Signature Cruise · 4 to 5 hours
Chapel and Coves – Senhora da Rocha by private yacht
A gentler pace, a little white chapel and the clearest water
Chapel and Coves is the Signature Cruise for groups who would rather float than tick off sights. It follows the coast west from Vilamoura past Falésia and the Albufeira coves, then slows right down along the shoreline of Armação de Pêra, where the cliffs are lower, the bays are smaller and the water is often wonderfully clear. It is the most unhurried of our routes, and it can feel like a day on your own private stretch of coast.
The centrepiece is Senhora da Rocha, a tiny whitewashed chapel perched on a rocky promontory between two beaches. Seen from the sea it is one of the most recognisable views on the coast, and in the soft light of late morning or afternoon it is quietly beautiful. Around it lie Praia do Pontal, framed by sculpted rock, the compact beach of Cova Redonda and the intimate cove of Tremoços below the Vila Vita Parc coast, with the curious shapes of Praia do Submarino nearby.
We plan this route for four to five hours, with one long swim stop rather than several short ones. The crew put out the paddleboards and snorkels, lay out drinks and snacks, and you simply enjoy the cove the captain has chosen for the day, where conditions and local rules allow.
If you would like to add Marinha and Benagil to the same day, our Golden Cliffs route combines well on a full-day charter. Either way, the yacht is entirely yours, with skipper and crew, fuel, drinks and snacks included in the price.
Yachts for Chapel and Coves
NOON, Majestic, São Lourenço and Atlantis from Vilamoura, plus two from Albufeira that start closer to Armação de Pêra. Prices are for a 4-hour cruise; Serenity offers a 5-hour version.
4 hours from €1,650NOON
- Up to 11 guests
- Departs Vilamoura Marina
- Big sun pad for a lazy swim stop
- Two en-suite cabins
4 hours from €1,350São Lourenço
- Up to 10 guests
- Departs Vilamoura Marina
- Cockpit dining table at anchor
- Up to 10 guests
4 hours from €1,600Majestic
- Up to 8 guests
- Departs Vilamoura Marina
- Ideal for couples and small groups
- Bow sun pad
4 hours from €1,200Atlantis
- Up to 10 guests
- Departs Vilamoura Marina
- Spacious sun deck
- Great value for 10 guests
5 hours from €2,850Serenity
- Up to 12 guests
- Departs Albufeira Marina
- Sunseeker Predator 60, Albufeira
- Morning Plus cruise
4 hours from €1,300Andreza
- Up to 12 guests
- Departs Albufeira Marina
- Departs Albufeira at 09:00
- Up to 12 guests
Prices are per yacht, not per person, and include VAT. Skipper, crew, fuel, drinks and snacks are included. Yachts with online booking (NOON, Majestic, São Lourenço and Atlantis) save 10%.
Senhora da Rocha and Armação de Pêra
Armação de Pêra began as a fishing settlement, and its long sandy shore still has a relaxed feel. Just to the west, the chapel of Nossa Senhora da Rocha sits on its rocky point, white against the blue, with a beach tucked into either side of the promontory.
Your captain brings the yacht in slowly so you can take it in from different angles, then follows the coast to the small bays beyond. It is a short stretch of shoreline, which is exactly why it works so well for an unhurried cruise: less time travelling, more time looking, swimming and talking.
On the way you pass Falésia and the Albufeira coves, so even the outward passage is a pleasure. Most guests find their place on the sun pad long before the chapel comes into view.
Pontal, Cova Redonda, Tremoços and Submarino
- Praia do Pontal – a quieter cove framed by sculpted cliffs.
- Praia da Cova Redonda – a compact beach backed by warm-coloured rock.
- Praia dos Tremoços – an intimate cove below the Vila Vita Parc coast.
- Praia do Submarino – unusual rock shapes and photogenic, secluded water.
These coves are small, and on busy summer days the captain will choose whichever is most sheltered and least crowded. That flexibility is the advantage of a private yacht: the route bends to the day, not the other way round.
The rock here is softer and warmer in colour than further west, and the light changes it slowly from gold to amber through the afternoon, which makes it a wonderful stretch for photographs.
The long swim stop
Rather than several quick dips, this route builds in one generous stop of an hour or more. The yacht anchors off the cove, the swim platform goes down, and the paddleboards and snorkels come out.
Drinks and snacks are included on every charter, and catering can be arranged on request – a lunch platter, fruit and pastries, or a birthday cake – with a few days’ notice.
Landings on the beaches are not standard and depend on conditions and local rules. As for timing, a 10:00 start gives calm water and the chapel in bright light; 13:30 or 14:00 brings warmer colours on the rock.
- 4 hours – the chapel, two or three coves and one long swim.
- 5 hours – more time at anchor; available on our Albufeira Sunseeker.
- 7 hours – combine with Marinha and Benagil on a full day.
How to book
Frequently asked questions
How far is Senhora da Rocha from Vilamoura?
It lies beyond the Albufeira coves and before Benagil, so allow a little under an hour each way, depending on the yacht and sea conditions.
Can we visit the chapel?
The chapel is seen from the sea on this route. Going ashore is not part of the standard plan and depends on conditions and local rules.
Is Chapel and Coves good for children?
Yes. The pace is relaxed, the travelling time is moderate and the long swim stop suits families.
Can we bring our own food?
Yes, you are welcome to. Drinks and snacks are included, and catering can be arranged on request if you would prefer us to organise it.
Can the cruise last five hours on a Vilamoura yacht?
NOON, Majestic, São Lourenço and Atlantis are priced in 3, 4, 7 and 10-hour charters, while some of our other Vilamoura yachts, such as A Mar, also offer five hours. Ask us about adding time to a 4-hour booking, or choose a full day for a longer stay.
What happens if it is windy?
The captain picks the most sheltered coves of the day or suggests another Signature route. If the charter is cancelled for weather, you can move your date or receive a full refund.
More private charters in the Algarve
Benagil caves by yacht
Dolphins & coastline
Proposals & anniversaries
Sunset & champagne cruises
Catamaran charters
Full-day yacht charterRead more: Armação de Pêra yacht charter guide
Your day on the Algarve coast
Choose from our fleet of luxury yachts along the whole Algarve coast, with an expert skipper and crew on hand to make every moment unforgettable.
Find your yachtContact us
Tell us your date and group size and we will reply with the best boats available.
- Emailinfo@elitechartersalgarve.com
- Mobile / WhatsApp+351 965 656 675
- DeparturesGate A3, in front of Il Lamparo restaurant, Vilamoura Marina
Recent Comments