Adventure Brief
Step aboard the Beneteau Oceanis 40.1 'Just Wind' for 3-, 7- or 11-hour charters from Lagos. Fast, roomy, and ideal for photographing the Algarve’s cliffs, grottoes, and dolphins.
3–11 hours
moderate
From €1,101.22
Family Friendly
3 Hrs • 7 Hrs • 11 Hrs • Max 10 pp
Step aboard the Beneteau Oceanis 40.1 'Just Wind' for 3-, 7- or 11-hour charters from Lagos. Fast, roomy, and ideal for photographing the Algarve’s cliffs, grottoes, and dolphins.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3–11 hours
Fitness Level
Light to moderate fitness; you should be comfortable stepping aboard a dinghy or climbing a short ladder and standing on a moving deck.
Wildlife
History
Lagos has a prominent maritime past and was an important port during Portugal’s 15th–16th century Age of Discovery.
Conservation
Respect local marine life by maintaining distance from dolphins, avoiding anchoring on seagrass beds, and following skipper guidance in protected coves.
Southwest Boats
3 Hrs • 7 Hrs • 11 Hrs • Max 10 pp
Southwest Boats is a marine tour and rental company operating from Lagos and Faro on Portugal’s Algarve coast. The company offers a range of boat experiences including short coastal cruises, longer seven- and eleven-hour excursions, private yacht and catamaran trips, bareboat options for licensed skippers, and jet ski rentals.
The fleet includes named vessels and models available for hire, with options for guests who want to skipper the boat themselves when they hold the appropriate license. Available craft include models listed for charter such as Dipol Fragata 510, Italboats 540 Predator, Astilux AX600 SD, Italboats 650 Predator, Italboats Stingher 606 XS, and Astilux AX600 Open, alongside catamaran and luxury yacht experiences. Interactions and trip durations range from two or three hour outings to seven‑hour coastal days and full eleven‑hour sea excursions.
Southwest Boats provides guided and private formats suitable for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and sightseeing along the Algarve coastline. The company operates from two Algarve bases, Lagos and Faro, making beach access and iconic cave sites reachable by water. Booking options cover private charters, scheduled cruises, and equipment hire such as jet skis. Safety practices and operational details follow local maritime regulations; customers can choose captained or bareboat rentals according to licensing requirements. Southwest Boats focuses on delivering flexible, location-focused maritime experiences for travelers seeking boat tours and rentals along the Algarve coast.
Reservations are available online and through local booking desks in Lagos and Faro for private hires, scheduled cruises, and jet ski rentals during the tourist season regularly.
Locations
Lagos & Faro
Two Algarve bases for departures
Trip Durations
2–11 hrs
Short cruises to full-day trips
Fleet Models
6 boat models
Named vessels available for hire
Tours Offered
10 trips
Coastal cruises, rentals, and jet skis
Book a private cruise, bareboat rental, or jet ski session from Lagos or Faro. Select trip length, vessel, and add snorkeling or paddleboarding.
Arrive early to board
Plan to arrive at least 20 minutes before check-in; boarding and safety briefing take time and help you get settled before casting off.
Protect your camera
Bring a waterproof case or dry bag and a lens cloth—the spray near sea caves and archways can be persistent.
Choose stable shoes
Wear deck shoes or grippy sneakers for safe boarding and moving around a wet cockpit.
Plan for sun and wind
Even on overcast days the reflected sun can be strong; pack a wind layer and sunscreen.
Personal flotation device (PFD)
Check whether the charter provides life jackets; bringing a properly fitted PFD is recommended for non-swimmers and children.
Waterproof dry bag
Keeps electronics, camera gear, and a spare layer dry during swims and when passing sea spray.
summer
High-SPF sunscreen and sunglasses
UV exposure is strong on open water and reflected off the cliffs—protect skin and eyes.
summer
Light wind shell
A breathable wind layer keeps you warm on cooler mornings and when the breeze picks up.
spring