Dolphin Watching from Lisbon: Private Full-Day Setúbal & Arrábida

The Sado estuary near Setúbal is home to Portugal's only resident population of bottlenose dolphins: around 27 individuals, monitored since 1981, one of just three resident estuarine colonies in Europe. On this private full-day tour from Lisbon you join a licensed dolphin-watching boat that follows the official code of conduct, with sightings on roughly 95% of departures. The day is built around the boat, not a checklist. After pickup at your Lisbon hotel, cruise port or the airport, stop at the Cristo Rei sanctuary for the classic view over the city and the 25 de Abril bridge, then head south across the peninsula for your boat trip on the Sado. Back on land, enjoy free time in Setúbal, where the local lunch specialty is choco frito, crispy fried cuttlefish (own expense). On the return, visit the castle above Sesimbra for clifftop Atlantic views before heading back to your accommodation.

1. 1

   Santuario Nacional de Cristo Rei

   15 min

   We begin our day trip by crossing the Tagus River, through the 25th of April Bridge (much like the San Francisco suspended bridge). Before heading onto Setúbal, we will stop at the Christ King on the south bank, and quickly admire the sheer magnitude of this monument (without entering).

2. 2

   Reserva Natural do Estuario do Sado

   3 hours

   A licensed boat trip on the Sado estuary to see the resident bottlenose dolphins, one of only three resident colonies in Europe

3. 3

   Setubal

   2 hours

   Fresh seafood in Setúbal (try the local choco frito) i

4. 4

   Castelo de Sesimbra

   1 hour

   The cliffs of Cabo Espichel and Sesimbra Castle

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.