RECREATIONAL BOATING LICENSES
The Best recreational boating school in Porto
Enroll in our upcoming recreational boating courses, led by experienced instructors, and join the hundreds of sailors, local skippers, and coastal skippers trained by BBDouro this year!
Next Course
13 APR 2026
Basic Skipper (Marinheiro)
4 to 6 weeks-
Vessels up to 12 meters in length with appropriate installed power as per its certification
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Daytime navigation
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Up to 3 miles from the coast and 10 miles from a harbor
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Theoretical lessons twice a week, after working hours
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Three weekend practical lessons
Next Course
26 MAY 2026
Local Skipper (Patrão Local)
8 to 10 weeks-
Vessels without size or power limits
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Daytime and nighttime navigation
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Up to 6 miles from the coast and 25 miles from a harbor
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Theoretical lessons twice a week, after working hours
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Three weekend practical lessons
Next Course
03 NOV 2026
Costal Skipper (Patrão de Costa)
13 to 16 weeks-
Vessels without size or power limits
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Daytime and nighttime navigation
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Up to 45 miles from the coast and without distance limits from a harbor
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Theoretical lessons twice a week, after working hours
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Five weekend practical lessons
Other Information
- The price includes exam and license fees, insurance and VAT.
- A form is provided during the course for students to sign up for the practical lessons.
- Final exams are in-person and conducted at BBDouro’s facilities.
"From my enrollment in the course to the exam, everything proceeded smoothly and organized. The always cheerful instructor was able to pass on his passion and knowledge of the sea to the students."
In addition to ensuring high-quality instruction, BBDouro’s primary objective as a nautical training school is to make sure that each of our students feels comfortable and independent when navigating.
Our school stands out for the frequency of courses and easy access to information and support materials:
- We offer comprehensive courses for Basic Skipper (Marinheiro), Local Skipper (Patrão Local), and Coastal Skipper (Patrão de Costa), covering all topics coherently.
- Our lessons are held in the evening, twice a week.
- We provide 3 practical lessons for each course attended.
- We have an e-learning platform with study content and exam preparation materials.
IN WHICH BOATS WILL YOU SAIL?
BUBBLES
Cabin boat with a length of 6.5 meters and an outboard motor with 115 hp.
RIGID INFLATABLE BOAT
Rigid hull boat with 5.35 meter floats and 50 hp outboard engine.
WHERE WILL YOU SAIL?
Our boating training sessions are held at Douro Marina and in the Estuary of Douro Natural Reserve.
WHY CHOOSE BBDOURO?
At BBDouro, we are dedicated to provide top-notch training, taking into account not only exam approval but also information exchange and experience sharing that greatly enriches our training programs.
For 11 years, we have been sharing our passion for this sport and the sea with the help of our experienced and dedicated instructors. Our boating school offers a variety of courses designed to adapt to each person’s experience level, in a healthy and comfortable environment, without significant investments.
At BBDouro, our instructors are 100% available to clarify and assist all our students. We also have an extensive library of support materials through our e-learning platform, allowing students to prepare for exams effectively.
Hugo Freitas
Boating Licences and Training
CHALLENGE YOURSELF AND ENROLL IN A NAUTICAL TRAINING COURSE
IS THIS EXPERIENCE NOT WHAT YOU WERE HOPING FOR?
We can go sailing in another direction…
DISABLED SAILING
At BBDouro, teaching and practicing sailing have no limits. Our Disabled Sailing program, on the INCA Lusíadas ForALL boat, is designed according to the needs and knowledge of each of our sailors.
ADULT ACADEMY
Lack of time and age are not obstacles to developing your love of sailing and the sea at BBDouro’s Adult Academy. With private and group lessons every weekend we dare you to come and try it.
POWERBOAT TRAINING
Do you have a boating license but lack the confidence to sail by yourself? This course is tailored specifically for you.
BBDouro offers the greatest Summer and Easter camps in Vila Nova de Gaia and Porto. Children aged 5 to 15 years old will enjoy fun-filled weeks at sea, with wind, sun, and sailing.
SAILING EXPERIENCE
During a two-hour cruise along the Douro River, you will experience the unique sensation of using just the wind to move forward and feel the adrenaline of the boat gliding on the water.
