Feathers & Scales

Recommended by 99% of travelers

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Lisbon, Portugal

4 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Lisbon: Dolphin Watching with a Marine Biologist - Ocean Safari

Lisbon, Portugal

5.0

(838)

Lisbon: Dolphin Watching with a Marine Biologist - Ocean Safari

from $72

Special Offer

Lisbon, Portugal

5.0

(38)

Lisbon Dolphin Watching Ocean Safari

Lisbon: Dolphin Watching with Marine Biologist – Small Group

from $78

Viator earns higher commissions on experiences featured here

Overview

You don't have to venture far from Lisbon to experience wildlife. This small-group tour is led by experts who help spot aquatic animals, from dolphins to seabirds and even whales, in their natural habitat. Cruise past the Belem Tower and into the Atlantic, where rich biodiversity and coastal views make for an unforgettable experience.

An ocean expedition perfect for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts
Spot dolphins, seabirds, and seasonal whale sightings with a 95% success rate
Learn from experienced guides who know the region’s marine life inside and out
Take in views of Lisbon’s coastline from a unique offshore perspective

What's Included

All Fees and Taxes
Coletes de salvação, binóculos

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

MQVP+8X Lisbon
MQVP+8XR Lisbon, Portugal
Meeting point at Doca de Recreio do Bom Sucesso, just before the Torre de Belém. Gate 1 (one), near the BP gas station.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Arranged start time

Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.

07/22/2022 - 05/11/2027
Monday - Sunday : 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

What To Expect

Torre de Belem

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Near public transportation
Not recommended for travelers with back problems

Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 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

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Lauren_P

This was nothing like your typical tourist boat trip, Captain Vasco takes you on a true voyage out to sea with no set route, no script, and no rules- just pure adventure in search of wildlife! It felt so real and exciting, like we were part of an expedition rather than a tour. We were incredibly lucky to spot whales, multiple species of dolphins that swam right up and under the boat, and even a mako shark that jumped right out of the water in front of us! Every moment was thrilling. Vasco and his friends were amazing hosts- so warm, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about what they do. They made me and my mum feel completely at home, like old friends rather than passengers. Thank you Captain Vasco, for one of the most unforgettable experiences in Lisbon! Highly, highly recommend this trip to anyone looking for something truly special and full of wonder.

Reviews

5.0

based on 194 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Not for me

Marlisa_J, Nov 2025

My rating is largely just a reflection of my actual enjoyment of this experience. This doesn't mean that it's not an experience for others, but it's not for me. The ride was extremely uncomfortable, constant bouncing up and down on the edge of the boat while getting rope burn from holding on so tight for fear that I would fall in. That was for nearly 6 hours, even though I had expected the ride to end 2 hours prior. I didn't get to really learn anything, aside from a fact about a rock formation that I asked to take a picture of. I saw no animals besides birds that we didn't stop to look at. The guide was nice, but I think he was way more determined to see a whale than I was after the first hour. Again, I am not saying the experience itself is necessarily bad, for the right person, or maybe it would have been worth it if we got to see anything at all (which is obviously not his fault) but I did not enjoy it at all after the first hour and just felt like I was lost at sea. I wouldn't personally ever do it again, even if I had seen something, just because of how miserable I felt. My entire body is sore as I write this review the next day.

Response from Host, Nov 2025

Thanks a lot Marlisa for your truly sincere review, it´s very important. Even with very small waves, the open ocean may sometimes become a bit less confortable to navigate just because of a small wind.

An Unforgettable Adventure with Captain Vasco!

Lauren_P, Oct 2025

Beautiful tour and Vasco is amazing

Adam_F, Apr 2025

An incredible tour. Vasco was fantastic throughout, being informative, friendly and going above and beyond to help us after the tour as Lisbon suffered a blackout. The people you meet are what make travelling special and Vasco has done exactly that. Will definitely recommend to anyone visiting.

Response from Host, Apr 2025

Thanks a lot Abigail and Adam, I couldn't do less than I did. Regarding wildlife along the ocean, I feel it almost as a duty, sharing with those who trust Feathers & Scales, all the beauty the Atlantic Ocean has to show, along every single day

Best experience

Jo_C, Sep 2024

Vasco was an amazing guide, I was going with my toddler and old parents. He made sure all of us were comfortable and the dolphin watching itself was just amazing. Thanks Vasco, will definitely come back again ❤️

Fun experience

Gemma_M, Aug 2024

The best, we see dolphins and wales. Vasco is a great person with a lot of experience. We had great moments in a boat.

Vacation highlight

Amanda_B, Jul 2024

Vasco and his team were outstanding! They made the entire trip very personal and tool us on an adventure of a lifetime. The scenery was beautiful and we saw many dolphins.

Dream tour into the oceanic wilderness

Daria_G, Jul 2024

If you are looking for authentic unique experience in Portugal and also want to meet one of a kind professionals - you are at the right place. My dream came true - I have seen whale for the first time in my life, one of the rearest creatures. Of course it was also because of some luck, but nevertheless the whole trip is a memory for life. We are very thankful to Vasco for not only being a great professional, keeping us safe throughout the whole adventure but also for running responsible tourist business, for taking care of beautiful wildlife and sharing his knowledge on National Geographic ❤️ when we come back, we will definitely book another one!

My highest recommendation

Tina_R, Jul 2024

This was an amazing trip. The guide was friendly, helpful and enthusiastic. We saw many amazing Dolphins riding beside the boat. The guide was good explained what animals we saw and told us interesting facts. An adventure I will never forget.

Fantastic experience with kids on the boat seeing a lot of animals!

Matthias_N, Jul 2024

That was a fantastic trip. We saw a lot of dolphins (three different species), a jumping baby-dolphin in a group of dolphins, a sunfish, jumping tunas, and a huge spectacle with birds, and mackerel feeding on giant pools of krill. That was incredible. Vasco was very nice with the kids and it was all in all a wonderful experience! Thankyou!

Great excursion! Highly recommend!!

Alisha_D, Sep 2023

This experience was really great; Vasco was an amazing guide! He was professional and very communicative and always answered our messages quickly. He told us ahead of time that the day we had originally scheduled might not be good and allowed us to pick another day that worked for us. We were able to see so many dolphins and whales up close, they swam directly next to the boat! It was amazing to see so many animals, and an added bonus was getting to see them so close which is unlike anything I have experienced before. I highly recommend this excursion!

Lots of whales and dolphins!

Filipe_R, Aug 2023

We saw plenty of dolphins and, I believe, a total of about 8 whales. All close to us. We also saw, frow a distance, some dinosaur footprints in rocks by Cabo Espichel. The ride is a bit intense. 4 hours sitting sideways on a fast boat. If you are out of shape (like I am at 50) don't expect to have energy for the rest of the day. I just went home and slept! All in all it was a great experience!

Wonderful whale & dolphin watching with great guide

Erik_M, Jul 2023

Vasco is very experienced guide and was all time trying to provide best services to us. We saw around 30 dolphins and at least 4 fin whales - it was truly amazing experience. Adding beautiful landscape (both river and see) and very nice weather - this was more than we expected. Realy worthy the money.

Amazing experience!!

Karim_G, Mar 2023

This was a great experience!! You get to feel the Amazing Lisbon Ocean, we saw a lot of dolphins, they came really close to the boat and swam with the boat giving amazing view of these smart creatures! The guide was friendly and with a lot of experience! He shared intresting fact about the marine life in the river and ocean around Lisbon. 100% recommendations

Experience and unforgettable encounters

Sandrine_R, Aug 2025

A superb sea trip with Vasco and Martins. Leaving Lisbon under a slightly grey sky, we would desolate a little when suddenly the boat slows down and here we are in the middle of more than twenty dolphins on either side of the boat! They literally accompanied us by jumping around the boat. Then the highlight of the show, with the sun coming: the discovery of a whale 🐳 Magical moments!!! Thanks again Vasco and Martins!

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Beste Tour in Lissabon

heinz_R, Oct 2024

Eine wunderbare Zeit und eine tolle Tour.. Vasco ist der beste .. unglaublich schönes Wetter und Delphine Wale und Tunas obendrein.. rundum toll unbedingt zu empfehlen

Expérience Exceptionnelle

DELILLE_A, Jul 2024

Vasco est très professionnel mais aussi un passionné qui nous a fait passer 1/2 journée assez magique à la recherche des dauphins et baleines. Il a été très à l’écoute de nos demandes, répondant à toutes nos questions. Nous avons effectué cette activité avec nos grands enfants (25 à 30 ans) et nous gardons tous, plusieurs jours après, des souvenirs extraordinaires de ces quelques heures en compagnie de Vasco et sa discrète navigatrice. Je recommande à tous 🤩

Inolvidable. Una experiencia única.

Sarabel_S, Jul 2024

Un día inolvidable tanto para nosotros como para nuestro hijo de 11 años. Vimos pájaros, delfines, una ballena tan cerca que casi la podíamos tocar, cómo recogían las redes al lado de un pesquero y unas vistas maravillosas del cabo y de la zona de Belem. Vasco y su amigo Luis muy profesionales, prudentes y auténticos, y respetuosos con los animales y el medio ambiente. No se puede pedir más.

EXPERIENCIA TOP. RECOMENDABLE 200%

Jennifer_L, Aug 2023

No es una excursión más, se nota el cariño con el que tratan esta experiencia, la naturaleza y a los viajeros, el guía no ha podido ser mejor, se transmite su entusiasmo y respeto por el entorno. Vimos ballenas y delfines, aunque no seas un amante de estos animales, merece la pena y mucho, a parte del asombroso paisaje, un espectáculo!La recomendamos al 200%, volveríamos unas cuantas veces más ;)

Fabuleux

Angeline_C, Aug 2023

Merci à Vasco et sa collègue pour cette expérience unique avec les baleines. C était vraiment super. C est super de rencontrer des gens passionnés.

Bester Ausflug in Lissabon

Claudia_R, Apr 2023

Es war toll, die Delphine so nah in ihrem Element zu sehen. Vasco geht sehr rücksichtsvoll mit den Delphinen um. Wenn eine Gruppe Delphine nicht will, ist er weitergefahren. Es gab viele interessante Informationen zu Delphinen und Seevögeln, jede Frage wurde sehr gut beantwortet. Wir waren rundum sehr zufrieden und können diese Tour jedem empfehlen, der Lissabon besucht. Alles in allem ein tolles Erlebnis.