Discover theMagicof the Douro

The Douro River is an extraordinary place, magical, some people say. Experience the beauty, history, and culture of Portugal's most spectacular river valley.

The Extraordinary Douro River

High, steep banks that, in many places, are sheer granite walls rising several hundred feet. Many years of hard work have terraced the steep banks in other areas.

The Romans first created many terraces to raise grapes, make wine, and send it to the Roman Empire. In some places, the terraced mountainsides stretch as far as we can see.

The Douro River brings life to all it passes, and in Portugal, this life is very much alive, as you will experience if you join us.

River Characteristics

Rolling Hills & Steep Valleys

Dramatic landscapes carved by millennia

Grapevine-Covered Terraces

Ancient Roman engineering still in use today

Granite Walls

Sheer walls rising hundreds of feet

Douro Kayak Expeditions

Our tours differ in several ways from other trips on the same river

Douro Kayak Expeditions organizes expeditions on the Douro River. Our tours differ from other trips on the same river in several ways.

Ours are the only ones that can do the whole 209 Km of the river as it crosses Portugal, and we are the only ones who can go through all the locks.

We limit our Expeditionary members to 12 plus guides. This kind of close attention is not available in larger groups.

We have groups starting in April, May, June, September, and October. We are also available for private closed groups year-round.

What Makes Us Unique

209

Complete River Crossing

Only expedition covering all 209 km across Portugal

🔒

Through All Locks

Exclusive access to navigate through every lock system

12+

Small Groups Only

Maximum 12 participants plus professional guides

📅

Flexible Scheduling

Regular tours Apr-Jun & Sep-Oct, private groups year-round

Meet Our Expert Team

Decades of experience and thousands of kilometers paddled on the Douro River

Jack Atkinson

Founder & Expedition Leader

Jack has been the instigator and driving force behind both Douro and Algarve Kayak Expeditions. After living and working in several parts of the world, Jack settled in the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) more than 50 years ago and has been an English teacher, language school owner, and sea kayak guide since then.

Jack teamed up with Rui Calado many years ago; to this day, they don't have a written contract. Each knows his job and does it.

50+ Years in IberiaEducation ExpertSea Kayak Guide

Rui Calado

Master Guide & Kayak Expert

Rui is the foremost Portuguese authority on kayaking. Rui has paddled the Portuguese coastline and more than 120 rivers in Europe, Asia, and North and South America.

Rui has dedicated his life to kayaking in many facets, including kayak design and construction. Among other achievements, Rui led an international group of 15 on a winter descent of the Grand Canyon several years ago. Rui is also a professional SUP paddler and has SUP paddled the Douro River.

Rui and Jack have logged more kayaking on the Douro River than anyone else, and they are both experts on the Douro River and the Algarve. Rui personally guides all the tours.

120+ Rivers WorldwideGrand Canyon LeaderKayak DesignerSUP Professional

Our Philosophy

We believe in authentic experiences that respect both nature and local culture

Sustainable Tourism

We are proud to always focus our trips on sustainable tourism with serious social dedication

Authentic Experiences

Douro Kayak Expeditions aims to provide authentic experiences of the highest quality

Small Groups

Limited to only 12 plus guides for optimum group dynamics and personalized experience

"Take only pictures and leave only footprints."

We are not tourists; we are travelers. We go down the Douro River to observe, learn, and enjoy. Making new friends as we go along.

What We Take

Photographs and memories
Stories and experiences
Cultural knowledge

What We Leave

Only footprints in sand
Respect for local communities
Preserved natural environment

Ready to Experience the Douro?

Join us for an unforgettable journey through one of Europe's most spectacular river valleys. Contact us today to start planning your adventure.

10 Days Expedition 6 Days Expedition