Embark on a dolphin watching experience where the utmost respect for marine life is our priority. Sail the Atlantic Ocean, learn about the vast biodiversity that inhabits the waters of the Algarve, and feel the deep connection we all share with the ocean. Join us in the mission to preserve this precious natural treasure for future generations.

Duration

2.5 hours

Highlights

• Contribute to a responsible dolphin watching activity
• Support operators fully licenced by ICNF with years of experience and appropriated training
• Learn about 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
• Admire the beautiful Algarve coastline and take awesome pictures
• Small group and family-friendly environment

Description

This tour is solely dedicated to cetacean observation! We depart from Portimão and venture into the open sea in search of dolphins. The tour lasts approximately 1h45, depending on the distance of the animals. The course we take also depends on their location.

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.

The team consists of a captain with many years of experience at sea 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 these magnificent animals, their behavior, and the marine environment they inhabit. Our passion is to offer unforgettable, educational, and responsible experiences while exploring the biodiverse waters surrounding our coast.

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

We have a guide on board where you can see all the other possible species to observe. The possible behaviors to observe are: Socialization, Feeding, Movement, and Rest. During the sighting, we will provide more information about the observed behavior.

What is responsible dolphin observation?

Responsible dolphin observation 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.

Key Practices of Responsible Dolphin Observation, in compliance with the legislation and the code of conduct we adopt:

- No Swimming, Touching, or Feeding: This can alter the natural behavior of dolphins and, in the long term, make them dependent on unnatural food sources.
- Non-Intrusive Behavior: Making sounds to attract or startle dolphins is prohibited.
- Respect for Distances: Maintain a safe distance from the animals and allow them to approach the boat.
- No Chasing: Or blocking the path of dolphins. Always maintain a course parallel and behind them.
- Communication with Other Boats: Coordinate interactions with dolphins to avoid collision or encirclement.
- Environmental Monitoring: We monitor sea conditions and animal behavior to adapt our course, avoiding negative interactions.
- Limited Time: Control the interaction time to avoid overburdening the dolphins and allow them to continue their normal activities.
- Engine Shutdown: When possible and safe, turn off the engines when near dolphins to reduce noise and minimize underwater noise impact.
- Maximum Number of Boats: Limit the number of boats near dolphins.
- Abandoning Dolphins: When they show any signs of disturbance.
- Environmental Education: Provide educational information about marine life, ecosystems, and environmental threats to raise awareness among visitors.
- Information Dissemination: Provide information to visitors and private boats about conservation laws and codes of conduct.
- Zero Litter: Collect all waste on board to prevent marine pollution. We also pick up floating litter during navigation whenever possible and safe to do so.

What are the possible impacts and how to minimize them?

The negative impact of dolphin observation can include disruptions in the natural behavior of animals (changes in swimming patterns, reduced acoustic activity, changes in feeding and rest, direction and speed of movement), changes in group size and cohesion, the risk of boat collisions, and the production of waste. To minimize these impacts, dolphin observation companies must adopt more conscious and responsible practices, follow the law, and adhere to local best practice guides or codes of conduct, invest in crew training, and educate customers about the preservation of cetaceans and the marine habitat. Ultimately, responsible dolphin-watching tourism is not just about seeing incredible animals but about promoting harmonious coexistence between humans and marine life while contributing to their long-term protection.

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, responsible, and clear, which involves sharing some crucial information about what to expect during the tour:

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 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.

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.

Join us in the search for these highly intelligent ocean inhabitants and celebrate the wild nature that we all must preserve.

---

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.

---

Not suitable for

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

---

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

---

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.

---

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.

---

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