(River Cruises will resume in April 2022)

We cruise down the river Arade, on a small motorboat, and turn back just before reaching the sea. Sometimes we glide gently along quiet river banks … and at other times  we go a little faster and feel the wind in our hair.  You will experience a variety of landscapes.  Sometimes pure nature, later the riverfront of Silves, the port of Portimão, the fishing village of Ferragudo, the castle of São João and the cliffs of Praia Grande. The Arade river is  not only beautiful, but also of historic interest. It used to be much wider and Phoenician, Carthaginian, Roman, Moorish and Portuguese ships all passed this way. On the river banks there are reminders of the past and I will share some historical facts about what we see.

My boat is moored at a beautiful spot on the river a few minutes from the centre of Silves. I will bring you there in my jeep from the meeting point (or I can give directions if you prefer to meet at the boat). There is a shallow stretch of river between where my boat is moored and the historic centre of Silves. We will also navigate this section of the Arade, either at the beginning or end of our trip, depending on the timing of the tides on the river.

Guest Requirements

Up to 6 guests can attend. Minors need to be accompanied by their legal guardian.

What to Bring

Comfortable clothes and walking shoes. There can be a cool breeze on the boat (even sometimes in the summer) so bring a windbreaker as well as sun protection.

Where we Meet

We meet outside the entrance of the Restaurant Ponte Romana (see map on Home Page)

Private Tours – book directly with me

You can book the whole boat for your group. The total price depends on how many people are in your group. 

Please contact me directly, by phone (+351 928 080 653) or email (info@silvestours.com) to arrange a tour.

Online Bookings 

You can also book on the Airbnb Experience platform with the link below. There are two types of tour with different pricing options. Some tours are for private groups as described above (with group prices) – other tours are for individuals who want to join a larger group (with individual prices). 

airbnb.com/experiences/934186