Tours/Lisbon/Dolphin Watching from Lisbon: Private Full-Day Setúbal & Arrábida
Dolphin Watching from Lisbon: Private Full-Day Setúbal & Arrábida
4.0(3)Lisbon8–9 hours
VIATOR2.0(1)TRIPADVISOR5.0(2)
+7 photos
At a glance
Duration
8–9 hours
Price from
$262 / person
Location
Lisbon, Portugal
Rating
4.0 / 5 · 3 reviews
Languages
PT, EN, IT, FR
Group
Private
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Hotel pickup
Available
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
SWINGO by Avenidas
Description
The Sado estuary near Setúbal is home to Portugal's only resident population of bottlenose dolphins: around 27 individuals, monitored since 1981, one of just three resident estuarine colonies in Europe. On this private full-day tour from Lisbon you join a licensed dolphin-watching boat that follows the official code of conduct, with sightings on roughly 95% of departures.
The day is built around the boat, not a checklist. After pickup at your Lisbon hotel, cruise port or the airport, stop at the Cristo Rei sanctuary for the classic view over the city and the 25 de Abril bridge, then head south across the peninsula for your boat trip on the Sado. Back on land, enjoy free time in Setúbal, where the local lunch specialty is choco frito, crispy fried cuttlefish (own expense). On the return, visit the castle above Sesimbra for clifftop Atlantic views before heading back to your accommodation.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
8:00 AM
Next available
Wed, Oct 14
Adult (ages 1+)
$262
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $415.
Larger groups pay less per person.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 13.
Tour Options
Dolphin Watching - Full-Day - the Sado, the dolphins, the coast
Pickup included
Itinerary
Santuario Nacional de Cristo Rei
15 min
We begin our day trip by crossing the Tagus River, through the 25th of April Bridge (much like the San Francisco suspended bridge). Before heading onto Setúbal, we will stop at the Christ King on the south bank, and quickly admire the sheer magnitude of this monument (without entering).
Reserva Natural do Estuario do Sado
Admission included180 min
A licensed boat trip on the Sado estuary to see the resident bottlenose dolphins, one of only three resident colonies in Europe
Setubal
120 min
Fresh seafood in Setúbal (try the local choco frito) i
Castelo de Sesimbra
60 min
The cliffs of Cabo Espichel and Sesimbra Castle
What's included
Included
Private transportation
Bottled water
WiFi on board
Sado dolphin-watching boat
Air-conditioned vehicle
Driver/Guide
Not included
Lunch
Pickup Locations & Times
Please enter your pickup address for our offered pickup and drop-off.
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.0
3 reviews
5
2
4
0
3
0
2
1
1
0
How it compares in Lisbon
Starting price $262 is 11% above the typical $236 for tours of similar length in Lisbon
Excurgo comparison of 4,260 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does this tour take?
Dolphin Watching from Lisbon: Private Full-Day Setúbal & Arrábida lasts about 8–9 hours. The itinerary has 4 stops.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $262 per person for this Lisbon experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $415. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does this tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 8:00 AM.
Can I cancel this tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. Please enter your pickup address for our offered pickup and drop-off. Pickup points include Olivia Lisboa Hotel, Hotel Florecente.
What languages is this tour offered in?
The experience is available in PT, EN, IT, FR, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 15 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Specialized infant seats are available
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is this tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.0 out of 5 across 3 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by SWINGO by Avenidas.
Reviews(3)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
S
Susana M
February 12, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Awesome Experience!
It was so worth it!
Me and my family 2 kids booked a boat trip with a visit to the dolphins!
From the booking to the end of the tour the team was fantastic! Always very attentive!
Highly recommend!
Operator response
Good morning,
Thank you for your kind words and for such a positive feedback. We are really glad you have enjoyed the tour and the guide has met your expectations!
We hope you can come to Portugal once again and discover more of our beautiful country.
Travel your way,
Swingo Team
4
42meyerb
August 8, 2023 · via Tripadvisor
Great
Susana was an amazing guide. Friendly knowledgeable and personable.
Swingo tours was easy to deal with. Would recommend highly!!!
Operator response
Good morning,
Thank you for your kind words and for such a positive feedback. We are really glad you have enjoyed the service and the driver has met your expectations!
We hope you can come to Portugal once again and discover more of our beautiful country.
Travel your way,
Swingo Team
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Dolphin Watching from Lisbon: Private Full-Day Setúbal & Arrábida
