Lisbon: Dolphin Watching with Marine Biologist – Small Group
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Lisbon, Portugal
- 3 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
This family-friendly small-group tour starts at the Oceanic Lounge, where you can relax before boarding. Sail along the Tagus River with a marine biologist, spotting wild dolphins and supporting ocean research with data collection for Oceanário de Lisboa. Enjoy panoramic views of Lisbon’s landmarks from the water while learning about local marine life and conservation efforts from an expert.
- Enjoy a sightseeing and dolphin cruise from Lisbon
- Learn about the local ecosystems from a marine biologist
- Enjoy a personalized experience with a small tour group
- See Lisbon and its landmarks from the water
What's Included
- Lifevest
- Facilities with bathrooms
- Sea jackets
- Sea pants
- Water
- Insurance
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Terra IncógnitaDoca de Santo Amaro armazém 17, 1350-353 Lisboa, Portugal
You'll find us below the 25 de Abril bridge, at the Mercedes Benz Oceanic Lounge : Doca de Santo Amaro, Armazém 17.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
1
Ponte 25 de Abril
2
Torre de Belem
3
MAAT - Museu de Arte, Arquitetura e Tecnologia
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 34 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Amanda_S
Absolutely amazing experience on the boat! Our guide, Ines was very knowledgeable and respectful of the dolphins. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the different species. We saw so many dolphins and even got to see some up close. The experience was capped off by treats provided in the lounge. All the staff were super nice!
Reviews
4.9
based on 132 reviews
Genevieve_B, Mar 2026
Our family had such a great experience on this tour. Our guide clearly loves her job, and it was so amazing to see the dolphins in their natural habitat. Our 7 year old had a blast!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Seeing dolphins in their natural habitat can be such a special moment, and it means a lot to know our guide’s passion made the tour even more memorable. Hope to welcome you all again someday! 🐬🌊
W_D, Oct 2025
No dolphins on a dolphins tour! The only dolphins we saw was on the presentation before the actual dolphin tour started. We rode on the boat for 2.5hrs trying to find birds that would lead us to the dolphins, but in the end we saw no dolphins! We did stop a few times to pick up plastic bottles left in the ocean which was probably the most eventful topic during the tour. After giving up and driving us back, they said that it's never guaranteed. They suggested they could book us in again but had no availability in the afternoon session and we were going home the next day. They refused a partial or complete refund, so in all, it was a very expensive boat ride collecting rubbish left in the sea! The marine biologist did seem disappointed for us and very passionate about her job and the ecology. Shame......
Response from Host, Nov 2025
We’re truly sorry that nature didn’t cooperate on your tour — we know how disappointing it can be. For transparency, all booking platforms and our pre-departure briefing clearly explain that sightings of wild dolphins can never be guaranteed. Our team monitors scientific reports, sea conditions, and bird activity to give every group the best possible chance, and that morning we followed all indicators correctly, just without success.
Even on rare no-sighting days, guests still enjoy a guided ride along Lisbon’s waterfront monuments, onboard commentary from a marine biologist, and refreshments with pastéis de nata at our Ocean Lounge — all included in the experience.
We also offered a complimentary second attempt, as we do whenever possible, but unfortunately your schedule didn’t allow it. Our crew genuinely cared about your tour, and although wildlife remained hidden, we stand by the professionalism, safety and responsibility of the experience we provide.
We hope you can come again and our beloved dolphins won't be that shy.
Kim_C, Sept 2025
This was a last minute added excursion for our group but ended up being one of our favorites. We saw dozens of dolphins and even a whale sighting. That doesn’t happen often from what our guide told us. Seemed the smaller boat makes it possible to get close and not interrupt dolphins in their natural habitat. It does get cold on the way out , a good coat, coat with a hood , and even light gloves are a good idea. It was late Sept so that may not be an issue during the summer. Wonderful experience, worth the time to do it.
Response from Host, Sept 2025
Wow, what an adventure — dolphins and even a whale! That’s a memory to treasure. We appreciate you sharing the tip about the chilly ride too, future travelers will thank you. So glad this last-minute choice became a highlight of your trip!
Annie_R, Aug 2025
Unbelievable experience! The boat held around 16 of us so was only small which meant we were really close to the dolphins! It was one of the most amazing experiences we saw 2 baby dolphins too. Don't sit at the back left side if you don't want to get wet! My daughter found it hilarious that I was absolutely soaking haha x Thank you for an unforgettable experience xx
Response from Host, Sept 2025
So glad it turned into such an unbelievable experience! Being that close on a small boat does make it extra special — and baby dolphins are always the highlight 🐬💙 Sorry about the splash, but glad your daughter made it into a fun memory!
Vincent_K, Aug 2025
It’s a magical moment, when you actually see the dolphins. Also sitting in a very nice speed boat is a lot of fun.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
We’re glad you loved that magical moment with the dolphins and enjoyed the speedboat ride! Thanks for sharing your experience and recommending us.
Rachel_D, Aug 2025
This was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had! We learned a lot about the ocean, marine life, and had plenty of time to see the dolphins. We even got super close to the dolphins ! It was absolutely breathtaking. Highly recommend!!
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Wow, what a wonderful review! We’re thrilled the experience was breathtaking and that you learned so much while getting close to the dolphins. Thank you for recommending us!
Matteo_D, Aug 2025
Me and my friends had a blast during this trip. Our tour guide was amazing: she explained ecerything incredibly well amd was more that happy to answer our questions. I higly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Lisbon and that would like to learn more about dolphins, our oceans and how to protect them :)
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you for the enthusiastic recommendation! We’re happy your group enjoyed learning about dolphins and ocean protection with our guide. Looking forward to welcoming you all again!
Sylvaine_B, Jul 2025
This is the review in 3 words of our 11-year-old son 😉 We had a thrilling family adventure on a speedboat searching for dolphins in the Tagus and in the ocean. We saw a group of around ten-15 common dolphins in the Tagus. There were two baby dolphins and we saw one jump above the water: very cute 🤗 We weren't as lucky when we went to the ocean: we saw only three isolated dolphins, very briefly and from quite far. The marine biologist who was with us on the boat reminded us that they are wild animals and she gave us a lot of explanations about dolphins. The children understood and really enjoyed the excursion anyway. We had a lot of fun riding the waves thanks to our skipper Juan. Everyone at Terra Incognita was very welcoming and helpful. The whole family highly recommends this experience !
Response from Host, Jul 2025
What a brilliant review — your son’s summary made us smile! 🐬 Even when the sightings are brief, we love knowing the experience remains thrilling and meaningful, especially for young explorers. We're happy the whole family enjoyed the ride, the waves, and the insights from our marine biologist. Thank you so much for your kind words and warm recommendation — we’d love to welcome you all again someday!
Chantelle_E, Jul 2025
The dolphin trip was an amazing experience! Boat felt very safe and includes life jackets. The team Vanessa & Francisco were very friendly and knowledgable about dolphins and local sights. We saw multiple common dolphins it was incredible. After seeing a pod, the team continue to look for more, which we did see lots more and porpoises! Definitely recommend! It made our trip thank you!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you so much for your review! We’re thrilled the experience left such a mark on your trip, really! These moments are always magical and we're happy our team made you feel safe, informed, and excited.
Hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon! 🐬
Amanda_S, Apr 2025
Absolutely amazing experience on the boat! Our guide, Ines was very knowledgeable and respectful of the dolphins. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the different species. We saw so many dolphins and even got to see some up close. The experience was capped off by treats provided in the lounge. All the staff were super nice!
Response from Host, May 2025
I'm glad you liked it. It's a pleasure to receive your compliments.
We hope you enjoyed Lisbon and come back again.
When you come back to Lisbon it will be a pleasure to welcome you again.
Paul_G, Oct 2024
We did a morning tour and saw dolphins feeding, close enough they came to the side of the boat. Then we found a massive gyre of trash and stopped to remove it. It took both guides and several people on the tour to remove a ball of plastic trash. We were rewarded with a second sighting of dolphins after for cleaning up! Very nice boat, knowledgable guides!
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Thank you for traveling with us and for your comment.
We look forward to seeing you in the next opportunity.
Terra Incognita Team
😊
Slawomir_K, Oct 2024
Wonderful wildlife tour in the heart of Lisbon. Great guides, great trip, amazing dolphins. Highly recommended!
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Thank you for traveling with us and for your comment.
We look forward to seeing you in the next opportunity.
Terra Incognita Team
😊
John_K, Oct 2024
The tour guide is a competent marine biologist. She spoke slowly and clearly, and used humor well. She was very patient, informative and interesting. The driver was warm and friendly, and we felt safe while he drove the speedboat. We saw dolphins and a sunfish, which was amazing. A ten out of ten experience that I'd strongly recommend. Well worth the money.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Thank you for traveling with us and for your comment.
We look forward to seeing you in the next opportunity.
Terra Incognita Team
😊
Diana_H, Aug 2024
Incredible experience! The staff was very knowledgeable about the dolphins and their behaviors. We were fortunate enough to find a super-pod feeding. Would book again and highly recommend the Mercedes Benz Oceanic Team.
Antonella_P, Aug 2024
It was an amazing experience and guide was super kind. Absolutely to recommend.
We now new more about dolphins
Debbie_G, Jul 2024
The staff were very informative and helpful. We were lucky enought to see a Whale and bottle nose dolphins.
Debolina_A, May 2024
The activity was a lot of fun and at the same time informative. The marine biologist as well as our skipper were both extremely well informed and friendly. We were lucky and got to see porpoises, common dolphins as well as bottle nosed dolphins and the weather was lovely.
Our teenage children wanted to repeat the activity immediately after instead spending time in the city :).
This is a must do activity regardless of whether you are travelling alone, with friends or with family. Suitable for young children as well.
Thank you for an amazing experience.
s_s, May 2024
Overall it was a very beautiful experience. Our hosts Vanessa (marine biologist) and Joao (boat captain) were very professional. Vanessa took a lot of effort to explain everything and answer all our questions. She even gave the kids the opportunity to go to the front of the boat for a better view while taking care of their safety. It was very informative and opened up a new perspective for us. Our daughter was simply thrilled with this experience and we hope to be further inspired and do some whale watching next !
Colin_K, Mar 2024
One word AMAZING best tour ever awesome crew brilliant, high speed rib boat awesome saw loads of bottle nose dolphins up close A*** can’t recommend this tour enough.
Elise_W, Oct 2025
Great home. The building is early at the bottom of the doc.
The explanations are perfect. The really visible dolphins took a lot of time to admire them and all this while respecting their natural environment. At the end tower important monuments within our reach. Nothing to say perfect!!!!
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Response from Host, Oct 2025
Merci infiniment ! Quel plaisir de savoir que vous avez pu admirer les dauphins dans leur milieu naturel et prendre tout votre temps pour en profiter pleinement 🐬💫
Cynthia_J, Aug 2025
Amazing, a dream come true, we were very lucky that day and we saw two groups of dolphins that were surrounding the boat for a while
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Response from Host, Sept 2025
Qué maravilla leer esto ✨ Ver dos grupos de delfines rodeando el barco es de esos recuerdos que se quedan grabados para siempre. Nos alegra que haya sido un sueño cumplido, gracias por vivirlo con nosotros 🐬💙
Caroline_M, Aug 2025
Beautiful experience, the speedboat ride was also very well received , we saw many dolphins, also very close to the boat. Jackets were available for those who wanted it, headgear and glasses are to be removed if possible.
Backpacks can remain safe at the meeting point.
Gladly again - it was a very nice experience
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Response from Host, Aug 2025
Vielen Dank für Ihr schönes Feedback! Es freut uns sehr, dass Sie die Fahrt und die Nähe zu den Delfinen genossen haben. Wir freuen uns auf ein Wiedersehen bei einer weiteren schönen Tour!
Pascale_L, Aug 2025
Fine information in advance, guaranteed dolphins, explanations on board, great racing on the waves (not suitable if you have back problems).
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Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you for your review! We’re glad the briefing and dolphin sightings made your trip special. Speedboat rides are indeed exhilarating—please note that passengers with pre-existing back or neck conditions are not permitted to join this tour. Thanks for highlighting this important detail!
Sylvie_U, Jul 2025
The excursion was cancelled 24 hours before due to too strong winds. Could not find an alternative date due to the weather and our schedule. Too bad.
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Response from Host, Aug 2025
Hi, Sylvie! We completely understand how disappointing it is to have a tour cancelled, especially when you were looking forward to celebrating such a special moment, but safety is always our top priority.
The ocean can be unpredictable, and strong winds create conditions that are not safe for our guests or the dolphins we cherish. That’s why we monitor the weather closely and communicate cancellations as early as possible, just like in your case, to give enough time to try to reschedule, or for a refund.
Unfortunately, sometimes the weather just doesn’t cooperate, and there’s no alternative that meets both safety and quality standards. We truly hope you’ll have another chance to join us on a calm day and create wonderful memories with the dolphins in Tagus river.
Sabine_L, Apr 2025
Très belle sortie en mer avec des guides passionnés sur les dauphins sauvages. Très bon rapport qualité prix.
Response from Host, May 2025
thank you for your kind words and for sharing our passion with us :)
Genevieve_L, Nov 2024
Magnifique ! Super équipe ! Beaucoup d'explications reçues !
Accueil très chaleureux et sympathique.
Outre les dauphins, merci aussi pour les explications relatives aux monuments.
Plein succès à vous ! Cela vaut le détour !
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Thank you for traveling with us and for your comment.
We look forward to seeing you in the next opportunity.
Terra Incognita Team
😊
Wastin_F, Nov 2024
Une expérience incroyable 🤩. Les accompagnants étaient très sympathiques et professionnels. Merci à eux. Nous avons eu la chance de voir beaucoup de dauphins, c'était exceptionnel. Merci
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Thank you for traveling with us and for your comment.
We look forward to seeing you in the next opportunity.
Terra Incognita Team
😊
Esra_B, Jun 2024
Al heel veel lol tijdens het varen over de golven. Mijn zoon van 13 jaar vond het geweldig. De dolfijnen waren magisch, best lang varen, maar we kwamen uiteindelijk in een groep van 30 terecht. Heel bijzonder. Ik zou het niet aanbevelen voor kleine kinderen, het varen is pittig. En trek schoenen aan die nat mogen worden! Want er slaat wel eens een golf over de boeg.
From $65.17
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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