Porto · CANOES & KAYAKS
This is the shortlist to send a friend: 12 canoes & kayaks tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Spend a full day in Peneda-Gerês from Porto, kayaking on Caniçada lake, swimming at beaches and a waterfall, plus an included lunch.
“Had a great time, such a beautiful place and Mariana was so nice and friendly and very informative”
Kayak on Caniçada Lake, swim at Portugal’s hidden waterfall, and eat a hearty lunch with wine, all from Porto in a small group.
“Our guide, Nuno, made the whole experience really memorable! He was full of enthusiasm and energy and was great company throughout the trip. We enjoyed all the activities but for me the waterfall in particular was spectacular! We had the whole area to ourselves. We were able to climb behind the waterfall and jump into the pool! The water is so clean and clear there. The kayaking was also great, again, we had the whole lake practically to ourselves! I had great fun trying the SUP too. I would highly recommend this adventure! If we come back to Porto or the surrounding areas (which we very likely will) we will…”
Paddle the Lima River near Ponte da Barca and Ponte de Lima on safe rapids, with gear, snacks, and photos included for families and friends.
“We were looking for a little outdoor adventure, something off the beaten trail of touristy Portuguese towns and cities. We found it - it was a perfect way to cap off our vacation. River Lima was lovely and the right level of challenge, offering long stretches of calm water interrupted by 4-5 rapids which required focus, fast paddling and bursts of adventure. The tour group leader (Paulo) was terrific -- calm, kind, patient, competent, and reassuring. He was also fun to talk to about any topic (not just kayaking). The entire region is quite beautiful, full of vineyards, so just getting to the staring point is worth a drive. I…”
Paddle 4 hours on the Douro in Pinhão with a self-guided route from Magnifico Douro Pier, scenic vineyards, and kayak gear included for up to 2.
“Wij hebben totaal geen opmerkingen. Alles is perfect en vlot verlopen. Heel vriendelijk onthaal, mooie verzorgde omgeving.”
From Porto, paddle the wild Paiva River in a canoe-raft, swim at Vau Beach, and refuel in Arouca with local food and pastry.
“Toller Ausflug, hat Spaß gemacht. Sehr netter/ engagierter Guide! Wechselklamotten sind wichtig, wir sind richtig im Wasser gelandet :-)”
Pinhão’s Rabelo boat plus a 12 km kayak back through old Douro vineyards, with calm river views and flexible stops for a small group.
“Sehr schöne Kajak-Tour flussabwärts auf dem Douro. Eine gewisse Fitness ist allerdings erforderlich, da es ansonsten beschwerlich wird.”
Canoe-raft the Paiva River from Passadiços do Paiva, with scenic stops in Arouca Geopark and optional jumps, swims, and an Arouca meal.
“We had so much fun! 4 hours flew past. Alvaro was a great guide - helpful, informative and very kind. We came at the end of the season so the water was slightly lower than it should’ve been, meaning the rapids weren’t too extreme and we did end up getting stuck on the rocks - remember to wiggle and shake to free the canoe! The company provide you with full gear, a bottle of water and a small snack along the way. Being able to swim helps, but even if you can’t, the life jackets provide full support. We stopped at 2 spots where we swam - one of which…”
Kayak the Lima River from Bravães Kayak Bar through the Açudes section, with safety support, included gear, snacks, and photos.
“The attitude of some guides gives the impression of being too much, apart from this detail the activity is fully worth it. It's original and fun!”
Private 2-hour SUP on Rio Ave in Vila do Conde with guide André, equipment, and free photos. Learn fast, see monuments, relax.
“Me and my girlfriend went and enjoyed every single second of the activity. The Guide was amazing and helped my girlfriend learn to paddleboard as she has never done it before, he was a great teacher!!!! We did stand up paddle on a loRead more”
30-minute stand up paddle on Lagos do Sabor in northern Portugal. Gear and lesson included, small group up to 12, birds overhead.
“Amazing staff. Good atmosphere and experiences from beginning to end. I highly recommend trying out these amazing places and fantastic people!Auto-translated”
Kayak the Douro near Peso da Régua on calm waters, guided through three bridges and to the Corgo River mouth in about one hour.
SUP on the Lima River near Braga with level-adapted routes, helpful English-speaking guides, and easy pacing in 2.5 hours.
“Staff is very helpful and pay attention to every detail to ensure you have a great time. Paddling on the river is relaxing and beautiful, perfect for first-timers like us (2 adults and 3 kids aged 6 to 11). The fun carries on at the terrasse of the restaurant with nice food, drinks, pancakes and ice-cream for the kids (and trampolines!). Would definitely recommend for a leisurely afternoon.”
Cellars, cruises, day trips and everything between.
