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Visit Silves & Explore the Arade River | Eco-Friendly Solar Powered Boat

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Portimão, Portugal
Visit Silves & Explore the Arade River | Eco-Friendly Solar Powered Boat
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Visit Silves & Explore the Arade River | Eco-Friendly Solar Powered Boat
Crossing the lovely bridges
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Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

From $36.16

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Number of travelers
1 Adult2 Adults3 Adults4 Adults5 Adults6 Adults7 Adults8 Adults9 Adults10 Adults0 Children1 Child2 Children3 Children4 Children5 Children6 Children7 Children8 Children9 Children10 Children0 Infants1 Infant2 Infants3 Infants4 Infants5 Infants6 Infants7 Infants8 Infants9 Infants10 Infants
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn more
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Safety measures
icon4 hours 30 minutes  (approx.)
Mobile ticket
iconOffered in: English and 1 more
Good for avoiding crowds

Overview

Enjoy a relaxing cruise aboard an eco-friendly solar boat and travel up and down Portugal’s Arade River, from Portimão to Silves. The solar boat is noiseless and quiet, perfect for sightseeing and birdwatching. Hop off in Silves and spend over an hour visiting historical attractions in this medieval city. Plus, enjoy unobstructed views of Portimão as you sail through the Arade River Mouth.
  • Cruise along Portugal’s Arade River aboard an eco-friendly solar boat
  • Unobstructed views of Portimão and the Algarve from the water
  • Explore the medieval town of Silves without getting lost with a guide
  • Entrance fees, drinks, and snacks are included on this Portimão tour
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From $36.16

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All taxes, fees and handling charges
Beverages
Driver/guide
Live commentary on board
The listed price does not include the Marina car parking fee, on the high season, payable directly at the parking booth.
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Winter Boarding Point , 8500-311 Portimão, Portugal
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You shall go to the meeting point at Pier A from Portimão Marina 15 minutes before the start of your tour.

This activity will end right where it started.
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 7 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
  • 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
  • Availability for shows cannot be checked without making a booking. Credit cards will only be charged upon confirmation of show availability
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Covid 19: Due to the pandemic situation, we reduced the boat capacity in 30%
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
  • OPERATED BY Algarve SUN BOAT Trips
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Learn more about cancellations.

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What is the policy on face masks and attendee health during Visit Silves & Explore the Arade River | Eco-Friendly Solar Powered Boat?
A:The policies on face masks and attendee health are:

  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
See all safety measures taken by Visit Silves & Explore the Arade River | Eco-Friendly Solar Powered Boat.
Q:
What is the policy on sanitization during Visit Silves & Explore the Arade River | Eco-Friendly Solar Powered Boat?
A:The policies on sanitization are:

  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
See all safety measures taken by Visit Silves & Explore the Arade River | Eco-Friendly Solar Powered Boat.
Q:
What is the social distancing policy during Visit Silves & Explore the Arade River | Eco-Friendly Solar Powered Boat?
A:The policy on social distancing is:

  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
See all safety measures taken by Visit Silves & Explore the Arade River | Eco-Friendly Solar Powered Boat.
Q:
What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during Visit Silves & Explore the Arade River | Eco-Friendly Solar Powered Boat?
A:The policies on staff health & safety are:

  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Regular temperature checks for staff
  • Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
See all safety measures taken by Visit Silves & Explore the Arade River | Eco-Friendly Solar Powered Boat.

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Reviews

5.0
star-5
82 Reviews
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Reviews by Viator travelers

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Showing 1-10 of 82 reviews
star-5
Lovely peaceful trip up the Arade River - great captain who shared a lot of history .
Angela_E
, Jul 2022
The trip was quiet - no noise of an engine, had adequate shade on the boat, learned a lot of history of the area, enjoyed the break in Silves where one can visit the castle or find a restaurant to have lunch at. We had a lovely peaceful ride back to Portimao. Highly recommend this boat and the wonderful captain.
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icon Response from Host , Aug 2022
Hi Angela! Thank you so much for your kind words. It means a lot to us (and to me...). Best wishes! Ricardo
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star-5
A very enjoyable boat trip
Carol_J
, Jul 2022
We throughly enjoyed the river trip. The boat captain was very welcoming and kind with a great sense of humour. He was an excellent guide and knew the local area and its history very well. The solar powered boat was great and so quiet. Next time we would like to try the solar powered catamaran!
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icon Response from Host , Jul 2022
Thank you so much, Carol! Your feedback is very important to us. Hope to see you back, now in the Catamaran! :-) Best Wishes from the team! :-)
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-5
Beatles revival tour
Willem_N
, Jun 2022
It was a very relaxed trip with 3 couples of 60+ age. On the way back we were talking about The Beatles (Penina) and the captain decided to play Beatle songs. We were all singing along !!!
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icon Response from Host , Jul 2022
Hi Wilma and Willem! Yes, it was a special tour, full of music... :-) Hope to see you back one of these days, maybe for a Stones revival?? :-) ... Best Wishes. Ricardo
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star-5
Friendly captain amazing trip
Lucy_P
, Jun 2022
I loved this trip, and the captain was so lovely (I can't remember his name but he had grey white hair and a beard and shiny blue sunglasses). The boat was solar powered meaning the sound of the water could be heard which was relaxing. We were one of the few to be caught in a thunderstorm while on the boat, which made for a memorable experience and everyone got chatting. Sevile was a pretty place and the castle is nice (as is the castle cafe). On the way back the captain got a bottle of wine out for us which was made the trip even better. All in all I 100% recommend this trip
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icon Response from Host , Jun 2022
Hi Lucy!! This is Ricardo, the grey hair bearded guy... :-) Thank you so much for your words...they mean a lot. It was a strange, but special tour, wasn't it? ;-) Best Wishes!!
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star-5
Was a very nice boattour....
Myrian_H
, May 2022
Was a very nice boattour. Interesting en well organized. Nice skipper with lots of information. Nice solarboat.
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icon Response from Host , May 2022
Hi Myrian, Thank you for the compliments :-) Hope to see you back one of these days! Regards. Ricardo
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star-5
Most Relaxing Tour
MAGGIE_M
, May 2022
Fabulous trip, very calm and relaxing, and Silves was stunning. We look forward to doing it again very soon with more friends 😊 Our guide was very informative (wish I could spell his name !! )
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icon Response from Host , May 2022
Thank you so much for your kind words! Hope to see you back, maybe on the Catamaran tour ?... Best Wishes!!! :-)
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star-5
Great river trip
Robert_M
, May 2022
Great river trip to silves, the solar powered boat was very quiet and smooth and Ricardo our Captain/Host/Guide was great aswell, the glass of rose on the way back was also appreciated
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icon Response from Host , May 2022
Hi Robert! Thank you for the kind words, it means a lot! Best wishes! Ricardo
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star-5
Great,relaxed Trip to...
Romina_B
, Apr 2022
Great,relaxed Trip to Silves. We can highly recommend the Trip. Ricardo Was such a nice guide and told us a lot about the river and the Algarve. In Silves the castle is a Highlight and you have some time to grab a cold trink. The solar Boat is so nice to travel quiet and without emissions. This Trip is definitely one of the Highlights during our Algarve holidays
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icon Response from Host , Apr 2022
Hi Romina, Ricardo here! Really happy to ear that our trip was an highlight of your vacations. That's why we love to do what we do! Best wishes and come back one of these days, ok?... :-) Ricardo
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star-5
Awesome
Tracey_B
, Apr 2022
Fantastic experience, loved the quietness, spectacular scenery and our guide was awesome, friendly, knowledgeable and funny! Amazing!’
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icon Response from Host , Apr 2022
Hi Tracey! Thank you very much for your kind words. It was a pleasure to have you and your familly on our tour,.Hope to see you again, one of these days! Best wishes, Ricardo
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star-5
Great boattrip to Silves!
NilsErik_N
, Apr 2022
Really nice boattrip without noise. Beautiful landscape and a nice skipper/guide. We really liked Silves!
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icon Response from Host , Apr 2022
Hi Nils! Thank you very much for your kind words. Hope to see you again one of these days. Best wishes! Ricardo
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star-5
Wonderful journey along the Arade.
TimothyJohn_K
, Mar 2022
What a very pleasant way to spend a sunny afternoon in the Algarve. Cruising up the Arade on a solar powered boat, only big enough for a party of 6, was a treat. Our guide and skipper, Ricardo, provided a very knowledgeable commentary during the tour about local history, local wildlife, and broader Portuguese issues. We thoroughly recommend the tour and will probably take it again in the future.
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icon Response from Host , Mar 2022
Hi Tim! Thank you so much for your words. Hope to have you, family and friends on board again one of these days. Best wishes. Ricardo :-)
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star-5
GREAT Trip. ...
Friedhelm_N
, Oct 2021
GREAT Trip. Coming to the ALGARVE since 1969 never did such a wonderful trip on the river. The SOLAR BOOT is zur Future. Well done
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icon Response from Host , Oct 2021
Hi! Thank you so much for you words and simpathy... It was great talking to you and your wife about your experiences in Portugal (and specially in the Algarve), since 1969!! Best wishes from the Sun Boat Team. Ricardo
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star-5
A wonderful trip.
Sharon_L
, Oct 2021
Ricardo was a great guide. He pointed out historical areas and we saw a lot of very large birds. It was a lovely day
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icon Response from Host , Oct 2021
Hi Sharon! Thank you for your kindness. Hope to see you back onde of these days. Best wishes! Ricardo
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star-5
The only way to Silves….
tina_w
, Oct 2021
Pedro was such a nice guy and we had a beautiful day. We went to Silves along the Arade river. The boat is practically silent so you can hear the river and no stinky boat fumes. Bird life was incredible and Silves coming into view round a bend in the river was fabulous. We are planning our next trip already. Thank you Pedro
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icon Response from Host , Oct 2021
Thank you, Tina! It was a pleasure to have you on board. Hope to see you again soon. Best wishes. Pedro
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star-5
A must do
Marge_L
, Sep 2021
Boat was incredibly silent (so enjoyable). Ricardo was very friendly, passionate about area. Highly recommended
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icon Response from Host , Sep 2021
Hi Marge! Thank you so much for your words and for choosing to know more about this beautiful area. Best wishes! Ricardo - Sun Boat
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star-5
Solar powered river trip to Silves
Andy_Q
, Aug 2021
A fantastic day out. The electric boat was excellent. Ricardo was a super friendly guy with lots of information about everything we saw. The river was so quiet and calm - I think we only passed one other small boat on the way to Silves. So with the boat being electric it was a very calm and peaceful trip. At Silves we had 90 minutes to go and look at the castle which was being set up for the evening Medieval show. So we had a cool drink at the cafe inside watching some camels. Then we headed back to Portimao. Best trip of our holiday so far with Ricardo. Highly recommended !
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icon Response from Host , Aug 2021
Wow, Andy, thank you for your more than nice words! Hope to have you guys aboard again, maybe on the Catamaran on the coastline? ;-) Best wishes! Ricardo
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star-5
Douce Parenthèse
Christine_d
, Jul 2022
Une balade écologique, agréable, loin de la foule.. un régal.. découverte de Silves..et son château.. cité médiévale qui a beaucoup de charme. Ricardo notre guide a été top. Nous en gardons un joli souvenir
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icon Response from Host , Aug 2022
Merci beaucoup pour vos aimables paroles! J’espère que vous reviendrez, peut-être pour le tour de la côte, sur notre catamaran. Je vous souhaite bonne chance. Votre capitaine, Ricardo
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star-5
Un moment de détente
Luc_L
, May 2022
Ricardo est un très agréable pilote Le bateau électrique est parfait pas de bruit pas d’odeur Merci pour ce bon moment de détente
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icon Response from Host , May 2022
Merci, Luc! J’essaie d’entraîner mon Français... :-) Tous les meilleurs!
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star-5
Croisière idyllique
Pascale_K
, Sep 2021
Tout du début à la fin est extraordinaire, bateau et guide géniaux, commentaires très intéressants et visite de Silves magnifique
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icon Response from Host , Sep 2021
Pascale, merci beaucoup pour votre mots, vous êtes très gentille. Il espère vous voir un autre jour, peut-être sur notre bateau de mer! :-). Je vous souhaite bonne chance. Mes compliments. Ricardo
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star-5
Prachtige boottocht
Anna_d
, Aug 2021
We hebben een super leuke boottocht gemaakt met deze stille boot. De kapitein was erg aardig en vertelde interessante dingen over de omgeving ! Echt een aanrader !! We had a super fun boat trip with this silent boat. The captain was very nice and told interesting things about the area! Really recommended!!
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icon Response from Host , Aug 2021
Anna, Thank you very much for your kind words. It was a pleasure to have you on board. Best wishes! Ricardo
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