Experiment our new tour: watch dolphins in their natural habitat and see the Lagos Coastline and Ponta da Piedade headland

Duration

3 Hours

Highlights

• Contribute to a responsible dolphin watching activity
• Support touristic operators fully licenced by ICNF with years of experience and appropriated training
• Learn about history and geology of the region & the marine species sighted from a multilingual guide and biologists
• Experience an unforgettable moment with wild dolphins in their natural habitat
• Spot some incredible seabirds
• Appreciate the beauty of Ponta da Piedade rock formations and take awesome pictures
• Witness the uniqueness Lagos Coastline and the various beaches along the way
• Enjoy swimming in the blue sea and crystalline water at a tranquil bay (Summer only)
• Small group and family-friendly environment

Description

This tour combines 2 experiences in 1: Spotting dolphins in their natural habitat and seeing the Lagos coastline. Departing from Portimão we venture into the open sea in search of dolphins and then towards west to Ponta da Piedade headland. The tour lasts approximately 2h30, depending on the distance and location of the dolphins.

Count on a captain with many years of experience and biologists who share a profound love for nature and marine life. We believe that education plays a vital role in conservation, which is why we strive to deepen our knowledge to provide valuable information about the marine animals, their behaviour, and the marine environment they inhabit.

Learn about the coastline of Lagos, characterized by a mix of rugged cliffs, sandy coves, clear turquoise waters and sea caves and grottoes; Learn about Ponta da Piedade, particularly famous for its dramatic rock formations and sea stacks. Ponta da Piedade, translated to "Point of Pity", is a natural wonder that holds a valuable set of historical, scenic and geological heritage. It is a headland with high cliffs and intricate rock formations that have been sculpted by erosion over time. The area has a lighthouse that adds to its charm and serves as a navigational aid for ships.

On the return to Portimão, during the summer months and if favourable sea and weather conditions are met, we stop at a bay to swim in the calm, crystal clear waters, and relax with a refreshment. The golden cliffs contrast beautifully with the deep blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean, creating a breathtaking and photogenic landscape.

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What are the most sighted species?

Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis) - Conservation Status: Near Threatened* Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) - Conservation Status: Least Concern*

*Red List of Mammals of Continental Portugal, 2022

For bird enthusiasts, we also saw several marine species such as Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus), Crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax aristotelis) and Black-billed Tern (Thalasseus sandvicensis), among others.

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What is responsible dolphin observation?

It is an ethical and careful approach to interacting with dolphins and other cetaceans in their natural environment. It aims to ensure that animals and the marine ecosystem are not harmed by the presence of boats or tourists. By following local legislation and a code of conduct, we ensure that our presence has the least possible impact, preserving the well-being of dolphins and the integrity of the marine ecosystem.

We are a maritime tourism company dedicated to responsible cetacean observation, licensed by the ICNF (Institute for Conservation of Nature and Forests), and our entire crew is properly trained by FOR-MAR (Professional Training Center for Fisheries and the Sea) and is well aware of the regulations and practices of responsible observation.

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What to expect from the wildlife dolphin sightseeing experience?

The magic of observing dolphins and other marine creatures in their natural environment is thrilling and indescribable. However, it's important to understand that these encounters are with unpredictable wild animals that roam freely in the ocean. Nothing excites us more than showing you dolphins in their natural environment and talking about them, but our priority is to ensure that the experience is above all safe and responsible.

1. Wild Nature: Dolphins are free beings that roam the seas at their leisure. They cannot be summoned or controlled, so we cannot guarantee 100% sightings. However, we have a success rate of about 95% in finding them, as they reside in our waters year-round.

2. High Seas Adventure: Dolphin observation occurs in their natural habitat, the Atlantic Ocean. Sea conditions, weather, and other natural factors can affect visibility and the likelihood of sightings. Sometimes, dolphins may be farther away, less active, or unsocial.

3. Beyond Dolphins: While dolphins are the highlight, our trip offers the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the ocean and the Algarve coast. Coastal waters teem with biodiversity, and other marine species such as seabirds and jellyfish can also be spotted. (Sharks, whales, and turtles are very rare, so we don't even mention them!)

4. Education and Conservation: Our trained and experienced team and the marine biologists from our partner AIMM (Association for Marine Environment Research), whom we often take on board, are available to share information and facts about marine life.

5. Adventurous Spirit: Come prepared for a marine adventure! Bring weather-appropriate clothing (sea conditions can vary considerably from day to day), sunscreen, cameras, binoculars, and be open to an uncertain, unpredictable, and unique experience.

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Do you want to enjoy this experience in a more intimate setting?

Book the tour as PRIVATE. Limited to a maximum of 14 people. Includes a bottle of champagne and snacks.

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Know before you go

1- Although we cannot guarantee 100% the dolphin encounter, even after all efforts to find them on the vast ocean, we can guarantee that we will do our best for a memorable and informative experience. 2- The tour is conditioned by the state of the sea and, consequently, to the restrictions imposed by the Port Captain of Portimão on the same day, with no possibility of advance prediction. -If the minimum safety conditions for navigation are NOT assured, the tour will be cancelled and rescheduled for another day, or a full refund will be provided.

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Not suitable for

• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• Babies under 1 year

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What's included?

• Tour Guide - English, Portuguese, Spanish and French speaking
• Experienced Captain
• Life jackets
• Insurance
• Bottled water
• Free car park

What to bring?

• Selfie-stick
• Binoculars
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Jacket or Windbreaker
• Comfortable clothes
• Towel
• Swimwear (summer)
• Electronic equipment, such as mobile phones and cameras must be protected against water as we are not responsible for them
• You can bring your own drinks and snacks

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Meeting Point

Cais São Francisco, Ac. Porto Comercial de Portimão, 8500-512 Portimão, with free parking next to the boarding gate.

Check-in 15 minutes before departure time

You don't need to print your ticket - We just need your booking name and number.

WC available next to the boarding gate.

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Pet Friendly

Our mascot, Pipoca, comes on board on most tours. If you have any objections or you want to bring your furry friend, please contact us before finalizing your reservation. Note: A fee may apply depending on the size of the dog.

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FULL REFUND – if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance