If you’re considering adding a boat trip to your Algarve itinerary, the Lagos: Family Fishing Trip offers a laid-back, engaging experience that combines coastal sightseeing, ocean fishing, and a splash of swimming. While we haven’t personally been on this boat trip, the detailed info and reviews paint a pretty inviting picture for anyone wanting a taste of the sea without the long hours or complicated logistics.
What really catches our eye about this experience is how it emphasizes both fishing and relaxation—you’re not just stuck on a boat for hours. Plus, the chance to catch a variety of fish species like besugos and mackerel is pretty exciting for those who love a bit of sport. However, it’s worth noting that the price doesn’t include a fishing license, which is a legal requirement and an additional cost to keep in mind.
This trip seems best suited for families, groups of friends, or anyone wanting a straightforward, engaging day at sea. If you’re after a quick, scenic, and active outing that balances fishing and swimming, this could be just what you’re looking for.
Key Points

- Duration: 3 hours, with flexible start times based on availability
- Includes: All fishing equipment, bait, and an experienced technical team
- Highlights: Coastal ride, ocean swimming, diverse fish species
- Consideration: The fishing license isn’t included in the price
- Language options: Multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Russian, Ukrainian, and Portuguese
- Flexibility: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
An Overview of the Experience

The Lagos Family Fishing Trip offers a bit of everything for those who want to enjoy the Algarve coastline from the water, with the added thrill of trying their hand at bottom fishing. We love how it combines multiple activities—riding along the coast, stopping for a swim, and fishing—making it a well-rounded adventure even in just three hours.
The boat departs from Av. dos Descobrimentos 5, Lagos, with a friendly, private group setting. The skipper is responsible for choosing the best fishing spots, considering weather and fish movements, which means you’re in capable hands. This is useful because it increases your chances of catching a variety of fish, including besugos, safias, choupas, mackerel, fountains, snappers, and more.
While in Algarve, here are other experiences we've covered
What Makes This Trip Stand Out?
The scenic coastal route offers stunning views of the Algarve coast, perfect for snapping a few photos or just soaking in the scenery. After a ride along the coast, the boat will stop for you to take a dip in the open ocean—a refreshing break that many reviews highlight as a favorite part of the trip.
The fishing itself is described as bottom fishing, which tends to be accessible for beginners but still engaging enough for those with more experience. Since all equipment is provided—rods, reels, bait—you don’t need to worry about bringing your own gear, making it straightforward to join even if you’re new to fishing.
What to Expect During the Trip
Once aboard, you’ll cruise along the coast, enjoying scenic views of Lagos and the surrounding cliffs. After some time, the skipper will find a suitable reef or fishing spot—this choice depends on weather conditions and the fish behavior, which keeps the experience dynamic.
The fishing part involves trying to catch various species, which can be quite satisfying when you hook something, especially if it’s your first time. The species list suggests a good chance of landing beugos, safias, choupas, mackerel, and others, giving you a variety of options to keep your interest piqued.
The boat will then stop for a swim break, so you can enjoy a dip in the clear Atlantic waters. Many reviews mention the opportunity to cool off and enjoy the tranquility of the sea as a real highlight.
The Practicalities
All necessary fishing gear, bait, and accessories are included, so there’s no need to worry about extra equipment. The price, however, does not cover the fishing license, which costs about 5 euros per person and is legally required. This is a small additional expense, but worth planning for.
You’ll want to arrive about 15 minutes early—punctuality helps keep the trip on schedule— and bring your passport or ID just in case.
More Great Tours NearbyWhat We Like and What to Watch Out For
Pros:
– The scenic coastal ride provides lovely views of Lagos and the surrounding cliffs.
– The variety of fish species offers a fun challenge, especially for those interested in sport fishing.
– The inclusion of all gear and bait makes it hassle-free for beginners.
– The swimming stop gives a nice break from fishing, making the trip more relaxing.
Cons:
– The fishing license is an extra cost, which isn’t included in the ticket price.
– The trip is only 3 hours long, which might feel a bit brief if you’re really into fishing or want a more extensive experience.
– It’s weather-dependent—bad weather means a full refund, but it could also mean cancelation or a less enjoyable experience on windy or choppy days.
Who Would Love This?

This trip is ideal for families (with older children who can handle being on a boat), groups of friends, or anyone wanting a relaxed yet engaging day at sea. If you enjoy a mix of scenery, sport fishing, and swimming, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. It’s especially good if you’re new to fishing or looking for a straightforward, no-fuss activity.
In-Depth Breakdown of the Itinerary
Departure and Coastal Ride
The experience kicks off at the designated meeting point in Lagos, where you’ll meet your guide and get settled aboard the boat. The first part of the trip is a leisurely cruise along the coast, with plenty of opportunities to admire the rugged cliffs, sea caves, and perhaps even some marine life like dolphins if you’re lucky.
The boat’s size and private group setting mean you won’t be crowded, allowing for a comfortable experience and good opportunities to chat with your crew or simply enjoy the views.
Fishing and Reef Spots
Once at the selected reef or fishing site, the skipper will choose the location based on current conditions, aiming for areas known for fish activity. The bottom fishing technique involves dropping baited hooks to the ocean floor, which can be quite rewarding when you get a bite.
Many reviews mention the quality of the fish caught, with some travelers noting they even landed snapper and other notable species. For some, the activity was a new experience, and they appreciated the guidance offered by the team.
Swimming and Relaxing
After fishing, the boat will stop for a swim break. The water is clean and inviting, perfect for cooling off and relaxing. This is a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the Algarve coast, with many travelers describing the peaceful atmosphere and stunning surroundings as memorable highlights.
Return and Wrap-up
The trip wraps up after the swim, with the boat heading back to Lagos. You’ll arrive at the meeting point roughly three hours after departure, with plenty of time left in your day to explore the town or relax further.
Experience Provider and Booking Flexibility
Operated by Boatrips.Lda, the experience offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, giving you peace of mind if your plans change. You can also reserve now and pay later, making planning straightforward amid busy travel schedules.
The trip is offered in several languages, including Portuguese, Russian, Ukrainian, English, and Spanish, which helps accommodate international travelers.
Final Thoughts
This Lagos Family Fishing Trip offers a balanced mix of coastal exploration, active fishing, and leisure swimming, all packed into a neat 3-hour window. It’s definitely geared towards those who want a practical, engaging, and scenic experience without the hassle of long boat rides or overly complex arrangements.
While it’s not a deep-sea fishing expedition and doesn’t include the fishing license in the price, the overall value for a half-day adventure is fair, especially considering all gear is provided and the experience is flexible. The trip’s focus on good scenery, diverse fishing, and a relaxing swim makes it a solid choice for travelers wanting a taste of the Atlantic in a manageable timeframe.
If you enjoy small-group outings, love fishing or are curious about trying it, or simply want a beautiful coastal cruise with a bonus swim, this trip could be just right for you.
Lagos: Family Fishing Trip
FAQ
Is the fishing equipment included?
Yes, all necessary fishing gear, including rods, reels, accessories, and bait, are provided as part of the tour.
Do I need to bring my own fishing license?
Yes, the day fishing license is not included in the price and costs about 5 euros per person. You’ll need to have this to fish legally.
What should I bring on the trip?
Bring your passport or ID card for identification and any personal items like sunscreen, towel, and swimwear for the swim stop.
How long is the trip?
The experience lasts approximately 3 hours, with flexible start times depending on availability.
What language is the tour guided in?
The tour is offered in multiple languages, including Portuguese, Russian, Ukrainian, English, and Spanish.
Is this trip suitable for children?
While not explicitly designed for children, the trip could suit families with older kids comfortable on boats and interested in fishing and swimming. Always check with the provider beforehand if you have young children.
If you’re after a straightforward, scenic, and slightly sporty outing in Lagos, this fishing trip offers a practical and enjoyable way to spend part of your day on the water. It’s not the most luxurious or elaborate experience, but the combination of coast views, fishing, and swimming makes it worth considering if you’re looking for a relaxed adventure.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Fishing Tours in Algarve
More Tour Reviews in Algarve
- From Lagos: Benagil Sea Caves Tour with a Local Guide
- Algarve: Tandem Skydiving from 10.000ft to 15.000ft
- Benagil cave 1 hour tour with local guide
- Faro: Ria Formosa Lagoon Small Boat Tour with Local Guide
- Silves: Algarvian Winery Tour and Tasting Experience
- From Lagos: Small-Group 4-Hour Wine Tasting Tour
More Algarve experiences we've covered
- Algarve: Tandem Skydiving from 10.000ft to 15.000ft
- Benagil cave 1 hour tour with local guide
- Faro: Ria Formosa Lagoon Small Boat Tour with Local Guide
- Silves: Algarvian Winery Tour and Tasting Experience
- From Lagos: Small-Group 4-Hour Wine Tasting Tour
- From Portimão: Private Boat Tour to Benagil Cave
- Cliffs & Caves Stand Up Paddle Adventure
- Portimão: Algarve Reef Fishing
- Albufeira: MiniGolf Adventure Park Entry Ticket
- From Faro: Ria Formosa Hop-On Hop-Off 3 Islands Cruise
- Porches: Algarve Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting Experience
- From Albufeira: Sunset Cruise and Beach BBQ with Open Bar


