Things to do in

Sesimbra

This discovery tour by kayak is a 3-hour guided tour which begins from the Bork outdoor center in Sesimbra Harbour. The tour travels through the Bay of Sesimbra, before reaching the beautiful coast of Arrabida Nature Park and Luiz de Saldanha Maritime Reserve. Your guide/instructor will help you find your way, as you explore the cliffs, caves, and other geological wonders during the tour. You’ll also have time to rest and enjoy a snack on Praia do Ribeiro do Cavalo, one of Portugal’s most beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters. You will then paddle back toward Sesimbra Harbour, where your tour began. This tour by kayak is the best way to have fun with family and friends while admiring unique landscapes and taking amazing souvenir photos.

Venture along the caves and coves of Arrabida Natural Park on this kayaking tour from Sesimbra. Stop for break and enjoy a snack of traditional sweets and some refreshing water. Plunge into the water at Ribeiro do Cavalo beach.  Meet your guide and get set up with high-quality kayaking gear. Stay safe and comfortable with the included backrest and life jacket. Keep your things dry with the use of a dry bag. Set off along the coast and keep an eye out for local wildlife along the way. Visit spaces that are only accessible by boat. Soak up the tranquility of the sea without the noise from a motor.  Go for a swim in the turquoise waters of the beach of Ribeiro do Cavalo. Take a walk on the beach and put your toes in the sand. Replenish with a delicious snack and some water before returning to Sesimbra. All our tours are intimate and designed for small groups with a maximum of 8 to 10 persons for each guide

Discover the wonders of the Sesimbra in the heart of Arrábida Natural Park on this guided trip. Explore the water by kayak and stop at the Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach for a picnic and some relaxation in the sun. Choose between the option with pickup from Lisbon or the option of meeting directly in the ancient village of Sesimbra (about a 45-minute drive from Lisbon). Once in Sesimbra, hop in a kayak (double sit on top kayaks) to go into the ocean. In both options, you'll have all the necessary equipment for kayaking, including mandatory life vests. Sesimbra is located in the heart of Arrábida Natural Park and has the most beautiful landscape in the region, filled with limestone cliffs, grouts, passages in between rock formations, and a beach to enjoy a break and soak in the sun. The first leg of the kayaking tour includes about 1.5 hours of paddling until you reach Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach. Enjoy a picnic break where you can admire the landscape in a relaxed way for about an hour. Get comfortable on a provided beach blanket. Enjoy a homemade, picnic of a baguette sandwich (chicken or vegan), fresh fruit, Farinha Torrada (a typical sweet from Sesimbra), and water. Options are available if you have food allergies or other restrictions (a message will be sent with extra info about the food and with extra info before the start of the trip) but by default, a chicken salad will be served. The second leg on the kayaks will bring you back to the starting point. The journey, in general, is a bit faster as you'll have some wind helping you on the return route so it should take about an hour. You will have time to change into a dry set of clothes before going back to Lisbon for drop-off.

Explore the coast of Portugal’s picturesque Sesimbra on a unique coasteering activity, and experience the latest adventure sport craze to hit Portugal and Arrábida. Coasteering is a mix of rock climbing, rappelling, swimming and walking, and Sesimbra is one of the best spots for the sport. Thanks to its combination of a natural protected area with the blue green translucent waters of the sea, coasteering in Sesimbra is a special adventure guaranteed to be a thrill whatever time of year. Meet your guide at the Porto de Abrigo to collect your coasteering equipment. As you’d expect, this activity requires several security measures, and you will be assisted and monitored by experienced professionals all the time. You’ll be provided with a helmet, buoyancy aid wet suit, and trainers. Some routes require rappelling and the use of a harness. Ropes and rescue kits are available in case of an emergency, but typically the activity is a cool and calm experience. Marvel at the breathtaking landscapes as you swim, walk, climb, and jump. Clamber over magnificent rocky escarpments that plunge over bays and coves.

Are you looking for a thrilling adventure? Depart from Sesimbra and immerse yourself in the diverse habitats, from the protected mountains and sea areas in Arrábida. Venture along the coast on a kayak and explore the secluded caves that are only accessible by the sea and witness the remarkable karst formation of Frade's cave. On the way? Discover a secret beach. Your guide will help you get up close to the impressive rock formations and you'll be able to enjoy the breathtaking coastal landscape. On our way back to Sesimbra, we will stop at the peaceful beach of Ribeira do Cavalo to relax and unwind while enjoying a snack and swimming in the transparent and calm waters, surrounded by dramatic rock formations. To make this experience even more memorable, don't forget to taste some typical sweets from the region.

The sighting of dolphins in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience, suitable for all ages. We are often greeted with their thrilling stunts, games and jumps. Navigating the calm crystal-clear waters of the professor Luiz Saldanha Arrábida Natural Park, in strict compliance with the Code of Conduct for Dolphin Watching in order not to disturb them, you will be able to see Bottlenose and Common Dolphins up close, among others, as well as many different birds and the occasional whale, sun-fish and other species. Be overwhelmed by the incredible landscapes of the professor Luiz Saldanha Arrábida Marine Park, its caves, wild beaches and magnificent cliffs, coves where you may eventually swim or simply remain aboard for a tasting of local traditional delicacies. Note - the activity takes between 02h and 03h, depending on the conditions and the time needed to attempt a sighting. If you book the activity with transfer, the arrival to Sesimbra will be before 09h30, the activity will start at 10h30 and the departure for the return to the meeting point will be at 14h30 in Sesimbra - we suggest a walk around the fishing port while you wait.

Get in harmony with nature on a canoe trip through the Luís Saldanha Marine Park in the Arrábida Natural Park and see one of the most beautiful cliffs in Europe from a different perspective. Paddle along the coastline of Sesimbra and around the magnificent landscape, dominated by impressive escarpments and inlets, some of them only reachable by sea. Encounter the marine life and discover the sea caves, pristine beaches and coves of the rugged landscape. Benefit from the services of a guide with expert knowledge of the region and learn all its secrets. Enjoy a break to relax on a deserted beach and taste a regional pastry before returning to Sesimbra.  Note – If you book the activity with transfer, the arrival to Sesimbra will be before 09h30, the activity will start at 10h00 and the departure for the return to the meeting point will be at 14h30 in Sesimbra – we suggest a walk around the fishing port while you wait.

Experience the flavors and natural beauty of Portugal on this lovely full-day tour. Heading towards Portugal's Extremadura region, you will travel out of Lisbon over the longest bridge in Europe, the Vasco da Gama Bridge. In Palmela, you will find a Moorish castle offering fantastic photo opportunities. Visit a family estate where you can try homemade wine. Then continue through the mountains of the Arrábida National Park - up to 500 meters or 1,640 feet above sea level- and marvel at the spectacular views of one of Portugal's most beautiful landscapes. The park is also home to many plant and animal species found exclusively in this region. Much of the park is subject to strong protective measures and certain locations can only be accessed with special permission. Time for a short break. Take a relaxed stroll on the beach of Portinho Arrábida and enjoy the cool sea breeze and crisp air. Then, head to the charming fishing village of Sesimbra to have lunch at one of the village's friendly local restaurants with delicious dishes featuring the day's fresh catch. In the summer, cool off with a swim in the Atlantic, or simply go for another walk along the village's inviting beaches. Don't miss your chance to visit the village's beautifully restored church dating back to 1725, or take a walk to explore the Sesimbra Castle. Of course, the perfect follow-up to a delicious meal is great wine. Take part in a guided tour of the José Maria da Fonseca winery, one of the oldest in Portugal. It is still family-owned. Discover the region's outstanding wines at a wine tasting that includes 2 local varieties. As a perfect finale, take in the view over Lisbon from the platform of the Christ the King statue before crossing the 25 de Abril Bridge and heading back to Lisbon.

Enjoy a boat tour in Arrábida Natural Park, starting at Sesimbra and heading towards Cabo Espichel. Wild beaches, stunning bays, caves and cliffs are some of the highlights of this magnificent tour. Set out on an adventure to discover all the splendour of this unique ecosystem. The tour will start at the sheltered port of Sesimbra. Firstly, visit the famous Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach. Enjoy the surrounding landscape as you dive and swim in the crystal clear waters. The tour will then proceed to the west where you will visit the mythical beaches of Mijona and Inferno.  Continue along the Arrábida Natural Park and see the famous whaling bay, taking the opportunity to learn a little about the history of the fishermen who used to hunt whales in this same area. Dive and swim in the crystal clear waters of this same beach. Typical liquor from the Setubal region will also be served. After this stop, sail towards Cabo Espichel where you will visit more caves and landscapes of incredible wonder. After all this adventure, return to the harbor of Sesimbra where this experience ends.

Experience mysterious caves and secret beaches like Portinho da Arrábida and Ribeiro do Cavalo while climbing, rappeling, and swimming on a thrilling speedboat trip through the intertidal coastal zone of the Arrábida Natural Park, a perfect place for coasteering. After meeting your instructor/guide, start your day with a safety briefing and an introduction to your coasteering gear. Then, hop on a speedboat to the activity's starting point. Learn more about the regional fauna, flora, and geology, while traveling through rocky and aquatic areas. Use multiple techniques, including rock climbing (low technical and difficulty levels), swimming, and jumping in the water. Enjoy more than a dozen jumps between 2 and 8 meters high. Splash in the crystal blue waters of one of the world’s most beautiful bays in between the picturesque village of Sesimbra and Setúbal. Equipped with buoyancy aids and individual protection gear, without the aid of any artificial means (e.g. steel cables), enjoy a more dynamic and immersive progression into nature. At the end of the coasteering experience, return to the starting point by speedboat.