Berlenga Island with Kids: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Taking your children to the Berlenga Island is one of the best adventures you can give a family in Portugal. A wild island, crystal-clear water, sea caves and a historic fortress — all within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, just 40 minutes by boat from Peniche. Here is the complete guide to make the trip go perfectly.

From what age can children visit the Berlenga Island?

There is no age restriction — babies and children aged 0 to 3 can make the trip with no problem at all. BerlengaTur’s catamaran is stable and comfortable, and the crew is used to welcoming families with babies. If your child is sensitive to motion, a preventive anti-sickness remedy solves the issue. From the age of 4–5, most children will love the adventure — the boat, the island, the caves. Whatever the age, it’s an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

How long is the crossing? Can children handle it?

The crossing takes 30 to 35 minutes on BerlengaTur’s catamaran. That’s long enough for children to get excited about the open sea and the spray, without being so long that they become restless. Bring some snacks and keep them busy outside on deck watching the horizon — this also helps to prevent seasickness.

What to do on the Berlenga with children?

Glass-bottom boat tour of the caves

This is invariably the children’s favourite part. The glass-bottom boat (Leoti) sails through the Berlenga’s sea caves and tunnels, with the transparent floor revealing the underwater world. Seeing fish, seaweed and the deep blue of the ocean through the boat’s floor is an experience children never forget. Available from Pack 2 and the higher packages.

Carreiro do Mosteiro Beach

The island’s only sandy beach is small but sheltered, with very clear water. Perfect for splashing about, snorkelling with mask and snorkel, or simply playing. Bring a float, mask and fins — the water is cool but children usually don’t mind.

São João Baptista Fortress

A 17th-century fortress that is now a youth hostel. Children love to explore the walls, imagine pirates and corsairs, and enjoy a privileged view over the archipelago. The visit is free and takes just a few minutes on foot.

Birdwatching

The Berlenga is home to Cory’s shearwater, the great black-backed gull and other seabirds that nest in the cliffs. Bring small binoculars — the most curious children are fascinated by the bird colonies.

What to bring when travelling with children

• ✅ High-factor sunscreen (reapply several times — there’s no shade on the beach)
• ✅ Hat and sunglasses
• ✅ Swimwear + towel + a dry change of clothes
• ✅ Water shoes (the bottom by the pier is rocky)
• ✅ Mask and snorkel (children’s size)
• ✅ Enough snacks and water for the day
• ✅ Travel-sickness tablet (Stugeron, 30 min before boarding) if your child is sensitive
• ✅ A small bag with the essentials (waterproof if possible)

Where to eat on the Berlenga with children?

Mesa da Ilha

The island’s only restaurant is called Mesa da Ilha, with a privileged view over the São João Baptista Fortress. Specialising in seafood and fresh fish, it’s a unique spot — eating seafood overlooking the ocean and a 17th-century fortress is an experience children (and parents) never forget. Prices are higher than on the mainland, as is usual on islands, but the quality justifies it. Booking a table in advance is recommended, especially in July and August. Alternatively, bring a packed lunch from home for the children — there are picnic tables near the beach.

Is the crossing safe for children?

Yes. BerlengaTur’s catamaran has life jackets for all ages and sizes. The crew is experienced and conditions are monitored at all times. On days with very rough seas, trips are cancelled for safety.

Which package to choose for a family trip?

For families with children, we recommend:

• Pack 2 – Round Trip + Caves: the perfect balance — it includes the glass-bottom boat tour of the caves that children love, with free time on the island for the beach and the fortress.
• Pack 1 – Round Trip: if the children are very young and you prefer to keep the programme simpler, this package gives you complete free time on the island.