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Whole apartment 1 Jun–12 Sep

Berlengas Natural Reserve

How to visit the Berlengas Islands from Peniche

The archipelago is less than an hour by boat from Peniche's fishing harbour. A practical guide to planning the trip: the BerlengasPass, boat tickets and what to do on the island.

The Berlengas are a Natural Reserve and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve just off the coast of Peniche. Access is by boat only, departing from the city's fishing harbour, typically from spring to early autumn depending on sea conditions — always worth confirming with the operator before planning your day.
Arch of the access bridge to the São João Baptista Fort on Berlenga island, with blue sea and a cliff in the background
Bridge to the São João Baptista Fort, Berlenga. Photo: Vítor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0

Where to catch the boat

Boats to the Berlengas leave from Peniche's fishing harbour (Porto de Pesca), with several licensed operators. In summer, spots sell out days in advance — book ahead.

Peniche Marina (BerlengaTur boarding): 4 min by car or 12 min on foot · Fishing harbour: 6 min by car (1.9 km) or 24 min on foot

Our recommendation

For the Berlengas, we recommend BerlengaTur

A licensed Peniche operator with catamaran trips from Peniche Marina, packs for every kind of visitor — from a simple crossing to a grotto tour with snorkelling — and online booking with instant confirmation.

  • Rated 4.8/5 on Google, with over 1,000 reviews
  • Licensed operator (RNAAT 102/11), with a catamaran crossing of about 35 minutes
  • Boarding at Peniche Marina (stand 3), 40 minutes before departure
  • Online booking with instant confirmation — advisable between June and September, when trips sell out
  • If sea conditions don't allow the trip, BerlengaTur reschedules or refunds

The packs at a glance

Pack 1 — Round trip

from€25

Round-trip crossing between Peniche and Berlenga, to explore the island at your own pace.

Pack 2 — Round trip + grottoes

from€35

Includes the visit to Berlenga's famous grottoes.

Pack 3 — Round trip + grottoes + guided walk

from€40

Crossing, grottoes and a guided walk to the island's points of interest — the most complete option for families and groups.

Pack 4 — Round trip + grottoes + snorkelling

from€45

For the adventurous: snorkelling in Berlenga's crystal-clear waters (adults only).

2026 prices, per adult, in low season. They vary between low, mid and high season (in high season, packs 1 to 4 cost €35, €45, €50 and €55). Children (3 to 12) and babies (up to 2) have special prices. The BerlengasPass fee (ICNF) is not included.

Practical information

  • Operating season: April to October, depending on sea conditions.
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.
  • Departures between 9:45 am and 1:30 pm; returns between 2:30 pm and 6:00 pm.
  • Time on the island: usually 4 to 6 hours — spending the whole day on the island is not possible with these trips.

Two separate purchases: BerlengasPass + boat ticket

BerlengasPass

An access permit for the Natural Reserve, required for all ages (free registration for children under 6). Bought exclusively online at berlengaspass.icnf.pt — not sold at the harbour or by boat operators. Check current prices on the official ICNF website before booking.

Boat ticket

Bought separately, from one of the licensed operators departing from Peniche. Prices and schedules vary by operator and season — check directly before travelling.

What to do on the island

São João Baptista Fort

A 17th-century fortification, now an inn, connected to the island by a small bridge over the sea.

Old Lighthouse and trails

Short walks with views over the cliffs and the open ocean.

Diving and snorkelling

Clear waters and protected marine life — local operators run dives within the reserve.

Small beaches and coves

Natural swimming spots between the rocks, for a calmer day on the island.

See all frequently asked questions

Planning your trip to the Berlengas?

Stay in the centre of Peniche, minutes from the fishing harbour, and plan your Berlengas trip with time to spare — before or after exploring the city.