Observation of Dolphins and Whales with Marine Biologist in Arrábida

Recommended by 98% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Setubal District, Portugal

Popular pick

Booked 5+ times last week!

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

Explore our promoted experiences

Boat Tour to Hidden Natural Gems w/local fisherman + Snorkeling

Setubal District, Alentejo

5.0

(46)

Boat Tour to Hidden Natural Gems w/local fisherman + Snorkeling

from $58

Arrábida Secret Beaches and Caves with Snorkeling Stop

Setubal District, Alentejo

4.9

(110)

Arrábida Secret Beaches and Caves with Snorkeling Stop

from $58

Setubal District, Alentejo

5.0

(37)

Arrabida Adventure Circuit

from $76

Price varies by group size

Viator earns higher commissions on experiences featured here

Overview

Discover the marine life of Arrabida Natural Park, without disturbing their natural behavior, on this dolphin- and whale-watching tour that departs from Sesimbra. Rather than just watching the animals swim by, this tour is led by a marine biologist who explains the animals' behavioral patterns, eating habits, and social interactions. Finish your excursion just in time for lunch and enjoy the rest of the day to explore.

Maximize your chances of spotting two types of dolphin, plus whales (in season)
Learn about local geology and history, as well as marine biology
Enjoy the opportunity to swim, sunbathe, or visit a cave nearby
Trade the busy streets of the city for a relaxing wildlife-watching cruise

What's Included

All Fees and Taxes
Local Guide
Tourist cruise
Marine biologist

Bottled water
Embarkation and Disembarkation at the Hotel
Snacks

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

DayDreamExperience, Rua Clube Naval de Porto de Abrigo, 2970-263 Sesimbra, Portugal
The boarding will be made at the Cais “Espadarte” for the Marítimo-Turísticas. Meeting time is at 9:45, the boat leaves at 10:00. There is free parking right at the boarding place. Consider traffic and other external factors so you can get to the boarding place on time.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Operating hours
.10:00 am

Itinerary

Parque Natural da Arrabida

3 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation

Most travelers can participate
Meeting point: Daydream Experience Sesimbra
Meeting time: 9h45
Departure time: 10h
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers

Supplied by

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

Andre_B

This was one of the highlights of our trip to Portugal! We loved getting to ride around and see dolphins and the beautiful coastline outside of Sesimbra. It was so nice having a guide as knowledgeable and passionate as Catarina, she taught us so much about dolphins and the local habitat, as well as conservation efforts in the area. Andre was a great driver - Thank you for the great excursion, Catarina and Andre! We had a wonderful time.

Reviews

4.9

based on 234 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Sort by: Most insightful

Awesome boat trip

Pedro_P, May 2026

Awesome boat trip where we were able to see dolphins and many whales. Catarina and André were nice and informative. It was roughly 3 hours in the sea and after watching dolphins and animals we went through the coast where they showed the beaches and coast!

Amazing experience

Tanya_C, May 2026

This was an amazing adventure!! To get on the water in such a beautiful place we saw two different species of dolphins and explored some of the coastline. The guide was super knowledgeable, friendly and very pleasant. Take something if you get sea sick dress in layers. Meeting place is the white gate on the docks!! It’s beautiful! I would highly highly recommend taking this trip.

Dolphin watching with an expert

Sue_D, Jul 2024

We loved the opportunity to be up close with a large family of dolphins, but the best part was the knowledge that our guide, Catarina , brought to the experience. Her background as a marine biologist made all the difference. Highly recommend!

This was one of the...

Andre_B, May 2024

A very beautiful day and a special experience.

Herman_J, May 2026

The tour is absolutely recommended. A nice tough and fast dinghy. Seen a lot of dolphins. They knew exactly where they were swimming. Great it was😇😇

Auto-translated

Yeah, good!

ANNESOPHIE_B, Aug 2025

Great boat trip where we were lucky to see a whale! Besides the wonderful dolphins of course. The guide was perfect, she speaks very good English

Auto-translated

Perfect experience! Thank you Erica!!!

Caroline_R, Aug 2025

Beautiful experience! Erica explained the different cross species very well and gave us lots of information! We were able to swim on one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe! It was magic Remember to take a small jacket especially if you are experiencing with a child.

Auto-translated

Unforgettable morning

Coline_E, Aug 2025

Great experience! A group of Dolphins, including a small one, was searched for and followed with great respect. We also had the chance to meet 2 sharks (shark fins...) Superb morning that will leave us beautiful memories! Thank you to our two lovely companions!

Auto-translated

Atemberaubendes Erlebniss eines Naturparkes

Melina_L, Aug 2024

Das hören der Geräusche der Delfine und das Neugeborene mit Mutter zu sehen. Die atemberaubende Aussicht und Besichtigung der Felsklippen und der Höhle

Aanrader!

Karen_L, Jul 2024

We werden zeer warm onthaald door de gepassioneerde Catharina. Ze heeft ervoor gezorgd dat we een interessante uitleg kregen en een prachtige ervaring op zee hebben gehad. We hebben veel tijd genomen om te genieten van de dolfijnen die rondom de boot kwamen meezwemmen. We hebben zelfs het geluk gehad een walvis te spotten! Deze DayDream Experience was het hoogtepunt van onze reis!

Bien, mais pas exceptionnel

Xavier_K, Aug 2022

Nous avons vu des dauphins (pendant environ 30 min) et c'etait l'objectif principal de la sortie. Toutefois, 3 heures de bateau pour cela... à chacun de se faire sa propre opinion. Par ailleurs, très peu d'explications/commentaires, et uniquement en anglais alors que le tour était sensé etre en français (pas bien grave vu le peu de commentaires ceci etant...). La guide etait toutefois très sympa.

Sublime

Philippe_B, Jun 2021

Super à faire absolument On très bien les dauphins et longtemps La cote les grottes et les criques Superbe Merci

Response from Host, Jan 2022

Bonjour cher client, Nous tenons à vous remercier chaleureusement d'avoir choisi nos services et d'avoir passé du temps avec nous. Nous espérons que ce fut une expérience incroyable pour vous et espérons vous revoir à l'avenir. Pour nous, c'était sûrement le cas. Merci pour votre gentil commentaire et bonne journée.