If you want the kind of boat day that feels personal, unhurried, and genuinely special, Passeios de Barco- Arraial Sailors delivers exactly that. This tour agency is known for creating an atmosphere where you’re not just a passenger—you’re welcomed like a guest. From the first messages to the moment you step onboard, the experience is described as warm, well-organized, and full of positive energy.
Travelers frequently highlight how helpful Erika is in the run-up to the trip, offering clear information and advice so you feel prepared and excited. Once on the boat, Ivo and Eugénio set the tone with an easy friendliness—“make yourself at home” isn’t a slogan here, it’s how the day actually feels. Families love that the crew are fun and attentive with children and teens, adding thoughtful surprises along the way that turn a simple outing into lasting memories.
What happens on the water is wonderfully varied. Guests talk about heading farther out to sea, trying their hand at fishing (with patient guidance that’s worth listening to), then stopping at a stunning deserted beach or sandbank for a lunch break. The food is a highlight in itself: local seafood lunch, fresh flavors, and generous portions—often including cataplana—served in a setting that feels like your own private slice of the Algarve.
After lunch, the day often shifts into play mode: swimming, snorkelling, and paddleboarding in clear water, with beautiful landscapes all around and none of the usual tourist crowds. It’s relaxed, social, and ideal for groups who want quality time together rather than a packed, noisy schedule.
For anyone searching for private boat trips in Tavira that combine hospitality, great food, and a truly personalized day at sea, Arraial Sailors is an easy recommendation—and the kind of experience you’ll want to repeat.
ROMAO BATISTA
2 years agoWe can’t speak highly enough about our incredible day onboard the arrasail! From start to finish it was magical. Erika was so helpful in the run up to the trip giving us all the information and advice and on the day met us with a beautiful energy and a big smile! It certainly set the tone for the day. Once we were onboard Ivo and Eugenio couldn’t have been more welcoming! They said please feel like the boat is yours, like you’re at home. And we really did. They were so kind and fun with the children and all the little surprises just blew our minds! The fishing was so good and we caught a big dourado (we would have caught more but we pulled the line too hard!) piece of advice…listen to how they teach you to do it! Taking out the paddle boards and snorkelling was brilliant and again Ivo and Eugenio just had the best energy and we felt we’d made two new friends at the end. Don’t hesitate to book this magical day, the memories will stay with us forever
Alison
2 years agoWe had a super chilled day on the boat with extended family (4 adults & 4 teens). The crew clearly love being at sea and that came across. In the morning we went far out and they caught a fish, for lunch we stopped at a stunning deserted beach / sandbank. With no other boats in sight we had the magical paradise to ourselves. Lunch was delicious and the seafood, fish and cataplana plentiful! After lunch we enjoyed swimming and playing in the sea. A wonderful trip for those who want a personal experience away from the tourist crowds. Thank you Erica, Ivo and Eugenio.
María Torrecilla Gómez
2 years agoAn incredible experience. Both Ivo and Eugenio made us feel at home, we had a wonderful day, we saw beautiful landscapes and tasted the delicious local food they prepared for us. We will certainly not only recommend them but we will repeat for sure. Thank you for everything!
Jessica Rodriguez
2 years agoAbsolutely amazing experience with Ivo and Eugenio. They treated us like family, the boat was very large (we were a group of 5 and 8 people would have been comfortable) - they caught a fish and made it for us, also brought us some oysters! One of the best charters we’ve ever done, 100% will repeat again!
Amy Wilson
9 months agoUnforgettable Experience, one of the best days I’ve ever had! We had an absolutely amazing time on our boat trip in Portugal! From start to finish, everything was perfectly organised and stress-free. The crew was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and made us feel right at home, we can’t thank Ivo and Bruna enough. They were so good with the children also and couldn’t do more to make us all happy. The scenery along the coastline was breathtaking — crystal-clear waters, hidden beaches. We had lots of time to swim, relax, and soak up the sun, and the boat itself was spotless and very comfortable. We even got a chance to learn a bit about the local history and marine life, which made the trip even more special. Whether you're looking for a peaceful escape or a fun adventure on the water, I can't recommend this experience enough. Definitely the highlight of our family trip to Portugal!