Add dates

Sesimbra Family-friendly activities

Our most recommended Sesimbra Family-friendly activities

Setubal & Tróia: Sado Estuary Dolphin Watching Boat Trip

1. Setubal & Tróia: Sado Estuary Dolphin Watching Boat Trip

Depart from Setubal or Tróia onboard a 22-meter long catamaran and go in search of the community of dolphins that inhabit the Sado estuary. Be accompanied by a knowledgeable crew who will use their expertise to locate these playful dolphins in their natural habitat. Learn more about this unique dolphin community, the only one of its kind in Portugal, with your expert guides. Sail through the estuary and admire the beautiful landscapes of the coastline of the Arrábida Natural Park. Keep an eye out for the playful dolphins which have inhabited this part of the coast for generations. Watch the dolphins frolic and play as they swim through the calm waters. Hear more about their feeding habits, breeding and their relationship to humans on an informative and relaxing boat trip.

From Sesimbra: Hiking Tour to Cape Espichel

2. From Sesimbra: Hiking Tour to Cape Espichel

After being collected from your accommodation, you will be transported to the remote lands of Espichel Cape, the second most western cape of Europe. Your trek will then begin in the sanctuary of Espichel Cape, where you will visit the small Memory Chapel, the church, the old hostels, Casa da Ópera, the aqueduct and Casa da Água. It is a rare example of a monumental sanctuary for religious pilgrimages, was scenographically designed from the ground up, and is a religious architectural complex that is unique to Portugal. Following this part of the tour, you will walk to the north where you will be able to view the Jurassic Cliffs, which feature footprints of dinosaurs and are a location of striking beauty. After a moment of contemplation from the top of the dramatic cliffs, you will descend to one of the most primitive beaches in Europe with time to explore and wander.

From Sesimbra: Snorkeling all included Boat Tour

3. From Sesimbra: Snorkeling all included Boat Tour

Become a Snorkel explorer and discover and learn more about the aquatic world of the Luís Saldanha Marine Park and Maritime Reserve with our team. Join an easy activity that's suitable for all ages, ideal for groups of friends, couples, families and team building activities. Additionally, enjoy a boat tour of the Arrábida coast and paddle along the coast. Depart from the harbor in Sesimbra and be amazed by the beautiful coastal scenery while you head to isolated spots waiting to be discovered. Once there, feel free to explore the amazing seafloor and the aquatic life of Arrabida's crystal clear waters as well the small caves brimming with mussels and clamshells. With our biologist and seasoned guide take beautiful underwater pictures and record this unforgettable experience.

Arrábida: Snorkeling experience in Arrábida Marine Reserve

4. Arrábida: Snorkeling experience in Arrábida Marine Reserve

Snorkeling is your first step into an incredible world of opportunities and experiences. The beginning of a journey that changes the way you experience the world forever! The instructors know very well the area they are working in, so they have a different, more in-depth and specific knowledge. All our instructors are also certified and have a lot of experience in the area, making the activity safe for everyone and fun at the same time. The marine reserve Prof. Luiz Saldanha has calm waters all year round and unique conditions that make it one of the best diving spots in Continental Portugal.

Arrábida Natural Park: Caving

5. Arrábida Natural Park: Caving

Discover Caving and the Arrábida Natural Park with a group of highly qualified specialists in Caving, and nature and adventure sports for over 30 years. The cave systems of the Arrábida Natural Park are the perfect place to practice Speleology. Get ready to be amazed by the underground world and the legends and stories lost in time, told by caves and caverns where time seems to stop, day and night merge and in total darkness we discover another way of seeing. Explore several overlapping galleries on different levels, such as the Gruta do Médico or where the mountain meets the sea in Lapa Verde, between the picturesque town of Sesimbra and the city of Setúbal, less than an hour's drive from Lisbon. At Caving you will start with a safety briefing and an introduction to your Caving guide/instructor and equipment. During this experience, you will explore several underground passages using various climbing and abseiling techniques, equipped with personal protective equipment and always safe, in the company of the first Portuguese speleologist to visit the largest cave in the world (Son Doong). The instructors and monitors are accredited by the Portuguese Speleology Federation. Whether you are beginner or experienced, it is ideal to enjoy by yourself or in group, with your friends, family and/or partner, celebrate birthdays, bachelor(ettes), or school or corporate events, accessible to everyone. Don't question yourself any longer and accept this challenge to discover Caving in the Arrábida Natural Park.

Arrábida Natural Park: BoatTour

6. Arrábida Natural Park: BoatTour

Embark on a Boat Tour and discover the Professor Luiz Saldanha Marine Park with a group of highly qualified professionals, specialists in biology, history and culture of the region, and in nature and adventure sports for over 30 years. The estuary mouth of the Sado river, in the Prof. Luiz Saldanha Marine Park, is the perfect place for a Boat Trip. Enjoy all the scenic natural beauty of the coast of Arrábida, between Cabo Espichel, Praia de Galápos and Costa de Tróia, crossing one of the most beautiful bays in the world, between the picturesque village of Sesimbra and the city of Setúbal, less than an hour's drive from Lisbon. On the Boat Trip you will learn more about the history, traditions and culture of the region of Setúbal and Sesimbra, and about the natural landscape that surrounds them. Perhaps you will see some marine life and observe very closely the playful and famous population of bottlenose dolphins that swim through the mouth of the Sado river estuary. Ideal to enjoy alone or in a group, with your friends, family and/or partner, to celebrate birthdays and bachelor parties, or school or business events, accessible to everyone. Do not question yourself any longer and accept this challenge to embark on a Boat Tour in Prof. Luiz Saldanha Marine Park.

Arrábida Natural Park: Dolphin Watching

7. Arrábida Natural Park: Dolphin Watching

Embark on a Dolphin Watching trip and discover the Professor Luiz Saldanha Marine Park with a group of highly qualified professionals, specialists in biology, history and culture of the region, and in nature and adventure sports for over 30 years. The estuary mouth of the Sado river, in the Prof. Luiz Saldanha Marine Park, is the perfect place for a Dolphin Watching trip. Enjoy all the scenic natural beauty of the coast of Arrábida, between Cabo Espichel, Praia de Galápos and Costa de Tróia, crossing one of the most beautiful bays in the world, between the picturesque village of Sesimbra and the city of Setúbal, less than an hour's drive from Lisbon. On the Dolphin Watching trip you will learn more about the history, traditions and culture of the region of Setúbal and Sesimbra, and about the natural landscape that surrounds them. Also learn more about marine life and observe very closely the playful and famous population of bottlenose dolphins that swim through the mouth of the Sado river estuary. Ideal to enjoy alone or in a group, with your friends, family and/or partner, to celebrate birthdays and bachelor parties, or school or business events, accessible to everyone. Do not question yourself any longer and accept this challenge to embark on a Dolphin Watching trip in Prof. Luiz Saldanha Marine Park.

Sesimbra: Guided Dolphin Watching in Arrábida Natural Park

8. Sesimbra: Guided Dolphin Watching in Arrábida Natural Park

Venture out onto the waves off Sesimbra’s shores and spot dolphins frolicking in the blue ocean on this guided dolphin watching excursion. Bring the little ones and embark on an adventure watching dolphins in their natural habitat.  This boat trip travels through the Professor Luiz Saldanha Marine Park to set up the best possible views of the Sesimbra coast with the Arrábida Natural Park as a backdrop. Let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of the coastline with the natural park scenery. Stop at paradisiacal beaches for refreshing swim breaks and enjoy a traditional Sesimbra sweet.

Arrábida Natural Park: Stand Up Paddle

9. Arrábida Natural Park: Stand Up Paddle

Discover Stand Up Paddle and the Professor Luiz Saldanha Marine Park, inserted in Arrábida Natural Park, with a group of highly qualified specialists in Stand Up Paddle, and nature and adventure sports for over 30 years. The bays of the Arrábida Natural Park are the perfect place to practice Stand Up Paddle. Enjoy a magical moment, surrounded by the wild nature of Praia dos Coelhos or the magnificent landscapes of the beaches of Galápos and Galapinhos, which, up to Praia da Figueirinha, form one of the most beautiful bays in Europe, between the picturesque village of Sesimbra and the city of Setúbal, less than an hour's drive from Lisbon. In Stand Up Paddle you will start with a safety briefing and an introduction to your guide/instructor and Stand Up Paddle equipment. Then we start a learning and review session, during which you'll learn to maneuvre the canoe controllably, and, after departing towards the sea, you'll have the unique opportunity to stop at the famous Anicha Island for a snorkeling session (optional), where you can observe very closely all the marine life that surrounds it. Equipped with buoyancy aids and a paddle, you'll feel like an authentic explorer while navigating the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, and exploring the mysterious caves and secret beaches along the coastal area between Portinho da Arrábida and Praia de Alpertuche. At the end of the canoeing experience, you will return to the starting point for a debriefing of the experience and share the highlights of the day. Whether you are beginner or experienced, it is ideal to enjoy by yourself or in group, with your friends, family and/or partner, celebrate birthdays, bachelor(ettes), or school or corporate events, accessible to everyone. Don't question yourself any longer and accept this challenge to discover Stand Up Paddle in the Prof. Luiz Saldanha Marine Park.

Sesimbra: Private Boat Rental

10. Sesimbra: Private Boat Rental

Here you're the Captain of this adventure! Sail to East (direction Setúbal) or West (direction Cabo Espichel) and discover this stunning region at your own pace. During the day you may want to drop anchor in one of the many beautiful sights, so you’ll have the opportunity to jump in the water for a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters, or just swim to any given beach to grab lunch somewhere in the shore. This private and entirely customizable boat rent will allow you to explore Arrábida - commonly described as a Portuguese Paradise. You´ll be able to admire the Natural Park and its amazing surroundings, you’ll find some of the most beautiful sandy beaches (as Ribeiro do Cavalo, Cova da Mijona, Galapos, Portinho da Arrábida…) and rare animal species. This full-day aboard will give you inspiration and positive energy, it’s a mesmerizing exclusive experience from 9:30am to 4:30pm that will grant you access to some secret spots in Arrábida and its surroundings, and to landscapes that are impossible (others extremely difficult) to reach by land. The company offers half-day option or full-day option. If you have a valid EU nautical driver’s license, this is the experience you can’t miss!

14 activities found
Sort by:

Frequently asked questions about Sesimbra

What top attractions are a must-see in Sesimbra?

The must-see attractions in Sesimbra are:

What are the best indoor activities in Sesimbra for rainy days?

What are the most popular museums and exhibitions in Sesimbra?

Other Sightseeing Options in Sesimbra

Want to discover all there is to do in Sesimbra? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Sesimbra

We had an amazing morning on our trip. Everyone was really friendly and the staff on the catamaran were very knowledgeable. The views of the coastline are stunning and even though it took us a while to find the group of dolphins they were not in any rush and reassured us that we would find them and it was definitely worth the wait when we did! I would highly recommend this excursion for anyone in the area!

The team is very friendly and you can tell that they actually have a close bond and respect the animals accordingly. We rode along for about 30 minutes and then turned off so as not to disturb them further. The catamaran is large with plenty of seating. The environment is great from the water! All highly recommended!

excellent outing at sea. the dolphins were well at the meeting. Super pleasant staff, and the catamaran was superb. small aperitif on board, and stop on a beautiful spot for a little swim!

Very nice accompaniment, peaceful exit! Magnificent we were able to see the dolphins and swim exceptionally.

Great organization and super relaxed boat trip with the catamaran