Dolphin Watching in Lisbon

Lisbon is a beautiful coastal city famous for its stunning beaches, rich history, and unique culture. One of the most exciting and memorable experiences that you can have in Lisbon is joining a dolphin-watching tour.

Dolphin watching tours in Lisbon allow you to get up close and personal with these incredible, playful animals. Thanks to the Tagus River, which deposits nutrient-rich water into the Atlantic Ocean, several species of dolphins and whales can be spotted all year round.

Carry on reading our complete guide about dolphin watching tours, one of the most exhilarating outdoor activities in Lisbon.

What are the best dolphin-watching tours in Lisbon?

Dolphin-watching boat tour in Lisbon

Spend the morning on the water, admiring Lisbon from a different perspective, as you learn more about dolphins and other marine wildlife from your onboard marine biologist. Leave the busy city behind you as you keep an eye out for dolphins in their natural habitat.

This popular dolphin watching departs from Lisbon’s city center, where you’ll meet your guide and board an inflatable boat. As you leave the dock, you’ll be treated to views of some of Belém’s famous monuments, such as the Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém.

As you venture further out into the ocean, you’ll look for dolphins, seabirds, whales, sharks, whales, turtles and jellyfish. The waters surrounding Lisbon are teeming with sea life, so there’s a good chance that you’ll see several different species.

Full-day dolphin-watching tour in Lisbon

Your aquatic adventure begins in Lisbon’s city center, where you’ll meet your guide and then head toward Setúbal. This is where you’ll board your dolphin-watching vessel for the day, which will either be a Salt Galleon Explore or a modern catamaran.

Cruise along the magnificent Portuguese coastline on a restored Salt Galleon Explore or a comfortable catamaran. Watch as dolphins frolic in the Arrábida Natural Park and admire the beauty of the nearby bays with this full-day dolphin-watching experience.

Leave Setúbal and head toward the Sado Estuary and the Arrábida Natural Park at a comfortable speed. Marvel at the natural beauty that this incredible area has to offer, all the while keeping a lookout for dolphins, whales and other forms of marine life.

Dolphin watching in Arrábida Natural Park from Lisbon

The Arrábida Natural Park and its adjoining marine reserve are a popular playground for bottlenose dolphins and other dolphin species. Not only do you have a strong chance of seeing dolphins, but you’ll also be treated to incredible views of the coastline.

Meet your guide in the natural park or request a transfer from Lisbon. When you reach Arrábida, you’ll board a powerful semi-inflatable boat, which offers both comfort and safety to tour participants.

Throughout the 3-hour experience, you’ll enjoy the pristine waters of the marine reserve, which is protected from the wind thanks to the Arrábida mountain. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is sure to create unforgettable memories on the Atlantic Ocean.

Setúbal private dolphin watching tour

Setúbal, just 40 minutes from Lisbon, is a relaxed city known for its seafood, beautiful beaches and tranquil atmosphere. Learn more about Setúbal’s history and culture with this private tour that also includes dolphin watching.

Your private tour begins with a pick-up at your hotel in Lisbon and proceeds by crossing the Tagus River, as you head towards the Setúbal District and the Arrábida Natural Park.

After lunch at one of the local restaurants, you will go on a 3-hour dolphin watching cruise with a guide by your side. In addition to dolphins, you can also look for whales, sharks, jellyfish and sea turtles. During your private tour, you may also visit Figueirinha Beach and Castelo de Sesimbra, before returning to Lisbon.

Are there any combo tours available with dolphin-watching tours in Lisbon?

Dolphin watching with wine tasting

The Sado Estuary is home to one of the largest sedentary bottlenose dolphin populations in the Northern Hemisphere— making the estuary the perfect destination for dolphin watching. Watch these playful creatures in their natural habitat with this half-day tour.

Enjoy a hotel pickup from your accommodation in Lisbon before heading toward the estuary. Along the way, you’ll be given a brief tour of the stunning Arrábida Natural Park in Setúbal and have the opportunity to go on a wine tasting.

What are the prices of dolphin watching cruises in Lisbon?

Basic dolphin-watching tours in Lisbon usually cost around €60 per person for a 3-hour experience on the Atlantic Ocean. This price is inclusive of all fees and taxes associated with the tour, as well as life jackets and an onboard guide.

Full-day dolphin-watching excursions, which usually last roughly 6 hours, generally cost approximately €90 per person. Private tours, which cater to your specific needs and requests, usually begin at around €170 per person.

What is included?

While each tour is slightly different, dolphin-watching tours in Lisbon are typically inclusive of life jackets, fuel, an onboard guide and insurance. While some tour operators may offer you a snack, it’s a good idea to bring a packed lunch of your own.

Where do I get the boat?

Dolphin-watching tours that leave from Lisbon typically depart from Doca de Santo Amaro. Tours that take place in Setúbal or Arrábida Natural Park usually require you to meet at a central point in Lisbon, such as Marques de Pombal Square, before heading out of the city.

How long do the cruises last?

Dolphin-watching tours in Lisbon typically last around 3 hours. However, there are a few dolphin-watching tours, which take place in Arrábida Natural Park, that last up to 6 hours— perfect for those looking for a full-day experience.

When is the best time to go on a dolphin-watching tour in Lisbon?

The best time for viewing dolphins is usually at either sunrise or sunset, as this is when dolphins are most active. Thanks to the nutrient-rich that is deposited into the Atlantic Ocean by the Tagus River, dolphins can be viewed off the coast of Lisbon all year round.

Keep in mind that even though there is a very high probability of seeing a diverse range of sea life, it is not 100% guaranteed that you’ll see dolphins during your tour as dolphins are wild animals and their movements can be unpredictable.

Which other water activities can be done in Lisbon?

• Boat tours in Lisbon
• Surf lessons in Lisbon
• Kayaking in Lisbon
• Snorkeling in Lisbon
• Stand up paddleboarding in Lisbon
• Scuba diving in Lisbon
• Kitesurfing lessons in Lisbon
• Jet boat in Lisbon
• Jet ski in Lisbon
• Wakeboarding in Lisbon
• Whale watching in Lisbon

Travel tips

• Book your dolphin-watching excursion in Lisbon ahead of time to secure your spot on your preferred tour.
• Bring your camera to capture incredible photos of dolphins, whales and other sea life off the coast of Portugal.
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes for the trip, and don’t forget to bring a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and a bottle of water.
• Check tour itineraries to ensure that you choose a tour that is best suited to your interests and schedule.