Porto: Open Water Swimming Tour with Wetsuit

Imagine standing at the edge of the Atlantic coast, feeling the wind in your hair and the salt spray on your face. Now picture yourself swimming from Porto to Matosinhos, with waves crashing around you and the city skyline fading behind. This Open Water Swimming Tour offers a rare chance to see Porto from the water, blending adventure with authentic local scenery. For just $68 per person, you’ll spend about an hour in the ocean, guided by experienced instructors who know exactly where to put you in the best conditions for a safe and memorable swim.

What we love about this experience are the spectacular coastal views—including the chance to spot the famous “Castelo do Queijo” from the middle of the ocean—and the personalized guidance that ensures you get the most out of your swim, regardless of local wave and wind conditions. Also, the photos and videos provided help preserve your epic achievement.

A potential consideration is that the tour’s start point and direction may vary depending on currents, wind, and swimmer performance. This flexibility is a plus for safety, but it means you should be prepared for a somewhat dynamic experience.

This tour suits adventurous travelers who are comfortable in the water, enjoy outdoor activities, and want a genuine, active way to explore Porto’s coastline. If you’re seeking a typical sightseeing experience, this might not be your best fit—but if you love a challenge and a splash of local nature, you’ll find plenty to love here.

Key Points

• Authentic Coastal Experience: Swim in the Atlantic and enjoy views of Porto’s famous terraces and landmarks.
• Personalized Guidance: An experienced guide ensures safety and selects the best route based on daily conditions.
• Photo and Video Souvenirs: Capture your achievement with pictures and videos taken during the swim.
• Flexible Direction & Routes: The tour adapts to currents and weather for safety and optimal experience.
• Suitable for Confident Swimmers: Not ideal for non-swimmers, but perfect if you’re comfortable in the water.
• Value for Money: At $68, it combines adventure, stunning scenery, and professional guidance, offering good value.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Porto Open Water Swimming Tour

Setting the Scene: Where and How

We start at either Praia dos Ingleses or Matosinhos Beach, central spots that are easy to access and popular among locals. The meeting point is conveniently near a bakery and pharmacy, making it simple to grab a snack or supplies beforehand. The guide’s role begins with a warm welcome, safety briefing, and a quick warm-up.

The tour’s core is about up to 1 hour of swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, with the actual distance varying from 1 to 3 kilometers depending on weather, sea conditions, and the group’s ability. The goal? To enjoy a safe, exhilarating swim that showcases Porto’s coastline from a perspective few visitors get—right in the middle of the Atlantic.

The Route: Coastlines, Landmarks, and Waves

The route might head toward Matosinhos or the other way around, depending on local conditions. This flexibility is crucial because currents and wind can significantly influence the swim, making it safer and more enjoyable.

One of the highlights is the chance to see “Castelo do Queijo”, a distinctive rock formation that looks like a cheese castle from the middle of the ocean. As you swim, you’ll have panoramic views of Porto’s iconic terraces, the Douro River delta, and the sprawling coastline. The guide ensures everyone stays safe, watching out for marine life like seaweed or sea urchins, which are part of the ocean’s natural environment—so no touching marine life, please!

The Guide’s Role: Safety and Memories

Your experienced local guide is more than just a safety officer; they’re a storyteller who points out landmarks, explains local currents, and keeps the group motivated. As Holger shared in a review, the guide (Carlos) was “wonderful” and made an alternative swimming lesson when weather canceled the original plan. This personalized attention is a big plus, especially for those new to open-water swimming.

Photographs and videos are part of the package—your guide will film you swimming, so you can document your feat. This adds a layer of confidence and makes the experience more memorable.

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Post-Swim Relaxation: Cheers & Snacks

After your swim, you’re encouraged to unwind at a nearby terrace, sipping a fruit juice or grabbing a snack. This is a perfect moment to soak up the views, share stories with fellow adventurers, or simply relax after a swim that pushed your limits.

What’s Included & What’s Not

For a fair price of $68, you’re covered with personal accident insurance, a swim buoy (if you don’t have your own), a swim cap, and the priceless photos and videos. You’ll need to rent a wetsuit if you don’t bring yours—just notify the team at least 10 days in advance, and they’ll do their best to accommodate you.

Food and drinks are not included, so it’s wise to come prepared for after your swim, especially if you plan to linger at the coast.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Bring your wetsuit or arrange rental ahead of time.
• Wear your swim cap to help keep warm and stay visible.
• Respect marine life—do not touch or disturb sea creatures.
• Be comfortable in the water; this isn’t a beginner activity.
• Check the weather and sea conditions beforehand—they can affect the route and timing.
• The activity is limited to small groups (up to 10), which fosters safety and camaraderie.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience appeals most to confident swimmers who enjoy open water and are looking for an active way to see Porto’s coastline. If you’re someone who appreciates authentic experiences and isn’t afraid of a bit of saltwater, this tour offers both adventure and spectacular scenery. Even Holger, who initially couldn’t swim due to weather, appreciated the guide’s flexibility and the alternative swimming lesson—showing the team’s dedication to customer satisfaction.

Final Thoughts on Value and Experience

At just $68, this tour offers a remarkable blend of adventure, scenic beauty, and local insight. You’re paying for more than just a swim—you’re paying for the chance to experience Porto’s coast from a unique vantage point, led by knowledgeable guides who prioritize safety and fun. The inclusion of photos and videos adds sentimental value, turning your swim into lasting memories.

This experience is best suited for travelers who love outdoor activities, are comfortable in the water, and want a genuine, hands-on way to explore Porto’s Atlantic landscape. It’s an authentic challenge that rewards you with breathtaking views and a tangible sense of achievement.

If you’re seeking a typical sightseeing tour, this might not be for you. But if you crave something active, different, and rewarding, this open water swim will deliver.

FAQ: Porto Open Water Swimming Tour

Is this suitable for non-swimmers?
No, this tour is designed for confident swimmers comfortable in open water.

How long is the swim?
The swim lasts up to 1 hour, with a route that can be between 1 and 3 kilometers depending on conditions.

What should I bring?
Bring your wetsuit if you own one; otherwise, you can request a rental at least 10 days in advance. Also, wear a swim cap, and bring your own towel and water.

Where do we meet?
The meeting point is on the access ramp to Praia dos Ingleses, near Confeitaria Tavi and a pharmacy.

Can the direction of the swim change?
Yes, to ensure safety and the best experience, the guide may change the route based on currents, wind, and swimmer ability.

Are photos and videos included?
Yes, your guide will film and take pictures during the swim, which are included in the price.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour can be canceled or rescheduled with full refund if needed, giving you flexibility.

Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
Yes, groups are limited to 10 participants for safety and a more personalized experience.

Are there any marine life hazards?
You might see seaweed or sea urchins; swimmers are advised not to touch marine life to protect both yourself and the environment.

Can I book and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve now without payment, and pay later, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

This Porto open water swimming tour is a rare gem for active travelers eager to see the city’s coast from a fresh perspective. It offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and professional guidance, making it a worthwhile addition to your Porto itinerary. Whether you’re an experienced swimmer or seeking a new challenge, this experience promises stunning views, a sense of accomplishment, and a genuine connection to Porto’s Atlantic coastline. For those who love outdoor activities and authentic, memorable adventures, this is a fun, invigorating way to explore Portugal’s northern coast.

You can check availability for your dates here: