Visit Silves & Explore the Arade River | Eco-Friendly Solar Boat

5.0 (215 reviews) Portimao, Portugal
Duration4h 30m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesPortuguese, English
Group sizeUp to 10 travelers

Overview

Discover this wonderful river & the medieval city of Silves, full of history, with a very rich nature and unforgettable landscapes.

Enjoy a relaxing trip from Portimão to Silves aboard our sustainable eco-friendly boat on the full of history waters of the Arade River, where the future meets the past.

Our ecological boat is quiet and perfect for those who look for a peacefull and quiet boat trip. It has comfortable cushioned seats, shades and tables for placing glasses of drink and personal items.

During the trip, the captain will share with you curiosities about the river and its history. At Silves you'll have about 1,5 hour to visit the historical places , monuments, castle, museum or try it's delicious local cuisine.

On our return to Portimão, enjoy a different perspective of the city and the Arade River's mouth.

What's included

  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • Driver/guide
  • Live commentary on board
  • The listed price does not include the car parking price, on the high season.
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

What to expect

  1. Algarve Sunboat
    Pass by
    We will departure from the Pier A, at Marina de Portimão.
  2. Pass by
    In Ferragudo, located in a strategic location on the bank of the River Arade, is the fort of São João, whose origin dates back to the 17th century. This fort cooperated with the Fort of Santa Catarina, which was in front of it in Portimão, in defense of the river estuary.

    Rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake, this military construction continued to be used until the end of the 19th century, when it was sold at public auction, and acquired by the poet Coelho Carvalho who transformed it into a private residence. The fort is well maintained and in addition to a wall that connects Angrinha beach to Praia Grande, it also has several guardhouses and a garden.
  3. Pass by
    The Convent of São Francisco is an architectural complex from the 16th century, developed from a set of houses that were donated by Simão Correia, captain of Azamor, who had also built a small Chapel in honor of Nossa Senhora da Esperança, as a thank you for protection of God in wars. The buildings are harmoniously interconnected. The convent was built later, in 1541. Currently, in Portimão it is a property of public interest, but it is owned by private individuals, with no access to visits and in an advanced state of degradation.
  4. Museu de Portimao
    Pass by
    Portimão Museum is located in the century-old fish canning factory Feu Hermanos, located on the city's riverside area.
  5. Pass by
    This is the oldest bridge of Portimão that establishes the road connection between Portimão and Parchal (municipality of Lagoa).
    In the last quarter of the 19th century, the riverside area saw its landscape transformed with the construction of a river embankment started in 1863, with a view to the introduction of the road bridge, built by the French company Five Lille, under the direction of engineer Bonnet. Started in January 1875 and completed in April 1876, its construction together with the neighboring railway bridge is a good example of iron architecture in the Algarve.
  6. Pass by
    The metallic railway bridge was built between 1915 and 1919, by the Empresa Industrial Portuguesa, measuring 300 m in length and consisting of 6 spans with iron arch beams, based on stonework pillars. Its inauguration on July 30, 1922, allowed the extension of the railway line, from Tunes to Lagos.
  7. Pass by
    It is one of the structures that crosses the Arade River, located between Calvário and Companheira. It was completed in 1999 and is the main point of connection for the Portimão and Lagoa councils, forming part of the EN 125.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Check-in is 15 min before departure. Boarding is on the north side of Portimão Marina, by the administrative building (Rua Simão Correia).
Don’t enter just “Marina de Portimão” in Uber/taxi or you may be dropped on the south side, a 15-min walk away. We can’t wait for late arrivals.

End point

Check-in is 15 min before departure. Boarding is on the north side of Portimão Marina, by the administrative building (Rua Simão Correia).
Don’t enter just “Marina de Portimão” in Uber/taxi or you may be dropped on the south side, a 15-min walk away. We can’t wait for late arrivals.

Additional information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
  • 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
  • Not suitable for small children
  • Dogs or other pets are not allowed
  • Suitable for pregnant women
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Please check in 15 minutes before departure time
  • Only water and food intended for young children are allowed on board
  • Smoking not allowed
  • ATTENTION: Our kiosk is not the check-in or boarding point. The Boarding Pier M is on the North Side of Portimão Marina, with car access via Rua Simão Correia.
  • Not recommended for travelers with reduced mobility
  • Not recommended for pregnant women with high-risk pregnancies or in advanced stages of pregnancy

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

5.0 (215)
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
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  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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