Eco-Friendly Solar Boat Tour: Discover History and Nature on the Arade River

Embark on an eco-friendly solar boat tour along the Arade River, exploring the medieval city of Silves and its rich history and breathtaking landscapes. Relax and enjoy the peaceful journey while learning about the river’s past. Don’t miss the chance to visit historical sites and indulge in local cuisine in Silves. Experience the beauty of Portimão and the Arade River from a unique perspective on the return trip.

Duration: 4 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Algarve SUN BOAT Trips - We will departure from the Pier A, at Marina de Portimão.
What's Included
  • All taxes, fees and handling charges included
  • Personal driver/guide
  • Live on-board commentary
What's Not Included
  • The listed price does not include the car parking price, on the high season.
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information

Experience the enchanting river and the historical city of Silves, rich with ancient tales, diverse nature, and breathtaking sights.
Relish a tranquil journey from Portimão to Silves along the historically-rich Arade River on our environmentally-minded eco-boat, where the new age harmonizes with antiquity.
Our eco-friendly vessel provides a tranquil,…

Location
Algarve SunBoat | SILVES & ARADE RIVER BOAT TOUR | SunSailer Boarding Pier
Marina de Portimão
Check-in is 15 min before departure. Boarding is on the north side of Portimão Marina, by the administrative building (Rua Simão Correia). Don’t enter just “Marina de Portimão” in Uber/taxi or you may be dropped on the south side, a 15-min walk away. We can’t wait for late arrivals.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(188 Ratings)
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I9012hlmariap
Oct 25, 2025
Excellent walk - Great trip!! We put together the magnificent views, a quiet boat and a guide who knows the geography and history of the region, and we have a few very well spent hours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Diane_n
Oct 22, 2025
Peaceful Journey - It was a very enjoyable, peaceful trip. Pedro was so pleasant and knowledgeable about the river and it's history. It was great to meet people from different corners of the world, everyone was so nice!
Review provided by Viator
506inest
Oct 18, 2025
What a wonderful day! - The trip to Silves is just a very memorable one. And highly recommendable. Gliding silently on the water on a wonderful autumn sunny day with a warm breeze blowing felt like magic. Our captain Pedro told lots of funny and informative things allowing us a better understanding of the surroundings. Thank you for a wonderful day, Pedro!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
U3316bldeborahp
Oct 12, 2025
Highlight of our week - Outstanding trip, our Captain Pedro was so informative and we learnt so much about the area and it's history. The whole experience was delightful and very well thought through, the wine on the way back was a lovely touch, it was like a charming cocktail party on the river ! I can highly recommend this trip, the quiet boat, the beautiful town of Silves and the gorgeous Captain !!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elizabeth_h
Oct 8, 2025
Relaxing river trip - A very relaxing and peaceful trip on the river- just the sound of the water lapping against the boat. Pedro was informative about the area. We had plenty of time in Silves for a pleasant lunch by the riverside and the glass of wine during the return trip was a bonus. My husband has limited mobility and Pedro was very kind in ensuring he got on and off the boat and able to enjoy the trip. Definitely recommend
Review provided by Viator
148kpt
Oct 6, 2025
Lovely tranquil solar powered boat trip with great host - We had a lovely boat trip from Portimao Marina to Silves and back. The whole trip lasted about 5 hours including 1.5 hours of free time in the historic town of Silves with its impressive castle and good value restaurants. We are quite familiar with the area from the roads but it was great to see it from a different perspective on the river. The solar powered boat is small and tranquil. There were 8 of us on our trip with our host Pedro, all the other passengers were great fun. Pedro is a local and has great local knowledge and a calm easy going way of talking with plenty of humour. Pedro also provided a cheeky glass or two of wine on the way back to Portimao. Wholeheartedly recommend doing this trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dustin
Oct 5, 2025
Solar powered river cruise not to be missed. - Solar powered boat was a quiet river trip along the river Arade, to the lovely town of Silves. Scenery is beautiful, lots of wildlife can be spotted, bridges and lots of historical buildings to see, not thousands of tourists along the route which was a bonus. Star of the show along side the boat was undoubtedly Captain Pedro, looked after us from start to finish, great knowledge, really interesting & interactive with his guests. No sales of any kind on this trip, just purely left to enjoy this fantastic experience. Recommend this as a top attraction.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mobinsyd
Sep 25, 2025
Beautiful trip to Silves by boat - Enjoyed a fantastic trip up the river to Silves. Pedro was a great skipper/host - very informative and funny. I would recommend him highly.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Debbie_p
Sep 24, 2025
Newfoundlanders Explore Silves - Very relaxing going up river. Our guide Pedro was very informative and entertaining. The wine at the end was a nice finishing touch. The four of us thoroughly enjoyed the tour!
Review provided by Viator
Angela_s
Oct 3, 2025
River trip - It's so relaxing and chilled . Pedro was very informative about all the local history . It didn't feel rushed in anyway
Review provided by Viator
From $46
up to 10 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).