Open Water Adventure with Swim Together in Arrábida
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4–6 hours including swim and boat ride
Fitness Level
Participants should have good endurance and comfort with open water swimming over several kilometers.
Overview
Swim Together’s Arrábida Island Tour offers a stunning open water swim from Alpertuche Beach to Galapinhos Beach in Portugal’s Serra da Arrábida Natural Park. This day trip includes a scenic boat ride back with dolphin sightings and a local lunch in Sesimbra.
Arrábida Island Tour
1 day • 3 - 5km • Sea
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About This Adventure
Embark on a breathtaking open water adventure in the stunning Serra da Arrábida Natural Park. Swim from Alpertuche Beach to the picturesque Galapinhos Beach, surrounded by cliffs, and enjoy a boat ride back with a chance to spot dolphins. Savor a delicious lunch and explore the charming Sesimbra region.
Duration
1 Day
Distance
3 -5km
Water Temperature
14ºC - 22ºC (57ºF - 72ºF)
What you'll do
An open water adventure in the Serra da Arrábida Natural Park.
Praia do Portinho da Arrábida is one of the most beautiful bays in Portugal, with clear waters and white sand. About 200 meters from the coast you can see Pedra da Anicha, the pearl of this place, which concentrates great biodiversity.
It is from Alpertuche Beach that this adventure will begin and, throughout the entire journey, you will never lose contact with the sandy and scattered rocks.
What's included
Safety
- Personal Accidents Insurance
- Accompanied by experienced guides
- Boat and kayak support (for groups)* Group* = minimum 8 pax.
Food
- Lunch (Only waters included. Other drinks with extra cost. NOTE: Vegetarian option included)
- Water bottle and typical cake from the region
Others
- Photos
- Visit the Sesimbra region
What's not included
- Equipment
Your itinerary
The Jewel of Arrábida We meet at Marina de Sesimbra from where we depart by boat to Praia de Alpertuche.
Arriving at this small paradise, we will start this adventure across the Atlantic Ocean, swimming to Galapinhos Beach, surrounded by cliffs.
We will end this sea tour with a boat trip back to Sesimbra, where there is a high probability of seeing dolphins.
After a delicious lunch in a typical Portuguese tavern, we will visit the region.
Adventure Tips
Check Water Temperature Beforehand
Water temperatures fluctuate between 14ºC and 22ºC; bring a suitable wetsuit to stay comfortable.
Bring Open Water Swimming Experience
This swim covers 3–5 km in open ocean conditions, so prior endurance swimming is recommended.
Arrive Early at Marina de Sesimbra
Punctual arrival at the meeting point ensures a timely start and full safety briefing.
Sun Protection is Key
Even with partial boat time, swimmers spend hours exposed to sun—use waterproof sunscreen and wear a swim cap.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Common dolphins frequently sighted on boat return trips
- Mediterranean monk seals occasionally spotted along the rocky coastlines
History
The Serra da Arrábida park was established in 1976, protecting one of Portugal’s last remaining Mediterranean ecosystems and a rich maritime habitat vital to local fishing communities.
Conservation
Swim Together practices low-impact tourism by limiting group sizes and educating participants on preserving marine biodiversity and minimizing waste on land and sea.
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Adventure Hotspots in Lisboa
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Wetsuit
Keeps you insulated in cooler Atlantic waters for comfort and safety.
spring|fall|winter specific
Swim Cap
Improves visibility during the swim and helps retain heat.
all specific
Waterproof Sunscreen
Protects skin from extended sun exposure on water and during boat rides.
summer specific
Water Shoes
Helpful for rocky entry and exit points on beaches along the route.
all specific