Porto: Sail the Douro River Private 3-Hour Cruise

Exploring Porto’s picturesque waterways is a must-do for any visitor to this charming Portuguese city. The private 3-hour sailing cruise along the Douro River and Atlantic coast offers an intimate and personalized way to experience the city’s stunning scenery. Departing from the Marina de Leça, this exclusive tour accommodates up to two participants, providing the opportunity to witness the city’s iconic landmarks from a unique vantage point while indulging in a guided wine tasting. With a friendly crew and the chance to participate in sailing activities, this unforgettable adventure promises an unforgettable way to discover Porto’s coastal beauty.

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Good To Know

This private 3-hour sailing cruise offers a personalized sightseeing experience along the Douro River and Atlantic coast, starting from €207.18 per group (up to 2 participants).
The cruise includes a wine tasting on the Douro River, with a friendly and knowledgeable crew providing a safety briefing and encouraging guests to participate in sailing activities.
The itinerary covers 15 minutes of sightseeing around Matosinhos, 40 minutes exploring the Porto District, and a 1-hour guided tour and wine tasting on the Douro River.
The cruise is available in four languages and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, with the marina being accessible by various transportation options.
Participants are advised to bring appropriate attire and are not recommended for individuals with back problems due to the boat motion.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Cruise Overview

The private 3-hour sailing cruise on the Douro River and Atlantic coast offers an activity-packed experience, with prices starting from $207.18 per group (up to 2 participants).

Available in four languages, the cruise includes a safety briefing, sightseeing around Matosinhos and Porto, and a guided tour with wine tasting on the Douro River.

Guests can help trim the sails and helm the boat, while enjoying soft drinks, beer, and local Port wine.

With a friendly, knowledgeable crew, the cruise provides a personalized service and a memorable experience.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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Itinerary Details

The cruise departs from the Marina de Leça (Marina Porto Atlântico), where participants receive a brief safety briefing before setting sail.

They’ll spend 15 minutes sightseeing and sailing around Matosinhos, then 40 minutes exploring the Porto District.

The highlight is a guided tour and wine tasting on the Douro River, lasting 1 hour.

On the return, they’ll sail back through the Porto District and Matosinhos for another 55 minutes.

The main sites seen during the cruise include the Ribeira, Porto, and Gaia.

Onboard Experience

Participants board a Beneteau First 35s5 yacht, designed by renowned naval architects Jean Berret and Philippe Stark. The boat comes equipped with an array of amenities, including soft drinks, beer, and local Port wine, as well as breakfast snacks to fuel the adventure. For those eager to get hands-on, the crew encourages guests to help trim the sails and helm the boat, adding to the personalized, intimate atmosphere. Throughout the cruise, the friendly and knowledgeable crew provides exceptional service, ensuring a memorable experience filled with stunning views and personal touches.

| Amenities | Activities |

| — | — |

| Soft drinks | Sail trimming |

| Beer | Helming the boat |

| Local Port wine | – |

| Breakfast snacks | – |

| – | – |

Participant Guidelines

To participate in this private Douro River cruise, guests should bring their passport or ID card, as well as a wind jacket and shoes with rubber soles.

Pets and smoking aren’t allowed on board. The cruise isn’t recommended for individuals with back problems, as the boat’s motion may cause discomfort.

Pets and smoking aren’t permitted. Those with back issues may experience discomfort due to the boat’s motion.

The friendly and knowledgeable crew will provide a safety briefing before departure.

Throughout the 3-hour journey, guests can enjoy the beautiful scenery, sample local wines, and even lend a hand with sailing the well-maintained Beneteau yacht.

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Customer Feedback

Based on the 15 reviews, the private Douro River cruise enjoys an impressive overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars.

Customers praise the friendly and welcoming crew, describing the well-maintained boat as beautiful.

They highlight the excellent value for money and the memorable experience with stunning views and personal touches, such as photos and thank you notes.

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Safety and Precautions

Although the Douro River cruise is generally a safe and enjoyable experience, there are a few precautions participants should keep in mind.

First, it’s important to wear appropriate footwear with rubber soles to prevent slipping on the boat.

Wear appropriate footwear with rubber soles to prevent slipping on the boat during the Douro River cruise.

Second, participants should listen carefully to the safety briefing and follow the crew’s instructions at all times.

Third, those with back problems should consult with the operator before booking, as the boat may not be suitable.

Finally, smoking and bringing pets are strictly prohibited for safety and comfort reasons.

Getting to the Marina

Participants can easily reach the Marina de Leça (Marina Porto Atlântico), the starting point for the Douro River cruise. The marina is conveniently located just 15 minutes from the Porto city center and is easily accessible by various transportation options.

| — | — | — | — |

| Bus | Take the 500 or 900 bus to the marina | 25 minutes | €1.50 |

Upon arrival, guests will find the designated sailing boat ready to embark on the unforgettable Douro River cruise adventure.

What to Expect During the Cruise

Upon arriving at the marina, guests embark on the Beneteau First 35s5 sailing boat, designed by renowned naval architects Jean Berret and Philippe Stark.

The cruise begins with a safety briefing before setting sail. Guests can enjoy:

Sightseeing and sailing around Matosinhos and the Porto District, admiring the stunning coastal landscapes.
A guided tour and wine tasting on the Douro River, allowing them to savor the region’s renowned Port wines.
Opportunities to participate in sailing activities, such as trimming the sails and helming the boat.
Refreshments, including soft drinks, beer, and local Port wine, as well as breakfast snacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?

Soft drinks, beer, and local Port wine are provided on the cruise. However, passengers may bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages as long as they do not interfere with the onboard experience.

How Many People Can Fit on the Boat?

The Beneteau First 35s5 boat can accommodate up to 2 participants for the private 3-hour sailing cruise. This limit is specified in the cruise overview and participant guidelines section of the available information.

Is There a Bathroom on the Boat?

The boat has no bathroom on board. It’s a 3-hour cruise, so passengers should plan accordingly before the trip. The crew can provide information on nearby facilities if needed during the sailing experience.

Are Life Jackets Provided?

Yes, life jackets are provided for all participants on the private 3-hour sailing cruise. The crew ensures the safety of guests by supplying the necessary equipment and conducting a safety briefing at the start of the tour.

Can I Take Photos and Videos During the Cruise?

Yes, participants can take photos and videos during the cruise. The crew encourages capturing the beautiful scenery and personalized moments to create lasting memories of the experience.

The Sum Up

This private 3-hour sailing cruise along the Douro River and Atlantic coast offers an intimate and personalized sightseeing experience in Porto. Participants can enjoy stunning views, participate in sailing activities, and savor a guided wine tasting, all while aboard a comfortable Beneteau yacht. With a friendly crew and attention to safety, this unforgettable adventure is perfect for those seeking to explore Porto’s scenic waterways.