Dolphin watching in the Sado Estuary

General information

Destination	Category
Lisbon, Portugal	Sightseeing Tours

Program details

Witness the incredible spectacle of the Sado dolphins on this tour that tracks the majestic creatures and allows you to observe their behavior close up. Drink in the stunning landscape of the Sado Estuary on Portugal’s south west coast near Setubal and admire the picturesque coastlines of Tróia and Arrabida as you cruise through the waves on a catamaran. Your guides will use their expert local knowledge to locate the dolphins and give you the best opportunity to take photos and admire their acrobatic feats.


The resident population of bottlenose dolphins in Sado is a unique phenomenon in Portugal and a rare one worldwide. No one is quite sure how long they have inhabited this small pocket of water but it is clear that the conditions have suited them perfectly for over one hundred years. Learn about the bottlenose dolphin’s habits and habitat as your guide explains this intelligent creature’s individual and group behavior. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for these fun loving mammals as they throw themselves out of the water and come up to investigate your boat at close quarters.


During summer months the tour will drop anchor off the coast of Arrabida to swim or snorkel in the crystal blue Atlantic waters that lap the Portuguese coastline. Dive down in the incredibly pure water or simply relax in the sun as the waves lap around you.


Meeting/pick-up point: In front of Hotel Fénix.

Duration: 5 hours.

Start/opening time: At 8.45am.

Languages: Portuguese, English, French and Spanish.
Others: The tour might vary depending on weather conditions or one-off events that could take place on certain dates.