Algarve Watersports
The choice of activities amazed me when I first started checking out Algarve water-sports. I have tried a few, but if I'm honest, I'm one of those who treat them as a way to cool down after sizzling on a beach. For whatever reason, I've never been serious enough to become good at any of them (well, that's my excuse - "I wasn't really trying").
But, if you're more gung-ho than me, here's a sample of the Algarve watersports on offer: SailingThe large marinas offer motor boats and yachts for hire. There's much more to read about big boats and where to hire (and park) them on the Sailing page. Of course, sailing doesn't have to mean living it up in yachts. Algarve watersports offer much more choice... ...We floated out of Marina de Lagos last May aboard a gorgeous masted 'tall ship'. The plan was to investigate caves and grottoes along the coast, by transferring to smaller boats. Sad to relate, I was suffering from motion sickness, so the last thing I fancied was to leave the ship for something that moved about even more! (Fortunately, conditions were fairly calm, otherwise the other trippers might not have been able to ignore my green-at-the-gills act as well as they did).
You're probably a better sailor than me, so this might be right up your street (or harbour, or whatever). If that's the case, find out more:
Dolphin Watching CruisesBecause of the popularity of these charming marine creatures, this sort of sailing activity is increasing year on year... Disappointment should not enter into things when you're spending valuable vacation time, so I was interested to note that one company offering Dolphin Cruises is happy to provide a 100% guarantee that you'll see what you're after. Algarve Dolphins provide trips in specially-designed Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs - they're a lot more comfortable than they sound) and claim to know exactly where the best spots are for spotting the handsome and friendly creatures. Since the cruises are often attended by marine biology experts, there's even a good chance that any questions about dolphins will receive authoritative answers! The trips depart hourly from Lagos Marina, last for around 90 minutes, cost from 30 euros per head and, if you don't see a dolphin, they offer another trip for free! Tel: (+351) 282 087 587 for more details. WindsurfingIf you're a newcomer to this watersport, Barragem do Arade, inland near Silves, would be a good choice. Even there it wasn't calm enough for me, the one time I tried it, but I do admit to overdoing the vinho at dinner the night before, and my sense of balance seemed to have been mislaid! As it happens, they offer a taste of many more Algarve watersports (including waterskiing and sailing), but I'd had enough tumbles, the day we spent there.
(By now you should be getting a hint of why the relatively firmer footing on the beaches is so attractive to me). Pedal KayakingPerhaps a little more leisurely, but with the bonus that
the whole family can enjoy the activity together, a kayak
trip around the beautiful Ria Formosa nature reserve
is a great day out. Learn about the flora and fauna
(including marine life), enjoy the spectacular views and
wildlife and get some fun exercise too. I enjoyed it, and
it's something suitable for all ages, as you can read here
on my page about my day out in Algarve
kayaks. Surfing
So, if you're determined to get wet and out of breath, here are a few choices of Algarve watersports to get you started... Watersports Venues
And, during the Summer, younger families can enjoy the cooling delights of the Algarve watersports provided by the various... Water Parks(note that most are closed from November to Easter)
(For more 'splashy' fun ideas, you might like to check out
the Algarve For Kids
page).
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Fun in the sun... that's Algarve watersports. If you like to get soaked enjoying your favourite sports in a great climate, the Algarve might have been created with you in mind!
As usual, I was the only sufferer, and everyone else
claimed to have had a terrific time...
You can
learn to surf at one of the many schools along the coast, but for experienced surfers, the west coast is the main attraction, as that's where the big waves are found.
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