Kayak and Snorkel Tours in Portugal: the 9 Best to Book

1.Madeira: Garajau Nature Reserve Kayak and Snorkel Tour

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

Meet at the Cristiano Ronaldo Statue 30 minutes early for a three-hour kayak and snorkel trip to Garajau Nature Reserve. You’ll learn basic paddling, kayak about 40 minutes toward Lazareto, stop at a pebble beach, then swim among fish in clear water. Guides speak English, Spanish, and Portuguese, with names such as Marco, Hugo, Luis, and Flora appearing on recent outings.

“Amazing of you like cliff jumping and snorkeling, the kayaking part is quite amazing as well and the snorking spot is not far”

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2.Funchal: Kayak and Snorkel Tour to Garajau NR

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

Paddle a two-person kayak from Hotel CR7 in Funchal toward Ponta do Lazareto, then stop at a quiet pebble beach in the Garajau Natural Reserve. Guides Diogo, Henrique, and their team provide instruction, masks, water, and a waterproof phone case. You can snorkel, swim, relax, or jump from the rocks before paddling back.

“This was amazing, the guide was lovely and just like us came to visit and fell in love with the island. He knew exactly what he was doing, was careful and great to talk to. I would always recommend 👌 thank yoooouuuu, obrigada”

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3.Lisbon: Kayaking and Snorkeling Adventure

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

Leave Lisbon Zoo by van for a seven-hour Arrábida adventure with guides such as Antonio or Miguel. Paddle clear coastal water, enter limestone caves, snorkel near Anicha Rock, and take optional cliff jumps. Wetsuits, kayaks, masks, flippers, life vests, hot drinks, and cookies are included. Bring lunch and a towel.

“It was incredible trip my partner and I really enjoyed the caves and the cliff jumping. We also loved the being told the history of Lisbon by Antonio. We can’t wait to get the photos back from the trip!”

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

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

Paddle along Arrábida’s cliffs with local guides such as Inês, Tiago, or Miguel, then snorkel at a secluded beach among fish, starfish, and possible octopuses. Wetsuits, masks, kayaks, waterproof bags, drinks, and GoPro photos are included. Choose Lisbon pickup or meet at Arrábida LoveSun.

“Fantastic trip! We loved this activity in a beautiful landscape with an amazing, caring and dedicated team. Miguel and his team are excellent and look after every detail to make this an adventure to remember. Thank you!”

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5.Kayak and Snorkeling Adventure in Lisbon

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 146 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $54Top rated

Travel from Lisbon to Praia do Creiro in Arrábida Natural Park with guides António or Miguel. Paddle along the Atlantic coast, visit Lapa de Santa Margarida, explore caves, swim, snorkel, and try optional cliff jumps. Wetsuits, kayaks, paddles, water shoes, masks, helmets, and life vests are included.

“All. Waiting on the pics Water was breathtakingly beautiful and clear. Guide was patient and helpful”

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6.Kayak and Snorkeling Tour in Underwater Nature Reserve Garajau

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 111 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $59

Paddle from Caniço into Madeira’s Garajau Underwater Nature Reserve, then snorkel among Atlantic fish and possible tropical species. Guides such as Pedro, Hugo, Luis, and Antonio are praised for safety, humor, and local nature knowledge. The two-hour tour includes a kayak, snorkeling gear, and life jacket, but no hotel transport.

“Great for beginners.Very well organized company and good snorkeling with lots of different fish species to see. Would recommend!”

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

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

Paddle along Caniço’s rugged coast with a Portuguese or English-speaking guide, then snorkel from a protected shore in the Garajau Marine Reserve. The two-hour outing is limited to 10 people and includes a kayak, paddle, life jacket, and snorkel gear. Guides such as Ben, Marcos, and Pedro have helped make the trip friendly and safe.

“Super fun, the kayak was not difficult, water was gorgeous. The activity was seamless, thoughtful and safe. Highly recommend!!”

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

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

Spend 210 minutes learning stand-up paddleboarding near Sagres, then explore caves, grottoes, beaches, and Atlantic waters from Ingrina Beach. Coastline Algarve provides boards, wetsuits, aqua shoes, buoyancy aids, snorkeling gear, transfers, and tour photos. Nelson is one guide praised for patient explanations and adapting to guests’ wishes.

“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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9.HD Private Boat Tour from Funchal – Swim, Paddle, Snorkel&Relax

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 35 reviews · 3 hours (approx.)

Set out from Funchal with Fabio and Kristina on a private three-hour cruise for up to 11 people. You’ll see Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão, and Fajã dos Padres, then stop at a water-access beach for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and relaxing with fruit and rosé wine.

“A wonderful boat trip with lovely hosts who were very friendly and accommodating. Due to weather conditions at sea, we were unable to take the normal route to the west of the island and instead travelled to the east. However, Fabio ensured that this did not impact the enjoyment of our trip and took us to great areas for the snorkelling and paddle boarding. We found this this to be great value for money between 4 of us but would represent even better value if you are a slightly larger group. Would highly recommend joining Kristina and Fabio for a trip along the coast of this beautiful island.”

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