Located on the western Algarve on the southern coast of Portugal, Alvor is perfectly situated to enable its many visitors to explore the beauty of the local area both by land and by sea.
A quiet fishing village right on the coast, Alvor is perched at the mouth of the River Alvor estuary, where sea and freshwater meet. These days, while the fishing boats continue to bob from side to side in the quaint marina, the boating scene in Alvor has also evolved, with several operators establishing a series of Alvor boat trips and charters to satisfy the varying tastes of the tourists.
Whatever time of year you visit, there are various Alvor boat trips to choose from, from deep-sea fishing and cruising round the bay of Alvor, to exploring the protected natural park that reaches out from the banks of the Alvor River.
Most of the boat trips depart from and return to the same place – usually the Marina’s first pier next to the fish market right on the river front. However, trips are also available from nearby Priaia da Rocha and, by prior arrangement, visitors can venture further afield and embark and disembark in different locations.
A boat trip with a fishing theme is one of the more adventurous and exciting boating excursions available in Alvor. Whether you are an experienced pro or a complete novice, a fishing trip is guaranteed to please. Ask for Luis, the most popular fishing guide in town, to ensure you get the most from your trip. Luis will teach you everything you need to know, give you the low-down on the different fish and seafood species and keep you fuelled with refreshments, anecdotes and plenty of laughs.
Modern fishing equipment is supplied, along with plenty of bait, a fishing license and some expert tuition, and you will be taken to the best fishing waters in the area. Sea Bream, Sea Bass, Grouper, Garfish, Conger Eel, Snapper, Octopus and squid are all fished regularly in these waters and you are encouraged to take the fish with you when you disembark, ready for searing on a hot grill for a delicious supper in the early evening sunshine.
Alvor Fishing trips are usually a half day (four hours), running either side of lunch time and refreshments are provided to keep the hunger pangs at bay and energy levels up. Expect to pay around forty euros for an adult and thirty for a child.
A coastal cruise along the shoreline heading away from Alvor is a popular choice, offering less action and more time for sightseeing and photography.
Departing from the marina, your boat will cling to the coast towards Lagos or Portimão and beyond, offering plenty of opportunity to admire the wide stretches of sandy beach and distinctive rock formations that preside over much of this beautiful shoreline.
While many of the Algarve’s beaches are easily accessible by road, others are tricky to reach, with secluded coves dotted between the rocky outcrops, just waiting to be enjoyed by the occupants of a small boat, mooring up on the
