13 Snorkeling and Kayaking Trips in Portugal Worth Booking

1.Garajau Nature Reserve Kayak and Snorkel Tour

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

Paddle from Funchal harbor with a Spanish, English, or Portuguese-speaking guide toward Garajau Nature Reserve. After roughly 40 minutes on the water, stop at a pebble beach near Lazareto, then snorkel among Madeira’s fish and crabs. Guides such as Marco, Hugo, Luis, and Flora adapt instruction to different skill levels.

“It was fun! Marco was a friendly and knowledgable guide. Even though the water was a bit rough and we flipped once I still had great time. But probably it won’t suit people with limited physical abilities”

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2.Funchal: Kayak and Snorkel Tour to Garajau NR

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

Paddle from Hotel CR7 across Funchal Bay with guides such as Diogo or Henrique, then stop near Praia do Lazareto for snorkeling, swimming, and optional cliff jumping. The route suits beginners who can manage a steady sea-kayak workout. You get masks, water, drinks, and a waterproof phone case, while wetsuits cost extra.

“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 Antonio or Miguel. Paddle clear coastal water, explore limestone caves, snorkel near Anicha Rock, and take optional cliff jumps. Kayaks, wetsuits, masks, flippers, life vests, refreshments, and transport are included for groups of up to eight.

“Antonio was an amazing guide and the experience was loads of fun. Would highly recommend to anyone!!!”

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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 toward a secluded beach, then snorkel among fish, starfish, and perhaps an octopus. Guides such as Miguel, Ines, Tiago, and Diego provide instruction, safety help, local stories, gear, drinks, and GoPro photos. Choose Lisbon pickup or meet at Arrábida LoveSun.

“We had a lovely day kayaking. All the staff were very friendly and looked after us very well. It was lovely scenery and saw lots of fish whilst snorkelling. I would highly recommend this trip if you would like to get out of Lisbon for the 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 cliffs of Arrabida Natural Park, entering sea caves when weather allows and stopping at quiet beaches to swim and snorkel. Certified guides such as Catarina, Rafael, Ines, and Francisco lead the three-hour outing. Equipment, insurance, and adventure photos are included.

“Rafael was a fantastic guide and is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about showing travellers all the best parts of the national park. We thoroughly recommend this tour”

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

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

Paddle beneath Caniço’s cliffs with a Portuguese or English-speaking guide, then snorkel from a calm beach in the Garajau Marine Reserve. Ben, Marcos, and Pedro are among the guides who have led this outing. Expect about one hour of kayaking and one hour of snorkeling, with weather shaping the route.

“The sea was quite tough and it was windy so the kayaking was cut short, which was a shame, but we enjoyed the time we did have out on the water and our guides were fun and informative about the local area. The snorkelling was great and we were well looked after. The girls in the Lokoloko office were lovely, friendly and helpful. Will come back and go on trips with them again.”

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7.Funchal: Kayak & Snorkeling in Garajau Nature Reserve

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 68 reviews · from $34

Meet your guides at the Cristiano Ronaldo statue in Funchal for a small-group kayak trip along Madeira’s coast. After a safety briefing, paddle toward Marina do Funchal and Ponta do Lazareto, then snorkel among fish in clear water. Expect wet clothes, rocky entry points, and helpful English or Spanish-speaking guides.

“Absolutely fantastic. Our guide was nice, didnt talk much, but was always very keen on helping us with questions. The ride was super chill. Getting out turned out to be interesting, as the waves were suddenly a bit bigger then expected and made us flip over. You will need to be able to handle that situation, as the waves can be pretty cruel. Pro tip: You will definately need watershoes for the rocky landscape over there if you don't want to break your ankle. And I've learnt not to keep my sandals on. :) Maybe the description could also mention that for the ride one needs to be IN swimming…”

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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 Nelson and the Coastline Algarve team for a three-hour SUP outing near Ingrina and Barranco beaches. After a 10-minute shore lesson, paddle through grottoes, snorkel in small caves, swim, and try optional cliff jumps. Boards, wetsuits, snorkel gear, and photos and videos sent by email are included.

“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.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 Tiaga lead a kayak and snorkeling outing at a wild beach, then settle you into a reserved beach lounge with sunbeds, parasols, snacks, drinks, and GoPro photos. Lisbon pickup is available, and small groups can be booked.

“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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10.Funchal: KAYAK Rental or Guided tour with snorkeling

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

Paddle from Funchal with a guide in a group of no more than six, or rent a kayak and explore within a set boundary. Fabio and Roberto are among the guides praised for clear briefings and friendly help. Snorkeling gear, lifejacket, paddle, and kayak are included, with a short swim to the equipment mooring.

“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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11.Pico island: guided kayak and snorkel tour

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

Join João or another Hominis natura guide in Lajes do Pico for a 2.5-hour sea-kayak trip along the coast. You’ll hear about the village’s whaling past, paddle into a volcanic crater, pause at natural pools for a swim and snorkel, and return with views of Pico Mountain. The group is limited to six.

“Joao was a great guide! The kayaking was fun, duration kaust right - more would have been too exhausting. But the snorkelling however is just in the public natural pools and thus accessible for anyone. So if you have your own snorkelling gear, it’d be better to extend the kayaking”

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12.Funchal: SUP Rental or Guided tour with snorkeling

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

You’ll meet at Madeira Divepoint inside the Pestana Carlton, receive a safety briefing, then paddle a SUP or kayak on Funchal’s Atlantic coast for 90 minutes. Choose a guide-led outing or independent rental within a set boundary. Snorkel equipment and a short wetsuit are available, and groups are limited to six.

“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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13.Private Paddleboard & Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · 1.5 hours

Paddleboard along Madeira’s coast from Câmara de Lobos with a private English or Portuguese-speaking guide. Roberto teaches the basics, leads you toward Cabo Girão’s cliffs, and includes time for snorkeling. Boards, safety gear, a lycra shirt, insurance, and GoPro photos are provided.

“Excellent! Roberto was very helpful and patient, he made us feel bery safe and comfortable. We got to see brillient views of the cliffs and while snorkelling we got to see some star fish!”

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