Yacht Charter Lagos

Yacht Charter Lagos

Yacht Charter Lagos

On a Lagos yacht charter with Borrow a Boat you can explore much of the Algarve and southern Portugal depending on how long the charter is for. Whatever you want from an Algarve yacht charter, from its beautiful beaches to its fantastic culture, a Lagos sailing holiday is going to be an experience you remember.

Lagos has been a rich and powerful port several times through the last 2 to 3 millennia. It has seen rebellious generals and kings based there fighting Rome, Lisbon and Spain, been a boomtown from its role in everything from slaves to global exploration, and a last redoubt of the Moors in Europe. The region even has a Moorish derived name - Algarve - is derived from 'Al-Gharb' while Lagos is a Celtic derived name descended from the 'lago' lakes in the region.

Today you will find Lagos a buzzing tourist town that is proud of its history but not to the point of living in the past. You the yacht charterer will love the fact that Lagos Marina sits right in the centre of the city, enabling you to enjoy its great old and new charms as soon as you step ashore.

The culture vultures can get lost in the narrow streets and enjoy the churches, castles and hints of Moorish rule. Those who enjoy wine and food will be drowned with choice, and those who enjoy nothing more than chilling on a beautiful beach won't be disappointed either.

So what about the rest of the Algarve on your Lagos yacht charter? Read on to learn more!

Explore Lagos By Renting A Yacht

Portugal's Algarve coast has a huge array of things to enjoy. Just outside of Lagos itself is the Ponta da Piedade headland that is one of the most Instagrammed spots in Europe thanks to its awesome beauty. It is definitely worth a hike, and being just 4km or so from the centre of Lagos is well in range of most people.

Staying on the natural side, the Ria Formosa nature reserve and Faro islands is a 60km stretch of coast with rare species of birds and deserted beaches that will draw those who just want to forget the world. 15km or so to the east of Lagos is another major attraction - the Benagil Cave complex, only accessible by by boat trip, is another place that Instagram knows very well! As a tip it might be worth mooring off and going in by tender as the currents can make swimming dangerous.

For those who want a big holiday vibe, Vilamoura will give you a solid fix. A modern yet tasteful holiday resort it has several golf courses, a very good marina for everything from superyacht to family sailing boats as well as all the things the tourist wants - restaurants, nightlife and a range of water sports.

If you want to chill out a bit after Vilamoura, nearby Portimao is a self-contained Portuguese city on the Algarve that is laid back and has a different pace of life. The largest city in the Algarve region, it is all about authentic Portugal with excellent restaurants and shops but no beaches for example to draw those with that central to their plans.

In short, the Algarve region with its perfect climate has all you could want from a sailing holiday or luxury cruise. The Algarve coastline is beautiful and there is a mix of the human and natural attractions that will make your Lagos yachtcharter a memorable one indeed!

How To Get To Lagos

Faro International Airport

Around 60 miles to the east of Lagos, Faro International Airport has airlines serving it from all over Europe. A bus to Lagos takes about 90 minutes and costs around €9 a head.

Marinas In Lagos

Lagos Marina is a large marina in the centre of the city.

Marina de Lagos

Marina de Lagos is a yacht charter hub with charter companies and boat owners offering crewed charters and bareboat catamaran charter, monohull sailboat charter, luxury yacht charter and motorboat charter yachts.

Berth Characteristics:

462 berths

Max Length 30m (99 Feet)

Max Draught 3m (9.8 Feet)

List of additional amenities: Shore power, water, WiFi, shower/WC, launderette, garbage disposal, cash machine, hotel, restaurant.

Suggested Sailing Routes From Lagos

On a bareboat yacht charter or luxury yacht charter motor boat or sailing yacht out of Lagos, you can sail most of the Algarve coast in a week. Let's look at a typical sailing holiday itinerary.

6 Days - Ria Formosa and back: As a shakedown cruise you will head east for around 12NM to Benagil to see the Benagil Cave complex. The buzzing holiday resort of Vilamoura will be your next evening ashore, and then to offset the fun run ashore, off to the quiet of the Faro Islands and Ria Formosa for the next day. Albufeira will be your fourth night and chilled evening in Portimao your fifth ahead of a short and relaxed sail west for your final day's charter to Lagos for handover on day 6.

Best Times To Hire A Yacht In Lagos

The hottest time - and the most expensive time of year are the school holiday months of July and August. If you are limited to these months then be prepared to pay a premium on the boat you are hiring and in the marinas you visit.

The sailing season in the country runs from April to October so it may pay to go earlier or later in the year. The weather is still a lot warmer than in Northern Europe - be prepared to smile in your tee shirt as you see locals bundled up in their winter jackets - but you will find the locals warmer toward you, the marinas cheaper and to have parted with less cash on the holiday in the first place. As a tip? October is better than April as the Atlantic Ocean is still warm from the summer months

The Climate

Portuguese Trade Winds

These build from the morning and can peak at around Force 6 in the afternoon on a summer's day in northern Portugal. This can be boisterous but given the warm weather, always fun! Towards Lisbon and the Algarve Coast you can expect north-westerlies in summer but a lot lighter than what you'd find to the north.

FAQs:

What should I consider when hiring a Yacht or Boat?

The main points to consider are what is your budget, have you got the necessary sailing experience and qualifications to manage the boat if it's not going to have a skipper, whom you are taking sailing, where exactly you wish to go and what will the weather be like on the proposed dates of your trip.

What are the Marinas in Lagos?

Lagos Marina sits right in the centre of town. With 462 berths and taking large superyacht charter up to 30m, it is a great starting point for your boat rental holiday.

When are the best times to hire a boat in Lagos?

The sailing season in the country runs from April to October so it may pay to go earlier or later in the year. The weather is still a lot warmer than in Northern Europe - be prepared to smile in your tee shirt as you see locals bundled up in their winter jackets - but you will find the locals warmer toward you, the marinas cheaper and to have parted with less cash on the holiday in the first place. As a tip? October is better than April as the Atlantic Ocean is still warm from the summer months

Do you have to pay a deposit when hiring a Yacht in Lagos?

You will typically pay 50% up front on booking the yacht hire and the balance on arrival. You will either pay a security deposit with your credit card on departure or can get insurance covering damage in advance. In some cases (such as the recent Covid situation) charter companies may be more flexible but this depends on the individual charter companies themselves.

What happens if my Yacht breaks down?

If you are at sea and in danger, call MAYDAY on VHF Ch16 or ring the coast guard on your phone if you have reception. If you have a mechanical fault and can make it to or are on a mooring you will be able to phone a help line number given by the boat charter company.

What should I think of before I hire a Yacht or Boat in Lagos?

You should consider do you have the experience to handle the yacht charter or boat rental before you book and where do you want to go along with what the weather will be like. Have something for cooler winds but be prepared for fierce heat in summer.

What Qualifications Do I need to hire a boat or yacht?

If you want to sail without a skipper then you will need relevant qualifications like RYA Day Skipper/International Certificate of Competence (ICC)/ASA 104 Bareboat certificate or the US Sailing Certificate. For small 'day boats' or if you choose to have a crewed yacht charter you typically don't require licences.