Guadiana River rises in the lagoons of Ruidera, in Campo Montiel (Spain), 1700m above sea level, travelling along 810 km till disgorgement in the Atlantic Ocean, between Ayamonte and Vila Real de Santo Antonio, separating Spain from Portugal.
In Portugal, its level of inclination is small, attaining its highest degree at 155m above sea level. It flows through 260 km in Portugal, 110 of which making a natural boundary between the two countries. Its main affluents in Portugal are, on the right margin, Caia, Degebe, Cobres, Vascão and Odeleite rivers, Ardila and Chança on its left margin.
The course of the Guadiana is navigable for medium sized vessels on 48 km, which make it the longest navigable river of the country.
Guadiana River is travelling through a quite dry region, as a result, the level of evaporation is very important and its flow very irregular.
The estuary section of River Guadiana runs till Pomarão, however, the tidal section is going up north till Azenhas, just above Mértola. The typical presence of seawater in Baixo Guadiana influences strongly the piscicultural fauna between Pulo do Lobo and Vila Real de Santo Antonio.
On the first half of the VII B.C., the Phoenicians started to settle on the Southern coasts of Iberian Peninsula. A mining trade between the local tribes and the Greeks started on the Vth century B.C., attracted by the resources of this region.
The River had always acted as natural access of the Southern Peninsula for the inhabitants of the Mediterranean basin, like Romans, Arabs and Carthaginians. Gold, silver, copper, leather, olive oil, wheat, honey, salt and fish were the main products carried for two thousand years.
Its navigability also permitted a cultural and commercial exchange between the populations of the inner country, those ones receiving products from the sea and exchanging with others, from the mountains.
After Christian occupation of Algarve and Andalusia, Guadiana River became a frontier between the two kingdoms. On the Portuguese side, cities like Castro Marim, Alcoutim and Mértola started to assume an important role in the defense and security of the waterway and the river surroundings.
Sailing along the river is a chance to observe original Mediterranean vegetation; the rurality of small towns and villages; a genuine local lifestyle, in harmony with the river and its resources, a preserved nature, home of many species of animals.
Colours, sunlight, the chant of the birds and the sounds of nature create this unique atmosphere of harmony with the environment.
The area presents many particularities: ecological, cultural, the landscape scenery, how human presence shaped it…
For all that, the Guadiana River is considered a highly valuable patrimony and our trip will make you enter in a zone that is protected at a governmental level for its beauties and culture.
Please check the map above for a virtual overview of your trip. Discover the geography, the beautiful surroundings of the Guadiana area and the highlights of your journey.
Departure time in Vila Real de Santo Antonio: 9h00 AM
Arriving time in Vila Real de Santo Antonio: 18h00 – 19h00 PM
Arrival in Alcoutim: 12h30 – 13h00, or Pomarão (depending on the tide) 14h00 –
14h30
Stops in Alcoutim and Pomarão: 30 min to 1 hour.
Lunch is included, served on board
The menu is composed of different grilled meats and fish, salad, bread, juices (sodas), water, red and white wine, fruits and desert.
**All-you-can-eat menu available only during the lunch break**
Facilities for disabled people
Shopping on board: drinks, snacks, t-shirts and pictures of the trip
Music and dance on board
Facilities for booking a night half board in a four Stars hotel in Monte Gordo
Capacity of the boat: 250 passengers max.
For prices of this journey or more information, please contact us.
Enquiry Form. Fill in your request. Include in the "Message" field special requests or other information in order for us to quote as accurately as possible.