Does anybody know if it is possible to hire a motor or sailing boat near Carvoeiro?

I have freinds visiting who are mad keen about "going to sea" & exploring - preferably on their own without a "Skipper".

Last time I was in Algarve Seco there was a card on the bar advertising that very service.
I think it was about 400e per day plus fuel.

If anyone finds one that is 'skipperless' I too would be interested. However my understanding was unlike other countries they are alot stricter in Portugal and you need a sea going licence or no-one will rent you one. Hopefully this is just a myth, but all the ones I have seen in Portimao marina were compulsary skipper.

To operate or skipper a boat in Portugal you must hold one of the following licences.
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Marinheiro - you can skipper a boat up to seven meters in length and with an engine of no more than 60 hp during daylight. You must remain within three miles of the coast and travel no further than 6 miles from a port. This I understand in practice means that in the summer, when Armacao de Pera is classified by the maritime police as a port, it is possible to travel the length of the Algarve from Vila Real St Antonio to Lagos and remain within the law.
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Patrao Local - There is no limit of size of boat or engine. But you must not go more than 5 miles from the coast and no further than 10 miles from a port.
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Patrao de Costa - There is no limit on size of engine or boat,but you must not go further than 25 miles from the coast but you may go as far from a port as you wish along the coast.
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Patrao de Alto Mar - This allows you to go anywhere without any limit of size of engine or boat.

Even if you hold a recognised international certificate or licence you cannot skipper a portuguese registered vessel without one of the above.

If you find somebody offering to rent a vessel, be very wary, as you will be fined heavily if stopped by the Policia Maritima, and the vessel will be confiscated. You will also be liable to compensate the owner for the loss.

Not worth the risk.

Thanks for all the advice. Looks like a pedalo will have to suffice!

we have the Jeanneau Merry Fisher for that date, this boat is for a
maximum of 7 people.

250,00 per day, plus fuel.



If you need more information, please don´t hesitate to contact us at any time.


Best regards
Mit freundlichen Grüssen
Günter Lukas
Boat Charter Algarve
Telephone: 00351 969 030 964
above is a reply I received for my own enquiry. I thought a few days rental a year would be more economical than owning!

Is that the Gunter who is part owner of the lovely sail ship that one can charter or join the mob on its excursions.

pass!

Many thanks Charles. I will PM you nearer the date for more advice if that's OK.