A private day trip from Lisbon to the Berlengas archipelago, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve just off the coast near Peniche. You'll walk the island's trails, visit a 17th-century fort built on the rocks, and swim in clear Atlantic water.
Trip Highlights at a Glance
- Private, air-conditioned vehicle for your group, both ways from Lisbon to Peniche
- The São João Baptista Fort, built in the 17th century on a rock just off Berlenga Grande
- Time to walk the island's nature trails and swim in clear Atlantic water
- A look at the sea caves along the coastline, with an optional glass-bottom boat
- Just your group and your dedicated guide on land: the boat crossing itself is shared with other visitors
Duca has been running private day trips since 2004. Berlenga Grande only allows a limited number of visitors each day, so we plan around the boat schedule to give you real time on the island rather than a rushed crossing.
Itinerary
We collect you from your hotel in the Lisbon area and drive north, about 1 hour and 30 minutes, to the fishing village of Peniche. From there, you board a boat to Berlenga Grande, a crossing of around 30 to 40 minutes depending on the sea: this boat is shared with other visitors, since access to the island is limited and run through the local operator, not something Duca can make private. Once on the island, your driver-guide stays with your group: you'll walk up to the São João Baptista Fort, built in the 17th century to defend the coast from pirate raids and now connected to the mainland by a stone causeway, then have free time to follow the nature trails, swim in the coves, and explore the sea caves along the cliffs, optionally by glass-bottom boat for an extra cost paid locally. We take the return boat to Peniche in the afternoon and drive back to Lisbon, typically arriving in the early evening.
What's included
- Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, both ways from Lisbon to Peniche
- A dedicated driver-guide
- The shared boat crossing to and from Berlenga Grande
- Bottled water
- WiFi on board
- Insurance required by the Portuguese Tourism Board
Exclusions
- Food and drinks
- The optional glass-bottom boat tour of the sea caves
Please note
The road transport and your time on the island are private to your group, with your driver-guide with you throughout. The boat crossing to Berlenga Grande is the one part of the day that isn't private: visitor numbers on the island are limited and the crossing is run by the local boat operator, shared with other passengers.
This trip isn't recommended for anyone with back problems, heart conditions, or who is pregnant, and it isn't suitable for babies: the minimum age is 3, and infant seats aren't available for this tour. The island isn't wheelchair- or stroller-accessible, and there's no ATM on Berlenga Grande, so bring cash if you'd like to buy anything there. Bookings need to be made at least 16 hours before departure.
We'll need your hotel name and street address to arrange pickup. If your hotel isn't listed but falls within Greater Lisbon, just tell us after booking: there's no extra charge for the pickup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the boat crossing to Berlenga private?
No, the road transport and your time on the island are private to your group, but the boat crossing itself is shared with other visitors, since access to the island is limited and run by the local boat operator.
Is there a minimum age for this tour?
Yes, the minimum age is 3. The trip also isn't recommended for anyone with back problems, heart conditions, or who is pregnant, and infant seats aren't available.
Do we need cash on the island?
It helps to bring some: there's no ATM on Berlenga Grande.
What is there to do on the island?
You'll visit the 17th-century São João Baptista Fort, walk the nature trails, swim in the coves, and see the sea caves along the coastline. A glass-bottom boat tour of the caves is available on the island for an extra cost.
Can we add a stop in Óbidos?
Yes, since Óbidos is only about 20 minutes from Peniche, we can combine this trip with a stop there. Just let us know when you book and we'll work out the timing.
What's included in the price?
Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle both ways from Lisbon to Peniche, a dedicated driver-guide, the shared boat crossing to and from Berlenga Grande, bottled water, WiFi on board, and the insurance required by the Portuguese Tourism Board. Food, drinks, and the optional glass-bottom boat tour aren't included.
How far in advance do we need to book?
At least 16 hours before departure, since the boat crossing depends on the local operator's schedule and availability.
