Porto: Open Water Swimming Tour with Wetsuit

Imagine gliding through the Atlantic Ocean, feeling the waves in your face and the salt on your skin, all while enjoying the stunning scenery of Porto’s coastline. That’s exactly what this Open Water Swimming Tour with Wetsuit offers. Designed for swimmers who crave a bit of adventure, this experience takes you from the lively shores of Porto’s Praia dos Ingleses to the nearby town of Matosinhos, offering a blend of challenge, scenic beauty, and a touch of Portuguese authenticity.

What we love most about this tour is how it combines adrenaline with breathtaking views. Plus, the guide’s attention to safety and capturing the moment with photos and videos makes it a memorable, share-worthy experience. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that ocean swimming isn’t for everyone — the waves and currents can vary, and marine life like seaweed or sea urchins are part of the adventure. This is best suited for active travelers comfortable in open water, looking to test their swimming skills and enjoy Portugal’s rugged coast.

Key Points

• Unique experience of swimming in the Atlantic from Porto to Matosinhos.
• Highly experienced guide ensures safety and optimal route selection based on weather conditions.
• Includes photos and videos to preserve your epic ocean moment.
• Cost-effective at $68, offering a mix of adventure and scenic beauty.
• Small group size (limited to 10 participants) for personalized attention.
• Wetsuit rental available if you don’t bring your own, making the experience accessible for all swimming levels.

An Authentic Coastal Adventure in Porto

This Open Water Swimming Tour isn’t just about swimming; it’s an experience that captures the essence of Portugal’s Atlantic coastline. For anyone who’s ever admired Porto’s colorful terraces and rugged cliffs from afar, this tour offers a chance to get up close and personal with the waters that shape this vibrant city.

One of the best aspects of this experience is how the tour is flexible regarding the route. The swim can go either way — from Porto to Matosinhos or vice versa — depending on factors like currents, wind direction, and how the group is feeling that day. The experienced guide, whose local knowledge ensures safety and enjoyment, will decide the best starting point for optimal conditions. This adaptability guarantees that you’ll be swimming in the safest, most scenic spot possible.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The meeting point is conveniently located at the access ramp to Praia dos Ingleses, right next to the charming Confeitaria Tavi and across from a pharmacy. After a quick introduction and safety briefing, your guide will lead a warm-up session — a necessary step before hitting the water. The actual swimming will last up to one hour, during which you can expect to see some of Porto’s most iconic sights from the ocean, such as the Castelo do Queijo — famous for its unique shape, which you can admire from the middle of the Atlantic.

While the route and distances may vary depending on local conditions, the tour covers between 1 to 3 kilometers. This range offers a solid challenge but remains manageable for most swimmers with some open water experience. The guide will provide a swim buoy (or you can bring your own), which enhances safety and visibility.

One of the highlights is the chance to see Porto’s coastline from a different perspective. The views of the city’s terraces, the fishermen’s port, and the sprawling landscape are breathtaking. As one reviewer noted, “You will be able to contemplate the Castelo do Queijo from the middle of the ocean,” which adds that special sense of achievement.

Photos and Videos: Capturing the Moment

A standout feature of this tour is how the guide will film and photograph you during your swim. Many participants have expressed how much they appreciated having professional footage to share afterward — especially since ocean swimming can be quite a feat to document alone. This personalized touch turns a challenging, adrenaline-filled activity into a memorable keepsake.

Safety and Preparation

Safety is a priority throughout this tour. The guide, fluent in multiple languages including English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French, provides clear instructions and monitors the group closely. The tour includes personal accident insurance for peace of mind, and wetsuit rental is available if you don’t have your own — a thoughtful option for those worried about the cooler Atlantic waters.

It’s worth noting that marine life like seaweed and sea urchins are natural parts of the ocean environment, so swimmers should be comfortable with some contact. Touching marine life is expressly forbidden, and the guide will advise on avoiding sensitive areas.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for active travelers who are comfortable swimming in open water and want to challenge themselves. It’s not suitable for non-swimmers or those who prefer calmer waters on a beach towel. With a small group capped at 10, it offers an intimate, personalized adventure, perfect for those who enjoy physical activity paired with scenic exploration.

The Value for Money

At $68 per person, this tour provides excellent value. It includes all necessary equipment, insurance, a knowledgeable guide, and professional photos and videos. Compared to other coastal activities in Porto, it’s a rare opportunity to combine adventure with sightseeing in a way that few other experiences do. Plus, the flexible booking options — including pay later and free cancellation — make planning stress-free.

A Review from a Participant

Holger’s review sums up the experience well: “I had only limited time in Porto because of bad weather; we couldn’t go for the swim, but Carlos was wonderful and gave me a swimming lesson in the pool. It was the perfect alternative, and I will definitely come back. Five stars for the guidance and flexibility.”

This highlights how the team’s professionalism and adaptability make the experience accessible and enjoyable, even when weather conditions aren’t ideal.

Porto’s Open Water Swimming Tour with Wetsuit is a fantastic way to see the city from a new angle while challenging your physical limits. Whether you’re an experienced swimmer or someone looking to push beyond the typical beach day, this adventure offers a unique blend of scenic beauty, physical activity, and expert guidance. The inclusion of photos and videos ensures you’ll have lasting memories of this epic ocean feat.

Perfect for those seeking a taste of Portugal’s wild Atlantic coast, this tour is a great choice for active travelers who love the outdoors. It’s a rare opportunity to combine sport, sightseeing, and a touch of Portuguese ruggedness into one unforgettable hour in the water.

For anyone wanting to add a splash of adventure to their Porto trip, this experience delivers genuine excitement, stunning views, and a personal touch that’s hard to beat.

Do I need to be an experienced swimmer to join?
Not necessarily. While basic swimming skills are needed, the tour is suitable for those comfortable in open water and with some swimming ability. The guide will tailor the route for safety.

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers a personal accident insurance, an experienced local guide, a swim buoy (or you can bring your own), photos and videos of your swim, and a swim cap.

Can I rent a wetsuit if I don’t have one?
Yes, wetsuit rentals are available if you notify the guide at least 10 days in advance. They can often arrange rentals within 48 hours depending on your size.

Where do I meet the tour?
Meet at the access ramp to Praia dos Ingleses, next to Confeitaria Tavi, and in front of a pharmacy. The tour ends back at this same spot.

How long does the swim last?
The swimming part lasts up to 1 hour, covering between 1 and 3 kilometers, depending on weather and sea conditions.

What should I bring?
Bring your wetsuit if you own one. The guide provides a swim cap and safety equipment. No marine life touching, please.

Is this activity suitable for children or non-swimmers?
No, it’s not suitable for non-swimmers or children. It’s designed for active participants who are comfortable in open water.

What about marine life?
Swimmers should be aware of potential marine life such as seaweed and sea urchins. Touching marine life is forbidden for safety and conservation reasons.

How does weather influence the tour?
Weather, currents, and wind can affect the route and start point. The guide will select the safest and most scenic location on the day of your swim.

In short, whether you’re seeking a new challenge, incredible coastal views, or just a memorable story to tell, this open water swim from Porto is a fantastic pick. It marries adventure with the natural beauty of Portugal’s Atlantic coast, all while ensuring safety and fun.