Coasteering at Boca de Tamboril

What it involves

Coasteering is travelling along the coast where there is no path: you walk over the rocks at the foot of the cliff, swim from one point to another, climb the stone and jump into the water from ledges of different heights. In the Arrábida it is done on the Sesimbra coast, beneath the mountains, in the waters of the Luiz Saldanha marine park, which are usually very clean.

The best-known outing is the one at Boca de Tamboril, in Sesimbra. It combines stretches on foot along the coast, swimming, short rope climbs, a natural rock slide, an abseil and lots of jumps into the water.

Who runs it and what the options are

It is run by Vertente Natural, an outdoor activities company with a shop in Sesimbra's sheltered harbour. It publishes three versions:

• Coasteering Boca de Tamboril: 4 hours, active, sporty style, from €60 per person, with a minimum of 8 people.
• Aventura em Coasteering: 4 hours, also active, from €65 per person.
• Light Coasteering: 2 hours in the Arrábida natural park, more relaxed, with smaller jumps, from €45 per person and with a minimum of 4 people.

Book on the company's website or by phone (+351 210 848 919). If you are in a small group, ask whether other participants are signed up to make up the minimum.

Where it is based

The activities are organised from Sesimbra; the office is in the sheltered harbour (Shop 6). The company does not publish the exact meeting point for each outing: it confirms it when you book. From Lisbon you reach Sesimbra by car over the 25 de Abril bridge.

Season

It is done in the months of warmest water, from summer to early autumn, and whenever the sea is calm. With a ground swell or a south wind it cannot be done: confirm with the company the day before.

Who it is for and requirements

For people in good physical shape who swim confidently in open sea and are not afraid of getting their face wet or of jumping. It is an activity that teenagers like a lot. The company does not publish a minimum age or the equipment included on its website: ask when booking about age, the wetsuit, helmet and life jacket, and insurance.

Wear your swimsuit, and bring a towel and dry clothes for afterwards, shoes that can get wet and grip on rock (or ask whether they lend them), water and something to eat for the return. Do not bring jewellery or anything you do not want to lose.

Other ways to see this coast

If you fancy the same coast with less effort, the kayak beneath the Sesimbra cliffs goes to the same coves without jumping. For a quiet afternoon afterwards, the Arrábida beaches are to the east, past Sesimbra.