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.
O 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. Since 2003, the Albufeira marina opened its waters to boat owners providing high-quality support services to all sailors and their boats.
A Marina de Albufeira goza de uma localização geográfica ideal, no Algarve, mesmo no final da autoestrada de Lisboa 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 in Albufeira
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.
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 2,5 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.
Este barco 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, visitas a grutas e observação de golfinhos. 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 “Insónia” 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.
Conseguimos encontrar estas belas criaturas em quase todas as nossas viagens e, por vezes, também encontramos outras criaturas como baleias ou tartarugas.
Full-day BBQ Cruise in Albufeira
Este Viagem para churrasco 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 in Albufeira
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 viagem Parte da Marina de Albufeira para navegar ao longo da costa algarvia, com as suas deslumbrantes formações rochosas, grutas e praias até ao farol do Carvoeiro.
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 in Portugal
If you think the previously described boat tour of half a day is not enough, come a board our yacht for a full day. Esta experiência é semelhante ao anterior, mas ocupa o dia inteiro, para que possa descansar e relaxar enquanto navega ao longo da deslumbrante costa do Algarve.
Além disso, haverá tempo para ancorar numa praia tranquila para um almoço de churrasco e visitar as grutas ou dar um mergulho no refrescante Oceano Atlântico.
Jet Boat Adventure
Atreve-se a subir a bordo de um dos nossos 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.
Este viagem de barco 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.
Deslize pelas águas de Albufeira num barco emocionante passeio de 30 minutos 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 Ski from Albufeira
O que pode ser melhor do que um dia solarengo de verão nas águas frescas de Albufeira? Jet Ski 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.
Mergulho em Albufeira
Mergulho 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.
Será acompanhado por um instrutor totalmente certificado e muito experiente para garantir um dia seguro e divertido das suas férias no Algarve!
Primeiro mergulho
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.
O conjunto programa inclui a assistência de um instrutor profissional certificado, todo o equipamento necessário, viagem de barco, seguro e um certificado válido até um ano.
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!
