Peniche is a standout destination for lovers of the sea. Its dramatic coastlines, protected archipelagos, and abundant marine life make it a natural choice for boat tours and cruises. Whether you’re eager to explore the underwater caves of Berlengas, spot playful dolphins, or enjoy a quick scenic cruise along the coast, Peniche offers a variety of options that cater to different tastes and schedules. One trip we particularly recommend is the Berlengas Roundtrip and Glass-Bottom Boat Cave Tour. It combines the thrill of underwater viewing with historical cave exploration, offering a well-rounded day on the water.
Beyond that, you’ll find tours ranging from short one-hour jaunts to full-day adventures, including private sailing experiences and family-friendly activities like banana boat rides. The best part? Many tours provide opportunities to see dolphins, explore caves, and enjoy the spectacular cliffs that make Peniche’s coastline so photogenic.
In this list, you’ll see a spectrum of boat experiences: from quick scenic rides to immersive explorations of the Berlengas Archipelago, including glass-bottom boat rides, snorkeling trips, and even kayaking adventures. Each offers something unique—whether it’s the wildlife encounters on the Dolphin Route Boat Trip or the cultural charm of combining a cruise with a walk through Obidos. Now, let’s take a detailed look at each of these exciting options.
1. Peniche: Berlengas Roundtrip and Glass-Bottom Boat Cave Tour
This tour offers a fantastic combo: a glass-bottom boat ride around Berlengas Island paired with free time on the island for hiking, sightseeing, and enjoying the scenery. The 4-hour experience starts from either Marina de Peniche or Berlengoest, with transfers included. Once on the boat, you’ll peer through the glass bottom to see underwater rock formations and marine life, which makes it perfect for nature lovers and families alike.
What makes this tour stand out is its balance of guided exploration and free time. The boat ride lasts about 30 minutes, giving you a glimpse of the caves and cliffs, but the real highlight is the two-hour window on the island where you can hike, take photos, or simply soak in the views. The tour is well-organized, and reviews praise the multilingual guides, especially Marguerite, for their friendliness and knowledge.
The value for money is excellent at around $40 per person, especially considering the inclusion of transport and the chance to see caves through the glass bottom. This tour suits travelers who want a taste of Berlengas’s natural beauty without committing to a full day. Keep in mind it’s a bit rushed, so if you prefer more leisure, consider adding extra time.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a quick, engaging glimpse of Berlengas with underwater cave views and scenic island walking.
2. From Peniche: Round-Trip Boat Tour of Berlengas Archipelago
If your priority is a full-day exploration of Berlengas, this round-trip ferry ride stands out. Spanning approximately 4 hours, it’s perfect for travelers eager to enjoy the island’s untouched beauty. The tour includes a scenic ferry from Peniche, allowing you to relax and enjoy the views before reaching the island. Once there, you have free time to explore the caves, hike along coastal paths, or visit the fortress of São João Baptista.
What makes this tour compelling is the opportunity to experience the crystal-clear waters of the archipelago and the chance to see wildlife, including dolphins that often swim alongside the boat. Many reviews highlight the excellent organization, with visitors notably enjoying the local seafood for lunch, which adds to the authentic experience. The cost is around $40, but it offers a full day of discovery.
This tour is a good fit for travelers who want to see more of the island’s natural landscapes and heritage without feeling rushed. It’s especially suited for families, nature enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a relaxed day on the water.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking a comprehensive day trip with time to explore Berlengas’s caves, fort, and surrounding nature.
3. From Peniche: 1-Hour Cabo Carvoeiro Boat Tour
If you’re short on time but still want to experience Peniche’s rugged coastline, this quick one-hour boat tour offers spectacular views of Cabo Carvoeiro. For just $17, you’ll cruise along the coast on a high-speed vessel, marveling at geological formations carved by the sea over centuries.
The tour is praised for its exhilarating pace and the opportunity to see Peniche’s scenic cliffs and rock formations from the water. Guides provide insightful commentary, making it a lively and educational experience. It’s perfect for a quick escape from land-based sightseeing, especially if you’re traveling with kids or looking for an adrenaline rush.
Guests often mention how much fun they had, emphasizing the value for money, especially given the short duration and high thrill factor. Because it’s just an hour, it’s ideal for fitting into a busy itinerary, or as a pre-dinner activity.
Bottom Line: Best suited for thrill-seekers and those needing a quick but memorable coast experience.
4. Peniche: Dolphin Route Boat Trip
For wildlife lovers, the Dolphin Route Boat Trip offers a two-hour voyage along Peniche’s west coast, with a focus on spotting dolphins and other marine creatures. Many reviews highlight the possibility of seeing dolphins up close, sometimes swimming right alongside the boat—a truly magical experience.
This cruise also offers stunning views of Peniche’s coastline, with chances to see seabirds and even sharks, depending on the day. The boat is operated by local fishermen, adding a layer of authenticity and local flavor to the trip. It’s a more relaxed option, perfect for families or anyone who wants to combine marine wildlife watching with scenic coastal views.
At $45 per person, it’s a reasonable price considering the chance to see wild animals in their natural habitat. The reviews underline the friendly crew and the thrill of spotting dolphins, making it one of the top choices for nature and animal enthusiasts.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers eager for a wildlife adventure with a good chance to see dolphins and enjoy the wild coast of Peniche.
5. From Lisbon: Berlenga Islands by Boat, Peniche & Óbidos
Looking to combine multiple highlights in one day, this full-day tour from Lisbon covers the Berlenga Islands, Peniche, and Óbidos. It’s a carefully curated experience, including a cruise to the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, exploration of caves, and a walk through the historic streets of Óbidos.
The tour starts with a van transfer from Lisbon, followed by a ferry to Berlenga. Highlights include visiting the Santo João Baptista Fortress and walking scenic trails, then returning to the mainland for a tour of the medieval Óbidos village. It’s a long day, but the mix of marine exploration, cultural sights, and nature makes it well worth the effort.
Guests praise the organization and the variety of experiences, with many noting the good value at $170 per person. It’s perfect for travelers wanting an all-encompassing trip that combines sea, nature, and history.
Bottom Line: Best for those with a full day and a desire to see both nature and cultural sites, with a bit of everything.
6. Peniche: Berlengas Island Catamaran Tour + Snorkeling
This catamaran tour with snorkeling offers a relaxed way to explore Berlengas, combining scenic sailing with underwater discovery. The tour includes a stop at the island for walking or visiting the lighthouse before heading into the water with provided snorkeling gear.
What sets this apart is the snorkeling experience—many reviews mention spotting fish and marine life close to the shore. The calm pace of the catamaran makes it family-friendly and suitable for all ages. The tour lasts about four hours, making it a reasonable half-day activity.
At $43 per person, it’s good value, especially for those interested in marine life and underwater scenery. The crew is noted for being friendly and professional, adding to the overall positive experience.
Bottom Line: Excellent for snorkeling enthusiasts and those wanting a leisurely, scenic cruise with underwater exploration.
7. Peniche: Traction Buoy or Banana Boat Adventure
For pure fun, this 30-minute adrenaline-packed ride is all about holding on tight. You can choose a traction buoy or a banana boat to be pulled along at high speeds, bouncing and bumping over the waves. It’s especially popular with families and groups of friends looking for a quick, lively experience.
The reviews are glowing, with one describing it as “super fun,” noting the friendly guide and the excellent value at $45. This activity is straightforward, suitable for most fitness levels, and offers a great way to spice up a day at the beach.
It’s perfect for travelers looking for a short burst of excitement without a long commitment or complex logistics.
Bottom Line: Best for thrill-seekers after a quick, energetic water adventure.
8. Peniche: Berlengas Island Catamaran Tour with Caves Trip
This tour combines the scenic catamaran cruise with a special caves trip, giving you a comprehensive look at Berlengas’s marine landscape. It includes a glass-bottom boat ride lasting about 30 minutes, during which you can observe underwater rock formations and marine life.
It’s ideal for travelers who want to explore both the natural caves and the coastal scenery, with the added benefit of dolphin sightings. The boat’s capacity and the knowledgeable crew make for a smooth experience.
At just around $43, it offers good value for those interested in a more detailed exploration of the island’s caves and wildlife. Guests appreciate the friendly service and the chance to see dolphins swimming alongside the boat.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a detailed caves visit combined with scenic sailing and wildlife watching.
9. Peniche: Private 3-Hour Sailing Experience Along the Coast
For a personalized experience, this private three-hour sailing allows you to choose your own route, whether it’s a scenic coast cruise or a sailing lesson. Costing $493 for up to six people, it’s the most flexible and intimate option on this list.
The skipper offers a hands-on approach, teaching sailing basics or just cruising past Peniche’s rugged coastline, caves, and cliffs. The experience includes snacks and drinks, making it a luxurious way to relax at sea with friends or family.
Reviews note the friendly skipper and the customizable itinerary, which makes it a fantastic choice for special occasions or private groups. The main drawback is the price, but for those seeking privacy and tailored service, it’s hard to beat.
Bottom Line: Best for small groups wanting a customized, private sailing adventure.
10. Peniche: Berlengas Island Catamaran Tour – Round Trip
This round-trip catamaran offers a relaxed way to explore Berlengas Island, with the boat cruise lasting about four hours. It’s similar to the other catamaran tours but emphasizes a comfortable, scenic ride with opportunities to walk trails and visit the lighthouse.
The route often includes dolphin sightings and the chance to explore caves. The reviews mention the friendly crew and the excellent organization. It’s a great choice for travelers who want to enjoy Berlengas without rushing, and it’s priced at about $32 per person, making it affordable.
This tour is ideal for relaxed travelers wanting a balance of sea travel and island exploration.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for those who prefer a laid-back cruise with time to explore Berlengas.
11. From Lisbon: Berlengas Island Boat and Kayak Private Tour
For a full-day, highly personalized adventure, this private tour from Lisbon combines kayaking and boat exploration of Berlengas. It takes around nine hours and includes a boat ride from Lisbon, making it perfect for active travelers wanting a hands-on experience.
Guests can explore caves by kayak, enjoy the island’s fauna and flora, and learn about local legends. The tour’s private nature means it’s flexible and intimate, with a focus on close-up wildlife encounters.
At $830 for up to six people, it’s a premium experience suited for adventure lovers who want to paddle into caves and discover the island’s secrets at their own pace.
Bottom Line: Best for active, independent travelers seeking a fully customized, multi-modal adventure.
12. Peniche: Berlengas Island Catamaran Tour + Stand Up Paddle
Combining scenic sailing with stand-up paddleboarding, this tour is perfect for water sports enthusiasts. It lasts about four hours and includes time on Berlengas for paddling along the coast or visiting Fort St. John.
Guests often highlight the chance to practice SUP in calm waters and the chance to see dolphins swimming nearby. The tour’s combination of relaxing and active makes it a great choice for families or groups with varying interests.
Priced at $113 per person, it offers an immersive experience that balances adventure and scenic beauty. The guides are praised for their friendliness and skill.
Bottom Line: Ideal for active travelers wanting a full day of sailing and paddleboarding in the stunning Berlengas.
How to Choose the Best Boat Tour in Peniche
When selecting your boat experience, consider your budget, available time, and interests. If you want a quick thrill, the 1-hour Cabo Carvoeiro tour is perfect. For wildlife lovers, the Dolphin Route offers the excitement of dolphin sightings. Those seeking a comprehensive day should look at the full-day trips, which combine culture and nature.
If privacy and customization are your priorities, the private sailing fits the bill. For active water sports fans, the SUP and catamaran combo offers both scenic views and physical fun.
Booking early, especially for popular tours like dolphin watching or private charters, helps secure your spot. Also, check the weather: some tours are weather-dependent, and calmer seas mean a better experience overall.
Final Thoughts
Peniche offers a diverse range of boat experiences—from quick scenic cruises to full-day explorations of Berlengas. For a family-friendly outing, the glass-bottom cave tour is a hit, while wildlife lovers will enjoy the dolphin-spotting trips. Active travelers should consider snorkel or SUP adventures, and those seeking exclusivity might prefer private sailing.
No matter your choice, booking early ensures you’ll secure a spot on your preferred tour. Each offers a different perspective on Peniche’s incredible coastline, so think about what excites you most—wildlife, caves, cultural sites—and choose accordingly. With so many options, your sea adventure in Peniche is sure to be memorable.
