The 15 Best Dolphin Watching Trips from Lisbon

1.Tagus River Cruise to the Ocean & Dolphin Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 3,019 reviews · from $38Our pick

Set out from central Lisbon for a 2.5-hour cruise past landmarks, beaches and the Fort of São Lourenço do Bugio toward the Atlantic, where the crew searches for wild dolphins. Guides speak English, French or Portuguese, and the open bar serves wine, beer, sangria and soft drinks. Dolphin sightings are not guaranteed.

“I liked the guide, they were very friendly and welcoming. I enjoyed seeing the historical landmarks during the cruise.”

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2.Dolphin Watching with Marine Biologist

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,853 reviews · 3 hours · from $76

Leave Doca de Santo Amaro on a fast rigid inflatable boat with a skipper and marine biologist. Search the Tagus estuary and Atlantic for dolphins and other marine life, then return past Bugio Lighthouse, Belém Tower, and the Monument to the Discoveries. The guides may include Sid, Bart, or Sara, though your crew can vary.

“If we could give it six stars we would!! Seven of us attended this excursion and had a great time. The two crew members were very knowledgeable about both the marine life and local history. We were fortunate to go on a very clear morning and saw LOTS of dolphins!! They were very respectful of the dolphins and kept our distance - sometimes the dolphins came right up to the boat out of curiosity anyway which was very cool! We already informed them that the directions to the pier meeting spot were a little confusing and hopefully they can make this more clear for guests in the future - the…”

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3.Dolphin Watching with Marine Biologist – Small Group

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 867 reviews · 3 hours · from $61

Set out from Doca de Santo Amaro for a three-hour boat trip along the Tagus and out to sea. A marine biologist explains local wildlife, while the crew scans for dolphins and other marine life. Guides have included Mariana, Vanessa, Maria, and Sebastião, though the team can vary. The tour also supports cetacean monitoring with Lisbon Oceanário and ICNF.

“Such a beautiful experience and It was worth every penny! The guides were very kind and taught us a lot about the dolphins. Definitely a tour that I will remember for a long time. Thank you very much!”

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4.Dolphin Watching with a Marine Biologist – Ocean Safari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 812 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $62Top rated

Set out from Doca de Santo Amaro in an 8.5-meter RIB with a marine biologist and crew. For about three hours, you’ll pass Lisbon landmarks, head toward the Bugio lighthouse and search the Tagus and Atlantic for wild dolphins. Expect lively sea air, jockey-style seats, and no guarantee of a sighting.

“We totally commend this activity. The tour was led by a knowledgable marine biologist. She and the skipper patiently toured the bay until we were rewarded with firstly sunfish waving their flippers and jumping and then many common dolphins. They swam close to the rib and under it with their babies. Later we saw bottlenose dolphins and a shark. The boat ride itself was exhilarating.”

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5.Dolphin Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 801 reviews · 2 hours · from $53

Set out from Setúbal on a two-hour catamaran trip led in English and Portuguese by marine biologists. Look for the area’s dolphins, learn about them and the coast, and pause for a swim. A welcome glass of Moscatel de Setúbal is included, and two underwater rooms offer a view below the boat.

“Sea was calm. Only saw 2 dolphins but good boat trip. Pleasant company as was travelling alone.”

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6.Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 423 reviews · 2 hours · from $53

Set out from Setúbal on a modern speedboat with a live guide in English, Portuguese, or Spanish. The two-hour outing searches for resident bottlenose dolphins in the bay, then takes in Arrábida’s beaches and shoreline. Guides such as Rafa and Alex have shared clear, engaging information, but dolphin sightings are never fully in your control.

“Wonderful experience with great guides who knew exactly where to find the dolphins, but at the same time took care of the safety and well-being of the local dolphin population.”

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7.Arrábida Dolphin and Whale Watching tour with biologist

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 248 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $66

Set off from Sesimbra with a marine guide for about three hours on the water in Arrábida Marine Park. Look for wild dolphins and whales, hear about their biology and conservation, then stop at a sheltered bay to swim or snorkel. The tour includes masks, safety vests, and a local drink. Guides cited on recent trips include Pedro, Rosa, and Mariana.

“The seven of us (four adults, three kids) really enjoyed the trip today. The team are fantastic, very helpful, friendly and informative. The area is beautiful too and we loved seeing the bottlenose dolphins. We would absolutely recommend this trip to anyone. Thanks guys”

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8.Observation of Dolphins and Whales with Marine Biologist in Arrábida

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 224 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $66

From Sesimbra, join a marine biologist and boat crew for a three-hour cruise through Arrábida Natural Park. Look for bottlenose and common dolphins, take in the cliffs and caves, and, if conditions and timing allow, swim in clear coastal water. Outing guides have included Catarina and Erica. Whale sightings are possible, but not guaranteed.

“Great experience! A group of Dolphins, including a small one, was searched for and followed with great respect. We also had the chance to meet 2 sharks (shark fins...) Superb morning that will leave us beautiful memories! Thank you to our two lovely companions!Auto-translated”

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9.Dolphin-Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 213 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $43

Set out from Setúbal with a skipper to search for bottlenose or common dolphins, then cruise past the Arrábida coast, Troia Peninsula and Sado estuary islands. The 2.5-hour outing uses an open, fast boat, so bring a warm layer for the spray. Summer swims may be possible, and a voucher lets you reschedule if no dolphins are found.

“They did an amazing job... they did not give up until we found the dolphins! It was an amazing experience! Thank you”

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10.Arrábida Natural Park Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 212 reviews · 2.5 - 7 hours · from $58

From Sesimbra, a semi-inflatable boat heads into Arrábida Natural Park’s marine reserve to look for wild dolphins. Guides such as Marta, Mario and Jessica lead the search, with coastal scenery and a regional pastry along the way. Choose a Sesimbra meeting point or round-trip transport from central Lisbon.

“Wow! We did the Dolphin watching tour and had a lot of fun. Within the almost three hours we saw a couple of dolphins. Our guides Mario and Andrei told us stories - not only about dolphins. Our two kids had their probably most fun biology lesson of their life. We highly recommend taking this tour!”

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11.Arrábida Dolphin Watching Boat Tour with Biologist

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 197 reviews · from $63

Leave Sesimbra with a marine biologist and STCW-certified crew for three hours among the wildlife and coves of Arrábida Natural Park. Watch for dolphins, birds and, sometimes, whales, then pause at Praia da Mijona and Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach. Guide Catarina has been praised for clear explanations and a careful approach around dolphins. Swimming and snorkeling are part of the beach stop.

“We have had so great impresions and a perfect ride , the lovely dolphins came along with us for more than one hour or so. Catarina is so nice person and very profesional and knows so much about their behaviour. In the end we went allong the shore to some little hidden beaches . We can fully recommend this company !”

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12.Dolphin Watching Speedboat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 156 reviews · 2 hours · from $76

Set out from Cascais Marina with Dolphin Explorers for up to two hours on the water. Your crew scans for dolphins, whales, porpoises, and seabirds while sharing information about local marine life. Tours run when sea and weather conditions allow; morning trips are often calmer. Life vests are provided, and guides speak English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese.

“We both enjoyed our dolphin watching tour. The guides were passionate and very knowledgeable and taught us a lot about the dolphins behaviour. We saw several pods of dolphins and even had some swimming under the boat. A great morning which we would definitely recommend.”

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13.Dolphin Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 32 reviews · 2 hours · from $76

From Cascais Marina, Four Adventures Boat Tours heads offshore to look for dolphins in their natural habitat. The two-hour trip includes a live guide in English, Spanish, or Portuguese, life vests, and waterproof, windproof jackets. Sightings depend on conditions, and the crew keeps a respectful distance from the animals.

“It was a wonderful experience. I highly recommend it.”

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14.Sesimbra: Dolphin Watching

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 21 reviews · 2 hours · from $58

Leave Sesimbra for a two-hour dolphin search along Arrábida Natural Park, heading toward the Sado River Estuary with a marine ecologist who speaks Portuguese, English, or Spanish. Look for common and bottlenose dolphins, learn about their conservation, and help spot and collect floating plastic. Water, a lifejacket, and a taste of farinha torrada are included.

“Du personnel compétent et d’une grande gentillesse”

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15.Dolphin Watching in the Wild – Half Day Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.7 · 3 reviews · from $213

Your driver picks you up in Lisbon for a private ride south across the Tagus River and over the 25 de Abril Bridge to Setúbal. There, you join a shared two-hour boat trip in the Sado Estuary, searching for its resident bottlenose dolphins. The four-hour tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off; the driver speaks English, Portuguese, Spanish, or French.

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