Pipadouro Launches New Vintage Yacht Alma

Pipadouro has expanded its fleet with the launch of Alma, a vintage English yacht that now joins the company’s luxury river tourism operation. The new vessel arrives at a time of strong demand for exclusive experiences in the Douro and also marks the company’s expansion to the waterfront areas of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.

Built in England in 1964, Alma joins Friendship I and Pipadouro II, further reinforcing Pipadouro’s identity as a specialist operator in premium wine tourism experiences aboard classic vessels from the 1950s and 1960s.

Measuring 17 metres in length and accommodating up to 14 passengers, the yacht has undergone an extensive restoration and modernisation process, preserving its historic character while incorporating high standards of comfort and sophistication. Key features include a presidential master suite, a spacious dining area, a lounge and a fully renovated kitchen designed for exclusive gastronomic experiences.

According to Gonçalo Correia dos Santos, co-founder of Pipadouro, the new vessel represents the natural evolution of the concept the company has developed over recent years. He explains that Alma embodies the ambition of bringing the atmosphere of the Douro’s great historic estates onto the river, combining authenticity, personalised service and meticulous attention to detail.

The arrival of Alma will enable the company to develop new programmes departing from Afurada Marina, extending the Vintage Wine Travel concept to the waterfront areas of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. This strategic move aims to meet the growing international demand for exclusive experiences that combine wine, heritage, gastronomy and landscape.

Previously known as S. Januário, the vessel once belonged to the Espírito Santo family and was acquired by Pipadouro in 2017. Its restoration process took several years, reflecting the company’s commitment to preserving and enhancing classic nautical heritage.

The expansion comes during a particularly positive period for Pipadouro. In 2025, approximately 90% of its guests were international visitors, and the company recorded a 14% increase in occupancy rates. In the same year, it received the People’s Choice Award at the Best of Wine Tourism Awards, organised by the Great Wine Capitals Global Network, and was also honoured with the National Wine Tourism Award from APENO in the Best Tourism Company category.

With the addition of Alma, Pipadouro further strengthens its position in the ultra-premium segment, consolidating an offering that combines wine, hospitality and historic navigation in one of the world’s most iconic wine regions.