(800) 814 COOL Questions? Call Us Now!

Dolphin watching in Setúbal

103 Reviews 4.93 out of 5 stars Based on 103 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 99% of reviewers
99% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Setubal District, Portugal
Book online or call us
Chat now

from $44.01 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
Dolphins
common dolphin
Dolphins like children
The community of bottlenose dolphins on the Sado River
Hi guys!

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 33 (0) days in advance.
2 hours 15 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation

Overview

You will observe a unique community of bottlenose dolphins, which have permanent residence in the Sado River estuary.

This species is larger than the common dolphin and has a darker hue, close to anthracite gray.

You can also observe common dolphins, which are smaller and extremely fast.

Speaking of speed, our boat is quite fast, which is a big advantage when it comes to finding dolphins, which are wild animals that travel many nautical miles in a short time. Therefore, our success rate in finding these friendly mammals is around 100%.

Furthermore, our boat, due to its characteristics, allows for very close observation of dolphins. This way, you'll be able to take fantastic photos and videos of the experience to share with your family and friends.

Dolphins are wild and unpredictable animals. We will locate them in different locations, which makes this experience unique and unrepeatable.

What's Included

  • Dolphin search and observation

    Meeting Location

    Meeting point

    Rua Praia da Saúde nº 11-A
    (frente para Rua Doca Delpeut), 2900-572 Setúbal, Portugal

    Show on Google Maps

    Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    What To Expect

    Departure from Setúbal, sail on the Sado River and look for dolphins to observe in their natural habitat. We will pass by Albarquel beach, the Comenda palace and the Outão lighthouse that announces the entry into oceanic waters.
    Be amazed by the unique view over the beaches of Figueirinha, Galapos, Coelhos, Creiro and Portinho da Arrábida with their turquoise blue waters.
    We can also visit Alpertuche beach and the cliffs of Arrábida with its small caves, as well as the small islands at the mouth of Sado.
    However, so much beauty cannot make us forget the main objective of our trip: observing dolphins in their natural habitat. Our skipper will change the order of this itinerary depending on this great objective, making it possible to sail out to sea in search of these friendly wild animals.
    We will observe bottlenose dolphins, which have a colony in the Sado River, or common dolphins normally found in the open sea.
    Dolphins are wild animals and are not always found in the same place. Our company finds them on around 99% of boat trips. If you are included in the remaining 1%, you will be entitled to a free voucher to repeat the experience.

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

    Frequently Asked Questions

    (9)

    Q: Do we get to swim with or touch the dolphins?

    A: As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Dolphin watching in Setúbal. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat. Read more Dec 2022

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    Still have questions?

    We're here to help.
    Activity code: C-412708P1

    Traveler Photos

    See more
    See more

    Reviews

    4.93
    103 reviews

    Average 4.93 out of 5 stars based on 103 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

    5 stars
    97
    4 stars
    5
    3 stars
    1
    2 stars
    0
    1 star
    0

    Loading Options
    Don't miss out!
    On average, this is booked 33 (0) days in advance.
    Setubal District Tours
    Attractions
    Guides
    Calendar
    View more

    Similar Tours & Activities

    Sesimbra Observation of Dolphins with Biologist in Marine Park

    Sesimbra Observation of Dolphins with Biologist in Marine Park

    13
     3 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
    from
    $59.38
    Dolphin Watching with Biologist in Arrábida Natural Park

    Dolphin Watching with Biologist in Arrábida Natural Park

    143
     3 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
    from
    $65.42
    Arrábida Secret Beaches and Caves with Snorkeling Stop

    Arrábida Secret Beaches and Caves with Snorkeling Stop

    56
     3 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
    from
    $59.48
    Boat Trip to Secret Bays and Beaches with Snorkeling

    Boat Trip to Secret Bays and Beaches with Snorkeling

    35
     2 hours 30 minutes  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
    from
    $59.38

    Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

    Private Walking Tour of Highlights Locations in Evora
    Likely to Sell Out

    Private Walking Tour of Highlights Locations in Evora

    184
     2 hours 30 minutes  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
    from
    $94.57
    Full Day Kayak and Coasteering Adventure from Lisbon with Lunch

    Full Day Kayak and Coasteering Adventure from Lisbon with Lunch

    436
     10 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
    from
    $112.81
    Sesimbra: Daily Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Expeditions
    Likely to Sell Out

    Sesimbra: Daily Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Expeditions

    137
     3 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
    from
    $65.30
    Lisbon to Porto Up to 4 Stops: Obidos, Nazare, Fatima and Aveiro

    Lisbon to Porto Up to 4 Stops: Obidos, Nazare, Fatima and Aveiro

    297
     4 to 10 hours  Hotel pickup offered  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
    from
    $296.88

    Things To Do in Setubal District

    Frequently Asked Questions (9)

    Activity name

    The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.

    Filter by:

    Q: Do we get to swim with or touch the dolphins?
    A:

    As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Dolphin watching in Setúbal. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat.

    Dec 2022
    Q: Will I get seasick on Dolphin watching in Setúbal?
    A:

    If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.

    Feb 2023
    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Dolphin watching in Setúbal?
    A:
    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
    • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
    • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
    • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
    • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (WEST).
    • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
    Apr 2025
    Q: What's included in the price?
    A:
    The following is included:
    • Dolphin search and observation.
    Apr 2025
    Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
    A:

    This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

    Apr 2025
    Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
    A:

    There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

    Apr 2025
    Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
    A:

    If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

    If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

    Apr 2025
    Q: Is this an accessible tour?
    A:

    Accessibility information for the Dolphin watching in Setúbal is as follows:

    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    Apr 2025
    Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
    A:

    Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Dolphin watching in Setúbal will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

     

     

    Mar 2024

    What's Included

    Activity name

    • Dolphin search and observation

    Additional Info

    Activity name

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

    Report Product Issue

    Activity name

    Language
    Currency

    Site Settings

    Activity name

    Currency

    Activity name

    Lowest Price Guarantee

    Activity name

    We guarantee the lowest price on all the tours available to book on our site. We'll refund the difference if you find the exact tour cheaper online until 48 hours before your tour starts.

    We Make It Easy!

    Gather your information

    Locate your City Boat Tours Booking Number and the proof of the lower price you found.

    Send it to us

    Email [email protected] with the documents, your name, and your home address.

    We'll review

    We'll review your materials and get in touch as soon as possible.

    Receive your refund

    If everything checks out, we'll refund you the price difference.

    Refund Terms & Conditions

    The following conditions apply to all lowest price guarantee refund requests:

    • The lowest price guarantee is available to any customer who makes a qualifying purchase through our website. The qualifying purchase must be a minimum of US$20 (or equivalent).
    • The lowest price guarantee covers retail and prepaid rates available to the general public. This does not include discounts or promotions you may receive (or be eligible for) from third-party sites or organizations such as AAA or AARP or special offers made as part of a membership program, corporate discount, daily deal, group, or rewards program.
    • City Boat Tours promotions cannot be combined with the lowest price guarantee.
    • If you find a lower retail or prepaid rate for the same tour, offered on the same date, time and priced in the same currency as your original purchase, on any other website between the time you book on City Boat Tours and 48 hours before your trip starts, we will refund the difference.
    • The lowest price guarantee does not apply where a lower overall price is found by breaking down the purchased tour into one or more parts sold separately.
    • City Boat Tours reserves the right to verify the lower price details. Examples of acceptable forms of verification include a web screenshot or a web address.
    • All refund decisions will be made at the sole discretion of City Boat Tours.

    Free Cancellation

    Activity name

    100% refund
    No refund

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
    • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
    • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
    • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (WEST).
    • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
    • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

    Sorting, ranking, and search results

    Activity name

    City Boat Tours wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

    On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

    If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through City Boat Tours over a 12-month period.

    The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.

    Cool Support

    Ask us anything!

    Activity name

    Cool Robot