we are returning to Carvoeiro in August, and would love to go on boat trip. There are 12 in our party-does anyone know if we can do this and where from.

thanks

They do loads from Vilamoura

Try the Sueste Restaurant in Ferragudo on the harbour. We went on their boat about 2 years ago on a half day cruise down the coast and had a good time. They provided a guide and even let the other half steer the boat for a while.

thanks very much for the info-will definately look into it in August when we are there.

There are also lots of trips available from Portimao - these vary in length but usually last around 2 to 3 hours and provide great views of the coastline. You can pick up the brochures from tourist office in CVO or most of the hotels/travel offices have copies. It is cheaper to book direct with them than through a hotel ! You can probably negotiate a discount for a group. The one we went on a few years ago picked up our party (9 people) from CVO which saves having to negotiate your way to the quay in Portimao - they charged peanuts to do this. The actual boat trip cost around 15 euros per person I think.

Make sure you get one that has some shade available and don't go on a day when the sea is choppy - even if none of your party are seasick, others on the boat will be !

From the Portimao quay you can also get the 'canoe' boat up the river to Silves - it goes once a day depending on tides, leaves you to potter about/have lunch in Silves then comes back again.

Have fun !

If you want a real Algarvean boat trip experience i would suggest using one of the old fishermen(thoug i doubt they acctually still fish!) in Benagil(there are other beaches too) beach- they usually have their small fishing boats laid on the beach and you can arrange length of trip, direction , beach stop etc. He will also act as a great guide-if you don't speak portuguese some have basic english-filling you in on some history, interesting facts etc. There are also a few beaches along the coast that can only be accessed by boat- why not arrange to have a bbq on one! Also, these fushermen realy know the local tides, currents (apparently if the waves are coming from Spain durection could be in for trouble!) etc and so can also get inside caves, grottos etc safely.
The big boat at Portimao are ok but you'll have to share with many others, and you realy are just another passenger. On the small fishing boats it becomes are real experience.
If you are 12, probably hire two perhaps three. They really are quite cheap- well, at least for a Londoner!