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.
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.
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