Sesimbra: Arrábida Dolphin and Whale Watching tour with biologist
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Experience the magic of the Atlantic with Sesimbra’s premier dolphin and whale watching tour, with 100% cetacean sightings, just a short drive from Lisbon.
Cruise offshore the breathtaking Arrábida sheltered coast — UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and be led by your biologist and seasoned crew to encounter playful dolphins and majestic whales.
Discover all year round in the Arrábida´s seas many species of cetaceans and pelagic birds and fish like swordfish or blue fin tuna in summer months on this safe, comfortable, and educational boat tour suited for all ages.
After the dolphins cruise to explore hidden bays and turquoise beaches, swim or snorkel, and taste the famous local wine.
The Marine Center offers hands-on learning about marine life and conservation, with all amenities to welcome our guests.
Perfect for families, groups, and travelers seeking adventure, this tour blends education, stunning scenery, and unforgettable memories .
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Bolhas Tours is a licensed Marine Center for Dolphins and Whales Watch, with the license onº 8/2016 issued by the ICNF Institute of Portugal - Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests, by chosing a certified tour operator you will be helping on the conservation of sea life and ecosystems.
Child rate applies only when sharing with 3 paying adults
Minimum of participants apllies for the tour (6)
Private tour available
Hotel Pick-up and drop-off available under pricing request directly with the supplier
Previous known clinical conditions - advise operator before booking
What To Expect
09.30 AM - Meet us at our Marine Centre in Sesimbra´s Marina where clients will be welcomed by our team. Free use of Wifi / Toillets / Wind jackets available free of charge. 10.00 AM - Boarding at the boat and safety briefing - life vests available for all,depart for the tour. 10.15 to 12.15 PM - Navegation through the Arrabida Maritme Park and Arrabida secluded coast were we will meet different species of dolphins and whales. Complaying with the best standard for dolphin watching in the wild we will conduct the observation limiting at the most our interference not to influence the cetaceans normal behaviour. We will brief you about the biology of this amazing sea mamals and all the efforts for their preservation. 12.15 PM - Boat tour along the coast and stop in one of Arrabida´s secluded bays where participants can snorkell and swimm. Here a typical local drink will be offered and storytelling about this wonderful and historical region full with legends and pirate tales will be held during the tour. 1.00 PM - Arrival at Sesimbra´s harbour and end of the tour with check out at our marine center.
Options
Dolphin Watch Tour
What‘s Included
Bottled water
National Park fees
Snorkeling masks - if weather/sea conditions allows swimming
Biologist & local guide
Welcome drink
Environmental Management Charge (Reef Tax)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
256 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience!
annanW8523AU,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The boat tour to observe dolphins was truly a great experience!! It is cold on the sea, so a jacket is recommended.
Fin whale & Dolphins, amazing
seano174,May 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00On arrival to the office the staff greeted us, they gave the whole family waterproof jackets, we then walked to the RIB where we were give life jackets, we then went a couple of km offshore where we looked for whales, after about 30mins we were lucky enough to see a Fin Whale about 3m from the boat, it was amazing. We then travelled to another area where we found a large pod of Stripe dolphins we tracked them for about 30mins. On the way back to Sesimbra we toured the cliffs and went into a large cave, we then had refreshments by the beach. The staffs knowledge was impeccable and it was a fantastic morning.
Awesome experience
neethun41,May 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An absolutely awesome experience! We were lucky enough to see 2–3 fin whales along with huge groups of dolphins all around the boat. It felt magical and truly one of the best experiences of our Lisbon trip. The guide and boat driver were very friendly and shared interesting information about the whales and dolphins, which made the experience even better.
Exceptional
Sandeep R,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly organized and thoroughly professional from start to finish. We were fortunate enough to spot two fin whales and a large pod of dolphins during our excursion. I highly recommend this company for an exceptional experience.
Exceptional
Sandeep R,May 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Highly organized and thoroughly professional from start to finish. We were fortunate enough to spot two fin whales and a large pod of dolphins. I highly recommend this company for an exceptional experience.
We had such an amazing...
Jennifer V,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had such an amazing time. We saw 4 Fin whales that put on quite a show for us. We also enjoyed seeing the caves and learning about the history and biology of the area. Highly recommend.
Amazing
Kate D,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00An amazing morning out from Sesimbra harbour, we saw a pod of four or five fin wales - some surfacing together others solo. It was a truly exceptional siting and the views of the caves on the way back was a really interesting. The biologist with us explained how to identify the wales from their fins and we managed to spend some time watching and photographing them.
Excellent 10+++
Lorraine C,Oct 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent 10+++ Excursion was beyond our expectations. Seen 3 pods of dolphins… 2 huge Byrde whales… well organized…personalized experience…Highly recommend
Perfect.
andreiamaria2019,Oct 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was amazing. We were lucky to find whales. Rosa and Darcio were of a wonderful sympathy and excellent professionals. We took our 4-year-old daughter and were super attentive to her. Thank you very much. The best experiences ever.
Dolphin safari was an unforgettable experience
SifK8,Sep 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Matilda and Paola were tireless in their search for the dolphins and it gave sussec. Good guidni, good mood. Can warmly recommend
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Operated by Bolhas Tours