The 8 Dolphin Watching Trips in Lagos That Earn Their Price

1.Combo Dolphin and Benagil Tour with Marine Biologist

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,352 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $63Our pick

From Lagos Marina, you’ll ride the dolphin-friendly Hurricane speedboat into the Atlantic with a marine biologist and search for wild dolphins. The 2.5-hour trip then follows the Algarve coast to Benagil Cave and other sea caves. English and Portuguese guides explain the animals, cliffs, and sea conditions.

“It’s a fantastic experience, we did see dolphins, which was great and the trip to the caves was fantastic. The captains skills in manoeuvring in and out of the caves added to the experience. Would definitely recommend.”

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2.Sealife Sea Safari, Dolphin Watching with Marine Biologist’s Lagos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 313 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $48Top rated

From Lagos Marina, you’ll spend about 90 minutes searching the Atlantic for wild dolphins with a certified marine biologist on board. Daniela, Mafalma, and their colleagues explain dolphin behavior and identify species such as common and bottlenose dolphins. Fast rigid inflatables and a catamaran keep the ride lively, but bring a jacket.

“The guides were so friendly. They were good with young children and ensuring they get on board first. They were so knowledgeable about dolphins. They drove us to an area and we saw approximately 30 dolphins playing in the wild and many of them swam up to our boat. It was amazing to see them jumping out of the ocean so close to us. We spent a good amount of time watching them. Guides answered all our questions. Such a good trip I recommend so much!!!”

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3.Dolphin Watching from Lagos with Marine Biologists

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 302 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $48

Meet BlueFleet at Lagos Train Station for a 90-minute RIB trip led by a captain and marine biologist. Search for common and bottlenose dolphins, learn how to identify local wildlife, and return along the Algarve coast. The small boat holds no more than 18 people, giving you clear views from nearly every seat.

“A wonderful experience with very friendly staff! Found the dolphins within 20 mins and were able to follow them for about half an hour before heading back to the marina - highly recommend!”

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4.Dolphin-Watching in Marina de Lagos

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 285 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $41Best value

Set out from Lagos Marina on a 90-minute dolphin safari with skippers who have more than 25 years of experience. You may see bottlenose and common dolphins, and possibly other marine life, while speeding along the Algarve coast in a small boat. Bruno and João have led some departures. The trip is offered in English and carries up to 24 passengers.

“The boat ride was thoroughly enjoyable, felt more like a ride then anything. I was very pleased that they drove us almost 20km off the shoreline to ensure that we were able to see dolphins. We saw two pods - but stuck around the larger more sociable one. 10/10 experience!”

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5.Dolphin Watching Cruise on a Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 239 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $48

Leave Lagos Marina aboard a purpose-built catamaran with bow and side viewing platforms, shade, a bathroom, and a snack bar. A skipper and onboard guide help you search for wild dolphins, and you may also see whales. The 90-minute trip can include views of the Algarve coast and caves on the return.

“The boat was comfortable , plenty of shade and every opportunity to see the dolphins from the front of the boat .. the guys were knowledgable, respectful to the dolphins unlike some of the boat users around us 😡 we had the best day and saw loads and loads of beautiful dolphins.”

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6.Dolphins & Benagil Caves – Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 167 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $59

Set out from Lagos on a spacious catamaran for about three and a half hours. Your crew searches for wild dolphins, explains their behavior, and cruises past Algarve cliffs, beaches, and Ponta da Piedade. You also get a swim stop, inflatable slide, shaded seating, toilet, snack, and a no-sighting voucher.

“The staff on board were amazing. So knowledgeable of the marine world and so willing to share that knowledge with us all. We saw lots of dolphins and had great fun.”

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7.NEW Lagos-Watching Dolphins and Benagil Cave with Biologists

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 147 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $72

From Lagos Marina, board the Hurricane for a 2.5-hour coastal trip with a marine biologist. Search for dolphins in the open Atlantic, then cruise into Benagil Cave and other sea caves. The tour is in English, carries up to 44 people, and suits families, though the ride can be windy and bumpy.

“We saw dolphins! Never a guarantee, so we truly enjoyed seeing the pod of mothers and kids. Boat was comfortable, and Benagil caves very cool. Recommend: pack a jacket! It's cold heading out to see the dolphins, regardless of how warm it is back in Lagos! Worth everything though!”

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8.Dolphin and Whale Watching in Lagos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 94 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)

Set out from Lagos at 11:30 a.m. aboard the rigid inflatable boat Aftermath for about 90 minutes on the Atlantic. Your English-speaking guide searches for dolphins and possible whales in their natural habitat. The small group, maximum 18 people, keeps the outing personal, though sightings are never guaranteed.

“Super team! Waited until we saw the dolphins - although the time was running out! The speedboat ride was a little scary - but the dolphins made up for it!”

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