SETUBAL
Every trip has one free morning too few. These 15 setubal dolphin watching tours justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part.
Join Dolphin Bay in Setúbal for a two-hour catamaran trip led in English and Portuguese by marine biologists. Watch for resident bottlenose dolphins, hear about the animals and Arrábida coast, swim in clear blue water, and look below the boat through underwater viewing rooms. A Moscatel de Setúbal welcome drink is included.
“the boat was really good, the team was very knowledgeable and friendly”
Spend two hours searching Setúbal Bay for wild bottlenose dolphins aboard a modern speedboat. Guides speak English, Portuguese, and Spanish, and may explain how local dolphin families live here year-round. You’ll also see Arrábida beaches, small sandy islands, and the bay from the water. The boat is wheelchair accessible.
“Really good trip. The guide was great and it was brilliant seeing the dolphins in the wild.”
Join Bolhas Tours in Sesimbra for a 3-hour wildlife trip through Arrábida Marine Park. Guides such as Pedro and Rosa explain dolphin biology and conservation while the crew searches for wild dolphins and whales. The tour ends at Ribeira do Cavalo Beach or another secluded bay, with time to swim, snorkel, and enjoy local wine.
“We saw two types of dolphin and then were told that Iberian Orca whales had been spotted so we got to see them too, a mother and baby. It was an unexpected but incredible addition to our trip. Absolutely exhilarating!”
Set out from Sesimbra with a marine biologist and local crew for about three hours in Arrábida Natural Park. Look for bottlenose and common dolphins, and possibly whales, while learning about the coastline and conservation. The route may include caves, coves, cliffs, and time to swim. English service, maximum 30 people.
“Great boat trip where we were lucky to see a whale! Besides the wonderful dolphins of course. The guide was perfect, she speaks very good EnglishAuto-translated”
Cruise from Setúbal in a fast, open boat with guides speaking English, Portuguese, and Spanish. Search for bottlenose and common dolphins, then pass the Arrábida coast, Troia Peninsula, beaches, cliffs, caves, and Sado islands. Guides such as Victor, Manuel, and Miguel have been praised for clear explanations and determined dolphin searches.
“Delfinsafarien var en fantastisk god oplevelse, - og vi var heldige at se mange delfiner ret tæt på vores båd. Vores guide og vores skipper var meget behagelige og erfarne, og vi fik virkelig god information - både om delfinerne og om området og naturen ved kysten. En bådtur, som kun kan anbefales varmt til andre!”
Join Sado Emotion for a two-hour boat trip from Setúbal or Tróia. Captain Adriano and guide Jessica may take you to Sado bottlenose dolphins, then into Arrábida’s shallow bays, past Galapos, Portinho da Arrábida, Santa Margarida cave, Anixa island, and coastal forts. Expect music, a live guide, and a free repeat voucher if dolphins are not found.
“Foi excelente eramos 4 pessoas, bem pilotados por o Adriano as otimas explicações a cargo da guia Jessica, observamos os golfinhos, as imagens de Troia das praias e da encosta da arràbida. O casal que nos acompnhou que são do norte ficaram encantados. Obrigado por a organisação e pela vossa simpatia.”
Join Longitude in Setúbal for a 2-hour-15-minute private boat trip focused on wild bottlenose and common dolphins. You’ll cruise the Sado River, pass Arrábida beaches and cliffs, visit small caves and islands when conditions allow, and may stop for a swim.
“Fantastic, saw plenty of dolphins and the guide was knowledgeable and enthusiastic. We were helped by magical weather which heightened the experience, but we encountered dolphins all over the place, which was followed by an interesting tour of the coastline.”
From Lisbon, head to Sesimbra for a boat trip through the Arrábida Marine Park. You may spot dolphins in the wild, then cruise past cliffs and quiet beaches. The activity lasts about 2 to 3 hours, runs in English, and includes a return to the Lisbon meeting point when transfer is booked.
“An excellent experience all round. Picked up in Lisbon as scheduled. Arrived in good time to have a snack. Friendly guide and boat skipper. Spotted dolphins within about 5 minutes of leaving the port and then taken further out to sea as more `pods` had been reported. Then spotted many in the next hour. Returned via the coast to view the cliffs and isolated beaches. Offered a chance to swim (not taken up!). Well worth the cost.”
Meet at Porto Abrigo in Sesimbra for a three-hour English-language boat trip in search of wild dolphins. The crew explains the animals and respects their welfare. Boats carry up to 18 people, and the route may include striking coastal rocks and caves.
“We loved our morning on the boat seeing dolphins. It was an overcast day and quite chilly, even though it was a hot day in Lisbon (late July). Definitely check the weather in Sesimbra and bring or wear layers. After about 35 minutes on the water, we spotted lots of dolphins jumping and swimming alongside our boat. It was incredible to see them up close! We also got to see the rocks/caves nearby which were beautiful covered in fog. Despite not being able to get in the water due to the weather, our family with 2 kids, 10 and 13, enjoyed the experience and recommend it.”
Join Vanessa, Joao, or another Blue Front guide aboard the small Blue Front boat for a three-hour dolphin search in Professor Luiz Saldanha Marine Park. Expect expert explanations in English, a maximum of seven people, and close views of wild bottlenose and common dolphins. The route may also include caves, beaches, and a swim stop.
Set out from Sesimbra at 10:30 am for about three hours on the Atlantic, searching for common and bottlenose dolphins near Arrabida Natural Park. Local guides, including Francisco, explain dolphin behavior and the coast. The boat holds up to 28 people, with a regional liquor tasting for those over 16.
Set out from Setúbal with Rotas do Sal for about two hours on the water, looking for wild dolphins in their natural home. English-speaking guides explain the species and keep a respectful distance. After the dolphin search, expect a coastal boat ride past beaches and local sights. Pedro is one guide praised for his careful, friendly approach.
Set out from Sesimbra with a small group of up to 10 people for a three-hour dolphin-watching trip along the Arrábida Coast. Guides such as Bruno, Joel, João, and Guilherme have led outings with friendly, personal service. After the dolphin search, cruise past beaches and caves, with time for a swim if conditions allow.
From Sesimbra, join a small-group boat trip along the Arrábida coast to look for bottlenose dolphins in the Professor Luiz Saldanha Marine Park, the Sado Estuary, or near Troia. The outing also includes collecting floating plastic when possible. It runs in English, lasts about 2.5 hours, and returns to the starting point.
“Amazing experience, very safe for humans but also for animals, they take care of not disturbing them and keeping water free from plastic. For Kids this is a must. We enjoyed the morning watching how dolphins jump and swim. It was so nice”
Set out from Sesimbra with a certified guide and skipper to search for dolphins in the Parque Marinho Luiz Saldanha. The roughly three-hour trip may reach the Serra da Arrábida and Cabo Espichel area. You’ll have bottled water, toasted flour from Sesimbra, and a small-group setting capped at 18 people.
Pick a coast, a boat or a swim.
