WATER SLIDE PARKS
There are several water slide parks in the Algarve, the closest being ‘Slide and Splash’ in the village of Lagoa, 15 km from Portimão. A bus for ‘Slide and Splash’ is available, stops are conveniently spaced between towns and hotel areas.
Slide and Splash
The largest water park in the Algarve. Easy to find in Lagoa off the N125.
It is very near Armacao de Pera and Porches.
It has some of the largest rides available, and the best choice/variety to suit small/older children (and adults!). The park does get busy in peak season, when it is quieter early / late in the day, before and after coach parties swell the numbers.
There is plenty of space to sit, especially if you move away from the main gate. Food is of reasonable quality, but does get busy at lunchtimes.
Timetable – Slide & Splash opens on the 6th April – 30th October 2009. Opening times – Every day from 10am – 5pm/6pm depending on season. 2009 Prices – (fullday)Adult= €19.00 Child = €15.00(4-10yrs) Senior = €15.00(65 +)
Please see web-site for full details – Slide and Splash
Aqualand
Located in Alcantarilha, the park is very close to Armacao de Pera, on the N125.
Not as big as Slide and Splash but still large, Aqualand has a good variety of attractions; flumes, wave pool, foam, lazy river as well as water slides including “The Big One” which you can see as you approach it.
It also offers a pleasant, large play area for small children.
One unique slide for the brave is Banzai Boggan. Try to surf on your board after descending a nearly vertical drop of 23 meters and gaining a dizzy speed.
The park caters fairly well for all ages and there is plenty of space to sit during the day. In our experience food is simple and mostly fried.
Please see web-site for full details Aqualand
- COASTAL CRUISES
- SANTA BERNARDA COASTAL TRIP INFO (from 2010):The Santa Bernarda is a two masted sailing vessel which sails out of Portimão along the beautiful coastline west to Lagos and east to Armação de Pêra. The boat leaves Portimão from the pier “Cais Vasco da Gama” close to the Clube Naval de Portimão.
The morning and afternoon trips explore the best caves on the beautiful Algarvian coast. On the full day trip, in addition to visiting the caves around Benagil, you will enjoy a 3 course BBQ served at a beach which is accessible only by sea. there will be plenty of time for swimming, snorkelling or just relaxing – it will be an unforgettable day.Boarding is 30 minutes before departure. The Santa Bernarda complies with the latest EU safety and rescue equipment regulations and at the beginning of every cruise the crew explain the use of life jackets and life rafts. There are several programmes to chose from.To book your unforgettable trip on the Santa Bernarda, ring Chris on (00351) 96 455 3693 or Kath on (00351) 96 657 6913 when you are in Portugal or book from the UK ahead 0044 1283 821 072Programme 1: Caves Expedition: Mon, Tues*, Wed, Thurs, Fri: 09.45 – 13.00 hours: Portimão – Carvoeiro – Armação de Pêra – Portimão
The trip starts in Portimão and the ship motors towards the mouth of the Rio Arade, passing the village of Ferragudo and two medieval forts. On reaching the Atlantic Ocean, the ship turns south east and sails down the beautiful coastline to Carvoeiro and the rock formations of Algar Seco. In the area of the lighthouse of Alfanzina, between the beaches of Benagil, Praia de Marinha and Armação de Pêra are the largest and deepest of the Algarvian coastal caves. Using their specially equipped cave boats, the crew take you into several of these caves.Price: Adults €30, Children up to 10 years of age €15
Programme 2A: Sailing and Caves of Carvoeiro: Mon, Tues*, Wed, Fri: 14.30 – 1800 hours: Portimão – Carvoeiro – Armação de Pêra – Portimão
The trip takes the same route as for Programme 1, sailing down the coast to Carvoeiro. The crew shows you the Smugglers cave, the deep cave of Alfanzina and the Cape of Carvoeiro. At Benegil, if the sea is calm, the anchor is dropped to enable you to have swim and visit the caves. The return cruise is under engine along the rocks and the caves.
Price: Adults €30, Children up to 10 years of age €15
Programme 2B: Caves of Lagos: Thurs: 14.30 -18.20 hours: Portimão – Alvor – Lagos – PortimãoFor this trip, the ship turns westward out of the Rio Arade. Cruising past the beaches of Praia da Rocha, Praia do Vau and the natural conservation area of the Alvor estuary, the ship reaches Lagos which was the point of departure for Henry the Navigator and Vasco da Gama on their Voyages of Discovery. If the sea is calm, the ship anchors so that you may swim and visit the unusual rock formations at Ponta da Piedade. The ship returns to Portimão through the Bay of Lagos and sometimes dolphins will join the boat for a while.
Price: Adults €30, Children up to 10 years of age €15
Programme 3: Robinson Tour – BBQ: Saturdays, Tues*: 09.45 – 1800 hours, Beach BBQ – cavesCome with the Santa Bernarda and enjoy an adventures cruise day. The cruise starts in the Rio Arade at Portimão and follows the coastline past Carvoeiro and Alfanzina lighthouse to Benagil. There the ship drops anchor and you transfer to the cave boats to visit some of the best caves in
the Algarve. Afterwards you go to a beach, accessible only by sea, to enjoy a 3 course BBQ of grilled sardines, chicken piri-piri, kebab, mixed salad and bread followed by fruit. Chilled wines and soft drinks will also be served. (Order vegetarian at the time of booking please). You have time to swim, snorkel, sunbathe and relax. At about 14.30 hours, you return to the boat and cruise west under power towards Lagos then turning back towards Portimão under sail to complete your day of adventure. If the waves are bigger than 1m, the BBQ will take place in the bay of Ferragudo.Price: Adults €60, Children up to 10 years of age €30
*Programme 3, Tuesday during June to October, instead of Programme 1 + 2
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but there are more cruises and boats …
Boat cruises
Boat cruising
River trip to Silves
Enjoying the coast line
Also … fishing adventures:
Alvor Boat Trips, proud owners of Portugal’s first Solar powered Tourist Boat is based in the picturesque fishing village of Alvor in the Algarve, in southern Portugal and run trips from both Alvor and Praia Da Rocha, Portimão.
Luís Lourenço and Róisín O’Hagan, a Portuguese-Irish family business, welcome visitors and offer friendly, fun and informative boat trips throughout the area and the year. Sea and river fishing and coastal cruising on board “Novo Alvor”(const.2004) . Pure power and pure pleasure on board
“Alvor Flor do Sol” (const.2008) solar powered coastal, river and sunset cruises. All of which take in the breathtaking natural beauty of the area on the water around Alvor, Portimão, Lagos and the nearby coastline.
“We look forward to seeing you soon in Alvor and please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information info@alvorboattrips.com. Our business is your leisure and our aim is your recommendation, just check out our reviews on Tripadvisor
Whether you’re really into surfing and bodyboarding or are just looking to see great beaches and waves, Southern Portugal is the place to be. 
KITESURFING/SURFING
http://www.alvorkitecenter.com info@alvorkitecenter.com
The surfing in the Algarve has been compared to that of Southern California. The Algarve has a wide range of excellent beaches catering to all levels within a small area.
There is a dynamic surfing community in the west of the Algarve and many surf schools are based in Lagos and Sagres.Favourites include Carrapateira, Arrifana, Praia do Amado, Zavial, Tonel, Mareta, Beliche, Praia do Castelejo, Monte Clérigo and Carriagem.
Sagres is located in a natural park at the south-western most point of Portugal. It is secluded, laid back and windswept with beautiful views and unpretentious surfer friendly bars. It feels like you’re at the edge of the world!
