Girl sitting on the front of a small boat, drinking a glass of Porto on the Douro River on a blue sky day.

The 10 BEST Porto Boat Tours in 2024

ByMelissa Kruse Hours Posted on Hours Updated on

Are you looking for the best Porto Boat Tour? Read on for the top recommendations!

Porto, a city renowned for its bridges, historic architecture, and the enchanting Douro River, offers some of the most memorable boat trips in Portugal. Whether you’re a lover of scenic landscapes, a wine enthusiast, or simply in search of a unique way to experience the city, a boat trip in Porto is an unmissable activity.

Pro tip: There are two main marinas a bit outside of the historic center, so you’ll likely have to Uber to the meeting point. Double check the meeting point for your boat cruise before you book!

Best 2 hour Porto Boat Tours

In my opinion the 2 hour boat trips are the best offerings on this list. They are on smaller boats than the normal 1 hour cruise that you’ll find is the most common along the Duoro River. The smaller boats offer a more boutique experience that I really enjoy.

1. Douro River Tour with Port Wine

I really enjoyed my experience on this small boat trip with Boating Porto, which is small local business as opposed to many of the more commercial options available. Jonas is local who does it all – he owns the boat, captains it, shares information about Porto and, most importantly, serves Port wine. I highly recommend this boat tour!

What’s included:
🔹2 hour river cruise
🔹Tastings of 3 port wines
🔹Light snacks (pastel de nata, chocolates)

Good for:
Small groups up to 6
Couples

➡️ Click here to check availability and book ⬅️

Interior of a small open boat on a sunny day in Porto, including a couple people and a glass of Port wine.

2. Porto/Sunset Tour on the Douro River with welcome drink

Experience relaxation and fun while you appreciate the architecture of Porto & Gaia. Enjoy the sunset from the mouth of the Douro river.

What’s included:
🔹2 hour river cruise
🔹Welcome drinks

Good for:
Small groups
Couples

➡️ Click here to check availability and book ⬅️

3. City Cruise with Sunset Option

Enjoy the company of a local crew as you cruise under the setting sun with a glass of wine.

What’s included:
🔹2 hour river cruise
🔹Welcome drinks

Good for:
Small groups
Couples

➡️ Click here to check availability and book ⬅️

4. 6 Bridges Port Wine River Cruise with 4 Tastings

Try 4 different ports with a selection of chocolates as you learn about Porto, its bridges, and its products.

What’s included:
🔹2 hour boat tour
🔹Tastings of 4 port wines
🔹Chocolates
🔹Spotify on board

Good for:
Small groups
Couples

➡️ Click here to check availability and book ⬅️

Best 1 hour Porto Boat Tour

A quintessential Porto experience, the Six Bridges Cruise takes you on a journey through the city’s history and architecture. As you glide along the Douro, you’ll pass beneath the six iconic bridges that connect Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia, including the famous Dom Luís I Bridge. This short yet delightful trip, typically lasting about 50 minutes, offers fantastic views of the city’s riverside areas and is perfect for those with limited time.

5. 6 Bridges Douro River Cruise

If you are budget conscious this is the perfect way to get out on the river and admire the historic architecture without paying a lot.

What’s included:
🔹50 minute river cruise

Good for:
Budget conscious travelers
Travelers short on time
Families

➡️ Click here to check availability and book ⬅️

Best Sailboat Porto Boat Tour

Experience the magic of Porto at dusk with a sunset cruise. These trips provide a romantic and serene setting, perfect for couples or those seeking a tranquil evening

6. Sunset or daytime sailboat cruise on the Douro River

Treat yourself to a sightseeing sail on the Douro River, with the option to cruise at the sunset.

What’s included:
🔹2 hour boat ride
🔹Welcome drink
🔹Snacks
🔹Spotify on board

Good for:
Couples
Small groups

➡️ Click here to check availability and book ⬅️

Best Douro Valley Porto Boat Tours

For wine aficionados, a trip to Porto would be incomplete without exploring the famed Douro Valley. Many operators offer day-long excursions that combine a relaxing boat trip along the Douro River with visits to vineyards and wine tastings. These tours not only offer a taste of the region’s renowned wines but also provide an opportunity to witness the stunning terraced landscapes that characterize the Douro Valley.

7. Private Douro Cruise, 2 Wineries & Chef’s Lunch

Experience the beauty of Douro Valley on a private cruise during this full day trip from Porto. Enjoy tastings as you visit 2 small wineries, and enjoy a home-cooked lunch at a family-run wine estate.

What’s included:
🔹1-hour private Douro Valley boat cruise
🔹Guide
🔹Local snack and drinks on the boat
🔹Visit to 2 family-run wine producers
🔹Farm-to-table lunch at the wine estate
🔹Opening a vintage port wine bottle (made by a WSET level 2 sommelier) with fire
🔹Transportation in an air-conditioned van
🔹Mineral water all day

Good for:
Couples
Small group trips

➡️ Click here to check availability and book ⬅️

8. Full-Day Douro Wine Tour with Lunch and River Cruise

Experience the best of Douro Valley on a full day tour from Porto. Enjoy tastings at 2 wineries and local food before riding a river cruise in the heart of Douro.

What’s included:
🔹Hotel pickup and drop-off (Hotel or Airbnb in Porto Downtown/city center)
🔹Transportation in air-conditioned van
🔹Professional tour guide
🔹Visits to two wineries
🔹Tasting of Port Wines and Douro wines (DOC Douro)
🔹Lunch at a traditional local restaurant
🔹50-minute shared river cruise
🔹Photo stops
🔹Bottled water

Good for:
Couples
Groups

➡️ Click here to check availability and book ⬅️

9. Douro Valley w/ Boat Tour, Wine Tasting & Lunch

Taste port wine and olive oil, enjoy a traditional lunch, and relax with a cruise along the Douro River on this full day trip from Porto.

What’s included:
🔹Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected)
🔹Guide
🔹Lunch
🔹Wi-Fi onboard
🔹1-hour Douro River cruise
🔹2 wine tastings

Good for:
Couples
Groups

➡️ Click here to check availability and book ⬅️

Best Private Porto Boat Tour

For a more exclusive and personalized experience, consider chartering a private yacht. This option allows you to tailor your itinerary, be it for a few hours or a full day. Explore the Douro at your own pace, visit remote areas, or simply relax on deck with stunning views. Private charters are ideal for special occasions or for those who prefer a more luxurious and intimate setting.

10. Douro River Boat Tour With Tasting

Small yacht boat tour where you can take in local sights, feel the ocean breeze, and enjoy a tasting menu of local foods.

What’s included:
🔹2x Skipper
🔹Glass of port and sparkling wine
🔹Water
🔹Regional products tasting menu

Good for:
Couples
Groups up to 6
Families

➡️ Click here to check availability and book ⬅️

View from the Gaia side of the Douro River with the Rabelo boats in view.

TL;DR: 10 Best Porto Boat Tours

Whether you’re cruising beneath its majestic bridges, sipping wine in the Douro Valley, or watching the sunset from the deck, these boat trips promise to be a highlight of your trip to Porto.

I’d recommend the smaller group trips to enjoy a more intimate and less commercial feel.

If you are planning on other activities in Porto, learn more about visiting Braga and Guimaraes in one day.