If you’re a fan of swimming, watersports or even just being in and around the water, then keep reading. This article is going to explore 5 water activities that you can enjoy in Portugal.
When you’re looking to discover exotic holiday destinations, you will see that Portugal is a top choice. There are many reasons for this and one of the main reasons is because of the beautiful Atlantic Ocean that surrounds it. Picture yourself in the sun and the crystal blue of the Atlantic Ocean. If you love the water, Portugal is a top choice when it comes to choosing your next holiday destination.
Surfing
Surfs Up! Amongst other things, Portugal is one of Europe’s top destinations for surfing. Each year the country attracts thousands of surfers, thanks to the coastline’s consistent swells. What makes Portugal stand out even more from other surf destinations is just how much it caters to different types of surfers. There are multiple surf spots around the coast, each with something different to offer. Some great places to surf are Ericeira, Peniche and Nazaré (which is world famous for its big waves, attracting thousands of surfers and spectators each year).
Paddleboarding
Perhaps you’re looking for something a little more relaxing. Paddleboarding is a great option if you’re looking to appreciate the beauty and peace of the ocean. Lisbon’s Tagus River is a great spot, as not only are the waters calm but you can also check out some of Lisbon’s incredible landmarks as you go. Lagos is another great spot, the calm, clear waters of the bays and grottoes show off some stunning views. This is a great way to relax and enjoy some peace, well that’s if you’re able to keep your balance. You can also enjoy other watersport activities in these areas too such as kayaking and canoeing.
Scuba Diving
If you want to explore what’s underneath the beautiful ocean, then there are a number of places in Portugal you can scuba dive. Madeira boasts to be one of the best diving spots in Portugal. The Garajau Marine Reserve is famous for its vibrant reefs and diverse marine life. You can expect to see an incredible range of fish as well as manta rays if you’re lucky. Additionally, the Azores is another great spot famous for its diverse range of wildlife. Here you may have the chance to see sharks and manta rays, and if you’re extremely lucky and have permission (and are in season), you could even see a whale or two.
Whale and Dolphin Watching
Let’s get back up to the surface. Now perhaps you love the ocean, but aren’t a fan of actually going in. Or perhaps you’re visiting Portugal when the weather might be a bit too cold for getting in. That doesn’t mean you have to miss out on what the ocean has to offer. Both the Azoren and Madeira have dolphin and whale-watching tours. This gives you a chance to see these incredible creatures in their own habitats. Just note that some of these tours may only be available during certain times of the year.
Schnorcheln
And finally, snorkeling is a great alternative to diving. You still get to see the beautiful wildlife, you just don’t need the expensive diving gear or the pressure of going so far under the water. Most coastal destinations in Portugal will have a snorkeling tour that you can join. This is a great way to explore the underwater wildlife, while also getting to see views of the stunning coast from the boat. In particular, Costa Vicentina Natural Park (located in the Algarve) has a number of incredible snorkeling spots. Additionally, Sesimbra (which is near Lisbon) is another destination that’s known for its rich underwater life and clear waters.
