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SetubalDolphin & whale watching

Our most recommended Setubal Dolphin & whale watching

Setúbal: Dolphin-Watching Boat Tour

1. Setúbal: Dolphin-Watching Boat Tour

Explore the Arrabida coast on a cruise from Setúbal. Watch dolphins play in their natural habitat, sail by the Troia Peninsula, and marvel at the turquoise water. Depart from Setúbal and head out into the clear waters. As you sail to the dolphin colony, enjoy stunning views of the Troia Peninsula, picturesque islands, and sandy beaches. As you approach the dolphins, watch as they playfully swim alongside the boat and smile at their antics before returning to Setúbal.

Setubal & Tróia: Sado Estuary Dolphin Watching Boat Trip

2. Setubal & Tróia: Sado Estuary Dolphin Watching Boat Trip

Depart from Setubal or Tróia onboard a 22-meter long catamaran and go in search of the community of dolphins that inhabit the Sado estuary. Be accompanied by a knowledgeable crew who will use their expertise to locate these playful dolphins in their natural habitat. Learn more about this unique dolphin community, the only one of its kind in Portugal, with your expert guides. Sail through the estuary and admire the beautiful landscapes of the coastline of the Arrábida Natural Park. Keep an eye out for the playful dolphins which have inhabited this part of the coast for generations. Watch the dolphins frolic and play as they swim through the calm waters. Hear more about their feeding habits, breeding and their relationship to humans on an informative and relaxing boat trip.

Lisbon: Dolphin Watching in Arrábida Natural Park

3. Lisbon: Dolphin Watching in Arrábida Natural Park

The sighting of dolphins in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience, suitable for all ages. We are often greeted with their thrilling stunts, games and jumps. Navigating the calm crystal-clear waters of the professor Luiz Saldanha Arrábida Natural Park, in strict compliance with the Code of Conduct for Dolphin Watching in order not to disturb them, you will be able to see Bottlenose and Common Dolphins up close, among others, as well as many different birds and the occasional whale, sun-fish and other species. Be overwhelmed by the incredible landscapes of the professor Luiz Saldanha Arrábida Marine Park, its caves, wild beaches and magnificent cliffs, coves where you may eventually swim or simply remain aboard for a tasting of local traditional delicacies. Note - the activity takes between 02h and 03h, depending on the conditions and the time needed to attempt a sighting. If you book the activity with transfer, the arrival to Sesimbra will be before 09h30, the activity will start at 10h30 and the departure for the return to the meeting point will be at 14h30 in Sesimbra - we suggest a walk around the fishing port while you wait.

From Sesimbra: Arrábida Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

4. From Sesimbra: Arrábida Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

Enjoy a boat tour with dolphin observation through Arrábida coast, with boarding in Sesimbra. Observe more than one species of dolphin if you are lucky, like common dolphin and roazes corvineiros. Watch the cetaceans in their own natural habitat, as they socialize, swim, and eat. Experience an educational component about sea living and biodiversity, and the geology and points of interest of archeological and historical importance connected with this region. Travel along Arrábida coast, passing through the caves and sacred beaches protected by cliffs with transparent and crystalline water if the dolphin observation happens early in the tour. Stop for diving and swimming if the weather and sea conditions are favorable.

Full-Day Dolphin Watching Tour from Lisbon

5. Full-Day Dolphin Watching Tour from Lisbon

This full-day tour begins as you head south from Lisbon to Setúbal, a picturesque region best known for its fishing port. In Setúbal, board a fully restored salt galleon, or a modern catamaran (depending on weather and sea conditions), for a relaxing and enjoyable cruise in the Sado Estuary, where you’ll learn about the resident bottlenose dolphins and hopefully be able to observe wild dolphins in their natural environment. The duration of the cruise takes about 2 to 3 hours. See the natural reserve of Arrábida, take in the stunning views, and learn about the area’s history and gastronomy. See the Arrábida Convent and discover some important historical sites before returning to the old city center of Setúbal. Before returning to Lisbon, stop at a few sights in the Arrabida Mountain range, from where you can marvel at the natural reserve and get a land view of all the region.

Sesimbra: Private Boat Rental

6. Sesimbra: Private Boat Rental

Experience the beauty of Portugal’s Arrabida Natural Park aboard your own boat on this private boat rental. Choose where you go, take a dip in the sea, swim to the shore, or just eat and relax in the sunshine. Have the freedom of an entirely customizable boat rental and explore Arrabida. Swim in the sea, sunbathe and hang out on the boat with your friends and family. Or go on an adventure and explore along the coastline from a new perspective in the water. Make stops at bays and beaches in your own time. Discover some of the most beautiful sandy beaches and bays for snorkeling and swimming like Ribeiro do Cavalo, Cova da Mijona, Galapos, Portinho da Arrábida and more. Cruise along and keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife including dolphins and other local marine life. Soak up the beautiful coastline with the steep forested mountains of the natural park as the backdrop.

From Lisbon: Half-Day Sado River Dolphin Watching Tour

7. From Lisbon: Half-Day Sado River Dolphin Watching Tour

We'll pick you up at your accommodation in Lisbon. After the exit and Lisbon, we will go south, crossing the Tagus River by the 25 de April Bridge. Then we will go to Setúbal, where we will embark to sail on the Sado River looking for the dolphins (about 2 hours) The Boat Tour is operated by a partner company and is shared. The boat tour lasts about 2 hours. Catch sight of bottlenose dolphins in the wild on this dolphin watching tour from Lisbon. Head from your hotel to the Sado Estuary, home to one of the largest populations of sedentary bottlenose dolphins in Europe. Offered in English, Spanish, and Portuguese; All transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off included.

Sesimbra: Private Boat Rental

8. Sesimbra: Private Boat Rental

Here you're the Captain of this adventure! Sail to East (direction Setúbal) or West (direction Cabo Espichel) and discover this stunning region at your own pace. During the day you may want to drop anchor in one of the many beautiful sights, so you’ll have the opportunity to jump in the water for a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters, or just swim to any given beach to grab lunch somewhere in the shore. This private and entirely customizable boat rent will allow you to explore Arrábida - commonly described as a Portuguese Paradise. You´ll be able to admire the Natural Park and its amazing surroundings, you’ll find some of the most beautiful sandy beaches (as Ribeiro do Cavalo, Cova da Mijona, Galapos, Portinho da Arrábida…) and rare animal species. This full-day aboard will give you inspiration and positive energy, it’s a mesmerizing exclusive experience from 9:30am to 4:30pm that will grant you access to some secret spots in Arrábida and its surroundings, and to landscapes that are impossible (others extremely difficult) to reach by land. The company offers half-day option or full-day option. If you have a valid EU nautical driver’s license, this is the experience you can’t miss!

From Sesimbra: Arrabida Natural Park Private Boat Trip

9. From Sesimbra: Arrabida Natural Park Private Boat Trip

Experience the beauty of Portugal’s Arrabida Natural Park aboard your own boat on this full-day tour. Meet your captain in Sesimbra and venture out to the reserve for a day of swimming, snorkeling, and soaking up the sun. While you sail, keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, including dolphins, and soak up the beautiful green coastline that juts up against the blue waters. Discover secluded spots and relax on the beach A private boat means a personalized experience Learn about the local wildlife and ecosystem Customize the itinerary to your group’s interests Read more about Epic Private Boat Trip to Arrábida - Full Day!

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What people are saying about Setubal

Overall rating

4.9 / 5

based on 126 reviews

Unforgettable experience for young and old. The dolphins are just magical. Our guide was awesome too! So much information, all questions were answered - including about the life of the dolphins, environmental protection (plastic was fished out of the sea during our trip), how to deal with the dolphins (they are neither fed nor touched etc.) The trip by boat was also a highlight and the extensive observation of the animals was followed by the return journey along the cave-rich coast with further interesting information from the bird kingdom about the caves as well as the settlement and use of the area. At the end there was a sweet surprise (very tasty ;) Very well organized, everything was clearly communicated. Otherwise very friendly, helpful and entertaining. Thank you for this great day!

We had an amazing morning on our trip. Everyone was really friendly and the staff on the catamaran were very knowledgeable. The views of the coastline are stunning and even though it took us a while to find the group of dolphins they were not in any rush and reassured us that we would find them and it was definitely worth the wait when we did! I would highly recommend this excursion for anyone in the area!

The team is very friendly and you can tell that they actually have a close bond and respect the animals accordingly. We rode along for about 30 minutes and then turned off so as not to disturb them further. The catamaran is large with plenty of seating. The environment is great from the water! All highly recommended!

excellent outing at sea. the dolphins were well at the meeting. Super pleasant staff, and the catamaran was superb. small aperitif on board, and stop on a beautiful spot for a little swim!

Very nice accompaniment, peaceful exit! Magnificent we were able to see the dolphins and swim exceptionally.