Take a scenic boat trip from Sesimbra to Praia da Cova da Mijona, a secluded beach with crystal-clear waters and rich whaling history. Sea Dreams offers an authentic taste of Portugal’s rugged coastline and marine life.
Take a scenic boat trip from Sesimbra to Praia da Cova da Mijona, a secluded beach with crystal-clear waters and rich whaling history. Sea Dreams offers an authentic taste of Portugal’s rugged coastline and marine life.
Book with Sea Dreams
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Sea Dreams · Sesimbra, Setúbal
Along Portugal’s sun-dappled Setúbal coast, Sea Dreams invites adventurers to step aboard for a 25-minute boat ride from the Porto de Abrigo de Sesimbra harbor to Praia da Cova da Mijona—also known as Praia da Baleeira. This isolated cove, framed by craggy cliffs and dense Mediterranean foliage, offers a rare glimpse into the region's maritime past and a chance to immerse in a landscape where nature and history mingle uncommonly.
What sets this journey apart is the destination's layered identity. Once an operational whaling station, Praia da Baleeira retains vestiges of its industrial heritage alongside pristine, crystal-clear waters that make it a sought-after spot for diving enthusiasts. The coastline here displays a rugged charm, with steep cliffs carved from limestone, hosting an array of native plants and serving as shelter for marine life beneath the surface.
Sea Dreams’ vessel departs from the sheltered marina in Sesimbra, a fishing town renowned for fresh seafood and local charm. The boat ride itself is a draw, skimming the turquoise waters of Arrábida Bay with views of neighboring bays and cliffs that highlight Portugal’s unique Atlantic-Mediterranean ecology. Upon arrival, visitors can relish quiet moments on the expansive sandy spit, explore the remains of fishermen’s shelters, or slip into the calm waters for snorkeling in an unusually clear marine environment.
This trip underscores Sea Dreams’ dedication to authentic outdoor experiences rooted in the region’s natural environment and cultural history. It’s an ideal getaway for travelers who want to balance tranquility with active discovery—whether through diving, photography, or simply soaking in the coastal atmosphere. For those seeking to move beyond the usual crowded beaches of the Setúbal coast, Praia da Cova da Mijona offers a genuine, unhurried connection with Portugal’s maritime heritage and rugged seascapes.
easy.
approximately 50 minutes round trip.
Basic mobility needed; suitable for most ages and conditions
Yes, the trip is family-friendly with calm waters and a relaxed pace, accommodating children with supervision.
No, snorkeling at Praia da Cova da Mijona is suitable for beginners; equipment rentals and guidance are available.
The round-trip transfer, personal accident insurance, and life jackets are included with your booking.
Light snacks and water are permitted, though there are no onboard catering services.
Tours run regularly during the high season, but schedules may vary off-season—advanced booking is recommended.
Coverage is spotty due to the remote location; plan accordingly if you need connectivity.
Praia da Baleeira served as a whaling support station until the mid-20th century, marking it as a site of maritime industry and community heritage.
Sea Dreams emphasizes sustainable tourism by limiting group sizes and promoting reef-safe products to protect marine biodiversity.
Sea Dreams is a coastal adventure company based in Torres Vedras, Lisboa, offering guided sea experiences along the Sesimbra and Arrábida coastlines. From departures at the Porto de Abrigo de Sesimbra, Sea Dreams runs kayak and coasteering trips that navigate dramatic rock formations and lead to secluded beaches like Praia do Ribeira do Cavalo. Kayak & Snorkel and Praia do Portinho da Arrábida trips highlight crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkeling and scenic paddles. Sea Dreams also operates boat-based excursions including Praia da Baleeira, Praia da Cova da Mijona, Ilha Deserta to Tróia, and sunset cruises toward Cabo Espichel. Private boat rentals (Passeio de Barco Privado) are available with a dedicated team to assist in planning customized days on the water. The company offers special events such as Despedida de Solteira/o with tailored departure times. Fishing experiences are a core offering: Pesca aos Sargos includes expert guidance along the rocky Arrábida coastline, and additional fishing options include targeting pargos, douradas, and chocos, plus introductory Batismo de Pesca sessions. Tours emphasize natural beauty, local maritime history, and access to hidden coves once linked to historical activities such as whale preparation. Descriptions in each trip note departures from Sesimbra and visits to Arrábida and Tróia. Sea Dreams positions itself as a provider of varied coastal adventures—from adrenaline coasteering to relaxed beach days—with private and group options and an on-water team ready to help plan and personalize experiences. Some trips, such as Despedida de Solteira/o, offer tailored departure times for private events upon request.
Book with Sea Dreams