Between the river and the cliffs
Portimão is where the Arade river meets the Atlantic. On one bank, the long golden beach of Praia da Rocha; on the other, the whitewashed fishing village of Ferragudo climbing the hill above its harbour. A yacht charter in Portimão starts right between the two, at Portimão Marina.
This is the most varied part of our fleet. The Jeanneau DB/43 and the flybridge Swift Trawler 48 are elegant motor yachts for up to 10 and 12. The Bénéteau Oceanis 55 and Oceanis 41.1 are sailing yachts for those who love the quiet of a day under sail. Two Fountaine Pajot catamarans, the 44 and the Isla 40, give families and groups of up to 18 plenty of space.
From the marina you can head east past Ferragudo and Carvoeiro to the Benagil caves in about 40 minutes, or west to the cliffs of Alvor and, on a longer day, Ponta da Piedade. Every charter is private, with skipper, fuel and drinks included and the price set for the whole yacht.
If you are staying further east, our yachts also sail from Vilamoura, about 1 h 15 to 1 h 30 away by sea.
Portimão is also one of the easiest marinas to reach from the western resorts, with Alvor, Carvoeiro and Praia da Rocha all a short drive away.
Our Portimão yachts
Six yachts at Portimão Marina: motor, sail and catamaran. Prices are per yacht, VAT included.
Sunset 2 h 30 from €1,300Jeanneau DB/43
- Up to 10 guests
- Departs Portimão Marina
- Modern day cruiser with a large sun deck
- Half day 3 h 30 €1,450
Sunset 2 h 30 from €1,300Swift Trawler 48
- Up to 12 guests
- Departs Portimão Marina
- Flybridge motor yacht, 3 cabins
- Full day 7 hours €2,800
Sunset sail 2 h 30 from €1,700Oceanis 55
- Up to 14 guests
- Departs Portimão Marina
- 16.8 m sailing yacht for up to 14
- Full day 7 hours €2,500
Sunset sail 2 h 30 from €850Oceanis 41.1
- Up to 10 guests
- Departs Portimão Marina
- Classic sailing yacht
- Full day 7 hours €1,350
3 hours from €1,150Fountaine Pajot 44
- Up to 18 guests
- Departs Portimão Marina
- New sailing catamaran, skipper and hostess
- 6 hours €1,650
3 hours from €610Fountaine Pajot Isla 40
- Up to 12 guests
- Departs Portimão Marina
- Sailing catamaran, skipper and hostess
- Sunset or 6 hours €850
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%.
Praia da Rocha, Ferragudo and the Arade
Your charter begins with one of the best short stretches on the coast. As you leave the river mouth, Praia da Rocha and its sea stacks lie to the west and the fort of São João do Arade guards the entrance below Ferragudo to the east.
Heading east, the cliffs grow taller around Caneiros and Carvoeiro, with grottoes and small beaches only reachable from the sea. Your skipper picks a sheltered anchorage for swimming, paddleboarding or simply lying in the sun with a glass of wine.
With a full day, you can also explore inland: the Arade river leads towards the historic town of Silves, a gentle, very different kind of boat journey, depending on the tide and the yacht.
East to Benagil, west to Alvor
- Benagil and Marinha: about 40 minutes east by motor yacht. A half day of 3 h 30 covers the caves, Praia da Marinha and a swim stop. The cave is protected, so yachts stay outside and no one swims inside.
- Alvor: to the west, the coves and limestone cliffs of Ponta de João de Arens lead to the estuary and village of Alvor, ideal for a calmer swim.
- Ponta da Piedade: on a full day, carry on to the golden sea stacks of Lagos.
Dolphins are often seen in the bay of Portimão, though sightings can never be promised.
Motor, sail or catamaran?
Portimão is the only port where you can choose all three. The motor yachts cover distance quickly and in comfort, with shade, a saloon and a large sun deck: the best choice for Benagil.
The sailing yachts are quieter and more relaxed; the Oceanis 41.1 is excellent value, from €850 for 3 h 30. The catamarans are stable and spacious, with a skipper and hostess on board, and suit families and groups of up to 18; see catamaran charters.
Tell us what matters most to your group, speed, quiet or space, and we will point you to the right yacht.
Timings, meeting point and booking
Half days run 10:00 to 13:30 or 14:30 to 18:00, sunsets last 2 h 30 from about 18:30 depending on the time of year, and full days run 10:00 to 17:00. The catamarans sail for three or six hours.
All yachts depart from Portimão Marina, beside Praia da Rocha. Send us your date and group size; we confirm availability and send a secure link for a 20% deposit, or 15% on the catamarans, with the balance paid before you board.
Cancellation is free up to 72 hours before departure on the motor and sailing yachts. If the skipper cancels because of the weather, you can choose a new date or a full refund.
How to book
Frequently asked questions
How much is a yacht charter in Portimão?
Charters start at €610 for three hours on the Isla 40 catamaran and €850 on the Oceanis 41.1. The motor yachts start at €1,300 for a 2 h 30 sunset. See the full price guide.
How long does it take to reach Benagil from Portimão?
About 40 minutes by motor yacht, depending on sea conditions. A 3 h 30 half day is ideal. See Benagil by yacht.
Can we visit Ferragudo?
Yes, you pass Ferragudo as you leave the river, and your skipper can cruise along its waterfront. Going ashore depends on conditions and local rules.
Which yacht suits a family?
The catamarans are the most stable and spacious. The Isla 40 takes up to 12 and the Fountaine Pajot 44 up to 18.
What is included?
Skipper, fuel and drinks are included on every charter. On the motor and sailing yachts you also get snacks, towels, snorkelling gear and a paddleboard; the catamarans have a hostess, a welcome drink and two paddleboards.
Can we bring our own food on the catamarans?
Yes. On the Fountaine Pajot 44 and the Isla 40 you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks, or ask us about catering when you book.
More private charters in the Algarve
Benagil caves by yacht
Catamaran charters
Sunset & champagne cruises
Ponta da Piedade
Private boat hire
Dolphins & coastlineRead more: Portimão and Ferragudo by yacht
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
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