Lisbon: Berlenga Island Full Day Tour

Planning a day trip from Lisbon to Berlenga Island promises a mix of scenic boat rides, breathtaking landscapes, and a chance to escape the city’s hustle. This tour, offered by Go2Lisbon, takes you on an 8-hour journey to explore the protected Berlengas Nature Reserve, with opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing. While it’s not a guided tour—some travelers mentioned the experience is more self-led—it offers a great way to experience the natural beauty of Portugal’s Atlantic coastline.

What we really like about this experience is how it combines easy transportation with the chance to discover a UNESCO-protected site. The boat cruise along Peniche’s fishing village offers lovely views, and the island itself delivers dramatic rock formations and secluded caves that are perfect for photography. A potential drawback is the reliance on weather conditions; rough seas can impact the boat trip and overall comfort. Still, this tour suits adventurous travelers who enjoy outdoor activities and don’t mind a flexible, semi-guided format.

If you’re after a day of natural beauty, some light walking, and a splash of adventure—plus the simplicity of round-trip transport—then this tour likely fits the bill. It’s especially suitable for those keen to explore the Atlantic side of Portugal without the fuss of multiple arrangements, and who are comfortable with some walking on uneven paths.

Key Points

• Scenic boat ride: The cruise from Peniche to Berlenga offers picturesque views of the fishing village and rugged coastline.
• Natural beauty: The island’s caves, rock formations, and flora are highlights, along with free time to relax or swim.
• Flexible activities: Snorkeling, beach lounging, or exploring caves in the glass-bottom boat make it a versatile trip.
• Self-guided experience: No official guide provided, so enjoy exploring at your own pace or with your group.
• Value for money: At $142, the tour includes transportation, boat rides, and insurance—making it a straightforward day out.
• Weather dependent: Rough seas can affect the trip, but larger boats (like the catamaran) may reduce seasickness for sensitive travelers.

A Practical Breakdown of the Berlenga Island Full Day Tour

Meeting and Departure in Lisbon

The adventure begins early—around 8:15 a.m.—at the designated meeting point in Lisbon, My Story Hotel Figueira. It’s a central location, making it easy to access, and the transportation is in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. The small-group nature of the tour means you won’t be lost in a crowd, which adds to the relaxed vibe.

Your driver, who speaks English, Portuguese, and Spanish, will take you on a scenic drive towards Peniche, a charming fishing village that acts as your gateway to the islands. The journey itself is an hour or so, giving you time to settle in and enjoy the changing landscape.

Crossing to Berlenga Grande

The boat trip is the highlight for many travelers. Departing from Peniche, the 40-minute crossing in a sizable boat—often a catamaran—offers more stability than smaller vessels, as noted by one reviewer who appreciated the comfort that reduced seasickness. The views include Peniche’s lively harbor, rocky coastlines, and the open Atlantic stretching endlessly.

Keep your camera ready—snap shots of the world-famous St John Baptist Fort, an imposing structure perched on the rocks, is definitely a must. This fort, built in the 17th century, adds a touch of history to the dramatic scenery, and many reviews highlight it as a picturesque photo spot.

Exploring the Island

Once you arrive, you’ll have some free time at the island’s port—perfect for grabbing refreshments or stretching your legs. As the island is a protected natural reserve, it’s quiet and unspoiled, giving you a real sense of escaping into nature.

The tour includes a one-hour walk through the reserve, where you can discover local flora and fauna, and enjoy spectacular views of the rugged coastline. Many travelers find the landscape captivating—twisting rocks, secluded coves, and caves that beckon exploration.

Activities on Berlenga

You’ll enjoy options that suit different preferences. One of the biggest draws is the opportunity to snorkel in the calm, clear waters. Provided with snorkel gear, you can float over the rocky seabed and glimpse marine life, which many reviewers have found delightful. If snorkeling isn’t your thing, the glass-bottom boat tour—offered as part of the package—is a wonderful alternative, letting you see underwater caves without getting wet.

For those who prefer relaxing, the beaches are ideal for sunbathing or swimming. Bring your towel and sunscreen, as many note the importance of sun protection. Some guests mention the island’s natural beauty makes it worth the trip, even if you only want to lounge and enjoy the peace.

Lunch and Return Journey

Lunch is not included, so you can either buy something at a seafront eatery or bring your own picnic. The island’s limited dining options mean planning ahead is helpful if you’re hungry. Many travelers enjoy a casual meal with a view, watching the waves roll in.

In the afternoon, the boat departs back to Peniche, and the return trip gives you a fresh perspective of the coastline. The overall journey totals about 8 hours, with some reviews mentioning the possibility of sea sickness if the ocean is rough, though larger boats do help mitigate this issue.

Returning to Lisbon

The trip ends with a drop-off at your starting point in Lisbon. You’ll arrive feeling refreshed, with plenty of photos and new memories from a day immersed in nature.

What the Tour Includes and What to Consider

The tour covers transportation, both to and from Lisbon; a round-trip boat ride; and insurance, making it straightforward and transparent. However, lunch is not included, so budgeting for a meal on the island is necessary.

Given that the tour is self-guided, you might want to prepare a plan for exploring the island, especially since there’s no official guide to tell you about the history or natural features in detail. Some reviews note that the lack of guided commentary might be a downside if you prefer a more educational experience.

The duration is approximately 8 hours, which balances a full day’s adventure without feeling overly rushed. The start time varies based on availability, so early booking is advised to secure your preferred slot.

Authentic Insights from Past Travelers

One reviewer pointed out that the tour is more of a “half-day self-guided experience”, emphasizing the importance of managing expectations. Without a guide, you’re free to explore at your own pace, which can be a plus or a drawback depending on your preference.

Another reviewer loved the scenic trip and the caves, noting that the boat in a larger catamaran helped with seasickness. They mentioned Berlenga as “worth visiting at least once in a lifetime,” especially for its natural beauty and quiet atmosphere.

A few travelers did experience rough seas, which made the trip less comfortable—something to consider if you’re prone to seasickness. However, the overall value for money was appreciated, with the tour offering a good mix of transportation, sightseeing, and activities.

The Sum Up

This Berlenga Island day trip from Lisbon is ideal for those who love outdoor adventures and want a break from city life. It offers a chance to see stunning rock formations, relax on secluded beaches, and explore caves—all within a manageable, well-structured day. The inclusion of round-trip transport and boat rides at a reasonable price makes it a good value, especially if you enjoy flexible, semi-guided outings.

While the lack of a guide may mean missing out on detailed historical or ecological commentary, the natural scenery speaks for itself. The larger boat options help minimize seasickness, which is a thoughtful touch. Just be prepared for a bit of walking on uneven paths and bring essentials like sunscreen, towels, and snacks.

This trip is best suited for adventurers, nature lovers, and those happy to explore independently. Its combination of scenic beauty, sea caves, and relaxing beaches makes it a memorable day out for many travelers looking to experience Portugal’s Atlantic coast.

FAQ

How long is the boat crossing to Berlenga Island?
The boat crossing from Peniche to Berlenga Island takes approximately 40 minutes.

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch is not included. You can buy food at the island’s seafront eateries or bring your own picnic.

What activities are available on the island?
You can swim, snorkel with provided gear, relax on the beach, or explore caves via the glass-bottom boat.

Is there a guide on this tour?
No, the experience is more self-guided, so you explore at your own pace without a guide.

What should I bring for the trip?
Bring sunscreen, a towel, swimsuit, comfortable walking shoes, and possibly snacks or drinks.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?
Yes, but be aware of walking on uneven paths and the potential for seasickness. The larger boat helps with comfort.

This full-day adventure to Berlenga Island offers a compelling mix of natural beauty and outdoor activity—just what many travelers crave when seeking a true taste of Portugal’s Atlantic coast.