4 Off-Road Safaris in Lisbon Worth Booking

1.Dolphin Watching with a Marine Biologist – Ocean Safari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 812 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $62Our pick

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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2.Sintra Jeep Safari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 311 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $71

Start in Sintra at 9:30 am for a five-to-six-hour ride in a restored vintage UMM 4x4, visiting palace gardens, Quinta da Regaleira, Praia da Adraga and Cabo da Roca before ending in Cascais. Guides such as Bruno, Mario and Ruben have led the trip. Expect local stories, a bumpy open-jeep ride, ginja and a traditional pastry; lunch and the Regaleira entry fee cost extra.

“We really enjoyed the jeep safari, despite the rain for half of the day. Bruno was a great tour guide”

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3.Arrabida Safari – Europe’s Most Beautiful Beach & Hidden Gems

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 190 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $119

Spend about seven hours outside Lisbon in Arrábida Natural Park, riding forest and coastal roads in a Jeep Cabrio with a private guide. Expect viewpoints, Galapinhos Beach, a snack stop and, if available, a short walk to Lapa de Santa Margarida cave. Guides named in past outings include Andy, António, Rui and Rafael. Hotel pickup is offered in Lisbon and Almada.

“My 2 teenaged sons and I enjoyed our tour with Rui. He was extremely knowledgeable and shared historical and cultural information with us which we truly enjoyed. Even with the rainy weather this was a tour I would highly recommend.”

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4.2hr Cork Safari in a Classical Land Rover

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 34 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $153

From Maroteira Vinhos Winery, join a small-group Land Rover tour through a six-generation Alentejo farm of cork oak, olive groves and vineyards. Guide Joana or another local guide explains cork harvesting and farm life, followed by a shop visit and a traditional cork stripper’s lunch. The drive lasts two hours; the full visit takes about three and a half.

“Jose was an amazing guide. He gave us lots of knowlege about many things.”

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