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Choose either a three-hour trip to Albufeira’s coastal grottoes or a 7-hour cruise with beach barbecue at Armação de Pêra.

This replica of a 500-year-old Portuguese caravela charts the caves and grottoes between Lagos and Armação de Pêra.

This colourful schooner sets sail for the Ponte de Piedade grottoes, where dinghies allow closer inspection of this natural wonder. The all-day cruise sails on to Sagres and the “end of the world”.

Schooner Bom Dia

Claiming an 80 percent success rate, this semi-inflatable powers out of the marina on its quest. When the dolphins are sighted, the boat reduces speed and waits for a display of marine antics.

A trip upstream along the slumbering Guadiana, passing the Reserva Natural do Sapal. Lunch at Foz de Odeleite and music and wine on return.

This ancient waterway allows for an absorbing journey to Silves (Silves), where you can explore for an hour before the return.

Arade Mar cruise

A maritime expedition through the myriad waterways of the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, allowing possibly the best way to explore this diverse wetland. Lunch is at O Estaminé, which specializes in seafood.

Under full sail, this majestic schooner hugs the coastline from Lagos to Cabo de Sâo Vicente. See Western Region. The ship drops anchor for lunch near a sandy beach, with plenty of time for swimming.

If luxury is what you crave at sea, why not have champagne and canapés? And, if your cruise is more than four hours, proceed with a salmon-and-caviar lunch.

For the ultimate in style and sophistication, charter a private motor yacht, care of the Vila Vita Parc resort. See Luxury, Five-Star Hotels. The last word in maritime luxury.