Lisbon Dolphin Watching Tour: Marine Biologist on a RIB

Search the Atlantic with a marine biologist, not a crowded tour boat

A dolphin watching tour from Lisbon on a fast Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) with a marine biologist guide who teaches you to spot cetaceans, seabirds and other Atlantic wildlife using scientific techniques. The tour runs 2.5 hours, departs from Doca de Santo Amaro near the 25th of April Bridge, and includes lifejackets, motion-sickness pills if needed, and a quick pass by the Belem monuments on the return. Children from age 5 are welcome. The operator reports around 95% dolphin sighting success, though sightings are not guaranteed.

The experience

The boat leaves Doca de Santo Amaro, the dock under the 25th of April Bridge in Alcântara, and heads into the Atlantic Estuary toward open ocean. You'll stand or sit on comfortable Jockey seats aboard the 8.5m RIB: small enough to move fast and feel responsive to the water, large enough to stay stable. A marine biologist is aboard to teach you how to scan for dolphins and other cetaceans using the same techniques researchers use: you're not just watching, you're helping to locate them. The speedboat's size and speed mean less seasickness than the big tour vessels that crowd Lisbon's waterfront.

Over the next 2.5 hours, you'll search for dolphins, whales, sunfish, sharks, jellyfish and sea turtles: all found close enough to Lisbon that you don't lose a full day to travel. The guide speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and one additional language, so instruction is clear. If the ocean gets rough, motion-sickness pills are on board. Lifejackets are provided and worn throughout. On the return, the boat slows as you pass the monuments of Belem and the 25th of April Bridge, giving you a moment to see them from the water before heading back to the dock.

The tour runs in two boats when demand is high, so groups stay manageable. You'll need to arrive on time. The boat gives only 5 minutes tolerance after departure. Wear comfortable clothes, a jacket and shoes you don't mind getting wet. Bring a camera if you want to photograph what you find. Children from age 5 can join. The operator does not refund if dolphins aren't sighted, though the success rate sits around 95%.

What’s included

• Marine biologist guide in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian or another language.
• lifejackets and a comfortable Jockey seat on the 8.5m RIB.
• motion-sickness pills if needed.
• all fees, taxes and public liability insurance.
• a pass by the Belem monuments and 25th of April Bridge on the return.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30 and 14:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 24

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by SeaEO-Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to search for dolphins like a scientist instead of sitting on a crowded boat: the marine biologist teaches you the scanning techniques, the small RIB moves fast enough to respond when wildlife appears, and the 2.5-hour window keeps the day short without sacrificing the open Atlantic experience.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between this RIB and the big tour boats in Lisbon?

The 8.5m Rigid Inflatable Boat is faster and more responsive than larger vessels, which means less motion in rough water and the ability to move quickly when wildlife is spotted. You'll feel the ocean and the speed, but the smaller size and design reduce seasickness compared to bigger boats.

Will I actually see dolphins on this tour?

The operator reports around 95% dolphin sighting success, but sightings are not guaranteed. You're searching for wild animals in the open Atlantic, so encounters depend on what's in the water that day. The marine biologist uses scientific scanning techniques to maximize your chances.

How long is the boat ride and what happens when we get back?

The tour runs 2.5 hours total. On the return to Lisbon, the boat passes the monuments of Belem and the 25th of April Bridge, so you see them from the water before heading back to Doca de Santo Amaro.

Can I bring my 4-year-old on this tour?

Children are welcome from age 5 and up. Children under 5 are not permitted on this tour.

What if I get seasick easily?

Motion-sickness pills are provided on board if you need them. The RIB's speed and small size produce less motion than larger boats. Before the tour, avoid milk or yogurt-based breakfasts and eat bread and an apple instead to help prevent seasickness.

What's included in the price?

The tour includes the marine biologist guide and crew, all fees and taxes, public liability insurance, lifejackets, a seat on the boat, and motion-sickness pills if necessary. You'll need to bring your own camera, comfortable clothes, jacket and shoes.