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

This was a fantastic trip, Marcelo our tour guide/driver was amazing, so friendly and shared lots of info about Portuguese culture, including places to eat and drinks to try. Would 100 percent recommend it 🤩

Do not miss this excursion!. We booked through Viator and although there was an amendment to the day of the trip everything went perfectly. Easy to book and very clear instructions as to the pick up point, we were met by Pedro, our Captain who was the ultimate professional all day. The 90 minute journey to Silves was excellent with detailed local and historical information by Pedro, and no engine noise as this was a solar powered Eco boat which was completely silent. There were eight passengers on board, and we were given clear safety instructions before leaving Portimao. As we were familiar with Silves and the castle and cathedral, my wife and I went for lunch and returned 90 minutes later for the return in order to catch the tide back, which is crucial to this trip. On board Pedro served us a glass of wine and even detoured to the harbour at Ferragudo to show us this nearby town across the Arade. All in all, a fantastic day spent with friendly passengers and Pedro, an exceptional captain and great guy! Book now.

Brilliant afternoon trip. Marcel the guide was incredible. He was so knowledgeable throughout the whole journey. Great to be sustainable too. Trip was a whole hour longer than specified but it didn’t bother us as we had a great time.

Wonderful relaxing experience. Sunday is quiet in Silves but there is enough open to keep you occupied. The boat was very comfortable and our guide Marcelo was excellent. He was warm, funny and very knowledgeable. A wonderful afternoon and we would highly recommend it

Great day out the river is beautiful and Pedro was funny, charming and knowledgable. Such a peaceful way to travel

Unique way to travel along the Arade river to Silves. Marcelo was very knowledgeable about the local area and culture and made all guests feel very welcome. The wine on the return visit was a lovely surprise which we all enjoyed. Would highly recommend this sustainable way to travel.

Excellent boat trip with Marcelo. He was knowledgeable and entertaining. He pointed out literally every landmark we saw and explained them all: from the churches, abandoned sardine fishing factories, the 4 bridges we passed under, to the vineyards and how the Algarve is trying to expand its touristic offering beyond beaches and watersports. He engaged with the 3 different groups (9 people in total) on the boat and answered everyone's questions in both English and Portuguese. He "knows his stuff" is an understatement. We went up the Arade River to Silves, 1.5hr at Silves and then a return to Portimao. We even got a cheeky glass of wine on the return journey on the boat!

+2

Great experience! Thank you, Marcelo, for your sympathy, knowledge and expertise in driving the boat.

Highly recommend- will definitely do again - wish we had known about this hidden gem before as we have been coming to nearby Carvoeiro for years - Pedro an absolute legend - totally chilled and superbly knowledgable - Silves so much to see and do

A superb excursion between Portimão and Silves! A peaceful cruise, without noise or engine smell, which allows you to fully enjoy the magnificent landscapes of the Algarve. The visit to the medieval castle of Silves was a real favorite. A huge thank you to Pedro, an exceptional guide. Warm, smiling, passionate, and very kind, he knew how to adapt to everyone in French, Portuguese, and English, with a real desire to share the history of his region. His availability and kindness made this day even more memorable. An experience I recommend with my eyes closed. Thank you Pedro!