
Visit Silves & Explore the Arade River | Eco-Friendly Solar Boat
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 215 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Visit Silves & Explore the Arade River | Eco-Friendly Solar Boat worth booking?
Visit Silves & Explore the Arade River | Eco-Friendly Solar Boat is a 4.5-hour experience in Portimao, Portugal, from $57 per person. It scores 87 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 215 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 87 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (215)
- Duration
- 4.5 hours
- From
- $57 per person
Discover this wonderful river & the medieval city of Silves, full of history, with a very rich nature and unforgettable landscapes. Enjoy a relaxing trip from Portimão to Silves aboard our sustainable eco-friendly boat on the full of history waters of the Arade River, where the future meets the past. Our ecological boat is quiet and perfect for those who look for a peacefull and quiet boat trip. It has comfortable cushioned seats, shades and tables for placing glasses of drink and personal items. During the trip, the captain will share with you curiosities about the river and its history. At Silves you'll have about 1,5 hour to visit the historical places , monuments, castle, museum or try it's delicious local cuisine. On our return to Portimão, enjoy a different perspective of the city and the Arade River's mouth.
What you get
About this experience
Discover this wonderful river & the medieval city of Silves, full of history, with a very rich nature and unforgettable landscapes. Enjoy a relaxing trip from Portimão to Silves aboard our sustainable eco-friendly boat on the full of history waters of the Arade River, where the future meets the past. Our ecological boat is quiet and perfect for those who look for a peacefull and quiet boat trip. It has comfortable cushioned seats, shades and tables for placing glasses of drink and personal items. During the trip, the captain will share with you curiosities about the river and its history. At Silves you'll have about 1,5 hour to visit the historical places , monuments, castle, museum or try it's delicious local cuisine. On our return to Portimão, enjoy a different perspective of the city and the Arade River's mouth.
What's included
Included
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Driver/guide
- Live commentary on board
Not included
- The listed price does not include the car parking price, on the high season.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
What you'll see and do
Algarve Sunboat
We will departure from the Pier A, at Marina de Portimão.
Pass by without stopping
In Ferragudo, located in a strategic location on the bank of the River Arade, is the fort of São João, whose origin dates back to the 17th century. This fort cooperated with the Fort of Santa Catarina, which was in front of it in Portimão, in defense of the river estuary. Rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake, this military construction continued to be used until the end of the 19th century, when it was sold at public auction, and acquired by the poet Coelho Carvalho who transformed it into a private residence. The fort is well maintained and in addition to a wall that connects Angrinha beach to Praia Grande, it also has several guardhouses and a garden.
Pass by without stopping
The Convent of São Francisco is an architectural complex from the 16th century, developed from a set of houses that were donated by Simão Correia, captain of Azamor, who had also built a small Chapel in honor of Nossa Senhora da Esperança, as a thank you for protection of God in wars. The buildings are harmoniously interconnected. The convent was built later, in 1541. Currently, in Portimão it is a property of public interest, but it is owned by private individuals, with no access to visits and in an advanced state of degradation.
Pass by without stopping
Museu de Portimao
Portimão Museum is located in the century-old fish canning factory Feu Hermanos, located on the city's riverside area.
Pass by without stopping
This is the oldest bridge of Portimão that establishes the road connection between Portimão and Parchal (municipality of Lagoa). In the last quarter of the 19th century, the riverside area saw its landscape transformed with the construction of a river embankment started in 1863, with a view to the introduction of the road bridge, built by the French company Five Lille, under the direction of engineer Bonnet. Started in January 1875 and completed in April 1876, its construction together with the neighboring railway bridge is a good example of iron architecture in the Algarve.
Pass by without stopping
The metallic railway bridge was built between 1915 and 1919, by the Empresa Industrial Portuguesa, measuring 300 m in length and consisting of 6 spans with iron arch beams, based on stonework pillars. Its inauguration on July 30, 1922, allowed the extension of the railway line, from Tunes to Lagos.
Pass by without stopping
It is one of the structures that crosses the Arade River, located between Calvário and Companheira. It was completed in 1999 and is the main point of connection for the Portimão and Lagoa councils, forming part of the EN 125.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Portimao
Check-in is 15 min before departure. Boarding is on the north side of Portimão Marina, by the administrative building (Rua Simão Correia). Don’t enter just “Marina de Portimão” in Uber/taxi or you may be dropped on the south side, a 15-min walk away. We can’t wait for late arrivals.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Check-in is 15 min before departure. Boarding is on the north side of Portimão Marina, by the administrative building (Rua Simão Correia). Don’t enter just “Marina de Portimão” in Uber/taxi or you may be dropped on the south side, a 15-min walk away. We can’t wait for late arrivals.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- pt, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Algarve SUN BOAT Trips
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
- Not suitable for small children
- Dogs or other pets are not allowed
- Suitable for pregnant women
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Please check in 15 minutes before departure time
- Only water and food intended for young children are allowed on board
- Smoking not allowed
- ATTENTION: Our kiosk is not the check-in or boarding point. The Boarding Pier M is on the North Side of Portimão Marina, with car access via Rua Simão Correia.
- Not recommended for travelers with reduced mobility
- Not recommended for pregnant women with high-risk pregnancies or in advanced stages of pregnancy
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 215 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
5 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
215 verified traveler reviews for Visit Silves & Explore the Arade River | Eco-Friendly Solar Boat. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Solar Powered Boat makes for a great tour
One of the best tours I’ve been on. It wasn’t exciting, it was relaxing with an immersion in the nature of the Arade River. We spotted various birds, including flamingos, egrets and herons. Silves is a lovely little village that in itself would be worth a 1/2 day trip. Our captain and guide, Marcelo was terrific, he shared a lot about the history of the area, as well as the current challenges of the fishing industry. He was entertaining, has a great sense of humor and showed interest and attention to each of the participants. Another bonus was that because the boat is solar powered, it was quiet and no gas fumes. The company’s commitment to the environment is clear.
via Tripadvisor
Fabulous trip
My wife and I have been on this trip previously and enjoy taking friends again. Lovely listening to the local knowledge of the area as you proceed to and from Silves During this trip we had a particularly good skipper-Marcelo. Very knowledgeable, very good humoured, very conscious of the environment and wildlife. Whilst the previous skippers were very good, Marcelo was excellent. Enough time in Silves for a great lunch at the local chicken piri piri restaurant- only €50 for 4 including drinks, Olives, Bread, chicken, fries and tomato salad👏👏👏👏. Fabulous trip.
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic day out and fantastic guide
This was a fantastic trip, Marcelo our tour guide/driver was amazing, so friendly and shared lots of info about Portuguese culture, including places to eat and drinks to try. Would 100 percent recommend it 🤩
via Viator
Do not miss this excursion.
Do not miss this excursion!. We booked through Viator and although there was an amendment to the day of the trip everything went perfectly. Easy to book and very clear instructions as to the pick up point, we were met by Pedro, our Captain who was the ultimate professional all day. The 90 minute journey to Silves was excellent with detailed local and historical information by Pedro, and no engine noise as this was a solar powered Eco boat which was completely silent. There were eight passengers on board, and we were given clear safety instructions before leaving Portimao. As we were familiar with Silves and the castle and cathedral, my wife and I went for lunch and returned 90 minutes later for the return in order to catch the tide back, which is crucial to this trip. On board Pedro served us a glass of wine and even detoured to the harbour at Ferragudo to show us this nearby town across the Arade. All in all, a fantastic day spent with friendly passengers and Pedro, an exceptional captain and great guy! Book now.
via Tripadvisor
Brilliant afternoon trip!
Brilliant afternoon trip. Marcel the guide was incredible. He was so knowledgeable throughout the whole journey. Great to be sustainable too. Trip was a whole hour longer than specified but it didn’t bother us as we had a great time.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 75
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 87
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Visit Silves & Explore the Arade River | Eco-Friendly Solar Boat: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Portimao.
How much does Visit Silves & Explore the Arade River | Eco-Friendly Solar Boat cost?
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Prices start at $57 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Portimao usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Visit Silves & Explore the Arade River | Eco-Friendly Solar Boat take?
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Plan for about 4.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Portimao is not rushed.
Is Visit Silves & Explore the Arade River | Eco-Friendly Solar Boat worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 87 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 215 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Portimao, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Visit Silves & Explore the Arade River | Eco-Friendly Solar Boat?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Visit Silves & Explore the Arade River | Eco-Friendly Solar Boat suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Visit Silves & Explore the Arade River | Eco-Friendly Solar Boat?
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Around 75 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Portimao can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Portimao and add a light layer if any part of the 4.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Visit Silves & Explore the Arade River | Eco-Friendly Solar Boat start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Portimao within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Portimao?
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On Outty we rank every Portimao experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Benagil Cave Tour From Armação de Pêra, Exclusive Small Group Kayak Tour to Benagil Caves with 4K Photos, Kayak tour to Benagil Cave and guided by local native. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Portimao?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Portimao?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Visit Silves & Explore the Arade River | Eco-Friendly Solar Boat?
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Included: All taxes, fees and handling charges; Driver/guide; and Live commentary on board. Not included: The listed price does not include the car parking price, on the high season; and Hotel pickup and drop-off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Visit Silves & Explore the Arade River | Eco-Friendly Solar Boat?
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Check-in is 15 min before departure. Boarding is on the north side of Portimão Marina, by the administrative building (Rua Simão Correia). Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Visit Silves & Explore the Arade River | Eco-Friendly Solar Boat offered in?
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It is offered in Portuguese and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Visit Silves & Explore the Arade River | Eco-Friendly Solar Boat?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Visit Silves & Explore the Arade River | Eco-Friendly Solar Boat wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Suitable for pregnant women; Not recommended for travelers with reduced mobility; and Not recommended for pregnant women with high-risk pregnancies or in advanced stages of pre. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Visit Silves & Explore the Arade River | Eco-Friendly Solar Boat if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Visit Silves & Explore the Arade River | Eco-Friendly Solar Boat?
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Across 215 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, food and drink. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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