Snorkeling Tour

An octopus may change color against the rocks, a moray eel may slip from its hiding place, and a small fish may pass close to your mask. This three-hour snorkeling trip takes place in calm, shallow water, making it a gentle way to see marine life without needing expert swimming skills.

I like the small group limit of eight and the personal touch of guide Matias working alongside Sherlock, his Portuguese Water Dog. I also like that equipment, insurance, private transport, and hotel pickup are included. The main drawback is that confident snorkelers may find the outing too basic, with limited time or range in the water.

Key points to know before booking

• Octopus and moray eels: The sheltered rockpool can reveal some of Portugal’s most interesting small marine life.
• Calm water for beginners: You stay in shallow water connected to the sea, a useful setting for children and first-time snorkelers.
• Matias and Sherlock: The guide and his Portuguese Water Dog give the outing a friendly, personal character.
• Small group of eight: Fewer people mean more room for instruction and a quieter look beneath the surface.
• About $59.28 per person: The price covers gear, transport, insurance, and a local guide, but not food, drinks, a swimsuit, or a towel.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

A natural rockpool instead of a crowded beach

The heart of this outing is a natural rockpool connected to the sea. The water is calm enough for you to float close to the rocks and watch the underwater life without dealing with heavy surf. That matters if you are new to snorkeling, traveling with children, or simply want a relaxed morning rather than a strenuous water session.

This is also part of one of Portugal’s larger marine protected areas. The protected setting helps explain the appeal: the point is not speed, distance, or athletic skill. You are there to notice what is close by. Look carefully around the rocks and you might spot an octopus, a moray eel, a starfish, or schools of smaller fish.

The setting gives the trip its strongest sense of place. You are not being taken to an artificial aquarium. You are watching real sea life in its own habitat, with the added advantage of a sheltered pool. That combination makes the experience more approachable than open-water snorkeling.

Still, calm water has a tradeoff. If you already snorkel often and want a long route, deep water, or a wider range of sites, this may feel limited. One person described the equipment and setting as excellent but found the outing aimed squarely at beginners. That is useful guidance, not a flaw for the right audience.

Meeting Matias and Sherlock

Matias is the local guide, instructor, and main source of information during the outing. Sherlock, his Portuguese Water Dog, comes along as the memorable sidekick. The dog is more than a cute detail in the description. For families and younger participants, Sherlock gives the activity a warm, informal feel before anyone puts on a mask.

You can expect guidance before entering the water, though the supplied information does not give a minute-by-minute schedule or a detailed lesson plan. The trip is designed for people who do not need expert swimming skills, so the instruction should be suited to basic confidence and safe movement in shallow water.

A young participant described seeing an octopus, eels, and many fish, including a small octopus that held onto her hand. That is the kind of close encounter that can make the morning memorable, but marine life is never guaranteed. You may find the animals quickly, or you may need patience and a sharp eye.

Matias also seems to be a key part of the outing’s appeal. His role is not simply to hand out equipment and point toward the water. He helps you notice what you might otherwise miss, especially creatures that blend into rocks. For a first snorkeling experience, that guidance can make the difference between seeing only fish and discovering the whole small world around them.

What the three-hour outing feels like

The experience lasts about three hours, including the trip to the water and the snorkeling session. Pickup is offered, and people joining the activity can define the pickup point. Private transportation is included, which keeps the transfer simple and avoids the need to arrange your own ride to the site.

A short car journey may be involved. One account describes a timely hotel pickup and a brief drive to a lagoon connected to the sea. Since exact pickup times and locations depend on your arrangement, confirm those details when booking and be ready at the agreed spot.

At the water, you receive snorkeling equipment. This includes the basic gear needed for the activity, and reports specifically praise the condition of the wetsuits, masks, and fins. That is important in Portugal, where even a calm morning can feel cool once you are floating in the water.

You need to bring your own swimsuit and towel. Snacks, food, and drinks are also not included. Pack those items before pickup because the experience is built around the water, not around a meal stop or a shop visit.

The snorkeling itself takes place in shallow water. You float near the rocks and watch for marine life rather than covering a large distance. The emphasis is on observation and simple instruction, so you should not expect a technical course, a long open-water route, or advanced underwater training.

The phrase 3D experience refers to the way the scene unfolds around you. Fish pass in different directions, an eel may remain partly hidden, and an octopus can blend into the rock until a guide points it out. You get the most from the outing by slowing down and scanning carefully instead of rushing from one sighting to the next.

The animals you might see

Octopus is the star attraction here. These animals are skilled at camouflage, so finding one is part of the fun. You might see only an eye or a change in texture at first. With Matias’s help, you may begin to recognize the signs of one resting among the rocks.

Moray eels are another special sight. They often remain between rocks, with only part of the animal visible. You should not expect them to swim into open water on cue, but their presence gives the rockpool a little drama.

Fish are likely to provide the most constant movement. The water can show many kinds of smaller fish moving through the pool, making it a good setting for children who may lose interest if they have to wait too long for one large animal.

Starfish can also appear on the bottom. They are slower and easier to observe than fish, which makes them useful for first-time snorkelers learning how to look below the surface without rushing.

The key point is that this is a wildlife outing, not a guaranteed animal show. Conditions, light, water clarity, and the behavior of the animals all affect what you see. The guide can improve your chances, but no one can promise an octopus on every visit.

Who will get the most from this trip

This outing suits families especially well. Children can experience real marine life in shallow water, and the presence of Sherlock adds an appealing personal touch. The activity is also aimed at adults who are curious but not confident in open water.

You do not need to be an expert swimmer, but you should have a moderate level of physical fitness. The supplied information does not say that the activity is suitable for non-swimmers, so you should be honest about your comfort in water when deciding. Calm conditions help, but basic physical ability still matters.

First-time snorkelers are likely to get the best value. You receive equipment, transport, insurance, and a local guide for $59.28 per person. That is a fair package if you would otherwise need to rent gear and arrange your own transport.

Confident snorkelers should think carefully. If you want a longer session, deeper water, or independent exploration, the beginner-friendly format may feel too gentle. One account found the setting beautiful and the equipment very good but considered the activity basic. That is the clearest warning for experienced swimmers.

The small group also suits anyone who prefers personal attention. With no more than eight people, Matias can keep the group together and help point out small creatures. The exact amount of individual instruction will depend on the group, but eight is far more manageable than a large boat excursion.

What the $59.28 price includes

At $59.28 per person, the cost is not just an admission fee to the water. It includes snorkeling equipment, private transportation, insurance, and a local guide. For a first outing, those bundled details reduce the number of arrangements you need to make.

The equipment is a real part of the value. Good masks and fins matter because a poor fit can ruin the session before it begins. Wetsuits are also useful in cool water, especially when you plan to stay in the pool for a while.

Private transport adds convenience. You do not need to find the site on your own, and pickup can be defined with the operator. If you are staying nearby and could easily reach the spot independently, the transport may matter less to you. For families or people without a car, it is more valuable.

Insurance is included, which provides another layer of practical protection. Food and drinks are not part of the price, and neither are a swimsuit or towel. Bring your own water and a snack so you are ready for the full three-hour period.

I would judge the price by your experience level. For beginners, families, and people who want an organized morning, the package is sensible. For experienced snorkelers who already own equipment and want freedom to explore, the value is less convincing.

Weather, cancellation, and timing

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the activity are not accepted for a refund, so keep the local cutoff time in mind.

The outing requires good weather. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. That policy is reasonable for a water activity, but it makes it wise to schedule the trip early in your stay if you can. An alternative date is more useful when you still have time in Portugal.

The activity is usually booked about 16 days ahead. That suggests you should not leave it until the last minute if your dates are fixed, especially if you want a particular pickup arrangement. Confirmation arrives at booking, and the area is near public transportation, though private transport is included.

English is offered. If you need instruction in another language, the supplied details do not confirm that option, so ask before paying.

Small details that make the morning easier

Bring a swimsuit and towel, since neither is supplied. Add drinking water and a snack because food and drinks are excluded.

Wear or pack anything you need for a moderate physical activity. The exact changing arrangements are not provided, so it is sensible to arrive prepared rather than count on a full changing facility.

Keep your schedule flexible around the three-hour duration. The total time may include pickup, transport, preparation, and time in the water, and the precise breakdown is not specified.

If you are booking for a child, consider comfort in shallow water rather than swimming ability alone. The activity is designed for children and adults, but each person should be comfortable following instructions and staying with the group.

The best attitude is patient curiosity. An octopus may be easy to spot, or it may be nearly invisible. The more slowly you look, the more rewarding the rockpool becomes.

Should you book this snorkeling tour?

I would book this trip if you are new to snorkeling, want a calm setting, or are traveling with children. The combination of a natural rockpool, supplied gear, private transport, a maximum of eight people, and Matias’s guidance makes the outing easy to manage.

I would also choose it if seeing an octopus or moray eel sounds more exciting than covering a long stretch of coastline. The charm is in close observation, not athletic challenge. Sherlock adds a friendly local touch that makes the morning feel less formal.

I would skip it if you already snorkel confidently and want depth, distance, or a demanding route. The format is intentionally basic, and that can become limiting for experienced participants.

One separate concern is the refund experience after a reported bike accident, despite hospital documentation being offered. The published policy allows a full refund only when you cancel at least 24 hours ahead, while weather cancellations offer a new date or full refund. If your plans are uncertain, read those terms carefully before booking.

For the right person, this is a well-priced introduction to Porto Santo’s sea life. Go expecting a friendly, guided look at a sheltered habitat, not a large-scale expedition, and you will have a much better sense of what you are buying.

FAQ

How long does the snorkeling tour last?

The activity lasts approximately three hours.

Where does the snorkeling take place?

The session takes place in a shallow natural rockpool connected to the sea, within a large marine protected area in Portugal.

Do I need to be an expert swimmer?

No. The activity is designed for children and adults and does not require expert swimming skills. A moderate level of physical fitness is advised.

What equipment is included?

Snorkeling equipment is included. The equipment described for the activity includes wetsuits, masks, and fins.

Are pickup and transportation included?

Yes. Pickup is offered, participants can define the pickup details, and private transportation is included.

What should I bring?

Bring a swimsuit and towel. Food, drinks, and snacks are not included, so you should bring anything you want to eat or drink.

What happens if bad weather cancels the activity?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.