BerlengaPass: What It Is and How to Book Your Visit to Berlenga Island

If you’re planning a trip to the Berlenga Island, there’s a mandatory step that many visitors only discover at the last minute: the BerlengaPass. In this guide we explain what it is, how much it costs, how to book it and why it’s essential to guarantee your landing on the island.

What is the BerlengaPass?

The BerlengaPass is the official booking and fee for visiting the Berlengas Nature Reserve, managed by the ICNF (Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests). As Berlenga Grande is a protected area — classified as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO — the number of visitors per day is limited, to protect the island’s unique ecosystem.

In practice, without a BerlengaPass you are not allowed to land on the island. The booking is made online at berlengaspass.icnf.pt.

Is the BerlengaPass included in the boat ticket?

No. The BerlengaPass fee is not included in the price of the BerlengaTur boat ticket. They are two distinct and complementary things:

• Boat ticket (BerlengaTur): the round-trip journey to the island.
• BerlengaPass (ICNF): the access permit for the Nature Reserve.

How much does the BerlengaPass cost?

The fee amount is set by the ICNF and varies according to age: 3€ per person aged 18–65, 1.50€ for ages 6–18 and over 65, and free for children under 6 (who must still register). Always check the up-to-date amount on the official portal berlengaspass.icnf.pt before booking. There are also other fees to bear in mind on the island:

• Entry to the São João Baptista Fort: 1€
• Parking in Peniche: 2€ for 5 hours (restricted access between 15 July and 10 August)

How to book the BerlengaPass (step by step)

• Go to berlengaspass.icnf.pt.
• Choose the date of your visit (daily places sell out quickly in July and August).
• Enter the number of visitors and the requested details.
• Pay the fee and keep the receipt.
• Only then book your boat tour with BerlengaTur for the same date.

Tip: book in advance — in July and August the daily visitor limit sells out weeks ahead.

Tips for the day of your visit

Before your visit, it’s also worth knowing what to do on the Berlenga Island.

• Arrive at stand 3 (BerlengaTur) at least 40 minutes before boarding.
• Bring the BerlengaPass receipt and an ID document.
• Wear comfortable footwear, sunscreen, water and a hat — the island is explored on foot.
• Prefer May, June or September: excellent weather and fewer crowds.

Frequently asked questions about the BerlengaPass

Do I need a BerlengaPass even if I’m only going to the Fort? Yes. It is required to land on the island, regardless of what you plan to do.

Does BerlengaTur handle the BerlengaPass for me? The fee booking is made by the visitor on the ICNF portal. BerlengaTur handles your boat tour and helps with any questions.

What happens if I don’t have a BerlengaPass? Without a valid booking, landing in the Nature Reserve is not permitted.

Book your Berlenga adventure

With the BerlengaPass sorted, the most exciting part remains: the boat tour. BerlengaTur takes you from Peniche to the Berlenga with cave tours, snorkelling and guided experiences. See our packs and prices or book your trip now.

Book your trip to the Berlenga Islands

Choose the pack that best suits your visit:

• Pack 1 – Round Trip: complete freedom on the island
• Pack 2 – Caves + Ferry: glass-bottom boat through the caves
• Pack 3 – Guided Tour: with a specialist guide
• Pack 4 – Snorkelling + Caves: the most complete experience