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  • Explore Algarve
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Praia da Rocha

Seven Hanging Valleys

Praia da Ilha Deserta

Praia de Armação de Pêra

Arade River

Serra de Monchique

Praia do Carvalho

Fóia

Paradise Cave Portugal

Amado beach

Praia do Barranco do Martinho

Quarteira River

Day trips

Neighborhood tours

National parks

Shore excursions

Religious & spiritual activities

Churches & cathedrals

Wellness & spas

Garden & park tours

Theme & amusement parks

Multi-day trips

Archaeology

Museums & exhibitions

Benagil

Carvoeiro

Portimão

Albufeira

Faro

Caramujeira

Lagos, Portugal

Lagoa

Ferragudo

Vilamoura

Armação de Pêra

Olhão

Nearby destinations

Andalusia tours

Lisbon District tours

Lisbon Metropolitan Area tours

Province of Málaga tours

Norte Region tours

Costa del Sol tours

Porto District tours

Nearby sights

Belem TowerAttraction in Lisbon, Portugal

Tagus River

Pena PalaceAttraction in Sintra, Portugal

Commerce Square, LisbonAttraction in Lisbon, Portugal

Cabo da RocaAttraction in Colares, Portugal

Monument to the DiscoveriesAttraction in Lisbon, Portugal

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Surfing lessons

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Scooters & motorcycles

Water parks

Horse riding

Outdoor activities

Sightseeing

Water sports

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Portimão: Silves & Arade River History Tour on a Solar Boat

Top rated
4.8692307 out of 5 stars
4.9
4.8692307 out of 5 stars
130 reviews
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Portimão: Silves & Arade River History Tour on a Solar Boat
Top rated
4.8692307 out of 5 stars
4.9
4.8692307 out of 5 stars
130 reviews

Explore the beautiful Arade River on a relaxing eco-friendly solar-powered boat. Join us on a journey full of history from Portimão to Silves, with about 1:30h to explore the lovely medieval city.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 5 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
Portuguese, English
Small group
Limited to 11 participants

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

K
Karthina – Netherlands

It was a beautiful trip. But we could’t enjoy the peace of the nature on the boat. The captain talked the whole way to Silves and back. 3 houdt constantly talking. So that was a pity.

C
Carole – United Kingdom

We loved the whole experience! Pedro was a fabulous guide, so informative and funny too! The solar boat was such a delight and made the trip on the river so peaceful. Silves was such a lovely place to visit and would recommend this trip to everyone!

Select participants and date

Participants

Itinerary

  • Timeline stop icon

    Starting location:

    Algarve SunBoat | BENAGIL CAVES | SILVES | Pier M

  • Timeline stop icon

    Silves

    Guided tour, Boat cruise (100 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Arade River

    Sightseeing, Scenic views on the way

  • Timeline stop icon

    Sightseeing, Pass by, Scenic views on the way

  • Timeline stop icon

    Sightseeing, Pass by

  • Timeline stop icon

    Sightseeing, Pass by

  • Timeline stop icon

    Pass by, Scenic views on the way

  • Timeline stop icon

    Pass by, Scenic views on the way

  • Timeline stop icon

    Pass by, Scenic views on the way

  • Timeline stop icon

    Sightseeing, Pass by, Scenic views on the way

  • Timeline stop icon

    Silves

    Free time (1.5 hours)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Portimão

    Wine, Boat cruise, Sightseeing, Scenic views on the way (100 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Pass by, Scenic views on the way

  • Timeline stop icon

    Arade River

    Wine, Boat cruise, Sightseeing, Scenic views on the way

  • Arrive back at:

    Algarve SunBoat | BENAGIL CAVES | SILVES | Pier M

Main stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Visit Silves & Discover the historical Arade River and it's epic history
  • Take a comfortable, relaxing eco-friendly and pollution-free boat trip
  • Enjoy a refreshing glass of wine on the way back to Portimão
  • Learn about the history of the Arade as narrated by your onboard crew
  • Observe and listen to the birds and nature on a noiseless solar boat

Full description

Explore the scenic Arade River on a historic boat tour from Portimão to Silves, with approximately 1h30m to explore this enchanting Medieval city.

On the way back, enjoy the views and a glass of wine!

We go with the tide, so this tour is only possible on a few days each month, with timing varying according to high tide.

Hop aboard for a luxurious journey along the Arade River and Silves, where we sail and solar-power our way to an adventure that will become your favorite bragging story for years to come!

Enjoy a relaxing trip from Portimão to Silves aboard our sustainable eco-friendly boat on the historical 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 relaxing boat trip. Picture yourself settling into plush, cushioned seats, shaded like a VIP at a beach party, with tables ready to cradle your drinks and personal treasures.

As we sail, the captain turns into your own storyteller, sharing interesting facts about the Arade River and its epic history.

When we hit Silves, the land of historical wonders, you've got about 1h30m to explore. Unleash your inner explorer, conquer monuments, storm the castle, and dive into the cultural feast of the museum or delicious local cuisine.

On the way back to Portimão, get ready for the cinematic sequel with a glass of wine. The city unfolds before you like the grand finale, and the Arade River's mouth becomes the backstage pass to a view that's more refreshing than a sip of coconut water on a summer day. 

Join us for an unforgettable, fun, and eco-conscious nautical escapade!

Includes

  • Guided tour
  • Eco-friendly boat cruise
  • 1 glass of wine on the way back
  • Transfers
  • Car parking fees

Meeting point

Open in Google Maps

Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Sunscreen
  • Water
  • Comfortable clothes
  • Weather-appropriate clothing

Not allowed

  • Baby strollers
  • Luggage or large bags
  • Smoking in the vehicle

Know before you go

  •  The total trip duration is about 5 hours
  •  Please bring comfortable shoes
  • Sunscreen is essential during summer
  • Hats are optional but recommended
  • This trip can only be made on certain days of the month due to tide restrictions
  • Please book your trip as early as possible to guarantee a place

From $50 per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.9 /5

based on 130 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.9/5
  • Transportation
    4.9/5
  • Value for money
    4.7/5

Customer photos

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K
Karthina – NetherlandsJune 14, 2025 – Verified booking
It was a beautiful trip. But we could’t enjoy the peace of the nature on the boat. The captain talked the whole way to Silves and back. 3 houdt constantly talking. So that was a pity.
C
Carole – United KingdomJune 11, 2025 – Verified booking
We loved the whole experience! Pedro was a fabulous guide, so informative and funny too! The solar boat was such a delight and made the trip on the river so peaceful. Silves was such a lovely place to visit and would recommend this trip to everyone!
A
Andrew – United KingdomApril 9, 2025 – Verified booking
Great experience..better than expected. Our Guide Carlos was very informative and fun..really looked after us..highly recommend.

Product ID: 164025

Activity provider:Algarve SunBoat
  • Portugal
  • Algarve
  • Arade River

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