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Setubal Cruises & boat tours

Our most recommended Setubal Cruises & boat tours

Setubal & Tróia: Sado Estuary Dolphin Watching Boat Trip

1. Setubal & Tróia: Sado Estuary Dolphin Watching Boat Trip

Depart from Setubal or Tróia onboard a 22-meter long catamaran and go in search of the community of dolphins that inhabit the Sado estuary. Be accompanied by a knowledgeable crew who will use their expertise to locate these playful dolphins in their natural habitat. Learn more about this unique dolphin community, the only one of its kind in Portugal, with your expert guides. Sail through the estuary and admire the beautiful landscapes of the coastline of the Arrábida Natural Park. Keep an eye out for the playful dolphins which have inhabited this part of the coast for generations. Watch the dolphins frolic and play as they swim through the calm waters. Hear more about their feeding habits, breeding and their relationship to humans on an informative and relaxing boat trip.

Full-Day Dolphin Watching Tour from Lisbon

2. Full-Day Dolphin Watching Tour from Lisbon

This full-day tour begins as you head south from Lisbon to Setúbal, a picturesque region best known for its fishing port. In Setúbal, board a fully restored salt galleon, or a modern catamaran (depending on weather and sea conditions), for a relaxing and enjoyable cruise in the Sado Estuary, where you’ll learn about the resident bottlenose dolphins and hopefully be able to observe wild dolphins in their natural environment. The duration of the cruise takes about 2 to 3 hours. See the natural reserve of Arrábida, take in the stunning views, and learn about the area’s history and gastronomy. See the Arrábida Convent and discover some important historical sites before returning to the old city center of Setúbal. Before returning to Lisbon, stop at a few sights in the Arrabida Mountain range, from where you can marvel at the natural reserve and get a land view of all the region.

Explore Sesimbra: Sport Fishing All Inclusive half-day trip

3. Explore Sesimbra: Sport Fishing All Inclusive half-day trip

With calm waters, all year in the Lisbon and Sesimbra region, you'll find Europe's best spots for sea angling. Protected by predominant northwest winds by the Arrábida mountain system, you will find calm waters full of many fish species that make this sport fishing tour remarkable. Whether you are a novice angler who wants a fun day out catching small fish with your family and friends or a pro who is looking for a trophy fish, this tour will be one to remember. On this all-inclusive trip, you'll have to use your skills to target a great trophy and find from the professional crew and fishing coaches aboard all the help you need to have a truly great day out at sea.  At the end, the fish captured, by many considered the tastiest fish in the world, will be yours to grill in the comfort of your house or to take spectacular pictures if you are a catch and release angler.

From Sesimbra: Arrabida Natural Park Private Boat Trip

4. From Sesimbra: Arrabida Natural Park Private Boat Trip

Experience the beauty of Portugal’s Arrabida Natural Park aboard your own boat on this full-day tour. Meet your captain in Sesimbra and venture out to the reserve for a day of swimming, snorkeling, and soaking up the sun. While you sail, keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, including dolphins, and soak up the beautiful green coastline that juts up against the blue waters. Discover secluded spots and relax on the beach A private boat means a personalized experience Learn about the local wildlife and ecosystem Customize the itinerary to your group’s interests Read more about Epic Private Boat Trip to Arrábida - Full Day!

Sesimbra: Private Boat Rental

5. Sesimbra: Private Boat Rental

Here you're the Captain of this adventure! Sail to East (direction Setúbal) or West (direction Cabo Espichel) and discover this stunning region at your own pace. During the day you may want to drop anchor in one of the many beautiful sights, so you’ll have the opportunity to jump in the water for a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters, or just swim to any given beach to grab lunch somewhere in the shore. This private and entirely customizable boat rent will allow you to explore Arrábida - commonly described as a Portuguese Paradise. You´ll be able to admire the Natural Park and its amazing surroundings, you’ll find some of the most beautiful sandy beaches (as Ribeiro do Cavalo, Cova da Mijona, Galapos, Portinho da Arrábida…) and rare animal species. This full-day aboard will give you inspiration and positive energy, it’s a mesmerizing exclusive experience from 9:30am to 4:30pm that will grant you access to some secret spots in Arrábida and its surroundings, and to landscapes that are impossible (others extremely difficult) to reach by land. The company offers half-day option or full-day option. If you have a valid EU nautical driver’s license, this is the experience you can’t miss!

From Lisbon: Sado River & Atlantic Ocean Sailboat Ride

6. From Lisbon: Sado River & Atlantic Ocean Sailboat Ride

Escape Lisbon for one day and enjoy a ride on a sailboat in the River Sado, in Setubal. Your half-day programe will start with a transfer from Lisbon to Setúbal. Then you will onboard the cruise for a journey of 4 hours in the River Sado and the Atlantic Ocean south of the Arrabida Mountains. You will have the opportunity to take in stunning views of the beauty of the river, the ocean and the mountains. This will be a great change to relax on this sailboat ride, with nothing but the sound of water and wind. The sailboat cruise will take you along the south coast of the Arrabida, a natural reserve with stunning mountains that collapse into the sea and beautiful beaches.There is a good possibility to see dolphins. At the end of your cruise you will return to Setubal and be transferred back to Lisbon.

Frequently asked questions about Setubal

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Other Sightseeing Options in Setubal

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What people are saying about Setubal

Overall rating

3.8 / 5

based on 39 reviews

We had an amazing morning on our trip. Everyone was really friendly and the staff on the catamaran were very knowledgeable. The views of the coastline are stunning and even though it took us a while to find the group of dolphins they were not in any rush and reassured us that we would find them and it was definitely worth the wait when we did! I would highly recommend this excursion for anyone in the area!

The team is very friendly and you can tell that they actually have a close bond and respect the animals accordingly. We rode along for about 30 minutes and then turned off so as not to disturb them further. The catamaran is large with plenty of seating. The environment is great from the water! All highly recommended!

excellent outing at sea. the dolphins were well at the meeting. Super pleasant staff, and the catamaran was superb. small aperitif on board, and stop on a beautiful spot for a little swim!

It was a wonderful experience, the staff are fantastic and very helpful! I recommend it 100% and we will be back for sure!

Very nice accompaniment, peaceful exit! Magnificent we were able to see the dolphins and swim exceptionally.