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Setubal Family-friendly activities

Our most recommended Setubal Family-friendly activities

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.

Private Van Tour Arrabida and Wine Tasting

2. Private Van Tour Arrabida and Wine Tasting

Start the tour admiring the beautiful Tagus River Bay. At Palmela, climb to the medieval castle to enjoy the breathtaking view and then, down to the village historic centre, taste the Setúbal Moscatel, which is the emblematic wine of the Setúbal Peninsula Wine Region and one of the Portuguese wine treasures. Relax for lunch in the fishing town of Setúbal or at Sesimbra beach, where the local gastronomy, especially the fresh fish, is superb. After lunch, go to the highest point of the Arrábida Natural Park to enjoy the magnificent scenery and paradisiac views over the green mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. Then go to Azeitão where you will visit one of the oldest wineries in the region (Casa Museu José Maria da Fonseca) and enjoy another wine tasting. In this noble village, the local sweets and cheese are also a must. Finally, stop at the Cristo Rei (inspired by Rio de Janeiro’s Christo Redentor) to enjoy the view over the city of Lisbon, before returning to Lisbon, crossing the 25 de Abril suspension bridge.

Arrábida Natural Park: BoatTour

3. Arrábida Natural Park: BoatTour

Embark on a Boat Tour and discover the Professor Luiz Saldanha Marine Park with a group of highly qualified professionals, specialists in biology, history and culture of the region, and in nature and adventure sports for over 30 years. The estuary mouth of the Sado river, in the Prof. Luiz Saldanha Marine Park, is the perfect place for a Boat Trip. Enjoy all the scenic natural beauty of the coast of Arrábida, between Cabo Espichel, Praia de Galápos and Costa de Tróia, crossing one of the most beautiful bays in the world, between the picturesque village of Sesimbra and the city of Setúbal, less than an hour's drive from Lisbon. On the Boat Trip you will learn more about the history, traditions and culture of the region of Setúbal and Sesimbra, and about the natural landscape that surrounds them. Perhaps you will see some marine life and observe very closely the playful and famous population of bottlenose dolphins that swim through the mouth of the Sado river estuary. Ideal to enjoy alone or in a group, with your friends, family and/or partner, to celebrate birthdays and bachelor parties, or school or business events, accessible to everyone. Do not question yourself any longer and accept this challenge to embark on a Boat Tour in Prof. Luiz Saldanha Marine Park.

Arrábida Natural Park: Dolphin Watching

4. Arrábida Natural Park: Dolphin Watching

Embark on a Dolphin Watching trip and discover the Professor Luiz Saldanha Marine Park with a group of highly qualified professionals, specialists in biology, history and culture of the region, and in nature and adventure sports for over 30 years. The estuary mouth of the Sado river, in the Prof. Luiz Saldanha Marine Park, is the perfect place for a Dolphin Watching trip. Enjoy all the scenic natural beauty of the coast of Arrábida, between Cabo Espichel, Praia de Galápos and Costa de Tróia, crossing one of the most beautiful bays in the world, between the picturesque village of Sesimbra and the city of Setúbal, less than an hour's drive from Lisbon. On the Dolphin Watching trip you will learn more about the history, traditions and culture of the region of Setúbal and Sesimbra, and about the natural landscape that surrounds them. Also learn more about marine life and observe very closely the playful and famous population of bottlenose dolphins that swim through the mouth of the Sado river estuary. Ideal to enjoy alone or in a group, with your friends, family and/or partner, to celebrate birthdays and bachelor parties, or school or business events, accessible to everyone. Do not question yourself any longer and accept this challenge to embark on a Dolphin Watching trip in Prof. Luiz Saldanha Marine Park.

Dolphin Watching in the Wild - Half Day

5. Dolphin Watching in the Wild - Half Day

We'll pick you up at your accommodation in Lisbon. After the exit and Lisbon, we will go south, crossing the Tagus River by the 25 de April Bridge. Then we will go to Setúbal, where we will embark to sail on the Sado River looking for the dolphins (about 2 hours) The Boat Tour is operated by a partner company and is shared. The boat tour lasts about 2 hours. Catch sight of bottlenose dolphins in the wild on this dolphin watching tour from Lisbon. Head from your hotel to the Sado Estuary, home to one of the largest populations of sedentary bottlenose dolphins in Europe. Offered in English, Spanish, and Portuguese; All transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off included.

Arrábida Natural Park: Stand Up Paddle

6. Arrábida Natural Park: Stand Up Paddle

Discover Stand Up Paddle and the Professor Luiz Saldanha Marine Park, inserted in Arrábida Natural Park, with a group of highly qualified specialists in Stand Up Paddle, and nature and adventure sports for over 30 years. The bays of the Arrábida Natural Park are the perfect place to practice Stand Up Paddle. Enjoy a magical moment, surrounded by the wild nature of Praia dos Coelhos or the magnificent landscapes of the beaches of Galápos and Galapinhos, which, up to Praia da Figueirinha, form one of the most beautiful bays in Europe, between the picturesque village of Sesimbra and the city of Setúbal, less than an hour's drive from Lisbon. In Stand Up Paddle you will start with a safety briefing and an introduction to your guide/instructor and Stand Up Paddle equipment. Then we start a learning and review session, during which you'll learn to maneuvre the canoe controllably, and, after departing towards the sea, you'll have the unique opportunity to stop at the famous Anicha Island for a snorkeling session (optional), where you can observe very closely all the marine life that surrounds it. Equipped with buoyancy aids and a paddle, you'll feel like an authentic explorer while navigating the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, and exploring the mysterious caves and secret beaches along the coastal area between Portinho da Arrábida and Praia de Alpertuche. At the end of the canoeing experience, you will return to the starting point for a debriefing of the experience and share the highlights of the day. Whether you are beginner or experienced, it is ideal to enjoy by yourself or in group, with your friends, family and/or partner, celebrate birthdays, bachelor(ettes), or school or corporate events, accessible to everyone. Don't question yourself any longer and accept this challenge to discover Stand Up Paddle in the Prof. Luiz Saldanha Marine Park.

Sesimbra: Private Boat Rental

7. 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!

Setubal: Arrábida Natural Park Adventure Circuit

8. Setubal: Arrábida Natural Park Adventure Circuit

Discover the Adventure Circuit Total and the Arrábida Natural Park with a group of highly qualified specialists, and nature and adventure sports for over 30 years. The Fenda da Arrábida of the Arrábida Natural Park is the perfect place for an Adventure Circuit Total. Within the Natural Park, hidden and protected by the endemic millenary flora and exclusive to the park, is the imposing and famous geo-monument of Fenda da Arrábida, with caves and natural rock walls dozens of meters high, obstacles which you will have to surpass. Let yourself be amazed by the landscape and discover the past that these rock formations have to tell you, between the picturesque town of Sesimbra and the city of Setúbal, less than an hour's drive from Lisbon. At Adventure Circuit Total you will start with a safety briefing and an introduction to your guide/instructor and equipment. Afterwards, we'll travel by van to the starting point of the activity, during which you'll learn more about this natural area, its fauna, flora and geology, while you venture to overcome various natural and artificial obstacles, using various techniques, such as climbing, abseiling or horizontal and vertical progression by Via-Ferrata, always feeling safe and accompanied by experienced monitors, equipped with personal protection equipment. At the end of the Adventure Circuit Total, you will return to the starting point for a debriefing of the experience and share the highlights of the day. The instructors and monitors are accredited by the National Mountaineering School – Federation of Camping and Mountaineering of Portugal. Whether you are beginner or experienced, it is ideal to enjoy by yourself or in group, with your friends, family and/or partner, celebrate birthdays, bachelor(ettes), or school or corporate events, accessible to everyone. Don't question yourself any longer and accept this challenge with WIND – Centro de Actividades de Montanha to discover Adventure Circuit Total in the Arrábida Natural Park.

Abseiling Experience in Arrábida Natural Park

9. Abseiling Experience in Arrábida Natural Park

Discover Abseiling and the Arrábida Natural Park with a group of highly qualified specialists in Abseiling, and nature and adventure sports for over 30 years. The Fenda da Arrábida of the Arrábida Natural Park is the perfect place to practice Abseiling. Within the Natural Park, hidden and protected by the endemic millenary flora and exclusive to the park, is the imposing and famous geo- monument of Fenda da Arrábida, with natural rock walls dozens of meters high, one of the best places to practice Abseiling, between the picturesque villages of Sesimbra and the city of Setúbal, less than an hour's drive from Lisbon. The Abseiling Experience will start with a safety briefing and an introduction to your guide/instructor and Abseiling equipment. Then we will travel by van to the starting point of the activity, during which you will learn all about the best safety practices, and some introductory Abseiling techniques and rope techniques, equipped with personal protective equipment, such as the harness and helmet. You will have the opportunity to abseil several natural rock walls of low difficulty, although it is possible to try higher levels, savoring the taste of conquering several heights. At the end of the Abseiling Experience you will return to the starting point for a debriefing of the experience and share the highlights of the day. The instructors and monitors are accredited by the National Mountaineering School – Federation of Camping and Mountaineering of Portugal. Whether you are beginner or experienced, it is ideal to enjoy by yourself or in group, with your friends, family and/or partner, celebrate birthdays, bachelor(ettes), or school or corporate events, accessible to everyone. Don't question yourself any longer and accept this challenge to discover Abseiling in the Arrábida Natural Park.

Via-Ferrata and Abseiling in Arrábida Natural Park

10. Via-Ferrata and Abseiling in Arrábida Natural Park

Discover the Via-Ferrata + Abseiling and the Arrábida Natural Park with a group of highly qualified specialists, and nature and adventure sports for over 30 years. The Fenda da Arrábida of the Arrábida Natural Park is the perfect place for a Via-Ferrata + Abseiling experience. Within the Natural Park, hidden and protected by the endemic millenary flora and exclusive to the park, is the imposing and famous geo-monument of Fenda da Arrábida, with caves and natural rock walls dozens of meters high, obstacles which you will have to surpass. Let yourself be amazed by the landscape and discover the past that these rock formations have to tell you, between the picturesque town of Sesimbra and the city of Setúbal, less than an hour's drive from Lisbon. At Via-Ferrata + Abseiling you will start with a safety briefing and an introduction to your guide/instructor and equipment. Afterwards, we'll travel by van to the starting point of the activity, during which you'll learn more about this natural area, its fauna, flora and geology, while you venture to overcome various natural and artificial obstacles, using various techniques, such as climbing, abseiling or horizontal and vertical progression by Via-Ferrata, always feeling safe and accompanied by experienced monitors, equipped with personal protection equipment. At the end of the Via-Ferrata + Abseiling, you will return to the starting point for a debriefing of the experience and share the highlights of the day. The instructors and monitors are accredited by the National Mountaineering School – Federation of Camping and Mountaineering of Portugal. Whether you are beginner or experienced, it is ideal to enjoy by yourself or in group, with your friends, family and/or partner, celebrate birthdays, bachelor(ettes), or school or corporate events, accessible to everyone. Don't question yourself any longer and accept this challenge to discover Via-Ferrata + Abseiling in the Arrábida Natural Park.

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What people are saying about Setubal

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!

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

Great organization and super relaxed boat trip with the catamaran