Is previous open water swimming experience required?

Yes, this swim requires confident open water skills and comfort with currents and waves.

What equipment do I need to bring?

Swimmers must bring their own wetsuits, goggles, and swim caps; other gear is provided.

Are there safety measures in place?

Experienced guides accompany the swim, and boat/kayak support is available for groups of eight or more.

Is transportation provided to the swimming location?

Yes, the tour begins with a boat ride from Marina de Sesimbra to Praia da Baleeira.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Tours may be rescheduled in cases of unsafe sea conditions to ensure participant safety.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Yes, a traditional Portuguese lunch with vegetarian options follows the swim in Sesimbra.

Cabo Espichel Swim Tour by Swim Together in Portugal | Snorkel

Cabo Espichel’s rugged coastline offers a rare playground for open water swimmers, where the Atlantic’s cool waters meet soaring cliffs and hidden coves. Swim Together invites adventurers to a one-day, 3-kilometer swim tour starting from the quiet Marina de Sesimbra, south of Lisbon, Portugal. This isn’t just a swim—it's an intimate journey through Praia da Baleeira, a pebble beach tucked beneath steep cliffs and framed by the historic Forte S. Domingos da Baralha, once a sanctuary for local fishermen.

Participants glide alongside dense underwater forests of seaweed, a vital refuge for shoals of bream and salemas, sometimes even surprising swimmers with darting schools of fish. The route navigates secret passages carved by waves, notably passing under the dramatic Ponta da Passagem crevice and through the Arco da Pombeira, a towering natural arch that punctuates the seascape with its striking, sculpted granite form. This geological wonder is the highlight of the swim, offering both a physical challenge and a visual reward.

Safety and local expertise are paramount: experienced guides accompany swimmers and provide boat and kayak support for groups of eight or more. After the swim, travelers relax over a meal at a traditional tavern in Sesimbra, sampling authentic Portuguese flavors and uncovering the character of this coastal region.

Swim Together’s tour is more than a physical challenge; it’s a chance to connect with the unique environment of the Sesimbra area. The region’s blend of maritime heritage, geological features, and rich marine biodiversity make this tour a standout in Portugal’s outdoor adventure offerings. Whether you’re a seasoned open water swimmer or an outdoor enthusiast seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience, the Cabo Espichel Swim Tour offers an exhilarating way to engage with the Atlantic coast’s wild beauty.

About Swim Together

Swim Together is a specialist operator offering guided open‑water swimming tours and multi‑day swim camps across Portugal and São Tomé and Príncipe. The company curates coastal and island swim experiences that range from half‑day cave and coastline swims to a seven‑day swim camp in São Tomé and Príncipe. Trips include cave explorations (Benagil, Lagos, Sagres), protected marine reserves (Garajau), island coastlines (Madeira, Ponta São Lourenço), and sandy Algarve beaches. Many experiences are led by experienced instructors and local guides who tailor routes to swimmer skill levels and safety conditions.

Swim Together focuses on accessible, skill‑based open‑water sessions, combining navigation of sea caves, guided coastal swims, boat transfers, and onshore returns. Several tours include opportunities to spot marine life and dolphins, and some multi‑day itineraries feature cultural exploration, hiking to waterfalls, local cuisine, and wildlife events such as the release of baby turtles. The São Tomé and Príncipe Swim Camp includes an equator crossing experience and immersive island activities.

Service offerings are factual and clearly described per trip: half‑day tours, full‑day beach and cave adventures, boat returns, and week‑long swim camps. Routes and distances (for example, multi‑kilometre cave swims around Ponte da Piedade and Benagil) are presented within trip details so swimmers can assess suitability. Booking information, meeting points, and required equipment are specified in each trip listing. Swim Together presents a focused portfolio for travelers seeking guided open‑water swimming and coastal exploration in Portugal and São Tomé and Príncipe. Trip difficulty levels and safety protocols are listed per excursion online.