Berlenga Grande Island Day Trip: Glass-Bottom Boat Tour
Eight hours, one island, a 17th-century fort and caves seen from below the waterline
This small-group day trip from Lisbon takes you to Berlenga Grande Island, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve seven miles off the coast, where you visit St John the Baptist Fort, walk the island's pathways and explore its caves on a glass-bottom boat. Groups stay under eight travelers, and the guide speaks English or Portuguese. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Lisbon are included, along with snorkeling equipment and bottled water.
Step-by-step itinerary
Day trip from Lisbon to Berlenga Grande
- Start tour in central Lisbon
- Meet next to Rossio Train Station
- Drive past Avenida da Liberdade
- Pass by Marquês de Pombal
- Pass by Óbidos village and castle
- Stop near Peniche Fort
- Enjoy views over Baleal Beach
- Sail past Carvoeiro Cape
- Boat trip to Berlenga Grande Island
- Visit St John the Baptist Fort
- Walk island pathways in Biosphere Reserve
- Explore caves on glass-bottom boat
- Restauradores Square passing by
- Estacao Do Rossio passing by
- Avenida da Liberdade passing by
- Estatua do Marques de Pombal passing by
- Fortaleza de Peniche, Portugal 30m
- Baleal Beach passing by
- Cabo Carvoeiro passing by
- Berlenga Grande 4h
- Obidos passing by
What’s included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Lisbon.
- private guide in English or Portuguese.
- transport by private minivan to Peniche.
- round-trip boat passage to and from Berlenga Grande.
- glass-bottom boat excursion to explore the island's caves.
- snorkeling equipment.
- and bottled water throughout the day.
Next departure: 1 Jun 2027
Information
Eight-hour day trip from Lisbon to Berlenga Grande Island with private guide, glass-bottom boat tour and snorkeling to explore underwater caves and marine life.
Compare the 6 alternatives
Traveler reviews
The experience
The day starts at Restauradores Square next to Rossio Train Station in central Lisbon. From there, you drive through the city (past Avenida da Liberdade and Marquês de Pombal) heading north toward Peniche, a fishing village on the coast. The route passes Óbidos and its castle in the distance, and you'll have time to take in views over Baleal Beach before boarding the boat. The crossing itself passes Carvoeiro Cape and covers seven miles of open water to reach the island.
Once on Berlenga Grande, you explore the 17th-century St John the Baptist Fort and wander the pathways of the reserve. The glass-bottom boat excursion, included in the tour, lets you see the island's caves and marine life without getting wet, though snorkeling gear is provided if you want to go in the water. The guide stays with the group throughout, offering context and answering questions. Numbers are capped at eight travelers, so you're never in a crowd.
The full day runs eight hours, though high season (July and August) may shorten the time spent on the island due to visitor limits set by local authorities. You'll need a moderate level of fitness for the boat travel and walking the island's terrain. Wear comfortable clothing and footwear. Bring a hat and sunscreen. The boat has WiFi on board, and bottled water is provided. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Lisbon are included in the price.
Top questions
Can I be picked up at my hotel?
You can choose: pickup at your hotel, or go straight to the meeting point. Pickup is included in the price. When you book, you choose your hotel from 268 pickup locations; if yours isn’t listed, you can type in your address.
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and Portuguese.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 4): free.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What is St John the Baptist Fort and why is it on Berlenga Grande?
St John the Baptist Fort is a 17th-century structure built on the island as a defensive fortification. It stands as a landmark of the island's history and is one of the main stops on the tour, where you can walk around and see the architecture and views from the fort itself.
Can I swim or snorkel at Berlenga Grande on this tour?
Snorkeling equipment is included and available for use. The glass-bottom boat excursion lets you see the caves and marine life from the boat, and you can also enter the water with the provided gear if you choose to. Swimming is possible, though the guide will advise on safe areas and conditions.
How long is the boat ride from Peniche to Berlenga Grande Island?
The crossing covers seven miles of open water. The exact duration depends on sea conditions, but it is part of the eight-hour total day. The boat has WiFi on board during the crossing.
What happens if the weather is bad or the sea is rough?
The tour operates in most conditions, but the operator may cancel or reschedule if sea conditions make the crossing unsafe. You should check the cancellation policy when booking, as high winds or rough seas can affect departure.
Is lunch included, and where do I eat on the island?
Lunch is not included in the tour price. You can bring your own food or purchase items in Peniche before boarding. Facilities on the island are limited, so packing snacks and water is recommended.
Operated by Around Lisbon. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.
Prices and times updated 2 days ago
Berlenga Grande Island Day Trip: Glass-Bottom Boat Tour
8h · EN · PT
from € 200 per person
≈ US$ 225 in your currency
Next, you choose your date and number of travelers and see the final price.