We’ve been writing a lot about things to do in Albufeira because it’s one of the Algarve’s most popular holiday destinations, both for families and groups.
Also, we like Albufeira ourselves and are happy to be able to share some inside tips. 🙂
Albufeira has long been one of Portugal’s most popular resorts because it combines an interesting cultural heritage, and stunning beaches and there are many options.
The old centre is like a picturesque village with typical Moorish white buildings atop low sandstone cliffs facing a beautiful town beach.
This idyllic city centre is surrounded by modern buildings. Albufeira is undeniably fun, attracting a varied mix of holiday-makers.
Albufeira is a preferred sunny holiday destination for families and groups of party animals who seek a resort with many things to do.
The Marina of Albufeira is almost like a second city centre. It is part of a luxury tourist complex which includes shops, hotels, restaurants, bars, a nautical club, apartments and villas.
It is now ten years since the Albufeira marina opened its waters to boat owners providing high-quality support services to all sailors and their boats.
The Marina of Albufeira enjoys an ideal geographical location, in the Algarve, right at the end of the motorway from Lisbon and only 45 minutes away from Faro airport.
The Marina is a great spot to wander around or go for a romantic dinner, it’s also a favourite place to visit for families.
Check out our Top Things to do in Albufeira:
Sunset cruise
Sail along the enchanting rock formations, caves and beaches of the Algarve at sunset, and sip on a glass of Champagne while admiring the coastal sights.
The 2,5-hour cruise on this comfortable catamaran includes sights of the typical coastline of the Algarve and dramatic views of the Atlantic — all bathed in a smooth sunset glow.
We’ll smoothly cruise along the coast up to the area of Galé and Benagil famous for its breathtaking rock formations to enjoy the ever-changing light at the end of the day.
From about 5 to 6 PM until sunset, the skies of the Algarve become magical, and even more magical when viewed from the ocean.
Simply sit back, relax and stare at the sights as the crew sail. During the trip, we can stop for a refreshing dive in the ocean if you wish to do so.
Captain Hook Cruise
Kids love pirates and parents love boat tours, right? Well, this is the best thing to do during your holidays in Albufeira with your family.
Please remember to book in advance because as this pirate boat trip is on top of the bucket list for Albufeira with kids, it gets easily fully booked during the summer months. Book your boat tours in advance to avoid disappointment and to better plan your stay.
On the Captain Hook boat tour, one thing is for sure: your kids will have the best day of their holiday. This 2-hour boat tour is a pleasant sailing trip for a nice price, ideal for groups and families.
We’ll cruise along the stunning coast of the Algarve to observe the rock formations and beaches of Albufeira, São Rafael, Castelo and Galé. If you’re getting too hot, you can even go for a dive in the refreshing ocean.
Caves & dolphin watching – The Dreamer
This unique boat trip combines the two most popular excursions in the Algarve, the dolphin watching trip and cave visits. There are several tours that do this, what differs is the length of the tour and the type of boat.
This particular trip takes 2 hours and you will be welcomed on “Dreamer” the newest acquisition of this tour operator, a very stable and fast speed boat that carries 30 people.
This boat is suitable for all ages, for kids and also for older people because it’s very stable and safe. On this tour, we’ll first cruise along the Algarve coast, from the Albufeira Marina to Carvoeiro beach. During this cruise, you will have the opportunity to explore the beautiful caves and rock formations typical of the Algarve and a stop for a quick ocean swim.
On the return, the boat distances from the coast to start our search for wild dolphins. We manage to find these beautiful creatures on almost all of our trips but as they’re wild animals in their natural habitat and we don’t feed them, it’s a true adventure and we can’t guarantee anything.
Caves & dolphin watching– Rigid Inflatable Boat
This is the favourite of our bucket list. Like the previous one, also this boat trip combines the two most popular excursions in the Algarve, cave visits and the dolphin watching trip.
As there are several tours that do this, you can basically choose what you prefer according to the different durations of the tour and the types of boat.
This particular trip takes 2 hours and you will be welcomed on “Insonia” a rigid Inflatable Passenger Boat, specially designed for the purpose of taking you to enjoy the ocean.
These kinds of boats are very fast and agile and carry 12 people. We recommend this boat for the most adventurous travellers as you’ll feel the adrenaline rush while speeding over the ocean and once we find the dolphins, be very close to them.
Regarding age, Rigid Inflatable Boats are suitable for all ages, but please bear in mind they’re a bit bumpier than boats like “Dreamer”.
On this tour, we’ll first cruise along the beautiful coast of the Algarve coast, departing from the Marina of Albufeira in the direction of Carvoeiro beach, along the stunning caves and rock formations typical of the Algarve.
We manage to find these beautiful creatures on almost all of our trips and sometimes we also encounter other creatures like whales or turtles.
BBQ Cruise
This BBQ trip is ideal if you’re looking for something that fits your tight budget. The BBQ cruise will take you to discover the most beautiful spots of the Algarvian coast and enjoy a BBQ on a private beach on the same day.
This activity is one of the best family options. We invite you to come on board on our catamaran, a very safe and stable boat.
This boat offers you and your friends or family the best way to explore the enchanting caves, typical rock formations and beaches of the Algarve.
This is a full-day cruise, departing from the Marina of Albufeira to cruise along the coast up to the area of rock formations and caves of Galé, Benagil and Carvoeiro.
A BBQ beach lunch will be served on a private beach where you will also have time to relax, swim or play beach games.
Half day sailing
If you have always dreamed of sailing on your own sailing boat, this experience may be interesting for you. On the boat, you can feel like you’re the owner and skipper and have the best day of your holiday.
The trip departs from the Marina of Albufeira to go sailing along the coast of the Algarve with its stunning rock formations, caves and beaches up to Carvoeiro lighthouse.
If you want, you can visit the caves or go for a dive. On this three-hour tour, you will experience the pleasure of sailing with a small group, either friends or family, and a trained and friendly crew that will involve you with the art of sailing if you wish.
Full day sailing
If you think the previously described boat tour of half a day is not enough, come a board our yacht for a full day.
This experience is similar to the previous one but will take the whole day, to take it easy and relax while you sail along the stunning coastline of the Algarve.
Also, there will be time to anchor on a quiet beach for a BBQ lunch and visit the caves or go for a dive in the refreshing Atlantic Ocean.
Coastline boat tour
By now we know that if you visit Albufeira, you MUST see the caves and typical coastline of its surrounding.
On this tour, on a very nice “pirate” sailboat, as soon as the boat leaves the Marina, it sets sails and sails westward along the cliffs and sandy beaches of San Rafael, Castelo and Galé.
You can also observe the fisherman’s village of Armação de Pêra, the Chapel of Senhora da Rocha and go along the worldwide known beaches of Marina and Benagil.
On this trip, there is also time for a visit to the caves or to have a refreshing swim in the blue Ocean. In sum, this is the ideal boat trip for you and your family to explore the must-see places of Albufeira, the Algarve, on a typical and beautiful sailing boat.
Jet Boat adventure
Do you dare to come aboard one of our powerful and super-fast boats? These types of boats are designed for fun and reaching high speeds thanks to their extremely powerful engines and aerodynamics.
This boat trip is a must while staying in Albufeira with your friends or kids who love speed! Join us and enjoy moments of pure emotion, freedom and excitement as if you were in command of a powerful jet ski, but in the company of your family and friends.
Slide around the waters of Albufeira on a thrilling 30-minute ride on a Jet boat. The boat will be driven by an expert captain who will make the boat speed, spin and splash, so be prepared to have fun and get wet while enjoying views of Portugal’s scenic southern coastline.
Jet Boat – 1 hour adventure
The above-described Jet Boat adventure takes about 30 minutes. For most people, this is enough as it’s rather intense. You will enjoy moments of pure emotion, freedom and excitement as if you were in command of a powerful jet ski!
Are you a real adrenaline fan? Dare to come on board of this one-hour adventure and explore the coastline even better while adrenaline flows through your veins!
As the Jet Boat takes off from the Marina of Albufeira, grab the safety bar in front of you and hold on tight — your captain is about to take you on a wild ride.
Do 360-degree spins, power breaks and slides, generating waves that splash around you. It’s all part of the fun, so wear clothes that can get wet.
Rocket Boat
A speedy ride combined with the beautiful scenery of the coast of the Algarve. Does that sound nice to you? The Ocean Rocket is right up your street!
This boat is capable of seriously fast speed. The Rocket Boat has 700 CV and is able to reach 50 knots! We recommend this cruise if you are looking for a cruise along white-sand beaches, caves, and rock formations and enjoy speed too.
You might even be lucky to spot some dolphins. Crazy sharp turns make you think the boat will capsize than the pure acceleration kicks in again and you’re off like a bat out of hell, remember you have been warned!!! Do you dare to come and fly over the Ocean with us?
Jet ski from Albufeira
What could be better than a sunny summer day on the cool waters of Albufeira? Jet Skiing is a cool and refreshing way to enjoy your vacation in the Algarve.
Renting a Jet Ski is a great way to live life to the fullest. Pack your swim trunks, head to the Marina of Albufeira, and celebrate your freedom while you make waves on board a fast and fun jet ski.
No license is needed, as long as you’re fine with being in the ocean. We’re sure that your personal jet ski will add a whole new dimension to your day at Albufeira beach.
Not only will you have the best view of the coastline, but you can also jump the waves in the choppy water or motor out to the caves to enjoy the typical rock formations.
Snorkelling
Snorkelling is a beloved water sport of all ages. The Algarve, and in particular Albufeira has got some great spots for snorkelling as its waters are very rich in fish and other sealife.
Some people are not fond of the idea to be dependent on a diving tank or to be 20m below sea level, but still want to enjoy the underwater world. If you’re like that, let’s go snorkelling.
In fact, snorkelling gives you the chance to explore the colourful and interesting sea world just beneath the ocean’s surface without the complicated equipment and training required for scuba diving.
The give you the best snorkel experience, this trip is made by boat, such that we can take you to the nicest snorkelling spots, and all the equipment and insurance are included.
Scuba diving
Scuba Diving is an amazing experience. To breathe underwater is incredible. If you agree, how about a Scuba Diving experience in one of the warmest and most beautiful waters of Southwest Europe?
For certified divers, the Algarve offers various dive sites, over 100 different ones from Faro to Armação de Pera.
Diving can be done in natural and artificial reefs, caves, wrecks, wall dives, among others.
Usually, the Scuba Diving experiences from Albufeira take the whole morning, allowing two dives from one of our boats to assure you get to know the best places taking into account the water and sea conditions and also your experience as a diver.
You will be accompanied by a fully certified and very experienced instructor to assure a safe and fun day of your holidays in the Algarve!
First Scuba Dive
As we mentioned in the Scuba Diving experience description, the Algarve is heaven for Scuba Diving fans: warm water, good visibility and several types of diving sites for a great diversity of marine life.
If you do not have any kind of diving certificate but would like to take your first breath underwater in Albufeira, we can take you on a “First Dive” program.
You do not need to be certified or an experienced diver to see and enjoy the immense existing life below the water surface.
This program consists of about half an hour of theory introduction, followed by practice in the pool with the full equipment and a dive in the sea to a depth of 12 meters.
The whole program includes the assistance of a certified professional instructor, all the necessary equipment, boat trip, insurance and a certificate valid for up to a year.
Parasailing
Parasailing consists of flying in the sky behind a boat and is suitable for all ages. This activity, despite of being rather short, will be unforgettable for the rest of your life.
You will start by ascending into the sky by the platform on the stern of the vessel, safely and without getting wet, until the maximum height of 150 meters.
You can choose if you prefer to fly individual, double or triple. With a privileged view over the city where you can enjoy absolute silence and an extraordinary moment of peace and tranquillity.
For parasailing, we recommend booking in advance as parasailing depends upon weather conditions.
What’s your best thing to do in Albufeira?
Most likely one of the things to do in Albufeira described above suits you and your family or friends perfectly, make sure you book on time.
During the busy summer months, from June to September, Albufeira’s ocean activities are very popular and some of them tend to get fully booked for days!
So, book now and make sure you won’t be disappointed and end your holidays without having done the experience that excites you most!
Also, if you’re looking for a kind of activity that is not listed here, please feel free to give us a call and we’ll do everything to help you!
Happy holidays!
