Snorkeling Tour

If you’re eyeing a trip to Porto Santo and want to explore its vibrant marine life, this snorkeling adventure might catch your eye. While I haven’t done it myself, the glowing reviews and detailed tour info paint a compelling picture. It’s a short, roughly three-hour experience that promises underwater encounters with octopuses, eels, and colorful fish—all in a protected marine area.

What really appeals are the knowledgeable guides, like Mataus and Sherlock, and the stunning scenery on offer. Plus, the fact that no prior snorkeling experience is needed makes it accessible for most people. On the flip side, it’s a beginner-level tour, so if you’re after serious underwater exploration or more advanced diving, this might not be the right fit.

This tour seems best suited for travelers who want a relaxed, friendly introduction to the underwater world—families, first-timers, or anyone looking for a memorable, no-stress activity in Porto Santo. If you’re on a budget but still want a quality experience, it’s also a solid choice for the cost.

Key Points

• Highly Rated Experience: With a 5.0 rating from 263 reviews, most travelers loved the tour.
• Perfect for Beginners: No expert swimming skills needed; suitable for all ages.
• Wildlife Encounters: Expect to see octopuses, eels, starfish, and a vibrant array of tropical fish.
• Expert Guides & Friendly Atmosphere: Guides like Mataus and Sherlock (the Portuguese Water Dog) make the experience engaging.
• Value for Money: At around $52, it offers a lot considering equipment, transportation, and insurance are included.
• Limited to Small Groups: Max of 8 travelers, making it more personalized and less crowded.

A Detailed Look at the Porto Santo Snorkeling Tour

Setting the Scene: What’s Included and How It Works

This snorkeling tour is designed as a half-day adventure—about three hours—focused on giving you a taste of Porto Santo’s marine life in a protected area. It includes use of high-quality snorkeling equipment, private transportation from your hotel or pickup point, insurance, and the guidance of knowledgeable locals.

Because it’s limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, the group stays small, which means more attention from your guides and a more relaxed vibe. The tour is also bookable 14 days in advance on average, so it’s not a last-minute plan but still accessible for most travelers wanting to lock in their spot.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

The tour begins with a pickup from your accommodation or designated meeting point, which is convenient and takes away the hassle of navigating. The drive to the coastal area is short, giving you more time to enjoy the water.

Once there, your guides will help you gear up with wetsuits, masks, and fins—equipment that’s praised for being in excellent condition, making the experience comfortable even for beginners. Following a safety briefing, you’ll float in the calm waters of a natural rockpool or the open marine protected area, where the underwater scenery truly shines.

What makes this experience special is the chance to spot wildlife like octopuses, sometimes even one holding hands, as a reviewer described. Eels, starfish, and colorful fish dart between rocks, creating a lively underwater tableau. Guides like Mataus are praised for their passion and knowledge, sharing fascinating facts about the marine ecosystem.

What the Guides Do and Why They Matter

The guides are the heart of this experience. Multiple reviews highlight Mataus and Sherlock’s friendliness and expertise. One reviewer even called Mataus “an excellent and super nice guide,” emphasizing how his passion makes a difference.

Sherlock, the Portuguese Water Dog, adds a fun, friendly touch—he seems to be a beloved part of the tour. Their presence and knowledge make the experience feel more personal, especially since they’re happy to answer questions and point out interesting creatures.

The Underwater World You’ll Encounter

Expect clear, calm waters ideal for snorkeling. As noted, this tour is perfect for beginners because the setting is gentle and safe. The shallow waters of the rockpool provide a natural “underwater movie” where you can observe marine life in action.

One reviewer shared, “The snorkelling experience was so good, we saw octopus and eels and loads of fish. One of the baby octopus held my hand, I had such a good time.” That gives a real sense of the magic you can find here. Others appreciated the vibrant coral formations and the chance to see marine animals in their natural habitat.

The Experience Beyond Snorkeling

Apart from the underwater adventure, the setting itself is highly praised. The surrounding scenery is described as beautiful, with calm lagoons connected to the sea—ideal for a relaxing, picture-worthy morning. While food and drinks aren’t included, the tour provides an opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of Porto Santo’s coastline.

Price and Value

At just over $52, this tour offers excellent value considering everything included—gear, transportation, guides, and insurance. It’s also well-rated, with most travelers expressing high satisfaction. Some reviews mention the tour being very suitable for beginners, so if you’re looking for a casual, low-pressure introduction to snorkeling, this is a good pick.

Potential Drawbacks or Considerations

One critique comes from a review stating the tour is quite basic and geared toward beginners. If you’re an experienced snorkeler or diver, you might find the experience somewhat limited. Also, the tour’s reliance on good weather means it can be canceled or rescheduled if conditions aren’t ideal.

Plus, since food and towels aren’t included, you’ll want to bring a swimsuit, towel, and perhaps some snacks for afterward. The maximum group size of 8 keeps it intimate but could mean booking ahead is wise during busy periods.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This snorkeling excursion is perfect if you’re new to water activities or traveling with someone who might feel more comfortable in shallow waters. It’s suited to those who enjoy wildlife spotting and natural scenery but aren’t looking for a strenuous or highly technical experience.

It’s also a great option for travelers who value small group sizes and personalized attention. If wildlife encounters like octopuses and colorful fish excite you, and you appreciate friendly guides, this tour checks many boxes.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s ideal for children and adults alike, especially since no previous snorkeling experience is needed. The shallow waters and calm setting make it accessible for most ages.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
No, the tour provides high-quality snorkeling equipment for use during the experience, which is in excellent condition based on reviews.

How long is the tour?
The whole experience lasts approximately 3 hours, including transportation, gear-up, and snorkeling time.

What should I bring?
Bring your swimsuit, towel, and any snacks or drinks you’d like, as these are not included. Wear sunscreen and a hat for sun protection.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance. If the weather is poor, the tour might be canceled or rescheduled, with options for a full refund.

Is it worth the price?
Considering the quality of equipment, small group size, knowledgeable guides, and wildlife sightings, most travelers find it a good deal for the experience offered.

Final Thoughts

This Porto Santo snorkeling tour offers a friendly, no-fuss way to explore the island’s underwater world. With the guidance of passionate locals and the chance to see octopuses, eels, and a vibrant array of fish, it provides a memorable introduction to marine life. The small group setting, well-maintained gear, and beautiful scenery make it a relaxing and enjoyable outing.

While it’s not for those seeking advanced diving thrills, it’s ideal if you want a gentle, engaging adventure suited for most skill levels. If you’re after a straightforward, well-reviewed activity that delivers plenty of wildlife encounters in a stunning setting, this tour could be just the ticket.

Overall, it’s a solid choice for anyone looking to add some underwater magic to their Porto Santo trip—especially if you value good guides and an intimate experience.