Snorkeling Tour

Discover the Excitement of Porto Santo’s Snorkeling Adventure

The Snorkeling Tour in Porto Santo offers an engaging underwater experience for just $52.14 per person. With a duration of approximately 3 hours, the tour is perfect for those eager to explore Portugal’s stunning coastline without needing prior snorkeling expertise. It departs from Porto Santo Island and includes private transportation, snorkeling equipment, insurance, and a local guide.

This tour is highly recommended by 99% of travelers, earning a solid 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 263 reviews. It’s suitable for both children and adults, offering a chance to see octopuses, eels, and colorful fish in their natural habitat. The tour’s small group size, capped at 8 travelers, ensures a personalized experience, while pickup service adds convenience. However, it’s worth noting that food and drinks are not included, and participants should have moderate physical fitness.

The Unique Marine Environment of Porto Santo Island

Porto Santo Island’s coastline is part of a marine protected area, making it an ideal setting for snorkeling. The waters here are calm and feature natural rockpools where snorkelers can float safely while observing marine life. The protected environment guarantees sightings of moray eels, octopuses, and a variety of fish, with some encounters so close that baby octopuses have been known to hold hands.

What sets this tour apart is the expert guidance provided by guides like Matias, who is praised for his knowledge and enthusiasm. Accompanied by Sherlock, the Portuguese Water Dog, the guides add a friendly and engaging touch to the adventure. The marine area offers beautiful scenery and clear waters that make each snorkel session a visual delight.

Snorkeling Equipment and Safety Measures

All snorkeling gear—including wetsuits, masks, and fins—is in excellent condition, ensuring comfort and safety during the activity. The tour includes the use of snorkeling equipment, insurance, and private transportation. Participants are provided with guidance on how to use the gear, making it accessible even for complete beginners.

The tour emphasizes safety, with insurance included and a small group limit. Travelers should note that food and drinks are not provided, so it’s advisable to bring any personal snacks or water. The moderate physical fitness requirement means this experience is suitable for most people in decent health.

What to Expect During the 3-Hour Snorkeling Experience

The tour begins with a pickup service, often from the hotel, followed by a short drive to the snorkeling site. Once at the location, guides lead guests into calm lagoons and rocky areas rich with marine life. Snorkelers can float in shallow waters and watch an underwater “movie” of marine creatures in action.

Participants explore large protected areas with expert guides highlighting hidden spots and interesting wildlife. The guides are praised for their friendly demeanor and knowledgeable explanations about the marine environment. The pace is relaxed, making it suitable for beginners or those who prefer an easy, scenic snorkel.

The Role of Guides Matias and Sherlock in Enhancing the Tour

The guides, Matias and his dog Sherlock, are frequently mentioned as the highlight of this experience. Matias is described as passionate and knowledgeable, sharing interesting facts about the marine life and environment. Sherlock adds a friendly and entertaining element, making the tour feel warm and personal.

This personal touch contributes to the excellent reviews and the high recommendation rate. Guests appreciate guides who are funny, approachable, and eager to share their expertise, creating a relaxed yet educational ambiance during the snorkeling hours.

The Setting: Beautiful Coastlines and Calm Lagoons

The setting for this snorkeling adventure is beautiful, featuring calm lagoons connected to the sea by natural channels. These lagoons provide safe, shallow waters where snorkelers can float freely and observe marine life without concern. The rock formations and clear waters create a picturesque backdrop, making each moment visually impressive.

Some reviews highlight the peaceful environment and the opportunity to see a variety of fish, starfish, and even octopuses in a crystal-clear setting. The beautiful scenery and tranquil waters make this experience both relaxing and visually rewarding.

Practical Tips and Physical Requirements

Travelers should be prepared for moderate physical activity, which involves floating and swimming in calm waters. The snorkeling equipment is provided, but guests need to bring their own swimsuit and towel. The tour is accessible to beginners, but those with prior snorkeling experience might find the activity somewhat basic.

Since food and drinks are not included, bringing water and snacks is recommended to stay energized. The tour’s small group size ensures plenty of attention from guides, but travelers should be aware that max group size is 8.

Booking, Cancellation, and Weather Considerations

The tour can be booked on average 14 days in advance, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before. Weather conditions play an important role; poor weather can lead to cancellations, but in such cases, travelers are offered a full refund or alternative date.

Confirmation of the booking is immediate upon reservation, and the tour includes pick-up near public transportation, adding convenience. The flexible cancellation policy provides peace of mind, especially in unpredictable weather.

Comparing This Tour to Similar Experiences

This snorkeling tour is a great choice for beginners or those seeking a relaxed, educational underwater adventure. The use of high-quality equipment and the expert guides set it apart from basic snorkel trips.

While some reviews mention that the experience is basic for seasoned snorkelers, the personalized guidance and beautiful setting justify the price. For those looking for a more advanced or longer underwater expedition, other options like kayak tours or private excursions might be worth exploring, but this tour offers excellent value and a friendly environment.

Final Thoughts on the Porto Santo Snorkeling Tour

The Porto Santo Snorkeling Tour provides a fun, safe, and scenic way to discover the island’s underwater world. The small group size, expert guides, and beautiful marine setting make it a worthwhile activity.

Ideal for families, beginners, or anyone wanting a relaxing marine adventure, this tour delivers stunning views and memorable wildlife sightings at an accessible price. The absence of food and drinks is a minor consideration, but the overall experience is rich in natural beauty and friendly guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, the tour includes snorkeling gear such as wetsuits, masks, and fins.

How long does the snorkeling tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 3 hours.

Can beginners participate?
Absolutely. The tour is suitable for beginners, with guides offering helpful instructions.

What should I bring?
You should bring a swimsuit, towel, and food or drinks since they are not included.

Is transportation included?
Yes, private transportation is provided, often with pickup from your hotel.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour is limited to 8 travelers, ensuring personalized attention.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

Are there any physical requirements?
Participants should have moderate physical fitness, as floating and swimming are involved.

What if the weather is bad?
Tours are subject to weather conditions; if canceled, you’ll receive a full refund or a rescheduled date.

How do reviews rate this experience?
The tour holds an average rating of 5.0, praised especially for guides Matias and Sherlock.