Spend 90 minutes on the Atlantic waters off Nazaré with Nazare Onda Wave, spotting common and bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. Discover why this coastal region is a hotspot for marine life encounters.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; no strenuous activity required
Wildlife
History
Nazaré has a long fishing heritage and gained international fame for its record-breaking big wave surfing.
Conservation
Nazare Onda Wave emphasizes responsible wildlife viewing, minimizing disturbance and promoting marine awareness.
Nazare Onda Wave
Spend 90 minutes on the Atlantic waters off Nazaré with Nazare Onda Wave, spotting common and bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. Discover why this coastal region is a hotspot for marine life encounters.
Nazaré Onda Wave is a marine and wildlife experience operator based in Nazaré, Leiria. The company specializes in two core excursions: Bird Safaris that take guests to observe migratory seabirds such as the Balearic shearwater and puffin, and Observação de Golfinhos, a 90-minute dolphin-watching trip that focuses on sightings of common dolphins and bottlenose dolphins. Each trip emphasizes respectful observation of animals in their natural habitat and a commitment to clear, factual wildlife interpretation.
Tours depart from Nazaré and are designed for participants ranging from casual nature lovers to experienced birdwatchers and marine enthusiasts. The itineraries prioritize sea-based observation of local and migratory species, presenting opportunities to learn about migration patterns, feeding behaviors and species identification. Photographers and researchers can document sightings while maintaining a safe distance from wildlife.
Nazaré Onda Wave organizes excursions with attention to local conditions and seasonal migration windows, adjusting departure times and routes to maximize wildlife encounters. The company communicates trip details clearly at booking and provides concise information about expected species and trip duration.
Safety and respect for wildlife are central: vessels operate under regional maritime guidelines and minimize disturbance to animals. The operator maintains a public-facing presence in Nazaré, enabling straightforward access for visitors and locals seeking marine wildlife experiences. For those planning coastal wildlife observation in Leiria district, Nazare Onda Wave offers focused trips that highlight Portugal’s marine and seabird biodiversity. Bookings are arranged through the operator’s public contact channels in Nazaré and adapt to seasonal availability and sea conditions for visitors year-round.
Location
Nazaré, Leiria
Coastal base in central Portugal
Tours Offered
2 Tours
Bird and dolphin experiences
Dolphin Trip
90 minutes
Observação de Golfinhos duration
Target Species
Dolphins & Seabirds
Common and bottlenose dolphins; shearwater and puffin
Reserve a 90-minute dolphin trip or a bird safari in Nazaré, Leiria — availability varies by season.
Arrive Early
Be sure to arrive at least 20 minutes before departure to complete check-in comfortably.
Dress in Layers
Bring a warm jacket and windbreaker as temperatures on the water can be cooler and breezy.
Protect Your Skin
Use waterproof sunscreen since extended exposure to sun and sea reflections increases UV risk.
Bring Polarized Sunglasses
Sunglasses reduce glare from the water, improving dolphin spotting and comfort.
Windbreaker or waterproof jacket
To protect against cool marine breeze and spray during the trip.
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Waterproof sunscreen
Vital for shielding skin from UV rays reflected by the water.
spring|summer|fall
Polarized sunglasses
Reduces glare, enhancing visibility of dolphins and improving comfort.
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Comfortable, non-slip shoes
Provides stable footing on wet boat decks.
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