Make time for the Atlantic playground
Watersports options are available from Praia da Falésia beach and Vilamoura, during high and mid season.
There are plenty of options for thrill-seekers, from banana boat rides and the all-time children’s favourite ringo ride, to wake-boarding and water-skiing. Individual lessons and rentals are available for windsurfing, surf and SUP (Stand Up Paddle) and you can also hire a jet-ski.
We highly recommend the parasailing at Vilamoura Marina as they have a harness allowing 3 people to go at the same time, and they provide a waterproof camera so you can take your own video of the experience.
Private speedboat rentals are also available from Vilamoura Marina, a fabulous excursion allowing access to the tucked away, secluded beaches which are only accessible from the sea. The south coast offers some stunning scenery, caves and rock formations, and a rich marine life – dolphins are regularly sighted and during migration times there are also sightings of whales.
Catamaran trips can be taken from Vilamoura Marina, for a full or half-day adventure west along the coast. These are very relaxing tours for everyone, with plenty of time to top up your tan and take in the views whilst your captain steers you towards one of the secluded beaches for a typical Portuguese sardine barbecue. Here you can enjoy a dinghy trip to view the caves and rock formations, and take a refreshing dip in the warmest section of the Atlantic coast.
Check our Best Beaches recommendations to find out more about our favourite coastal spots.
Explore the Algarve’s coastline from another angle
Lagos is famous for its fabulous beaches and is well known as one of the most beautiful stretches of Portugal’s south coast; let us assure you, it’s even more stunning when seen from the sea-side. This kayak trip leads away from the popular beaches along the coast and gives you an amazing ‘away from it all’ feeling as you paddle in and out of caves, past incredible rock formations, and experience a heightened sense of the beauty to be found where ocean meets the natural landscape.
We can highly recommend Frank at Outdoor-Tours for these trips, though there are plenty more operators if you care to shop around for offers.
Outdoor-Tours sea kayak trips are for 3 hours, accompanied by a safety boat and an experienced guide, who takes you to visit the best caves, starting from the Lagos beach, Praia da Batata.
Suitable for complete beginners of all fitness levels, you’ll find that even the inexperienced quickly adapt to sea kayaking and the safety boat stays close to hand for the duration of the trip. Safety is a high priority and wearing a life jacket is mandatory.
You’ll also have time for a swim or snorkel when you stop at one of the Algarve’s most secluded beaches, only accessible from land by a rope that hangs down the cliff. We definitely recommend approaching this beach from the sea!
Check our Best Beaches recommendations to find out more about our favourite coastal spots.
Slides, rides, pools and parks for family fun
Aqualand Algarve, near Alcantarilha is one of the most varied water parks.
My children’s favourite water park during their teenage years – some of the slides, rides and leaps in the Adrenaline Fun area really get the adrenaline pumping! There’s also a Family Fun area with olympic size pool and wave pool, Chill Out & Play section, and more gentle play areas within Kidz World – Rainbow Park and Children’s Paradise – for the little ones.
Another popular water park is Aquashow, near Vilamoura. In addition to slides and rides, they have a reptile and bird show, and staff roaming the park with snakes and parrots so that you can have your photo taken with them.
Slide and Splash, Lagoa, is one of the biggest in Portugal at 7 hectares; 4 hectares of which is a grassy park area. With a couple of adrenaline-boosting rides but more of a family fun park than thrills for teens. There are also falconry, reptile and parrot shows at various times throughout the day.
Cheryl’s Top Tips for Algarve Water Parks
Maximising Fun-Time
Avoid the entrance queues and make savings by looking for special offers and purchasing tickets online.
We also prefer to take a picnic and spend more time on the rides than in the lines at cafeterias!
Pine Cliffs Apartment
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With access to all resort facilities, including spa, golf, tennis, heated indoor and outdoor pools, gym and wellness centre, Pine Cliffs Apartment is the ideal getaway for golf in the sun, a stroll on the beach, pool relaxation, spa indulgence, a romantic escape or family-friendly fun.