We had a great 1-hour cruise along the Douro river. The boat was comfortable and the guide/sailor was really nice. He shared with us his knowledge about the place and other facts about Portugal. For us this 1-hour cruise was the right way to enjoy the Douro valley.

It was a very pleasant way to spend an hour in Duoro. it is unquestionably some beautiful scenery and an enjoyable way to see it. The audio guide, which was VERY difficult to get working (mine kept just stopping and not giving the info, but my partner's did work so we shared. As far as I could see everyone else gave up on it) actually had very good info about the various Quintas and the region. it was well put together and interesting. For most of our fellow passengers this was just a boat ride with beautiful scenery and no guide - and they still very much enjoyed it. If you do want the audio guide, you first must download the app and then you have to actively go and find the captain, who gives you a QR code and then adjusts the settings to be "always on" and sets you on your way. there was no announcement or info about the guide made publicly, so maybe not everyone knows about it?

We wanted a boat cruise down the Douro River but no boats go from Peso da Regua (where we were staying) but found only a few companies going from Pinhao. Booked online which was very straightforward. We went for the 1 hour ride which goes down the river and then back. It goes every hour and each boat is normally packed with coach trips or tourists. By the time everyone got on and we got back, it was probably only a 45 minute round trip. There is limited spaces outside at the front which taken very quickly but have the best views and cooler. Inside is much warmer and noisier but more seats. There is a small bar (Port & Beer and maybe soft drinks) and toilets. You can definitely bring your own drinks and food onboard. No one used the audio guide (downloaded from an app) and was quite noisy to listen to it anyway. But it was very lovely just going down the river and enjoying the sun and views with a drink. So would recommend for a break between port houses!!