About Vítor Lopes
Vítor became one of the pioneers of guided kayak tours in the Algarve. Officially operating since 2001, he first founded Algarve Eco Tours, later renamed it Albandeira Eco Tours, and today proudly welcomes guests through Benagil Eco Tours.
His passion for the ocean began at an early age. At just 12 years old, in 1994, he dedicated himself seriously to bodyboarding, later expanding into surfing, scuba diving, coasteering, cliff jumping, and exploring the coastline in improvised kayaks long before sea kayaking became a popular activity.
His love for nature was matched by his commitment to education. Vítor studied Tourism Excellence and Tourist Entertainment at the Algarve Tourism School before earning a degree in Environmental Management, later recognised as equivalent to Environmental Engineering. His academic background, combined with years of hands-on experience, has given him a deep understanding of both tourism and environmental conservation.
Driven by curiosity and a passion for different cultures, Vítor has travelled to several countries around the world, always bringing home new ideas while strengthening his respect for nature and sustainable tourism.
Throughout his teenage years and professional career, nearly every job was connected to the sea or hospitality. He worked as a lifeguard, tourist guide, and later joined Portugal Team, where he welcomed and guided VIP guests visiting Portugal.
For seven years, he was part of the prestigious Vila Vita Parc, one of the world’s finest luxury hotels and a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, working in the Guest Relations department. There, he provided exceptional service to international guests in one of Europe’s most exclusive five star resorts, home to a two Michelin starred restaurant.
Beyond tourism, Vítor has also pursued several entrepreneurial projects, including opening Páteo das Pizzas and developing a number of local holiday accommodations.
Yet, despite these achievements, his true passion has always remained the sea.
He would rather carry kayaks to the beach, meet people from around the world, feel the sun on his face and the salt on his skin than work behind a desk. Every tour is an opportunity to share what he considers one of the most spectacular limestone coastlines on Earth.
Slow tourism, nature and authentic experiences
At Benagil Eco Tours, we proudly promote slow tourism, respect for nature, and authentic local experiences. We believe that fragile ecosystems deserve care, not mass tourism, and our goal is to offer small group adventures that minimise environmental impact while creating unforgettable memories.
Come and discover the real Algarve with us.
