Rent a boat in Algarve

Boat Rentals Algarve

Flanked on either side by the Atlantic Ocean and soaring cliffs, captivating caves and sandy beaches, there’s little wonder why many regard the Algarve as a sailing spot of choice. Whatever your budget, you can charter a vessel with or without a skipper for a week, a day or just a few hours, to explore this sailor's paradise.  You can even take advantage of flexible cancellation or date change up to 15 days prior to sailing on select boats, but you should ask the boat owner for the conditions of the specific boat. From Portimao to Ayamante and beyond, the region is rich in picturesque villages, hidden lagoons and stunning sea views to explore.

How much does boat hire in The Algarve cost?

The price of Algarve boat hire varies greatly depending on a number of different factors.  Some of these include the size of the boat, the number of people, the location of your charter, the duration of your trip and the type of boat.  Below is a list of prices based on the type of boat.
To hire a catamaran in the Algarve, you will pay from around $732 per day or $5126 per week.
RIB rental prices start from $275 a day or $1757 a week.
Motorboat charter usually costs from around $598 per day and $3820 per week.
Sailing boat hire typically costs from around $182 for half a day, $365 for a full day and $1464 for a week.

Is it possible to rent a boat in The Algarve with or without a skipper?

Yes, it is possible to rent a boat in the Algarve with or without a skipper.  However, you should look up the laws regarding licences if you plan on a bareboat charter, as for boats longer than 15 m (49.2 ft) or with a maximum speed of more than 6.5 knots (12 kmph/7.5 mph), you will need a boating licence.
Renting a boat with a skipper in the Algarve is perfect for people who want to be guided around this area without lifting a finger, visiting all of the most spectacular sights.  If you’re a little more adventurous though, you should definitely rent a boat without a skipper and sail the Portuguese waters going wherever you please.

What are the weather and sailing conditions like in The Algarve?

There is great seasonal variation with regards to the weather in Portugal but in general, the summers are very short and hot with little rain and few clouds and the winters are cloudy, long and cool with a lot of wind.  The temperature typically ranges from 47-84°F (8.3-28.9°C), rarely exceeding 92°F (33.3°C) or dipping below 40°F (4.4°F).  In general, the Algarve's hottest month, with an average high temperature of 83°F (28.3°C), is August, and January is the coldest month, with an average low temperature of 47°F (8.3°C).  The water temperature is coldest in February when it is usually around 60°F (15.6°C), but this rises to a peak of about 70°F (21.1°C) in August.
The wettest month in the Algarve is November, which typically sees about 3.1 inches (7.9 cm) of rain, whereas July, the driest month, often sees no rain at all.  The windiest month here is December, where wind speeds average at about 11.2 knots (12.9 mph/20.8 km) and the calmest month is September, with average hourly wind speeds of around 8.6 knots (9.9 mph/15.9 kmph).

When is the best time to go to The Algarve?

When you want to go for your boat charter in the Algarve depends on a number of different factors.  If you like hot weather, you will want to go during the summer months, when the temperatures are high, the sea is warm and the water is perfect for swimming.  However, during the summer, there are also lots of tourists and often boat prices may be slightly higher. 
If you want to avoid the crowds, it may be better to go in either the spring or the autumn, when the temperatures are still pleasant, but there are fewer tourists and this means that the prices are usually more agreeable.  This is also a good time to go for those who like good weather but aren’t massive fans of the heat that the summer months can bring.

What to do in the Algarve?

As you probably won't have enough time to visit the entire region, with there being more beaches and counties than we could count, we are going to recommend some places that we consider unmissable. Luckily, in the Algarve most of the best sights are easily accessible from the sea!
Albufeira is one of the most sought after destinations in Portugal, famous for its beautiful beaches and resorts, for its coral reefs, water sports, nightlife and much more! Renting a boat in Albufeira is always a great way to discover this county, especially if you want to try out wakeboarding, flyboarding or even scuba diving. You can be sure to experience a lot of excitement on your adventure there!
If you want to take a break from exploring Albufeira's shipwrecks, we suggest you leave for Lagos, a municipality that has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Absolutely unmissable are Praia da Dona Ana, Praia do Camilo and Ponta da Piedade, where you can look forward to a warm sea with crystal clear water, surrounded by rock formations and golden cliffs, white sand and pure peace!
To experience a complete natural immersion, nothing could be better than a boat trip through the Ria Formosa, a beautiful area made up of hundreds of lagoons, which offers us a glimpse into its unique flora and fauna, as well as the largest seahorse community in the world! For greater respect and preservation of this unique biodiversity, we suggest renting a motorboat, since larger boats can be damaging to the delicate ecosystems here.
Also in this region, if you want to have access to more services, a more luxurious nightlife or even enjoy a day of golf, you should dock your boat in Vilamoura, one of the most sought after seaside resorts in Europe! Vilamoura Marina alone is worth a visit, as it is home to some of the most beautiful boats and yachts in the Algarve.
There is no doubt that the Algarve region offers much more than we could describe here from the Benagil Caves to breathtaking beaches like Marinha, Quinta do Lago, Ancão and Vale Figueira. How about renting a boat in the Algarve, creating a super personalized itinerary and discovering for yourself? Don't waste time and book your boat now for your next vacation!

Where are the best ports and sailing areas in the Algarve? 

Whether you decide to charter a boat for a few hours, a day or a week, there are a wealth of activities and anchorages to choose from. In the west, Portimao or Lago are ideal starting points for a week-long adventure, hugging a historical region of picturesque castles and golden beaches. Faro, the capital of the region, is perfect for a stopover. In Faro, you'll experience charming waterfront cafes and a vibrant old town centre that is home to the ancient cathedral of Sé. Islands like Culatra, Barreta and Tavira to the east offer crystalline swimming waters, while the ports of Oldhao and Ayamante serve up incredible seafood dishes.

There are lots of amazing ports and marinas in the Algarve, but here are our top 4:

• Lagos

Lagos is located on the Bay of Lagos, which is widely regarded as one of the best beaches in the Algarve.  The facilities in this marina are simply outstanding and there are also lots of events throughout the year aimed at both children and adults.  In May, there is usually a Marina BBQ, and in June have regattas for all ages to take part in.

• Portimao

Portimao has water deep enough for larger boats and also has a wide variety of facilities, including its own restaurants, bars, shops, and even a swimming pool.  Furthermore, if you like old castles, there are two old forts just around the corner - Santa Caterina and Sao Joao.

• Albufeira

This marina is relatively new and very colourful, with plenty of places to eat.  It is also a great place to take a walk if you want a bit of fresh air after a hard day’s sailing.

• Vilamoura

Vilamoura is the largest marina in the Algarve offering many different services.  It is the perfect place for a fishing charter, with the surrounding waters being abundant in mackerels, groupers and snappers.  If you want a slightly different experience, you can also head down the road to a fancy casino.

Other smaller marinas can be found in:

• Tavira
• Olhao
• Faro

How to get to the Algarve?

Located in the south of Portugal, the Algarve can be accessed in many different ways, depending on where you’re coming from.  The quickest and easiest way is definitely to fly into Faro airport, however, and you can get direct flights from many different countries across Europe including Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Spain, Italy, and France.  There are also direct flights from Dublin in Ireland, most London airports in the UK, and Canada.
However, there are many more ways to reach the Algarve, including train, bus, car and boat if you’re traveling there from a European country.  These can all be a great way to start your holiday a little earlier and see some more of the sights Portugal has to offer outside of the Algarve.