Skip to main content
Skip to footer
Lisbon is a city of contrasts, where Manueline architecture coexists with contemporary design. However, it is important to note that its greatest treasure is not made of stone, but of life. In this way, the experience becomes a direct encounter with nature. Few destinations in the world can boast of offering a wildlife safari just a few kilometers from a cosmopolitan center. Lisbon Sight Sailing, in exclusive partnership with Terra Incógnita, presents a dolphin watching experience that redefines the concept of nature tourism in the capital.
A partnership of excellence: Lisbon Sight Sailing & Terra Incógnita
To offer this experience, we have brought together the best of both worlds. Lisbon Sight Sailing offers its premium hospitality, while Terra Incógnita provides the technical expertise.
This synergy ensures that you are joining an expedition with professionals who are up to the task.
The International Recognition
This dedication to quality and innovation was recently crowned with the distinction of “Boat Sailing Tour Provider of the Year – Lisbon 2025,” awarded by the prestigious organization International Explorer. This international award recognizes the commitment we have maintained since 2013 to providing unforgettable experiences and personalized solutions, consolidating our position as leaders in tours in the capital.
When you choose our dolphin expedition, you are entrusting your time to a team that has been recognized for its operational excellence and ability to transform a simple outing into a unique memory.
The phenomenon: why Lisbon?
The question many tourists ask is: “Is it really possible to see dolphins in a European capital?” The answer is an enthusiastic yes. The Tagus estuary is the largest in Western Europe and the mouth of the river is an extremely rich ecosystem.
The mixture of fresh and salt water attracts large schools of fish, which in turn attract cetaceans. Thanks to the monitoring work carried out by Terra Incógnita, we know that the presence of these animals has been increasingly frequent and consistent.
Unlike mass tours that operate on overcrowded boats, our proposal focuses on exclusivity. The boat is reserved just for you and your guests, allowing for total immersion in the silence of the ocean and attentive observation.
The specialized crew
Each experience has a team of two professionals:
- The Marine Biologist: A member of the Terra Incognita scientific team, this expert is your guide to the underwater world. He will explain the social behavior of dolphins, how they communicate through clicks and whistles, and how we can identify each individual by their dorsal fin.
- The Professional Skipper: Trained to the highest standards of navigation, the skipper ensures that the boat is positioned to maximize visibility, strictly complying with marine life protection regulations.
Duration and Logistics
The expedition lasts an average of three hours. This time has been meticulously planned to allow for:
- Outbound Navigation: Panoramic tour of Belém, followed by our route towards the coastline
- Search and Observation: The time needed to locate groups of dolphins and enjoy their presence without rushing.
- Relaxed Return: An opportunity to exchange impressions with the biologist and capture the last photographs of Lisbon’s skyline.
Resident and visiting species
During the tour, the Terra Incógnita team helps identify the most common species found on our coastline:
- Common dolphin
- Bottlenose dolphin
- Bar-headed goose
- Sea Swallow
- Cormorants
- Cagarras
Sustainability: Our commitment
Our partnership with Terra Incógnita reinforces our commitment to conservation. We are not just observers; we are protectors of the ocean. We follow the code of conduct for whale watching in Portugal, which includes:
- Maintain a minimum safe distance.
- Never feed or attempt to touch the animals.
- Avoid sudden noises or sudden changes in direction.
- Limit the time spent with each group to avoid stressing the animals.
What to bring on the expedition?
To ensure maximum comfort during the three-hour tour, we recommend:
- Warm clothing: Even on sunny days, the sea breeze can be cool on the open sea.
- Sun Protection: Sunglasses and sunscreen are essential, given the reflection from the water.
- Camera/Binoculars: Although dolphins often come close, binoculars help you spot activity in the distance.
How to book this unique experience?
Due to the fact that this is a highly specialized private tour with Terra Incógnita, places are limited; therefore, we recommend booking in advance. We recommend booking in advance, especially during high season, to ensure the availability of the biologist and the boat.
Experiencing Lisbon through the eyes of those who study the sea is a transformative opportunity. Come and discover why Lisbon amazes the world, not only for its heritage on land, but also for the life it protects in its waters.
