The 4 Best Boat Trips in Setúbal

1.Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 423 reviews · 2 hours · from $53Our pick

Join a two-hour speedboat trip from Setúbal Bay to look for wild bottlenose dolphins near Arrábida Natural Park. Guides speak English, Portuguese, and Spanish, and guides such as Rafa and Alex explain the local dolphin family and coastline. The boat offers open viewing, with swimming possible on some departures.

“Excellent. It was a very calm day but a jumper / coat was still needed. We saw an excellent display from the dolphins, the staff were great and booking was very easy. Highly recommended.”

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2.Dolphin-Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 213 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $43Best value

Cruise from Setúbal along the Sado estuary and Arrábida coast in a fast, open boat. Look for bottlenose and common dolphins, pass turquoise beaches, cliffs, caves, and small islands, and hear about the area from an English, Portuguese, or Spanish-speaking crew. Summer swims may be possible.

“They did an amazing job... they did not give up until we found the dolphins! It was an amazing experience! Thank you”

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3.Arrábida Dolphin Watching Boat Tour with Biologist

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 197 reviews · from $63Top rated

Leave Sesimbra with a marine biologist and STCW-certified crew for three hours among the coves and waters of Arrábida Natural Park. Catarina and her team explain dolphin behavior, seabirds and conservation while you search for wildlife, then visit Praia da Mijona and Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach, with time for swimming and snorkeling when conditions allow.

“Super chill guide and boat. We saw lots of dolphins, 2 different kinds. Great trip”

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4.Arrábida Beaches & Caves Boat Tour with Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 191 reviews · 3 hours · from $58

From Sesimbra, cruise through Arrábida Natural Park toward Cabo Espichel, stopping at Ribeiro do Cavalo, Mijona, Inferno, and Baleeira beaches. You’ll swim and snorkel in clear Atlantic water, hear stories about local fishermen, explore sea caves, and taste a typical Setúbal-region drink. Guides may speak English, Portuguese, Spanish, or French.

“This activity was amazing- our tour guide Catarina ensured before arrival that we find the meeting point and was helpful at all times. She provided lots of interesting information about the area of Sesimbra and beaches around. It’s a great mixture of fun, swimming and infos. We even were lucky and saw dolphins. We would recommend the tour and do it again once we are back. :)”

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