THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Take the wheel and explore the Algarve on your terms. The Astilux AX600 SD in Lagos is a self-drive rental for licensed skippers who want to slip into sea caves, anchor off secluded coves, and build a private day on the water.
Take the wheel and explore the Algarve on your terms. The Astilux AX600 SD in Lagos is a self-drive rental for licensed skippers who want to slip into sea caves, anchor off secluded coves, and build a private day on the water.
Book with Southwest Boats
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Southwest Boats · Lagos, Faro
On the Algarve coast, the Astilux AX600 SD puts you at the helm of your own ocean day. Based in Lagos, Faro, Portugal, this rental by southwestboats hands experienced skippers the keys to an agile 6-meter craft built for exploring sea caves, cliff arches and the wide-open Atlantic. Choose a 3-, 5- or 7-hour slot and plan a route that includes the honey-colored cliffs of Ponta da Piedade, hidden coves reachable only by small boat, and long runs along limestone headlands where the water turns a vivid Mediterranean blue.
The boat is offered to qualified drivers, so this is not a guided cruise but a captain-for-a-day experience: navigate narrow channels, drop anchor off untracked beaches, and time a swim directly from the swim-platform. Groups up to eight fit comfortably for day trips, making the AX600 SD a great option for friends or families who want flexibility without the formality of a crew. Check-in requires arriving 30 minutes early to complete the contract and get a safety briefing.
What makes this rental special is the combination of autonomy and access. Large tour boats can’t thread the caves and grottoes you’ll find along Lagos’ coastline; a nimble craft like the AX600 SD can glide close to cliffs and tuck into small coves for snorkeling or cliffside picnics. Limestone and conglomerate cliffs, eroded into arches, stacks and grottoes, dominate the scenery; the shoreline vegetation is mostly low Mediterranean scrub and hardy pines above the cliffs. Look for shoals of fish and common seabirds riding the thermals as you cruise.
Practical notes: bring your boating license, fuel may be included or charged extra (confirm at booking), and pack water, reef-safe sunscreen, a wind layer and a dry bag. Launches depend on local tides and wind; in strong northerlies the skipper should choose sheltered routes. If you lack a license, ask southwestboats about hiring a local skipper.
This is a high-reward, low-friction way to explore the Algarve on your own terms. The Astilux AX600 SD turns a day trip into a sequence of discoveries—sea caves, cliff swims, and shoreline views that feel private because you made them so. For sailors who want control of their itinerary and families who prize privacy over crowded decks, this rental is an ideal way to see Lagos from the water.
Available time blocks (3, 5, and 7 hours) let you tailor the pace. A brief coastal loop hits the highlights; a half-day lets you linger for multiple swims, and a full day can reach quieter headlands and Atlantic horizon. Reserve early in high season, verify insurance and fuel policy, and pack a small cooler with fresh local bread, cheese and cold drinks to create an unbeatable floating picnic experience.
Yes—this boat is offered to qualified drivers; bring your valid license and ID to check-in.
Options are typically 3, 5 or 7 hours—confirm available blocks when booking.
Ask southwestboats at booking; local skippers may be available for an additional fee.
The meeting point is not listed; confirm location and exact launch site with the operator before arrival.
Fuel policy may vary—confirm whether fuel is included or charged separately when you book.
The rental accepts up to 8 people, making it suitable for small groups or families.
Southwest Boats is a marine tour and rental company operating from Lagos and Faro on Portugal’s Algarve coast. The company offers a range of boat experiences including short coastal cruises, longer seven- and eleven-hour excursions, private yacht and catamaran trips, bareboat options for licensed skippers, and jet ski rentals. The fleet includes named vessels and models available for hire, with options for guests who want to skipper the boat themselves when they hold the appropriate license. Available craft include models listed for charter such as Dipol Fragata 510, Italboats 540 Predator, Astilux AX600 SD, Italboats 650 Predator, Italboats Stingher 606 XS, and Astilux AX600 Open, alongside catamaran and luxury yacht experiences. Interactions and trip durations range from two or three hour outings to seven‑hour coastal days and full eleven‑hour sea excursions. Southwest Boats provides guided and private formats suitable for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and sightseeing along the Algarve coastline. The company operates from two Algarve bases, Lagos and Faro, making beach access and iconic cave sites reachable by water. Booking options cover private charters, scheduled cruises, and equipment hire such as jet skis. Safety practices and operational details follow local maritime regulations; customers can choose captained or bareboat rentals according to licensing requirements. Southwest Boats focuses on delivering flexible, location-focused maritime experiences for travelers seeking boat tours and rentals along the Algarve coast. Reservations are available online and through local booking desks in Lagos and Faro for private hires, scheduled cruises, and jet ski rentals during the tourist season regularly.
Book with Southwest Boats