How long is a typical private tour?

Most charters run three to five hours, though tours can be customized for longer half-day or multi-hour trips.

Are lifejackets provided?

Yes, captains provide lifejackets for all passengers and basic safety gear is carried onboard.

Can we swim and snorkel?

Yes—guides often anchor in sheltered coves for swimming; many operators provide or rent snorkeling masks and fins.

Is the picnic included?

Picnic inclusion varies by booking—confirm menu and whether local cheeses, bread, and drinks are supplied when you reserve.

Can children come on board?

Families are welcome; most boats accommodate children but confirm age and safety provisions with the operator.

How do I get to the departure point?

Tours typically depart from Sesimbra harbor; Sesimbra is accessible by car or local bus from Setúbal and Lisbon region.

Sesimbra Private Boat Tour & Picnic — Arrábida Coves, Sea Caves & Dolphins

Private boat tour with picnic: set off from Sesimbra on Portugal’s Setúbal coast, where this private boat tour with picnic turns an ordinary day at sea into a curated coastal escape. Departing from Sesimbra harbor, the trip threads along the Arrábida coastline, carving close to steep limestone cliffs, hidden sea caves, and narrow sandy coves accessible only by boat. Guests slip into turquoise pockets of water for swims, climb onto warm rock ledges to sun, or tie up in sheltered bays to unpack a picnic of local cheeses, bread, and seasonal fruit. The draw here is geological: the white to ochre limestone and exposed limestone shelves create dramatic overhangs and arches, while underwater rock terraces drop quickly into clear Atlantic depths. Birdlife includes gulls and cormorants that roost on the crags; if you watch the horizon you often see sleek dolphins cutting through the swell. On calm days the light through the water turns nearshore coves into a striking palette of blues and greens that photograph beautifully. Because this is a private charter, guides adapt the route to tide, wind, and guest preference — more snorkeling and swimming for active groups, longer anchor time at quieter coves for those who want to picnic and read. The flexibility also makes it a great option for families, photographers, or anyone looking to escape crowded beaches. Sesimbra itself is a working fishing town with a castle above the harbor; it’s an easy place to base before or after your trip if you want fresh seafood at quayside restaurants. Safety-wise, captains carry lifejackets, basic first aid, and navigation gear; bookings typically include pick-up and drop-off at the harbor. Exact operator and owner information: (not provided). The experience emphasizes low-impact enjoyment — guests are asked to pack out any waste and avoid anchoring on seagrass meadows to protect local Posidonia beds where present. Practical nitty-grit: wear reef-safe sunscreen, bring a lightweight wind layer, and have water shoes if you plan to scramble on rocks. Book in advance during summer months to secure preferred departure times. Whether you want a slow day sipping wine while the shore slides by or to jump between hidden coves, a private boat tour from Sesimbra makes the Arrábida coast feel like it was reserved just for you. Typical charters run three to five hours and most vessels accommodate groups of four to twelve people, ideal for family outings or photo shoots. Many operators include snorkeling masks and fins or can rent them onboard; confirm when you book. Morning departures offer calmer seas for swimming; late-afternoon sails deliver warm light. Bring a dry bag for phones and an ID; many captains accept card payment but carry some euros for purchases ashore.

About OurRoots

OurRoots is a coastal activity provider based in Sesimbra, Setúbal. The company offers kayak rentals and guided sea-kayaking experiences along the Sesimbra coastline. For self-guided adventures, OurRoots provides sit-on-top canoes, paddles, life jackets, and all necessary equipment for 4- or 8-hour rentals, plus personal accident insurance and liability coverage to help ensure participant safety. For guided trips, the Sesimbra & Ribeiro do Cavalo canoeing experience is a 3-hour guided kayak tour from Sesimbra to Ribeira do Cavalo that visits cliffs, Mula cove, Ribeira do Cavalo beach, and the Tamboril cave, led by a local expert. The guided trip welcomes participants aged six and up and focuses on coastal exploration and discovery.

Staff emphasize clear safety briefings, professionally maintained equipment, and local route knowledge to support enjoyable outings. Reservations are required for scheduled guided trips and recommended for rentals during busy seasons. OurRoots operates in Sesimbra, within the Setúbal district, offering accessible coastal access points for paddlers. Pricing, exact meeting points, and cancellation policies are provided at booking; potential guests should consult current terms before arrival.

By offering both self-guided kayak hire and an expert-led coastal tour, OurRoots serves a range of outdoor preferences from independent paddlers to families seeking guided exploration of Sesimbra’s shoreline. Trips highlight landmarks such as Ribeira do Cavalo beach, coastal cliffs, the Mula cove, and the Tamboril cave, offering varied scenery and photo opportunities. The company accommodates a broad range of skill levels and encourages guests to review safety information and weather conditions prior to departure. Guests should check forecasts.

Sesimbra Private Boat Tour & Picnic — Arrábida Coves, Sea Caves & Dolphins

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