Kayakers, Douro River, Portugal

Know Before You Go

© 

What to Pack for Your Portugal Adventure

The following packing list contains general recommendations for a Portugal kayaking adventure. If you are currently booked on Paddling Portugal's River of Wine, please consult your pre-departure materials for the most up-to-date packing list for your trip. You will receive these pre-departure materials 60–90 days before your departure.

Items indicated in color below are typically available in the Nat Hab Gear Store. Please note that due to global supply chain issues beyond our control, we cannot guarantee that every item will always be in stock.

Adventure Guidelines

  • Casual style clothing is fine for the vast majority of our trip. Some guests prefer to bring something slightly dressier for our stay in the manor house and for our farewell dinner in Porto.
  • Since you’ll likely get a bit wet from water dripping off your paddle, we recommend a swimsuit as a base layer—and sometimes we stop for a swim in the river along the way.
  • On top of your suit, wear quick-dry fabrics that offer protection from the strong sun, including a lightweight, long-sleeved synthetic shirt. As we do not use spray skirts on the calm river, lightweight nylon pants or shorts that come at least to the knees are recommended.
  • A brimmed hat is essential to protect your face and neck from the sun—we recommend a lightweight, nylon “crushable” style that won’t be damaged if it gets wet.
  • Wear a sturdy, water-appropriate sport sandal such as Tevas or Keens that will protect your feet when we go ashore for breaks or picnic lunches. Closed toes are best.
  • Though your feet are not likely to get cold (even though they may be wet), you may wish to wear neoprene or wool socks with your sandals just in case. They also offer protection from the sun.
  • Lightweight paddling gloves are highly recommended to protect your hands from blisters.
  • Bring a lightweight waterproof rain jacket with hood that can double as a windbreaker—it can be stored in a dry bag inside the kayak when it’s not needed. Please note that rain ponchos do not work well for paddling.
  • Light hiking clothing, such as shorts or lightweight pants, are recommended for our short day hikes. We suggest layering as the temperature can vary.
  • Hairdryers are provided at all accommodations. In some locations you may need to check them out from the front desk.

Clothing

  • Lightweight, breathable, waterproof (not water-resistant) rain jacket, with hood
  • Warm fleece
  • Tennis shoes or lightweight hikers
    —Bring appropriate shoes for short day hikes. Hiking boots are not necessary.
  • Water-resistant sport sandals (Tevas, Chacos, etc.)
    —For kayaking. Cover your feet and toes well with sunblock or a light neoprene sock to prevent sunburn.
  • 2 pairs of comfortable lightweight pants
    —Paddling in long pants or capri-length trousers that cover the knee is advised to prevent sunburn.
  • 1 pair of nylon zip-off pants
    —Useful for warm days and cooler mornings and evenings.
  • 2–3 lightweight, long-sleeved shirts
    —For cool evenings and to protect your arms, shoulders and back from the sun while paddling.
  • 3–4 short-sleeved T-shirts
    —We strongly encourage synthetic or quick-drying natural fibers, like merino or silk, and not cotton.
  • Swimsuit
  • 3 pairs of shorts
    —You may not need as many pairs of shorts if you are bringing zip-off pants.
  • 1–2 dressier outfits (optional)
    —Rural Portugal tends to be a more traditional part of the country, and you may feel more comfortable at dinner at some of the manor houses in slightly dressier clothing. For women, we recommend a packable knit dress or skirt, while khakis and a buttoned shirt are a good choice for men.
  • Underwear
  • Lightweight wool or synthetic socks
    —Bring appropriate socks for short day hikes. These will also protect against sunburn when paddling.
  • Sleepwear

Additional Items

  • Cash
    —For discretionary gratuities (you may want to bring envelopes for discreet presentation)
    —For personal spending (souvenirs, or food and beverages not included in your trip fee)

  • Small, water-resistant daypack
    —Your daypack should be 25–35 liters, and can also double as your carry-on bag.
  • Small dry bag
    —We will supply one 20-liter dry bag per kayak; however, it’s good to have a smaller dry bag or reusable waterproof bag for wet or dirty clothing and for protecting camera equipment.
  • Waterproof or water-resistant sun hat, with brim
    —It can be helpful to dip your hat in the water to cool off when it gets hot. Also make sure you have something to secure your hat when it is windy.
  • Lightweight neck gaiter (included in your pre-trip package)
    —Provides sun, wind and/or dust protection.
  • Water bottle (included in your pre-trip package) or water bladder with hose (i.e., Camelbak or similar)
    —In our continuing effort to operate our adventures with as little impact on the environment as possible, you will receive a reusable water bottle (unless you opted out on your Booking Form) to take with you on your adventure.
  • Carabiner (to attach your water bottle to your kayak)
  • Paddling gloves
    —If you are prone to blisters while paddling. Gloves will also help protect against sunburn.
  • Binoculars (optional)
  • Outlet adapter and/or power converter  
  • Sunglasses (With UV filter and secure strap)
  • Earplugs
  • Toiletries in reusable bottles to minimize waste
    —Shampoo and soap will be provided at all our accommodations.
  • Insect repellent and anti-itch ointment
    —Repellents containing DEET are the most effective against mosquitoes, but please be aware that DEET is a very strong ingredient which can damage plastics, clothing and equipment.
  • Sunscreen and lip balm (at least SPF30)
    —We recommend a large bottle, as you will use a lot on the river.
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Prescription glasses/contact lenses
  • Fast-drying travel towel
  • Electrolyte/flavor crystal packets (optional)
    —Can be added to water to replace fluids in case of intestinal illness and/or enhance the taste to encourage hydration.
Browse Our European Adventures
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/packing-list/