# Sado dolphins and the Arrábida coast by boat Boat · 2–3 hrs · With a marine biologist · From €50 Fuente: https://www.geocalia.com/en/portugal/lisbon-region/arrabida/things-to-do/sado-dolphins · Revisado: 2026-11-11 Dónde: Serra da Arrábida The Sado dolphins do not migrate: they live all year round between the estuary and the bay, and go out to fish along the coast of the mountains. That is why there are trips at any time of year, although nobody can promise you will see them. ## What it is and why it is worth it At the mouth of the River Sado, opposite Setúbal, lives a group of bottlenose dolphins that does not leave with the seasons. It is a resident population, something uncommon in Europe, and it moves between the estuary, Setúbal bay and the coast of the Arrábida mountains, where the mountain drops straight into the sea. The boat trips run along that coast looking for them, and on the way show you the limestone cliffs, the coves and the green of the mountains from the water, which is how they are best seen. What sets one trip apart from another is who is on board. With Vertente Natural, which has worked in the Arrábida since 2004, a marine biologist goes out from Sesimbra and explains how the dolphins live and how to recognise each one. The company publishes a sighting rate above 90%, and if you are not satisfied it offers you another activity. ## Who it is for For almost everyone: children, teenagers and adults, as long as boats do not make you seasick. In a calm sea the trip is peaceful; in a ground swell, the boat moves. If you are prone to seasickness, take something before boarding and look at the horizon. It is not for those looking to swim with dolphins: they are observed from the boat, at a distance, without chasing them. ## How to get to Sesimbra Vertente Natural leaves from shop 6 in Sesimbra's sheltered harbour. Sesimbra is on the other side of the mountains from Setúbal, and from Lisbon you get there by car, crossing the Tagus, or by bus. If you are staying in Setúbal, the high road of the mountains passes through Azeitão and goes down to Sesimbra. In summer, take note: the road to the Arrábida beaches, the coastal one, is closed to private cars from 7:00 to 20:00 between 4 June and 15 September, but that does not affect the high road. ## When to go There are trips all year, because the dolphins are there all year. What rules is the sea: look for a calm day with little wind. The morning is usually better than the afternoon, when the wind rises, and has better light for photos. In July and August book ahead. ## How much it costs From €50 per person, with the biologist on board and priority boarding. There is a family pack from €99. The booking is confirmed immediately on the website. ## If the sea is rough In a ground swell or strong wind the trip is uncomfortable and may not run. Ask the company when booking what it does in those cases. As a land plan, Cabo Espichel, with its sanctuary and dinosaur footprints, is a few kilometres from Sesimbra. ## Paso a paso ### 15 min · Boarding in Sesimbra You turn up at shop 6 in the sheltered harbour, they give you the safety instructions and you board. ### 1 hr · Arrábida coast The boat runs along the cliffs of the mountains to the east while the biologist explains how dolphins live and how to recognise them. ### 30–60 min · With the dolphins When they appear, the boat slows down and keeps its distance. They are observed without being chased. ### 30 min · Back to the harbour Return to Sesimbra along the coast. ## Qué llevar - A windproof jacket, in summer too - Hat and sun cream - Seasickness tablet if you are prone to it - Binoculars if you have them - Camera with zoom or a charged phone ## Consejos ### Choose a calm-sea day In a ground swell the boat moves and they are harder to see. ### Go in the morning The light is better and the wind usually rises in the afternoon. ### Ask about the family pack Vertente Natural has a family rate from €99. ### Sleep in Sesimbra You have the harbour at hand and save yourself the mountain road first thing. ### Combine it with the kayak another day The same coast can be explored by kayak, closer to the coves. ## Preguntas frecuentes ### Am I sure to see dolphins? No. They are wild animals and nobody guarantees it, although the company publishes a sighting rate above 90%. ### How long does the trip last? Between two and three hours, depending on where the dolphins are. ### How much does it cost? From €50 per person with Vertente Natural, with a marine biologist on board. ### Where do the boats leave from? From Sesimbra and from Setúbal. Vertente Natural leaves from Sesimbra's sheltered harbour. ### What time of year can they be seen? All year. It is a resident population that does not migrate. ### Can you swim with them? No. They are observed from the boat, at a distance and without being chased. ### Is it a good activity with children? Yes, if the sea is calm. Watching dolphins from the boat appeals to almost any age, and there is a family rate.