Octopus sightings and calm waters make this tour an easy win. I love the way Matias and Sherlock guide you through a shallow natural rockpool, and I like that the whole setup feels beginner-friendly without being dull. You are in for a good chance at seeing octopus, eels, and plenty of sea life up close.

One heads-up: this is a simple, beginner-style snorkeling outing. If you already know your way around snorkeling and want a more advanced experience, it may feel a bit basic.

Key Highlights You Should Care About

• Matias and Sherlock as your guide duo: local spotting and a friendly, hands-on approach
• Shallow natural rockpool waters: comfortable for first-timers who are not strong swimmers
• Small group size (max 8): more attention and calmer pacing
• Snorkeling gear + wetsuits provided: you can show up light and get in the water quickly
• Marine protected area experience: more focus on wildlife viewing and sea life behavior
• Private transportation with defined pickup: helps you avoid rental-car stress

Why This Shallow-Rockpool Snorkel Works for Beginners

The magic here is that you are not wrestling the ocean. You float in shallow waters of a natural rockpool, with the sea life close enough to spot without needing athletic swimming skills. The tour is described as suitable for both kids and adults, and the key promise is simple: you do not need to be an expert swimmer.

I also like the comfort angle. You are provided snorkeling equipment, and many tours like this include wetsuits, which can make a huge difference when the water feels cooler than you expected. Since the water is described as calm in a lagoon connected to the sea, your experience is more about watching and learning than holding on and kicking for survival.

One practical thought for you: wear what you can easily rinse off, because you are going to leave the water a few times during a 3-hour outing. And if you bring only your swimsuit, you will still be fine, because the essentials for snorkeling are included.

Meet Matias and Sherlock, a Guide Duo That Makes Sea Life Feel Personal

This is not just a gear-and-go rental. Your local guide is Matias, and you also travel with Sherlock, a Portuguese Water Dog. That sounds like a marketing trick until you picture what it means in practice: a guide who knows how to help you see, and a dog that adds energy to the whole experience.

From the feedback, the biggest win is that the guiding feels enthusiastic and human. People specifically call out how great Matias and Sherlock are, and they remember moments like an octopus that acted unafraid in the shallow water. Even when someone had never snorkeled before, the tone was welcoming and supportive.

You should expect a tour that explains what you are seeing, not just points at it. That matters because underwater viewing gets confusing fast. A calm guide lets you slow down, position yourself, and actually watch the behavior instead of rushing to check off a checklist.

What You Might See: Octopus, Moray Eels, Fish, and Sometimes More

The tour is built around wildlife sightings, and the descriptions are specific. You are likely to look for octopus (including camouflage behavior), moray eels gliding between rocks, and plenty of fish moving through the area. This is also framed as a marine protected area, which usually means the focus is on responsible viewing and learning.

Some of the stand-out moments mentioned include:

• An octopus sighting that felt almost personal, with one baby octopus appearing close enough to touch
• Moray eels and other fish seen during the swim
• A starfish spotted in the calm lagoon water

Now, I am not going to promise any single animal every time. Wildlife timing is real, and even in protected areas the sightings can vary. But what you can count on is the effort: a guide who helps you notice the small stuff, and a place where sea life has a chance to be seen without you needing advanced skills.

If you like nature photography, this is also a friendly setup for getting your camera positioned close to the action. You will still want to follow the guide’s directions on where to look and when to move.

The 3-Hour Pacing: Where the Time Actually Goes

The tour runs about 3 hours, and the pacing is designed for easy participation. That timeframe is long enough to do more than one water moment, but short enough that it does not drag.

Here is how you can think about the flow:

1. You get picked up and transported to the snorkel area.
2. You gear up with the provided equipment.
3. You spend time floating in the shallow rockpool, with the guide helping you spot wildlife.
4. You finish up and head back.

Because the group is capped at 8 travelers, the guide can keep things moving without the chaos that can happen in larger tours. For you, that usually means less waiting, more attention, and better chances of seeing the same animals the group is talking about.

If you are traveling with kids, the 3-hour length is also easier to plan around than half-day tours that eat the whole morning or afternoon. If you only have a limited window in Portugal, this kind of time block is practical.

Equipment Check: What’s Included, What to Bring, and What to Watch For

Included in the tour:

• Use of snorkeling equipment (including snorkeling gear)
• Insurance
• Local guide
• Private transportation

You are also told that equipment quality is good, and one key detail from feedback is that the wetsuits, masks, and fins are in very good condition. That matters because the wrong mask fit can ruin the whole experience, and worn fins can make floating feel like work.

What is not included:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Food and drinks (snacks are not included)

So for your checklist, keep it simple:

• Bring a swimsuit you are comfortable wearing for a couple hours
• Pack a towel for drying off
• Consider bringing a small personal snack and water if you like to eat before or after, since the tour does not provide food and drinks

Also, because you are in a calm, shallow area, you do not need to be thinking about deep-water survival. Your focus can stay on breathing calmly, keeping your mask stable, and looking where the guide points.

Getting There Comfortably: Pickup, Private Transport, and Mobile Tickets

You can define pickup for the people joining the activity, and private transportation is included. In practical terms, this is the kind of tour where you can skip the logistics headache, especially if you are staying somewhere that is not convenient to reach by public transport.

The tour also notes that it is near public transportation and that you can use a mobile ticket. So even if your pickup details change slightly, you have options to get there.

One thing I appreciate about pickup in general: it reduces the mental load. You do not waste your trip time figuring out directions, and you arrive already in the right mindset for a relaxed water outing.

Price and Value: Does $59.28 Make Sense for What You Get?

At $59.28 per person for roughly 3 hours, the value depends on what you compare it to.

What you are paying for here includes more than just access to water:

• Guide support (Matias, plus Sherlock)
• Snorkeling equipment use
• Insurance
• Private transportation
• A small group size that keeps the experience personal

That combination can be worth it if you do not want to spend time sourcing gear, figuring out where to go, and hoping you get a good guide. It also helps families and first-timers, because equipment and coaching are part of the package.

The trade-off is also clear. Food and drinks are not included, so you should plan a snack or meal before and after. And the tour is more beginner-friendly than advanced, so experienced snorkelers may feel they learn less than they expected.

Still, with a high rating of 4.9 and a huge share of recommendations, the simplest read is this: most people walk away feeling they got their money’s worth through easy access and great guidance.

Weather Matters More Than You Think

This experience is said to require good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or receive a full refund.

What that means for you is simple: be flexible with your schedule. If you are planning multiple activities in Portugal, leave yourself wiggle room for a weather-dependent outing. Snorkeling works best when conditions are stable, and the operator is making sure the experience stays safe and enjoyable.

If you are booking on a tight timeline, it is smart to know that the plan can shift. The good part is that the safety-first approach is backed by an alternative date or refund.

Who This Snorkeling Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Want Something Else)

This tour fits you best if:

• You are a beginner or want a gentle introduction to snorkeling
• You are traveling with children or family members who need a calmer, shallow-water experience
• You want a guide who helps you actually see wildlife, not just float around
• You value small group attention (max 8)

You might consider skipping or pairing it with something else if:

• You are already a confident snorkeler and want a more advanced, challenging format
• You prefer long stretches of uninterrupted water time without coaching
• You are looking for something more intense than a beginner-friendly sea viewing session

The key is the tour’s vibe. It is built for first experiences and for learning on the spot. That is exactly why so many people love it. Just be honest about what you want from your water time.

Should You Book This Snorkeling Tour with Porto Santo Tours?

If your idea of a great snorkel day is calm water, clear guidance, and a good chance to spot octopus and eels, I think you should book it. The guide duo, Matias and Sherlock, seems to be the reason people remember the experience, and the shallow rockpool setup makes it accessible.

I would book it especially if you do not want to manage snorkeling gear and logistics on your own. Private transport plus snorkeling equipment plus insurance is a lot bundled into one ticket, and that usually saves you time and stress.

Before you go, do two things: pack a swimsuit and towel, and set your expectations as beginner-friendly. If you do that, you will get what most people get here, a relaxed couple of hours where the sea life feels close, and the guide helps you notice details you would miss alone.

FAQ

How long is the snorkeling tour?

It lasts about 3 hours.

What is the price per person?

The price is $59.28 per person.

Is pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is offered, and you can define the pickup details.

What languages is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

No. The tour is described as not requiring expert swimming skills.

What is included in the tour price?

Included are use of snorkeling equipment, private transportation, insurance, and a local guide.

What should I bring with me?

Bring a swimsuit and a towel. Snacks, food, and drinks are not included.

How big is the group?

The maximum group size is 8 travelers.

Is the tour dependent on weather?

Yes. It requires good weather, and if canceled due to poor weather you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts.