Getting onto Porto’s waterways is a great way to experience this historic region.
The calm Douro River offers easy paddling tours – I especially like the 1.5-hour Islands Tour for its relaxed pace and views of the city’s bridges.
For a more adventurous workout, head to Gerês National Park where guided kayak tours combine pristine nature with expert instruction.
All recommended tours include hotel pickup, English-speaking guides, and full safety gear.
Let’s look at the best water routes Porto has to offer.
Key Points
-
Explore the stunning Gerês National Park on a full-day Kayak Experience & Tour with a maximum of 6 participants and a local lunch.
-
Enjoy nature-based adventures that showcase Porto’s unique landscapes and natural wonders through various kayaking and paddleboarding tours.
-
Enjoy a 2-hour stand-up paddling journey on the Douro River Islands Tour, with no prior experience required and instruction provided.
-
Combine a 45-minute sound healing session with 45 minutes of paddleboarding on the Sound Healing & Paddle small-group tour.
-
Experience a 1.5-hour Pilates on Paddleboards class, including a photo session, to challenge your body and mind.
Stand up Paddle Discovering Desert Beaches of Douro River – Pick up Included
Gliding across the serene waters of the Douro River, this stand-up paddleboarding tour offers participants the chance to discover the area’s picturesque desert beaches and lesser-known natural wonders.
Designed for beginners, the experience includes a lesson at the start and provides all necessary equipment, including the paddleboard, paddle, and life jacket.
Led by an entertaining guide, the tour allows visitors to enjoy the beautiful scenery while learning about the region’s history and stories.
With a 100% recommendation rate and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this hassle-free activity is an excellent way to explore the beauty of Porto from the water.
Read our full review: Stand up Paddle Discovering Desert Beaches of Douro River – Pick up Included Review
Book now: Check availability
Kayak Experience & Gerês Tour, From Porto
Embarking on a full-day adventure, the Kayak Experience & Gerês Tour from Porto takes participants on a captivating journey through the stunning landscapes of Gerês National Park.
This small-group tour (max. 6 people) offers a comprehensive experience, including kayaking, hiking, and exploring the park’s breathtaking vistas. Equipped with all necessary gear and led by knowledgeable local guides, travelers can expect a scenic, personalized experience.
The tour includes pickup and drop-off service, a local lunch, and photos/videos to capture the memories. With a 5.0 rating from 7 reviews, this tour is an excellent choice for those seeking an immersive nature-based adventure near Porto.
Read our full review: Kayak Experience & Gerês Tour, From Porto Review
Book now: Check availability
Stand up Paddle Surf Tour in Love Island With Pick up
On a Stand Up Paddle Surf Tour in Love Island, participants can expect a captivating experience on the pristine waters of the Paiva River.
Operated by SUP Douro in Porto, Portugal, the tour offers a private driver to transport guests to the launch point. With no prior SUP experience required, you will receive instruction and provided with a stand-up paddleboard and wetsuit if needed.
The tour lasts for hours as paddlers journey across the river to a small island, providing opportunities to observe local flora and fauna.
Rated 5.0 stars from 4 reviews, the tour is priced from $159.96 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand.
Read our full review: Stand up Paddle Surf Tour in Love Island With Pick up Review
Book now: Check availability
SURF PADDLE Lesson in Matosinhos Beach
After exploring the serene waterways of the Paiva River, those seeking a more exhilarating water experience can venture to Matosinhos Beach for a SURF PADDLE Lesson.
This private tour offers participants the chance to learn stand-up paddleboarding on the waves. The lesson includes all necessary equipment, with a price starting from $64.40 per person.
The activity isn’t wheelchair accessible, and those with back problems, heart conditions, or who are pregnant should avoid it. However, most travelers can participate.
The lesson concludes back at the meeting point, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the start time.
Read our full review: SURF PADDLE Lesson in Matosinhos Beach Review
Book now: Check availability
Stand up Paddle Tour – Island of Loves – Pick-Up Location
For those seeking a truly unique stand-up paddleboarding experience in Porto, the Island of Loves Stand Up Paddle Tour is a must.
This 1.5-hour adventure starts at the Estádio do Dragão, with pick-ups available in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish. The tour is limited to 8 participants, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience.
After a 45-minute car transfer, guests will explore the picturesque Douro River while paddleboarding. No prior experience is necessary, and the tour includes all necessary equipment, including a life jacket.
Priced at $157.92 per person, this tour offers a great way to discover Porto’s natural beauty and enjoy a fun, social activity.
Read our full review: Stand up Paddle Tour – Island of Loves – Pick-Up Location Review
Book now: Check availability
SOUNDHEALING and Stand up Paddle With Pick up
Combining the soothing power of sound healing with the tranquility of stand-up paddleboarding, this unique 1.5-hour experience in Porto promises to rejuvenate both body and mind.
Participants will first enjoy a 45-minute sound healing concert, seeing the therapeutic vibrations of various instruments.
Then, they’ll hop on stand-up paddleboards for a serene 45-minute ride.
The small-group tour, limited to 9 people, is led by multilingual instructors and includes all necessary equipment, insurance, and a photo session.
Priced at $104.93 per person, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, this nature-based wellness activity is an excellent way to connect with the beauty of Porto.
Read our full review: SOUNDHEALING and Stand up Paddle With Pick up Review
Book now: Check availability
Pilates on Stand up Paddle and Tour With Pick up Point
This invigorating 1.5-hour experience on the Douro River or its tributaries combines the restorative benefits of Pilates with the tranquility of stand-up paddleboarding.
It starts with a 45-minute Pilates class, followed by a 45-minute SUP ride. The small group, limited to 8 participants, meets at the Estádio do Dragão metro station.
Prices start from CZK1,998 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. The experience is led by multilingual instructors and includes all necessary equipment, insurance, and transfer to the pick-up location.
This therapeutic outing promotes physical and emotional well-being while helping overcome fears and challenges.
It also includes a photo session to capture the memorable moments.
Read our full review: Pilates on Stand up Paddle and Tour With Pick up Point Review
Book now: Check availability
Yoga on Stand up Paddle Board and Tour With Pick up Point
Participants embark on a 1.5-hour journey that blends the serenity of yoga with the tranquility of stand-up paddleboarding.
The experience begins at the Estádio do Dragão metro station, where guests are transported to the meeting point.
During the 45-minute yoga session, an English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French-speaking instructor guides participants through a series of poses while on the paddleboards.
The subsequent 45-minute stand-up paddleboarding tour allows guests to connect with nature and achieve emotional well-being.
The small group size, limited to 8 participants, ensures personalized attention.
Included in the $83.73 per person fee are the necessary equipment, insurance, and a photo session to capture the experience.
Read our full review: Yoga on Stand up Paddle Board and Tour With Pick up Point Review
Book now: Check availability
Tour Stand up Paddle – Pick up Point
The Stand Up Paddle experience on the Douro River offers an opportunity to explore Porto’s picturesque waterways.
The 2-hour tour, including a 1.5-hour paddle and 30-minute car travel, departs from the Metro Estadio Dragão near the Dragão soccer stadium.
No prior experience is necessary, as the instructor provides a lesson and guided exploration along the river.
Priced from $73.13 per person, the tour includes all necessary equipment like the paddleboard, paddle, and life jacket.
Adventurers can capture stunning photos during the journey and learn interesting stories from the knowledgeable instructor.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this stand-up paddling experience is an excellent way to enjoy Porto’s natural beauty.
Read our full review: Tour Stand up Paddle – Pick up Point Review
Book now: Check availability
Tour Stand up Paddle – Dessert Islands Douro – Pick up Point
Adventurous travelers embark on a 2-hour stand-up paddling journey that takes them from the Metro Estadio Dragão to the captivating Douro River Islands. This activity requires no prior experience, as instruction is provided in multiple languages.
The tour includes a 15-minute car transfer to the Douro River, where participants receive a stand-up paddle board, paddle, life jacket, and insurance. Paddlers can expect an entertaining instructor and the opportunity to engage with nature while exploring Porto’s stunning waterways.
The experience lasts 1.5 hours on the river, with a 30-minute car transfer back to the starting point. Travelers can enjoy this unique adventure with the convenience of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Tour Stand up Paddle – Dessert Islands Douro – Pick up Point Review
Book now: Check availability
Stand up Paddle Tour – Waterfalls – Pick-Up Location
Departing from the Metro Estadio Dragão, the stand-up paddle tour takes adventurers on an exhilarating journey to discover the magnificent waterfalls along the Douro River.
The 1.5-hour excursion is led by an engaging instructor fluent in Portuguese, English, French, and Spanish, ensuring a seamless and informative experience for all participants.
With a maximum of 8 people per group, the small-group setting fosters a fun and social atmosphere.
Paddlers will marvel at the stunning nature views while getting a full-body workout.
The tour includes all necessary equipment like stand-up paddle boards, paddles, and life jackets, as well as insurance and transportation to the pick-up location.
Read our full review: Stand up Paddle Tour – Waterfalls – Pick-Up Location Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Porto offers a variety of exciting water sports experiences. From stand-up paddleboarding on the Douro River to kayaking tours in the scenic Gerês region, there’s something for all. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a unique perspective of the city, these activities provide an unforgettable way to explore the natural beauty surrounding Porto.