The 11 BBQ Cruises in Portugal That Earn Their Price

1.Sightseeing Cruise with Beach BBQ and Open Bar

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,036 reviews · from $63Our pick

Spend six hours cruising west from Albufeira Marina, viewing Algarve caves and beaches before landing by dinghy at a secluded beach. Swim, snorkel, paddleboard, play beach games, and eat a generous BBQ with wine, beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water included.

“Had a great time! The boat ride took us to all the areas we wanted to see and gave us more than enough time to relax, swim, and even do some paddle boarding on the private beach before heading back. I will say, one complaint I have is that the event description stated they’d have chicken for the bbq and there wasn’t any, however that’s minor since they had so many other options that there was something for everyone.”

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2.Sunset Cruise and Beach BBQ with Open Bar

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 850 reviews · from $84

Spend six hours sailing west from Albufeira Marina, passing the Algarve coast and São Rafael caves before reaching a secluded beach by dinghy. Enjoy a BBQ, unlimited beer, wine, sangria, soft drinks, live entertainment, and a festive catamaran ride back.

“This was the best thing we did during our holiday. The cruise itself was beautiful, the landscape and the caves were stunning. The secluded beach with little candles everywhere, the BBQ and music were absolutely perfect. The fire performer was brilliant too. So much fun and it continued back on the boat on the way back! Well worth the money.”

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3.Catamaran Cruise with BBQ & Open Bar on the Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 685 reviews · from $76

Sail west from Albufeira Marina toward Benagil, Galé, and Carvoeiro on a six-hour catamaran trip. Your crew shares coastal facts, takes you near caves when sea conditions allow, then serves fish, meat, salad, chips, fruit, and drinks on a beach before a champagne toast.

“Amazing trip! The guides were super attentive, the food was outstanding, and the overall experience was totally worth it!”

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4.Ophelia Catamaran Cruises + Beach BBQ

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 582 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $87Top rated

Spend about six hours sailing from Portimão to Benagil, with a short cave visit by small boat and a three-hour private-beach stop for a BBQ, swimming, music, and relaxation. The catamaran carries up to 80 people, with Wi-Fi, restrooms, and a paid bar onboard.

“Best day in Algave, a must to do. The barbecue on the beach was great with beer, white and red wine included. Drinks on the boat are not included. Bought a Sangria for 4 euro which was the best I had in Portugal”

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5.Catamaran Cruise to Benagil Caves with BBQ

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 466 reviews · from $82

Sail from Portimão aboard the Ophelia catamaran, pass Ferragudo and its castle, visit Benagil’s caves by small boat, then enjoy a beach BBQ, open bar, swimming, and paddleboards. The multilingual crew may include Nuno, Rui, Ricardo, or Miguel.

“Would definitely recommend, it's great fun and the viewing of the caves is phenominal”

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6.Albufeira Beach BBQ with Caves and Coastline Cruise with Open Bar

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 454 reviews · from $81

Set out from Albufeira at 10 a.m. for a coastal cruise toward Nossa Senhora da Rocha and the Benagil Caves, with live commentary from crew members such as Robin and Gabriel. After the sightseeing, reach a beach accessible only by water for a BBQ, open bar, paddleboards, and beach games before returning to the marina.

“It’s a long time at the beach and you don’t go into any caves. Bat is not open on the boat and beach is a long time.”

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7.Guided Sightseeing Cruise with Beach BBQ & Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 323 reviews · from $57

Sail from Vilamoura with an English or Portuguese guide, following the Algarve coast toward Benagil. Because the catamaran has a 20-meter mast, cave access is limited. A tender takes you to a beach for a BBQ, open bar, swimming, paddleboarding, and beach games.

“Lovely trip, nice boat not to over crowded, Food was amazing on the beach, lovely beach and trip., but they did run out of red wine, which was chilled and went down a treat! But plenty of other drinks, it wasn’t an issue. The caves are silly busy you can’t really get near it unless you are on a paddle board or small boat. We went Peak season in august so it was expected but still nice to see the coast line. Nice day out for the family. Also great beach tunes! If you want to try the paddle board at the beach ask on the boat and get in…”

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8.Catamaran BBQ on the Beach: Cruise to Benagil Caves

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 267 reviews · from $77

Spend about 6 hours and 15 minutes cruising from Albufeira past the Algarve coastline and Benagil caves, then transfer by dinghy to a beach for a BBQ, swimming, and sunbathing. Fish, meat, sausages, beach drinks, Wi-Fi, and a final glass of Champagne are included.

“The tour was amazing and the crew was very nice and accommodating! There were so many sites to see just by pushing through on the boat. I would most definitely go tour with this crew again!”

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9.Yatch FINISMAR: 6 hours cruise with Beach BBQ (14passengers)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 123 reviews · 6 hours 15 minutes (approx.)

Spend about six hours aboard the FINISMAR, a small yacht leaving Albufeira Marina at 10:00 a.m. Cruise past cliffs and caves, then reach a beach by dinghy for a freshly prepared BBQ, drinks, and swimming. The friendly crew, including hosts such as Rafael, Miguel, and Raphael, keeps the day personal and easygoing.

“What a wonderful day spent at sea , incredible views, beautiful sailboat and one of the best crew we've ever had the pleasure of interacting with , the deckhand and captain made our day absolutely perfect . Where else can you get the best views accompanied with a barbecue on a private beach . Would def recommend and will be back to do it again with our friends .”

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10.Sailing Boat Cruise BBQ & Open Bar on the Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 51 reviews · from $108

Spend six hours sailing west from Albufeira Marina toward Benagil and Carvoeiro. Your crew, including Miguel and Brazil, serves a beach BBQ, offers swimming time and a small-dinghy cave trip. English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish are available. Expect to get wet.

“Payment for drinks is required separately after the trip.”

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11.Full day trip with BBQ on the beach, Caves, Sailing

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 39 reviews · from $54Best value

Spend about eight hours aboard the Santa Bernarda Pirate Ship from Portimão, cruising the Algarve coast, visiting Benagil by traditional cave boat, swimming, and eating a beach barbecue of sardines, piri-piri chicken, kebabs, bread, salad, and drinks.

“Geweldige dagtrip naar de grotten van Benagil. s’Ochtens aangemeld in de oude haven van Portimaō. Aan boord van de Santa Bernarda langs de kust gevaren en overgestapt in sloepen om de grotten in te gaan. Afgesloten met een gezellige BBQ op het strand! Deze dagtrip is een echte aanrader!”

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