Programs

Online booking

Buy your ticket online throught our online booking service, or contact us via phone, email or contact form at the end of this page. In case you have any questions please feel free to contact us. We hope to welcome you on board soon.

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P1 – Cave expedition – morning

In the morning the sea is very calm, ideal conditions for an unforgettable cave trip. We begin our trip in the historical harbour of Portimão. We follow the Rio Arade, passing the fishermen’s village of Ferragudo and two medieval forts. With motorpower we reach the Atlantic, turning South-East, passing the beautiful coastline to Carvoeiro and the rock formations of Algar Seco. At the Lighthouse of Alfazina we transfer you to our safe and special equiped cave boats, to show you the best caves of Carvoeiro, Benagil and Praia da Marinha, close to Armação de Pêra.

Booking P1

P2 - Cave expedition – afternoon

We commence our sailing trip in the historical harbour of Portimão passing the fishermen´s village of Ferragudo with two medieval forts, we reach the Atlantic turning South-East. At the Lighthouse we set sail, cruising alongside the cliffs to Carvoeiro, and the rock formations of Algar Seco. We show you the Smuggler´s cave, the deep cave of Alfanzina and the Cape of Carvoeiro. These are the most spectacular Algarvian caves in the region between Portimão and Armação de Pêra. If the weather condittions allow, we will stopt the boat and you will have the chance to have a swim.

Booking P2

P3 – Caves and Beach BBQ – whole day

Come with us and enjoy a whole day's cruise in the spirit of the great explorers like Columbus and Vasco da Gama. In the morning you will have the chance to visit some of the best caves in the Algarve. Afterwards we take you to a beach where we serve a 3-course BBQ consisting of grilled sardines, chicken piri-piri, pork steaks, mixed salad and traditional bread followed by fruits. Enjoy chilled wines and soft drinks. In case you prefer vegetarian food, please advice at time of booking. About 2:30 p.m. we cruise direction Lagos and turn back to Portimão under sail, ending your day of adventure. The beach for the BBQ will be defined at the time of departure, considering the sea conditions.

Booking P3

Private Charter

The caravelle "Santa Bernarda" (max. capacity: 60 persons) is available for chartering by hours or the whole day. Suitable in particular for family and company parties, clubs and so on. We arrange for tailor made programme and catering in accordance to your individual desires. For inquiry and further information please fill in our request sheet (see contact). We advice you to contact us as soon as possible, so that we can guarantee the reservation of the boat.

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Sales points

We offer several sales poits in the Algarve. Book your ticket directly with us by phone, email or online booking. You can also book at the reception of your hotel, find a local reseller shop or go to our sales stand No.5 at the pier in Portimão (close to the Capitania)

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About Us

Team

Our team consists 2 multilingual captains for the “Santa Bernarda”, 2 boatmen for the traditional, motorized cave boats and 2 sailors serving drinks and snacks at the bar on board. All of our employees look back on many years of experience at sea and in the caves. Our colleagues in the office ensure that you are in good hands with us for all your concerns.

Boat and safety

This 75 foot two mast sailing vessel offers you an unique experience for the sea and shows you the most beautiful Algarvian coastline. Find your comfortable sitting place in the protected mid-deck, top deck, aft-salon or galley. The "Santa Bernarda" complies the latest safety and rescue equipment according to the EU-regulations for safety at sea. At the beginning of the cruise the crew will give you complete information about the safety and rescue equipment on board in English. In the "Pirate bar" and heated salon we offer you a variety of drinks and snacks. Jackets on board are also available.

History

The "Santa Bernarda" was built in 1968 on the french Atlantic coast, in Bayonne. Until 1992 it served as a fishing vessel in the north Atlantic under the name of “Le Trident”. In 1995, retired from fishery, the vessel came to the harbour of Portimão, where it was bought by the “Santa Bernarda cruzeiros Lda.” All the construction and modernisation works were done on the old shipyard of Portimão, close to the old bridge. Since October 2020 the “Santa Bernarda” operates regularly from the Port of Portimão.

REFERENCES

KFC

Zoomarine

Doritos

Contacts

Contact/Office

Santa Bernarda Cruzeiros Ltd.
Rua Júdice Fialho, 4
8500–702 Portimão
Algarve – Portugal
Mobil Phone: +351 967 023 840
phone/Fax:+351 282 422 791
E-Mail: info@santa–bernarda.com
Office: Mo - Fr , 8:00am to 6:00pm
NIF: 503 822 612 / RNAAT: 165/2010

Boarding

The boarding takes place at the Cais Vasco da Gama, close to the Clube Naval of Portimão, 30 minutes before departure. There is a free parking place close to the Clube Naval. Here depart all boats for excursions on the sea and river. Please wait here for the arrival of the “Santa Bernarda”.

Terms and conditions

The ticket is not transferable and not refundable. Our office phone +351 967 023 840, has to be notified of any cancellation at least 24 hours before departure. Cancellation less than 24 hours, before departure, due to illness or other, can only be accepted whit medical certificate. The passengers are requested to arrive at the boarding place 30 minutes before departure. Please retain your ticket until the end of the cruise. A change of weather conditions may alter the programme. Every passenger is insured according to the regulations of the E.U. We are not liable for loss or damage to personal item or clothing.