Douro River, Portugal

Know Before You Go

© 

Kayaking the Douro River

EXPEDITION LEADER PRE-TRIP SAFETY TALK

Kayaking is an exhilarating way to experience the sights of Portugal; however, it is also an activity that requires important safety precautions. Because the safety of our guests is paramount, our Expedition Leaders and staff are trained in water emergencies and the safest paddling techniques. Prior to the first day of paddling, our Expedition Leader will present a comprehensive safety talk. Please pay close attention to this presentation. The talk will last about 30 minutes and is designed to maximize the safety and enjoyment of your paddling experience. Topics to be covered include but are not limited to:

  • Expedition Leader and Staff Roles
  •  Gear, including required PFDs, what to wear, what to pack, and Nat Hab- provided equipment
  • Paddling Techniques & Tips
  • Paddle Signals
  • Communication on the Water
  • Kayaking Hazards
  • Safe Entry & Exit
  • In-Water Demonstration

EQUIPMENT

We will provide all kayaking equipment, including boating and safety gear. A mix of single and double hard shell polyethylene kayaks with rudders will be available. These crafts are stable, comfortable, durable and move very well through the water.

Individual preferences for single versus double kayaks will be taken into consideration and accommodated whenever possible. Note that only three single kayaks are available per departure and need to be reserved in advance. Please be aware, however, that final assignments will be made at the discretion of our Expedition Leader and based on the best interest and safety of the group.

HYDRATION

Hydration is key to maintaining good health while paddling. Apart from the required PFD, the most important item to bring along while paddling is a full bottle of water to maintain proper hydration. You will be surprised at how quickly you can become dehydrated while paddling, even if the air temperature or water feels cool. Please bring along the water bottle provided with your pre-trip package, which can be re-filled with drinking water throughout the expedition. It is helpful to bring a carabiner to attach your bottle to your kayak. Another way to easily access water is with a 2-liter water bladder (i.e., Camelbak or similar).

WEATHER

As safety is always our primary concern, should we experience inclement weather, we may be forced to limit our kayaking activities. We will do our best to reschedule paddling excursions and/or provide alternatives should inclement weather prohibit us from participating in any scheduled activities.

PREPARING PHYSICALLY

The best exercise to prepare you for a paddling adventure is to go paddling. Kayaking at your nearest lake or closest seashore will strengthen your abdominal, leg, arm and shoulder muscles. You can also take day/weekend trips with kayak outfitters in your local area. The more fit you are, the more you will enjoy your adventure. Aerobic exercises like long-distance swimming are great alternatives to get in shape for paddling as well.

SUN PROTECTION

The sun on the water can be very intense; therefore, we recommend using a sunscreen appropriate for your level of sensitivity to the sun and wearing long sleeves (if needed), a protective hat and polarized sunglasses.

RESTROOM STOPS ON THE RIVER

Toilet facilities are very limited along the river. While we try to find restrooms at each landing (and are generally successful), sometimes they are not available, and we must utilize a secluded spot in Mother Nature. Our Expedition Leader will also have “wag bags” on hand, in case of emergencies and will go over the process of using them with the group, should you have any concerns.
Admin Note : Repeater Settings
Current Settings: trip
Edit Settings
Know Before You Go

Send Me Travel Emails

Get the Inside Scoop on the

World of Nature Travel

Our weekly eNewsletters highlights new adventures, exclusive offers, webinars, nature news, travel ideas, photography tips and more. Sign up today!

Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
Send Me Travel Emails
Text Messaging Policy Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe from SMS at any time by texting STOP. Reply HELP for help. 2-4 promotional msgs/month. Informational msg frequency varies.
Privacy Policy
Thank you for joining our email list

Look for a special welcome message in your inbox, arriving shortly! Be sure to add naturalhabitat@nathab.com to your email contacts so you don’t miss out on future emails.

Get Weekly Updates

Our weekly eNewsletter highlights new adventures, exclusive offers, webinars, nature news, travel ideas, photography tips and more.

Privacy Policy
We're Proud of the Reputation We’ve Earned
Voted "World's Best Travel Company" by Outside Magazine
Travel & Leisure logo
Voted "Top Tour Operator" in Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards
Newsweek logo
Voted "Best Adventure Travel Company" in Newsweek Reader's Choice Awards
VIEW MORE AWARDS

View Our 2025/2026 Digital Catalog

Discover the World's Best

Nature Travel Experiences

Nathab 2024 Catalog

Together, Natural Habitat Adventures and World Wildlife Fund have teamed up to arrange nearly 100 nature travel experiences around the planet, while helping to protect the magnificent places we visit and their wild inhabitants.

Natural Habitat Adventures and World Wildlife Logos
Request Your 2025/26 Catalog
Text Messaging Policy Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe from SMS at any time by texting STOP. Reply HELP for help. 2-4 promotional msgs/month. Informational msg frequency varies.
Continued - Page 2 of 2
To help us customize your catalog request, please tell us more about your travel needs:
Thank you for requesting a catalog
We’ve received your request. If you have any questions about our trips, please feel free to contact an Adventure Specialist today by calling 800-543-8917.

Get Weekly Updatess

Discover the World's Best

Nature Travel Experiences

Our weekly eNewsletter highlights new adventures, exclusive offers, webinars, nature news, travel ideas, photography tips and more. Sign up today!

Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
Send Me Travel Emails
Text Messaging Policy Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe from SMS at any time by texting STOP. Reply HELP for help. 2-4 promotional msgs/month. Informational msg frequency varies.
Privacy Policy
Thank you for joining our email list!

Look for a special welcome message in your inbox, arriving shortly! Be sure to add naturalhabitat@nathab.com to your email contacts so you don’t miss out on future emails.

Send Us a Message

Send Us a Message

Have a question or comment? Use the form to the right to get in touch with us.

Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
Send Us a Message
Text Messaging Policy Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe from SMS at any time by texting STOP. Reply HELP for help. 2-4 promotional msgs/month. Informational msg frequency varies.
Text Messaging Policy Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe from SMS at any time by texting STOP. Reply HELP for help. 2-4 promotional msgs/month. Informational msg frequency varies.
Thank you for your message

We’ll be in touch soon with a response.

Refer a Friend

Refer a Friend,
Get $250 Off
Earn rewards for referring your friends! We'd like to thank our loyal travelers for spreading the word. Share your friend's address so we can send a catalog, and if your friend takes a trip as a first-time Nat Hab traveler, you'll receive a $250 Nat Hab credit you can use toward a future trip or the purchase of Nat Hab gear. To refer a friend, just complete the form below or call us at 800-543-8917. It's that easy! See rules and fine print here.
Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
Refer a Friend

Earn rewards for referring your friends! We'd like to thank our loyal travelers for spreading the word. Share your friend's address so we can send a catalog, and if your friend takes a trip as a first-time Nat Hab traveler, you'll receive a $250 Nat Hab credit you can use toward a future trip or the purchase of Nat Hab gear. To refer a friend, just complete the form below or call us at 800-543-8917. It's that easy! See rules and fine print here.

Text Messaging Policy Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe from SMS at any time by texting STOP. Reply HELP for help. 2-4 promotional msgs/month. Informational msg frequency varies.
Thank you for the referral!

We've received your friend's information.

View Our 2025/2026 Digital Catalog

View Our 2025/2026

Digital Catalog

Help us save paper! We offer a digital version of The World's Greatest Nature Journeys. If you'd prefer a mailed copy, please provide your contact details here. To view our digital catalog, please enter your info in the form to the right.
Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
View Digital Catalog
Text Messaging Policy Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe from SMS at any time by texting STOP. Reply HELP for help. 2-4 promotional msgs/month. Informational msg frequency varies.
Happy browsing!

Thanks for requesting access to our digital catalog. Click here to view it now. You’ll also receive it by email momentarily.

Our Trips

Polar Bear Tours

Polar Bear Tours

African Safaris

African Safaris

Galapagos Tours

Galapagos Tours

Alaska Adventures

Alaska Adventures

U.S. National Parks Tours

U.S. National Parks Tours

Canada & the North

Canada & the North

Europe Adventures

Europe Adventures

Mexico & Central America Tours

Mexico & Central America Tours

South America Adventures

South America Adventures

Asia & Pacific Adventures

Asia & Pacific Adventures

Antarctica & Arctic Journeys

Antarctica & Arctic Journeys

Photography Expeditions

Photography Expeditions

Adventure Cruises

Adventure Cruises

Women's Adventures

Women's Adventures

Family Adventures

Family Adventures

New Adventures

New Adventures

Questions? Call 800-543-8917

Contact Us

Have a question or comment?
Click any of the buttons below to get in touch with us.

Hours
Mountain Time

  • 8 am to 5 pm, Monday - Friday
  • 8 am to 3 pm on Saturday
  • Closed on Sunday
Call 800-543-8917
Questions? Click to Chat
Questions? Click to Chat
/know-before-you-go/europe/portugal/kayaking-the-douro/