Exploring the secluded Berlenga Grande Island on a private day trip from Lisbon is an opportunity not to be missed. Visitors can enjoy the UNESCO-listed scenery, tour a 17th-century fort, and observe the island’s diverse seabird population. Beyond the historical sites, the adventure includes a glass-bottom boat excursion to discover the captivating sea life and underwater caves. Whether you’re seeking tranquility, wildlife, or a unique cultural experience, this tailored tour promises to deliver a memorable day away from the bustling city. What more could one expect from a private island getaway?
Key Points
- Offers a private day trip from Lisbon to the UNESCO-listed Berlenga Grande Island, allowing exploration of its scenic landscapes and 17th-century fort.
- Includes a glass-bottom boat excursion to observe the island’s diverse marine life and explore its captivating underwater caves and shipwreck sites.
- Provides opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on the island’s beaches, with equipment and transportation included.
- Features guided tours to learn about the fort’s history, including its resistance to pirate sieges, and observe seabirds in the Berlengas Nature Reserve.
- Offers convenient pickup and drop-off locations in Lisbon, and caters to travelers with a moderate level of physical fitness.
Tour Overview
The tour offers a private day trip to the picturesque Berlenga Grande Island from Lisbon, where visitors can explore the UNESCO-listed scenery and a 17th-century fort, as well as enjoy free time for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on the beach.
A glass-bottom boat excursion is also included to explore the island’s caves.
Guests will have the opportunity to observe seabirds in the Berlengas Nature Reserve and learn about the fort’s history, including its resistance to pirate sieges.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a private guide, transportation by private minivan, round-trip boat trip, use of snorkeling equipment, and WiFi on board.
Highlights of the Tour
Visitors can explore the UNESCO-listed scenery of Berlenga Grande Island and explore the history of the 17th-century St John the Baptist Fort, learning about its resistance to pirate sieges.
They’ll also have the opportunity to observe seabirds in the Berlengas Nature Reserve.
The tour offers ample time for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on the beach, letting travelers enjoy the island’s calm waters and scenic sea life.
A glass-bottom boat excursion also allows them to explore the island’s dramatic caves and cliff faces from a unique vantage point.
With a private guide, comfortable transportation, and all necessary equipment provided, this day trip promises an unforgettable experience on Berlenga Grande.
Inclusions in the Tour
This day trip from Lisbon to Berlenga Grande Island includes a private guide, transportation by private minivan, and round-trip boat transportation. Visitors are provided with snorkeling equipment and can enjoy a glass-bottom boat excursion to explore the island’s caves and cliff faces. WiFi and bottled water are also included for the convenience of travelers.
| Inclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Transportation | Private minivan & round-trip boat |
| Activities | Snorkeling, glass-bottom boat tour |
| Amenities | WiFi, bottled water |
The tour also includes hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for visitors. With a moderate level of physical fitness required, this day trip offers the perfect opportunity to discover the UNESCO-listed scenery and rich history of Berlenga Grande Island.
Practical Information
Confirmation of the booking is provided at the time of purchase, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
Infant seats are available, though the excursion isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems or serious medical conditions. A moderate level of physical fitness is required.
Participants should wear comfortable clothing and footwear for the day’s activities, which include swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the island’s rugged terrain.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as transport by private minivan. The meeting point is at Palácio Foz in Lisbon, and the tour ends back at the same location.
It’s important to note that the tour may be subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Meeting and Pickup
The tour provides pickup from a variety of locations, including hotels, apartments, ports, and the airport, with the meeting point situated at Palácio Foz in Lisbon’s Praça dos Restauradores 13.
This makes it convenient for travelers to join the excursion, no matter where they’re staying.
Once the group is assembled, the tour will depart and head to Berlenga Grande Island.
At the end of the day, the tour will return to the same meeting point, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience.
With this flexible pickup and drop-off service, guests can focus on enjoying the stunning natural beauty and historical sites of the island without worrying about transportation logistics.
Exploring the Fort
Upon arriving at Berlenga Grande Island, visitors can explore the historic St John the Baptist Fort (Forte de São João Baptista), a 17th-century structure that withstood numerous pirate sieges.
The fort offers a glimpse into the island’s colorful past, as guests wander through its weathered walls and learn about the battles that once took place within.
Key features of the fort include:
- Panoramic views of the Berlengas Nature Reserve
- Remnants of the fort’s defensive walls and battlements
- Interpretive exhibits detailing the fort’s history and role in protecting the island
- An on-site museum showcasing artifacts and historical information
- Access to the fort’s upper levels for an unparalleled vantage point of the surrounding seascape.
Observing Seabirds
In an article titled ‘Private Tour: Berlenga Grande Island Day Trip From Lisbon’, it is now time to discuss the CURRENT SUBTOPIC ‘Observing Seabirds’. As visitors explore the Berlengas Nature Reserve, they’ll find themselves surrounded by a diverse array of seabirds. These include the graceful Cory’s shearwaters, which can be observed soaring over the choppy waters, as well as colonies of guillemots and cormorants nesting among the rugged cliffs.
| Seabird Species | Description |
|---|---|
| Cory’s Shearwater | Graceful, soaring over the waters |
| Guillemot | Nesting colonies on the cliffs |
| Cormorant | Nesting colonies on the cliffs |
| Razorbill | Diving for fish in the turbulent waves |
Visitors can spot these captivating seabirds while admiring the UNESCO-listed scenery of the Berlengas Nature Reserve.
Swim and Snorkel Adventure
Private Tour: Berlenga Grande Island Day Trip From Lisbon
Swim and Snorkel Adventure
Visitors can enjoy the calm, crystal-clear waters surrounding Berlenga Grande Island, relishing the opportunity to swim and snorkel among the diverse marine life.
Equipped with provided snorkeling gear, they’ll discover a vibrant underwater world teeming with:
- Colorful schools of fish
- Swaying sea plants and kelp forests
- Curious crustaceans scurrying along the rocky sea floor
- Shimmering rays gliding effortlessly through the water
- Captivating shipwreck sites and underwater caves
This unforgettable snorkeling experience offers a unique perspective on the island’s natural beauty and an up-close encounter with its abundant sea life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?
Yes, you can bring your own snorkeling equipment on the tour. The tour provides snorkeling gear, but if you prefer to use your own equipment, you’re welcome to do so. Just make sure it’s in good condition.
How Long Is the Boat Ride to the Island?
The boat ride to the island takes around 30 minutes one-way. The private tour includes the round-trip boat transportation, so travelers can enjoy the scenic journey to and from Berlenga Grande Island as part of the excursion.
Are There Any Restrooms or Facilities on the Island?
Yes, there are restrooms and basic facilities on Berlenga Grande Island. Visitors can use the restrooms at the island’s main visitor center and access other amenities like a small cafe during their time on the island.
Can I Purchase Food and Drinks on the Island?
Yes, there are opportunities to purchase food and drinks on Berlenga Grande Island. Visitors can find a few cafes and snack shops that offer a variety of light refreshments and meals during their time on the island.
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?
There is no minimum age requirement for this tour. Children of all ages are welcome, though infant seats are available. Parents should ensure their children are able to participate safely in the activities.
Recap
The Berlenga Grande Island private day trip from Lisbon offers a unique opportunity to explore the UNESCO-listed scenery and 17th-century fort.
Visitors can enjoy the island’s calm waters, observe seabirds, and embark on a glass-bottom boat excursion to discover its captivating sea life and underwater caves.
This tour provides a chance to explore the fort’s history while enjoying activities like swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on the beach.
