Peniche is a fishing town on Portugal’s Atlantic coast that packs a punch for travelers seeking memorable tours. Its rugged cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back vibe make it a natural playground for exploring by boat, on foot, or on surfboards. We especially love the Berlengas Island trips, where you can admire stunning caves and relax on peaceful beaches. The combination of natural beauty and historic sites like the Forte São João Baptista makes these tours stand out. Whether you’re into adventure, history, or simply soaking in scenery, Peniche’s diverse offerings won’t disappoint.
If you’re wondering what to choose, our list covers a variety of experiences—sea trips, hikes, surfing lessons, climbing adventures, and even full-day excursions that include nearby Óbidos and Lisbon. Read on for detailed descriptions to help you pick the perfect activity.
1. Peniche: Berlengas Island Trip, Hiking and Cave Tour
At number 1, this 4-hour tour offers a well-rounded experience with a glass-bottom boat that reveals underwater life and caves. You’ll visit the Berlengas archipelago, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and explore the island’s geography on foot. The walking tour covers some of Berlenga’s key sites, like the Fortaleza de Berlenga and scenic beaches, while the boat trip showcases stunning cliff formations and caves. The highlight is the opportunity to relax on beaches that are often featured in travel photos. The reviews are impressive, with a 4.7/5 rating, praising guides like Paulo and the overall value. Guests love the knowledgeable narration and the chance to combine nature with history in just four hours. This tour is ideal for travelers who want a mix of boat ride, hiking, and cultural insight, all at an affordable $44.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a comprehensive day out, balancing boat, walk, and scenic views.
2. Peniche: Berlenga Island and Cave Tour
Ranking second with a 4.7/5 rating, this 4-hour tour emphasizes exploring Berlenga Island’s caves and iconic landmarks like the Forte São João Baptista. The tour includes a roundtrip boat journey on a comfortable vessel to see the island’s caves, such as Elephant Cave and Furado Grande. You’ll also have free time to wander trails and relax on the beaches. Some reviews mention sea conditions affecting cave visits but overall praise the well-organized nature of the trip and knowledgeable guides. The price point of $40 makes it an excellent choice for travelers wanting a balance between sightseeing and gentle exploration. The hike back from the castle can be steep, so good footwear helps.
Bottom Line: A solid pick for those who want to see caves and historical sites without rushing.
3. Peniche: Berlengas Roundtrip and Glass-Bottom Boat Cave Tour
Number 3 ranks high thanks to its engaging glass-bottom boat ride, allowing visitors to peek beneath the surface and see vibrant marine life. This 4-hour tour includes two departure points, a scenic boat ride, and free time for hiking or relaxing on the island. Guests love the unique experience of viewing underwater formations through the glass floor and the chance to explore multiple beaches and trails. The itinerary balances sightseeing with leisure, and reviews highlight the helpful staff and organized logistics. The trip’s value is boosted by the opportunity to see the caves from inside and outside.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a visual and active experience on Berlenga Island, with the option to explore at their own pace.
4. From Peniche: Round-Trip Boat Tour of Berlengas Archipelago
This round-trip ferry offers a straightforward way to visit the Berlengas, enjoying 4 hours of island exploration. Rated 4.7/5, it gets high marks for the stunning waters and easy logistics. Guests rave about the lunch at the island, which features local seafood, and the chance to spot dolphins along the way. The boat ride itself is a highlight, with plenty of scenic views. Though some wish for more time on the island, overall, it provides excellent value for money. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a relaxed, scenic excursion with a focus on nature and a taste of local cuisine.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those who prioritize ease and a leisurely visit with some good seafood.
5. Peniche: Surf lessons Beginners, Intermediate, Advance level
For around $34, this 2-hour surf lesson caters to all levels from complete beginners to advanced surfers. Led by experienced instructors, the lessons focus on safety, technique, and ocean respect. Guests have praised the quality of coaching, with some noting how quickly they improved, like in the case of a student who learned to surf in just two hours. The beaches in Peniche are renowned for their quality surf, making this a top choice for those wanting to try or improve their skills. The lessons suit travelers with a sense of adventure who prefer a small-group setting for personalized attention.
Bottom Line: A fantastic way to dip your toes into Portuguese surf culture at a reasonable price.
6. Peniche: Surfing Lessons for all surf levels
Rated 4.8/5, this all-day surf course offers 90 to 120-minute lessons tailored to your level, whether you’re a total beginner or more experienced. The focus on quality instruction and local surf spots means you’ll get personalized coaching. Guests appreciate that the classes are suitable for families or solo travelers, with some mentioning how instructors like Francesco make learning fun and approachable. Equipment is high-quality, and the setting is the famous surf beaches of Peniche. It’s a good pick for travelers who want a full day of surf learning and improvement.
Bottom Line: Best for those seeking a comprehensive, flexible surf experience with professional guidance.
7. From Peniche: 1-Hour Cabo Carvoeiro Boat Tour
Number 7 offers a quick but scenic high-speed boat tour around Cabo Carvoeiro. At just an hour, it’s perfect for travelers short on time but eager to see the sea’s sculptural geology. The reviews highlight the informative guide and the fun ride, which provides sweeping views of Peniche’s coastline and geological formations. The adrenaline rush on a fast boat combined with the scenery makes it a fun, active option for anyone interested in natural landscape features. It’s an affordable, lively way to enjoy the coast.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a quick, energetic sea experience with great views.
8. Peniche: Dolphin Route Boat Trip
Rated 4.7/5, this 2-hour boat trip seeks out dolphins and other marine creatures along the West Coast of Peniche. The chance to see dolphins in their natural habitat makes it a favorite among wildlife lovers. The boat’s crew is experienced in spotting visible marine life, and some guests even saw sharks! The trip also offers beautiful coastline views and the chance to learn about local marine ecology from a knowledgeable captain. It’s a good option for families or anyone interested in marine wildlife. Be prepared for possible unpredictability, as sea life sightings depend on conditions.
Bottom Line: A rewarding choice for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.
9. From Lisbon: Berlenga Islands by Boat, Peniche & Óbidos
This 8-hour tour from Lisbon, rated 4.6/5, combines a boat trip to Berlenga, time on the island, and a visit to Óbidos. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a full-day experience that mixes nature with culture. The tour includes guided sightseeing, free time, and scenic drives, with highlights like the Sao João Baptista Fortress and the charming cobblestone streets of Óbidos. Guests find it offers good value for money and a well-paced itinerary. Be prepared for a busy day, but one packed with variety.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers wanting a comprehensive day trip with both coastal and medieval charm.
10. Peniche: Surf Lesson with Certified Instructor
Number 10 features a 2-hour private or group surf lesson with a certified instructor. The personalized coaching is highly praised, especially by beginners who appreciate the patient guidance. The instructor emphasizes ocean safety and teaching techniques that suit your skill level. The lesson takes place at Peniche’s renowned beaches, and guests often mention how quickly they progress. It’s a good choice for travelers who want a focused, quality instruction session.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a tailored, expert-led surf experience.
11. Family/Children Surf Lesson
Rated 5/5, this 2-hour family-friendly lesson groups students by ability, with a focus on fun and safety. Kids and adults alike enjoy the personalized feedback and instructors accredited by the Portuguese Surfing Federation. It’s an excellent way to introduce the family to surfing in a relaxed and supportive environment. Many reviews highlight how much fun families have had learning together.
Bottom Line: Best for families seeking a safe, engaging way to learn surfing together.
12. Lisbon: Private Full Day Tour to Berlengas Island
Number 12 offers an exclusive full-day tour rated 5/5, perfect for travelers who want a personalized experience. Starting from Lisbon, the trip includes small boat cruises, visits to Sao João Baptista Fortress, and free time to explore the island. Optional activities like snorkeling or relaxing on beaches are available. The itinerary also includes a stop in Óbidos for a medieval walk. The private nature of the tour and detailed planning make it ideal for travelers who want flexibility and a more intimate experience.
Bottom Line: A top choice for those seeking a customized, luxury day exploring both sea and land.
13. From Lisbon : Round trip to Peniche, Berlengas
Rated 5/5, this 8-hour round-trip from Lisbon is a straightforward, no-fuss way to discover Berlenga and the coast. It includes boat trips, hiking, and optional marine viewing. Reviewers highlight the snacks, timeliness, and the opportunity to see dolphins. It’s suitable for travelers wanting a well-organized day with enough free time to explore and enjoy the scenery.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers who prefer a guided but flexible full-day outing.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Peniche
Picking from this diverse list depends on your budget, interests, and time constraints. For a full immersion into the Berlengas archipelago, tours like the Berlengas Island Trip, Hiking and Cave Tour offer the best mix of scenery and culture. If surfing is your priority, both beginner lessons and all-level lessons provide excellent coaching at reasonable prices, especially if you want to improve quickly.
Those looking for a quick scenic escape might prefer the Cabo Carvoeiro Boat Tour, while wildlife lovers will enjoy the Dolphin Route Boat Trip. For a more luxurious, tailored experience, the Private Full Day to Berlenga is perfect and offers flexibility.
Consider your fitness level and interests—hiking tours and climbing activities require a bit more exertion, while boat trips and snorkeling are more relaxed. Book early, especially in peak season, to ensure availability for your preferred date.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re after a sea adventure, an active day exploring caves and cliffs, or a family-friendly surf lesson, Peniche offers something authentic for every traveler. For those keen on nature and history, the Berlengas Island trips are a standout, combining scenic boat rides with cultural sites. If surf’s up for you, lessons like the beginner surf course make a perfect introduction to Portugal’s famous waves.
For a more personalized experience, the full-day tours from Lisbon and private options can create a memorable, customized adventure. No matter your choice, booking early will help you secure your spot on these popular experiences. So pack your sense of adventure—Peniche’s diverse tours promise a genuinely enriching trip.