Albufeira: Private — Caves & Dolphins by Rib Boat
Highlights
- ✓Private boat, up to 12 people — you share it with nobody
- ✓18 km of Albufeira coastline, at whatever pace you like
- ✓Flexible route — caves, a swim, dolphins, or all of it in one trip
- ✓Guide on board, with stories of the coast and its marine life
About this activity
A rib boat just for your group, with 18 km of coastline at your own pace: caves, a swim wherever the water invites, dolphin spotting — you set the order.
There is a difference between going on a boat trip and running one. This is the second kind: the rib boat carries only your group — up to twelve people — and the route is decided on board.
You get two hours and around **18 kilometres of coastline** out of Albufeira Marina. You can spend all of it at the caves, you can stop to swim wherever the water invites, you can go looking for dolphins, or you can do all three. Whoever is at the helm knows this coast and keeps up the commentary — how the cliffs were formed, what lives in that water, where the dolphins tend to show up.
A rib boat gets into places the larger boats cannot, and moves quickly between them, which matters on a two-hour trip: you see more coast in the same time. And being private, there is no group schedule to keep and nobody to wait for.
The price is **per boat, not per person** — two of you or twelve, it costs the same. That makes it good value for families and groups of friends.
Check-in is at the operator's shop in Albufeira Marina, thirty minutes before departure.
What's included
- ✓Private rib boat trip (2 hours)
- ✓Guide on board
- ✓Life jackets
- ✓Compulsory passenger insurance
- ✓The caves, and out looking for dolphins
- ✓A swim stop
Stops and access may be adjusted on the day, depending on sea or weather conditions.
Location
Where this activity starts
Marina de Albufeira
Marina de Albufeira, Passeio dos Oceanos, Lote 3, Loja 7, 8200-394 Albufeira
Important information
What to bring
- Swimwear and a towel
- Sunscreen and a hat
- A windproof jacket — it gets cooler out at sea
Not recommended for
Not allowed for children under 5 or for pregnant women.
Cancellation policy
Cancellations less than 24 hours before the activity, or no-shows, are not refundable.
This deadline is the operator’s and applies to bookings made online. If you book with us on request, our own booking conditions apply. Booking conditions for direct requests.
More information
Check-in at the operator's shop in Albufeira Marina, 30 minutes before departure. Entering the caves and stopping for a swim always depend on sea and weather conditions, and the call is the skipper's. Dolphins are wild animals: the chances of seeing them are high, but nobody can guarantee it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I get wet?
On a RIB expect spray, especially in a choppier sea — bring quick-drying clothes and protect your camera or phone.
Is the price per person?
No. The price is for the whole boat, not per head, up to 12 people — it is the same whether a few of you go or the full group.
What languages is the activity in?
The crew or guide speak Portuguese and English.
Is a life jacket mandatory?
Yes. On this boat a life jacket must be worn throughout the trip, and it is handed to you at boarding.
Pregnancy, back trouble, a wheelchair or a pushchair — is it possible?
Nearly always, and the right answer is given before you book, not on the quay. As a rule a pregnant passenger can go, with the final word resting with the skipper depending on the sea that day. Anyone with a sensitive back will feel the impact far more on a small fast boat than on a catamaran, which is stable and has proper seating. For a wheelchair or a pushchair, some boats have a boarding ramp and on others boarding requires you to be steady on your feet, and the toilets on board may not be adapted. Tell us the specifics and the date you want: we confirm with the operator which departure works, and only then do you pay.
What happens in bad weather?
The decision to sail is always the skipper’s, for safety. If a departure is cancelled because of the sea or the weather, you choose: a new date or a full refund — the booking is not lost.
Can I bring my pet on board?
As a rule no, with the exception of guide dogs with proper documentation. Some operators will consider it case by case — if you want to bring yours, tell us before booking and we will check with the boat operator.
Can I bring a backpack?
You can, as long as it fits on your lap. Bring only the essentials.
What if someone feels unwell on board?
Every operator follows safety protocols and has maritime support. If it happens, tell the crew straight away — that is what they are there for.
From €350