Dolphin watching in Setúbal
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
Rua Praia da Saúde nº 11-A
(frente para Rua Doca Delpeut), 2900-572 Setúbal, Portugal
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
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 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
Frequently Asked Questions (10)
Q: Do we get to swim with or touch the dolphins?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-412708P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.94 out of 5 stars based on 141 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (10)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
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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 2022If 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- 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 (WET).
- 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.
- Dolphin search and observation.
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 2025There 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 2025If 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 2025Accessibility 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
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 Balloon 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 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Dolphin search and observation
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 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
