · 3.5 - 7 hours · from $64

Paddle from Portinho da Arrábida along cliffs and sea caves, then snorkel at a quiet wild beach with guides such as Miguel, Inês, and Tiago. Wetsuits, masks, kayaks, drinks, and GoPro photos are included. Choose Lisbon pickup or meet the team in Arrábida.

“The kayak and snorkelling experience was incredible! The water was crystal clear (a bit chilly for us Aussies 😅) and we met some amazing people from all over the world. An unforgettable day”

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5.Lisbon: Kayaking & Snorkeling Tour with photos included

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 106 reviews · 3 hours · from $35

Paddle from Sesimbra along the Arrabida coast with guides such as Catarina, Rafael, Ines, and Francisco. You will enter sea caves when conditions allow, stop at quiet beaches for swimming and snorkeling, and receive photos. The three-hour trip suits first-timers, but bring warm layers for cool water.

“very fun and got to see some beautiful sights and fish? Enez was professional and very informative of what she showed us 👏🏼 we had a good day out”

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6.Caniço, Madeira: Marine Reserve Kayak & Snorkelling Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 104 reviews · 2 hours · from $57

Paddle along Caniço’s rugged coast, then snorkel from a protected beach in the Garajau Marine Reserve. The two-hour trip costs $57, includes equipment and a guide, and runs in groups of up to 10. Guides such as Ben, Marcos, and Pedro have been praised for safety tips and friendly service.

“It was really cool. My favourite activity of the holiday! I wish we could do it once again.”

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7.Funchal: Kayak & Snorkeling in Garajau Nature Reserve

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 68 reviews · from $34

Meet your English- or Spanish-speaking guide at the Cristiano Ronaldo statue for a 2.5-hour paddle along Funchal’s coast. Kayak toward Marina do Funchal and Ponta do Lazareto, then snorkel among fish in clear water. Expect helpful instruction, wet clothes, rocky footing, and no changing room.

“We had the best time snorkeling. 1 person in our group was a bit nervous in the sea but the guides were very accommodating and helped her feel comfortable.”

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8.SUP Tour in Algarve Ingrina Caves w/ Snorkeling & Photos Included

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 44 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $63Top rated

Join ASI-certified instructor Nelson for a three-hour SUP trip along the Algarve coast near Lagos. Paddle between Ingrina and Barranco beaches, enter sea caves, snorkel, swim, try optional cliff jumps, and receive photos and videos by email.

“Cliff jumping and the different caves we could swim in. Nelson is also very knowledgeable about nature and the spots we visited.”

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9.Algarve: Stand Up Paddle Tour w/ Snorkeling to Ingrina Caves

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 43 reviews · 3h 30m · from $68

From Coastline Algarve, you’ll take a short transfer to Ingrina Beach for a 2.5-hour SUP outing. Learn from ASI-certified instructors such as Nelson, paddle into caves and grottoes, snorkel among fish, and choose between cliff jumping or a calm swim.

“The SUP had to be cancel due to wave but I did the coasteering instead and it was such an amazing moment.”

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10.Lisbon: Kayak Snorkeling & Beach Lounge/Pick-Up Available

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 37 reviews · 6 - 8 hours · from $100

Spend 6 to 8 hours at Praia do Creiro in Arrábida Natural Park. Guides including Miguel and Tiago lead a kayak and snorkeling outing to a wild beach, then set you up with sunbeds, parasols, snacks, drinks, and GoPro photos at a private beach lounge.

“Superbe endroit paradisiaque, merci Miguel et Tiaga pour le kayak, le snorkling et les petites attentions ( breuvages, en-cas …) je recommande vivement !”

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11.Funchal: KAYAK Rental or Guided tour with snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 20 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $29Best value

Meet at the sea-level dive center inside Pestana Carlton, gear up, and paddle Funchal’s Atlantic with a guide or on your own. Groups are limited to six. Fabio and Roberto have led especially well-liked outings, with kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling in 90 minutes.

“Fabio and Roberto made sure everyone had an amazing time. Very fun activity and suitable for most. My friend Marwan Alhaddad also says he enjoyed.”

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12.Pico island: guided kayak and snorkel tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 19 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $70

Join João or another English, Portuguese, or Dutch-speaking guide for a 2.5-hour kayak trip from Lajes do Pico. Paddle 8 km along the coast, enter a volcanic crater, hear about local whaling history, and stop for swimming or snorkelling in a public natural pool.

“We had an amazing kayaking time with João! It rained a bit on our tour but that didn’t stop any of the kayaking fun. The route was amazing with a handful of stops to chill and take in the views PLUS he was full of facts about the town and the island. Could not have asked for a better experience or a better guide.”

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13.Funchal: Private Boat Tour w/Snorkel & Paddle up 11 people

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 16 reviews · 3 hours

Cruise from Funchal with guides Kristina and Fabio, passing Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão, and Fajã dos Padres. You can swim, snorkel, and try stand-up paddleboarding from a comfortable private boat. The three-hour trip suits families and friends, with space for up to 11 people.

“Génial ! Merci a l’équipage (Kristina et Fabio) qui sont adorables et très professionnels. Nous avons adoré la balade, la baignade et la découverte du paddle… un joli moment !!!”

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14.Funchal: SUP Rental or Guided tour with snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 9 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $34

Meet at the Xpoint Madeira center inside the Pestana Carlton, gear up, and paddle Funchal’s Atlantic shoreline for 1.5 hours. Choose a guided outing with an English or Portuguese-speaking guide, or rent a board for your own pace. Snorkeling gear, lifejacket, and board are included.

“Wszystko poszło pomyślnie, widoki były przepiękne, dotarłam bez problemu. Cała obsługa jest serdeczna i pomocna. Jedyne co, to pan, który poinstruował mnie jak korzystać z deski - obiecał odebrać mnie z deski o umówionej godzinie, gdy skończę pływać (potwierdzonej kilka razy) nie dotarł. Po odczekaniu 10 minut na desce na wodzie, poprosiłam innych turystów na pomoście o pomoc w wejściu z powrotem na ląd i z zamocowaniem deski, żeby nie odpłynęła i żebym ja była bezpieczna.”

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15.Madeira: Private Paddleboard & Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · 1.5 hours

Join Roberto from iGO Madeira Tours for a private 1.5-hour stand-up paddleboard trip from Câmara de Lobos Bay. You’ll paddle along the coast toward Cabo Girão, snorkel in clear water, and receive equipment, safety gear, insurance, and GoPro photos.

“Great guy, super personality. He also has lots of knowledge. Many different activities to choose from. Safety first, Adventure comes right after!”

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