About Us

ABOUT US

VOLTA DO MAR

(‘turn of the sea’ or ‘return from the sea’) was a unique sailing technique devised by intrepid Portuguese sailors during the fifteenth century. In order to return home from epic voyages across the globe, ships would turn and set sail in the opposite direction away from Portugal. Once far out into the ocean, they could catch and ride the trade winds home. For the Portuguese explorers, mastering the "Volta do Mar" required knowledge of the winds and seas as well as the skill and expertise to harness these powerful natural forces. For us, it symbolizes a special combination of knowledge and expertise, combined with a respect for nature and the environment, as well as the thrill of discovery and exploration.

VALUES & MISSION

CORE VALUES: - Quality - Provide high product quality - Customer commitment - Provide superior customer care - Authenticity - Share authentic moments and experiences - Engagement & Connection - Engage and connect with our guests - Respect & Honesty - Respect for people and developing honest relationships; with our community, team-workers, visitors and people from all walks of life - Responsibility & Sustainability - Provide responsible and sustainable services MISSION: Volta do Mar’s purpose is to share high quality, honest, authentic, and engaging experiences with humans from the four corners of the world.

THE TEAM

After years travelling around the world, we returned home to start a project that speaks to our hearts and minds

Ricardo

Tour Guide
Ricardo is a true pirate. A fellow Algarvian, he is a climber, a diving instructor, boat captain and videographer. He used to spend half the year sailing the sea in a huge yacht, always returning to Portugal for the sunshine and good food. If you need a honest talk and a smile he’s your go-to person.

Pedro

Tour Guide
Pedro is our favourite computer geek. A local from the Alentejo wine region, he always shows up with a bottle of wine, dried sausages, cheese, honey and other delicacies that often come from his parents farm. Besides his technological knowledge, he is a climber, kayaker and quite the wine specialist. Probably the kindest person in the universe he is always happy to help everyone and he makes friends at the speed of light wherever he goes.

VOLTA DO MAR EXTENDED FAMILY

The members of the team that helped grow. Our doors are always open to them, so they might be back when you least expect it...

Quentin

Office Staff
Quentin is our French cyclist excelsior! A business school graduate, he has been around having lived in France, the US and Portugal. Besides his mad skills with bicycles and the ability to climb any hill, he possesses a quirky, honest and hilarious sense of humour. He was in charge of keeping the office in once piece and was always ready to give a hand on the field when needed.

Jessica

Office Staff
Jessica was a first year university tourism student when we met her. Possessing a gorgeous smile, a can-do attitude, no task is too big for her! You can count on honesty, straight talks and a huge sense of curiosity from this one.

Niel

Climbing Instructor
An old buddy, this climbing instructor extraordinaire is always up for the hardest climbs! Down to earth, easy-going and extremely motivated, this is the MAN to go to if you wish to become a better and stronger climber! (and a better person too!).