Matosinhos is a coastal city with a lot to offer beyond its famous seafood restaurants. One of its biggest draws for visitors is the chance to explore the Atlantic and the Douro River from the deck of a boat. Whether you’re after a relaxing sail with panoramic views of Porto, an adrenaline-pumping dive at a WWII submarine wreck, or an authentic sailing experience leaving the port, Matosinhos has a lot to offer. Personally, I love the private sailing cruise because it combines scenic beauty with a touch of luxury—imagine sampling port wine while drifting past Porto’s iconic Ribeira district. For a more adventurous side, the underwater exploration at U-Boat 1277 is truly unforgettable, especially if you’re into history and marine life.
This guide will walk you through three top boat experiences in Matosinhos, each offering a distinct taste of the region’s maritime charm. From private cruises to adrenaline-fueled dives and authentic sailing adventures, there’s a tour here for every kind of traveler.
Here’s a quick preview of what you’ll find below:
– A private 3-hour sail along the Douro River with wine tasting
– An exciting dive at the WWII German U-Boat 1277 for certified divers
– An authentic sailboat ride combined with a port visit
Now, let’s get into the details of each experience, so you can choose the one that fits your travel style best.
1. Porto: Sail the Douro River Private 3-Hour Cruise
At number one on our list is the Porto: Sail the Douro River Private 3-Hour Cruise, rated 4.9 out of 5 from 15 reviews. This private sailing experience is perfect if you want a relaxed, intimate way to see Porto’s coastline and its famous river. You’ll float along the Douro, passing under bridges and past historic buildings, with the added bonus of sampling regional Port wine. One favorite aspect is the chance to admire Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia from the water, giving you a fresh perspective you won’t get from land.
The itinerary includes a mix of sightseeing and sailing, with stops for port wine tasting during a guided tour of the Douro. The boat departs from Porto Sailing, with a brief safety briefing before heading out. The experience includes about 15-40 minute segments of sightseeing around Matosinhos and Porto, punctuated by a special hour-long stop for wine tasting and sightseeing on the river. The boat’s owners are known for their warm hospitality—one review even mentioned being welcomed with breakfast, waters, and beers, plus getting to steer the boat!
This cruise is ideal for those wanting a peaceful, scenic experience, especially if you’ve got just a few hours and want to combine sightseeing with a taste of local wine culture. The boat is luxurious, and the small group size ensures personal attention.
Bottom Line: For lovers of scenic views, regional wine, and a private, relaxed vibe, this cruise offers a memorable way to see Porto from the water.
2. Dive the U-boat 1277 – the Most Iconic Dive in Portugal
Number two on our list is the Dive the U-Boat 1277, a unique experience for certified divers looking for a historical underwater adventure. This 3.5-hour tour offers a rare opportunity to explore a WWII German submarine wreck sitting off the coast of Porto. It’s not a typical cruise but an adrenaline-pumping dive for those with advanced diving certification, making it perfect if you want a combination of history and marine exploration.
The dive tour starts at Marina de Leça, where your experienced local guides will give a safety briefing. After that, you’ll hop onto a speedboat for about 15 minutes to reach the site. Divers get approximately 40 minutes for the first dive and 30 minutes for the second, exploring the U-Boat and surrounding underwater landscapes teeming with marine life. The wreck is a striking piece of history, and the dive offers dramatic views of the Atlantic seabed—useful for underwater photography or just marveling at the engineering of the past.
This tour stands out because it combines history with marine ecology, making it ideal for history buffs and diving enthusiasts alike. The reviews highlight the professionalism and safety focus of the guides, with one mentioning the thrill of exploring such an iconic wreck. Note that this experience requires certified advanced diving skills, so it’s not suitable for beginners.
Bottom Line: If you’re a certified diver craving a dive into history, the U-Boat 1277 is an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind experience with plenty of marine life and historical insights.
3. Sailboat Ride on the Matosinhos Sea with a Visit to the Port of Leixões
Third on our list is the Sailboat Ride on the Matosinhos Sea with a Visit to the Port of Leixões, which promises an authentic sailing adventure. This 3-hour experience begins at Clube Naval de Leça, where your crew will take you on a true sailing voyage, leaving the port with sails up and heading into the Atlantic. The tour combines a port exploration—seeing the fishing port, cargo port, and cruise terminal—with a relaxing sail on the open sea.
What makes this tour distinctive is the hands-on approach: you can participate in maneuvers or simply sit back and listen to the waves. The route includes a quick stop at the Leixões port for photos, then out into the Atlantic, where you can soak in the fresh sea air. The crew is described as professional, and the small group size (limited to 8 participants) makes for an intimate, genuine experience far from crowds. It’s well suited for those who want to learn basic sailing skills or enjoy the serenity of the open water.
Practical tips include bringing warm clothing and sports shoes, especially in cooler months. This tour is a great choice for travelers seeking a hands-on, authentic sailing experience with the added thrill of leaving the port and heading out into the Atlantic.
Bottom Line: For those longing to actively participate in sailing or simply enjoy a peaceful ride away from busy tourist spots, this tour offers a genuine connection with the sea.
How to Choose the Best Boat Experience in Matosinhos
When selecting your perfect maritime adventure, think about your budget, interests, and physical comfort. If you want a luxurious, private cruise with wine tasting and scenic views, the Porto sail is a great pick. For those with a sense of adventure and diving certification, exploring the historic U-Boat 1277 provides a fascinating blend of history and marine ecology. Lastly, if you’re eager to get hands-on and sail yourself while exploring Leixões Port, the sailing trip offers an authentic, active experience.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons, as these tours tend to fill up fast. Check availability for the private cruise for flexible times, and plan your dive or sailing trip based on your fitness level and interests.
In summary, Matosinhos offers a diverse range of boat experiences that suit different tastes—from tranquil private cruises with wine to adrenaline-fueled dives and authentic sailing adventures. For a relaxed sightseeing day, the private Douro cruise is hard to beat. History enthusiasts and certified divers should not miss the WWII submarine wreck, while lovers of hands-on sailing will appreciate the Leixões port tour. Whichever you choose, booking early will ensure you don’t miss out on these memorable experiences.
