Porto Santo Island Snorkeling Tour: Marine Protected Area Guide

Shallow rockpools, octopuses in their habitat, moray eels between the rocks, and a guide who knows where to find them

Snorkel the marine protected area around Porto Santo Island with a local guide, private transport, and all equipment provided. You float in shallow waters watching octopuses, moray eels and schools of fish move through their natural space: no expert swimming required. The tour runs three hours and welcomes children from age 6. Guides speak English, Spanish, Portuguese and Italian.

The experience

You arrive at Porto Santo Island and spend three hours in the water of a marine protected area, floating in shallow rockpools while a guide shows you where the octopuses hide and the moray eels move between the rocks. The guide (Matias or Sherlock, a Portuguese Water Dog) knows the spot well enough to point out what most visitors would miss: the master of camouflage in its crevice, the schools of fish that move as one, the details that turn a swim into an underwater film. You wear the snorkeling equipment they provide and stay in water shallow enough that you don't need to be a confident swimmer.

Private transport picks you up and brings you back, so the morning or afternoon slot fits around the rest of your day without arranging a separate ride. The guide speaks your language (English, Spanish, Portuguese or Italian), and the whole group stays small enough that you're not following a crowd. Children from age 6 can come. Younger children sit on an adult's lap in the boat. Bring a swimsuit and towel. Everything else (the mask, fins, snorkel, insurance) is included.

What’s included

• Private transport to and from Porto Santo Island.
• snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, snorkel).
• insurance.
• and a local guide who speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese or Italian.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 16:45

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 14 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Porto Santo Tours

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want a guided snorkel in a marine protected area but prefer not to drive yourself. We provide transport and all gear, so you arrive and enter the water.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 11 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

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.

Can I snorkel at Porto Santo Island if I'm not a strong swimmer?

Yes. The snorkeling happens in shallow rockpools, and the guide keeps the group in water where you can stand. You don't need to be an expert swimmer to see the octopuses, moray eels and fish that live there.

What wildlife will I see while snorkeling at Porto Santo Island?

Octopuses in their natural habitat, moray eels gliding between rocks, and schools of fish swimming through the water. The guide knows where to find them and points out the animals most visitors would miss.

How long does the snorkeling tour at Porto Santo Island take?

The tour runs three hours total, including the time in the water and transport to and from the marine protected area.

Is transport included in the Porto Santo Island snorkeling tour?

Yes. Private transport picks you up and brings you back, so you don't need to arrange a separate ride to the island.