Boat Trip to Secret Bays and Beaches with Snorkeling

The best part of this Sesimbra boat trip is the access it gives you to four small beaches and coves along the Setubal coast in a single outing. You get clear water, rugged shoreline views, and several chances to swim and snorkel without spending the day hiking between remote beaches.

I like the small maximum group of eight, which should make the boat feel more personal than a large coastal cruise. I also like the simple value: snorkeling gear, a guide, all fees, and a regional drink are included in the $59.91 price.

The main thing to consider is the water temperature. It can feel chilly even in early September, so if you are sensitive to cold water, ask about renting a wetsuit or plan to enjoy the scenery from the boat instead.

Key points to know before booking

• Four coastal stops in 2.5 hours: You visit Ribeira do Cavalo, Praia da Mijona, Inferno Beach, and Baleeira Beach.
• Small boat group: The tour accepts a maximum of eight people, a useful advantage for a more relaxed outing.
• Snorkeling equipment included: You do not need to bring your own mask or snorkel.
• Marco and Jorge lead the trip: The guides speak English and explain the coastline as you go.
• Swimming time is built in: Each stop includes time for the water, with the longest stop at Baleeira Beach.
• Bring sun protection and prepare for cold water: Sunscreen is essential, and a wetsuit may make snorkeling more comfortable.

Why this boat trip works for seeing the Setubal coast

Sesimbra is one of the best starting points for exploring the coast of the Setubal District by water. From the marina, this trip follows a shoreline of steep cliffs, small beaches, and sheltered bays that are not easy to reach in one short land-based outing.

I like the way the tour combines sightseeing with actual time in the water. This is not just a boat ride where you look at the coast from a seat. You stop four times, and each break gives you a chance to swim or use the provided snorkeling kit.

The schedule lasts about two and a half hours. That is long enough to make the trip feel substantial, but short enough to fit neatly into a day in Sesimbra. You can book it as a morning or afternoon activity around other plans, although the exact departure time is not provided here.

The boat trip begins and ends at Blue Coast Tours Sesimbra, at Rua Clube Naval de Sesimbra, Porto de Abrigo, 2970-263 Sesimbra. Maps reportedly lead directly to the area, but the meeting point may not be clearly marked once you arrive, so give yourself a little time to find the correct spot.

Ribeira do Cavalo Beach: the first swim stop

Ribeira do Cavalo Beach is the first scheduled stop, with about 30 minutes set aside for swimming and snorkeling. The water is described as clear, and the beach is presented as one of the main scenic highlights along the route.

Starting here makes sense. You get into the rhythm of the trip early, with a chance to test the water and snorkeling equipment before the later stops. If you are eager to swim, this is your first real opportunity. If you prefer to stay dry, you can use the half hour for photographs and views from the boat.

The short stop also tells you what kind of outing this is. Thirty minutes goes quickly once you account for getting ready, entering the water, and returning to the boat. I would treat each stop as a focused taste of the coast rather than expect a long beach visit.

Ribeira do Cavalo is especially appealing if your priority is clear water and a pretty cove. The water temperature is the practical concern. Some visitors find it too cold for comfortable snorkeling, even in early September, so pack with that possibility in mind.

Praia da Mijona: calm water and a quieter feel

The second stop is Praia da Mijona, where you have another 30-minute break for a swim in calm, clear water. The stop is included in the tour, and there is no extra admission charge.

This is a good part of the route for anyone who prefers gentle water rather than a more active beach setting. You can swim, take in the cliffs, or simply enjoy the quiet from the boat. The short stop keeps the tour moving, but it also means you should be ready when the crew announces the next departure.

The appeal here is access. Instead of trying to locate several small coastal beaches on your own, you can see them as part of one organized route. That saves time and avoids the uncertainty of planning a beach-hopping day around places that may be difficult to reach from land.

You should not expect a full beach day at Praia da Mijona. This is a brief coastal stop, best suited to a swim and a look around rather than settling in with a book, lunch, and beach gear.

Inferno Beach: another chance to snorkel

Inferno Beach is the third stop, also with about 30 minutes available. The plan here is similar: enjoy the setting, swim in the clear water, and use the snorkeling equipment to look below the surface.

Three water stops in one trip give you flexibility. If the water feels too cold at the first beach, you can decide later if conditions feel better. If snorkeling is your main goal, you have several chances to try it instead of relying on one short stop.

The name suggests a dramatic place, but the useful information is simple: this is another small beach along the boat route with time for swimming and snorkeling. The experience will depend on the weather, water conditions, and your comfort in the sea.

Because the stops are brief, I recommend keeping your plan simple. Use the kit, swim if you want, and enjoy the shoreline. Trying to carry too much equipment or organize a long beach session would work against the easy pace of the trip.

Baleeira Beach: the longest stop and regional drink

Baleeira Beach receives the most time, about one hour. That extra time makes it the most relaxed stop of the four, with room for swimming, snorkeling, and a longer look at the coast.

I like this structure. The first three stops give you short snapshots, while Baleeira lets you settle in a little. You are not rushing from one brief water break to the next for the entire tour.

A regional drink is offered here for tasting. The drink adds a local touch without turning the outing into a food tour. Since snacks and soda are not included, bring your own small snack if you need something to eat after swimming, but do not expect a full meal service.

The one-hour stop is also useful if the first part of the route has felt too quick. You can make up for a missed swim, spend more time with the snorkeling kit, or simply enjoy the scenery while the boat is stationary.

What the snorkeling is really like

The tour includes a snorkeling kit, so you do not need to bring your own mask and snorkel. The beaches are selected for clear water and underwater viewing, but marine life and visibility can change with weather and sea conditions.

I would book this for the chance to combine snorkeling with coastal scenery, not as a dedicated marine-life expedition. The supplied details do not promise specific fish, reefs, or underwater wildlife, so keep your expectations focused on a pleasant swim and a look beneath the surface.

Cold water is the clearest warning. A September outing can still feel chilly, particularly if you plan to stay in the water for more than a few minutes. One person found the water too cold to snorkel and suggested renting a wetsuit for a future visit.

If you are comfortable in cool water, this may not bother you. If you are unsure, ask before booking if wetsuit rental is available, since it is not listed as included. At minimum, bring a towel, sunscreen, and clothing that will keep you comfortable after swimming.

Marco and Jorge set the tone

Marco and Jorge guide the experience, and the tour is offered in English. Their role is more than simply steering the boat. They explain the coastline, point out the beaches, and help keep the stops organized.

Good communication matters on a short boat trip. With four stops in two and a half hours, you want clear instructions about when to return to the boat and where to collect or return the snorkeling equipment.

The small group limit of eight should help here. You are not trying to hear instructions over a large crowd, and the guides have a better chance of responding to individual questions. That does not guarantee a private tour, but it gives this outing a more personal scale.

The guide quality is one of the strongest reasons to choose this particular trip instead of simply booking any boat ride from Sesimbra. Marco and Jorge are described as friendly, clear in English, and good at explaining what you are seeing.

Is $59.91 a fair price?

At $59.91 per person, the price is reasonable for a 2.5-hour coastal trip with four stops. You are paying for the boat, guide, snorkeling kit, all fees and taxes, and a regional drink, rather than paying separately for every part of the experience.

The value is strongest if you plan to swim. A sightseeing-only cruise might feel expensive if you never use the water stops, but this tour gives you repeated opportunities to snorkel and swim. The included equipment also means you can arrive without packing your own kit.

The price does not include snacks or soda. That is not a serious drawback for a short trip, but bring something small if you expect to be hungry after swimming. The regional drink is a tasting, not a replacement for lunch.

The maximum of eight is another part of the value. A small group can make a boat outing feel less crowded and easier to manage. If your priority is a private charter, however, this is not advertised as a private tour, so you should not assume the boat will be reserved only for your party.

Who should book this experience?

I would recommend this trip to people who want a compact introduction to the coast around Sesimbra. It suits you especially well if you like scenic boat rides but also want real time at beaches and in the water.

It is a good match for:

• Couples looking for a half-day coastal activity
• Families and friends who enjoy short swims
• First-time visitors to Sesimbra
• People who want snorkeling equipment provided
• Anyone who prefers a small group over a large cruise
• English-speaking visitors who want a guided outing

You should think twice if you dislike cold water, need a long uninterrupted beach stay, or want a serious wildlife-focused snorkeling tour. The pace is active, with several stops, and each beach visit has a fixed time.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The activity is near public transportation, which makes the marina reasonably practical to reach, but the exact transport route is not specified.

Weather, timing, and cancellation details

This trip depends on good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. The experience also requires a minimum number of participants, so a cancellation for that reason comes with the same options.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the local start time are not accepted for a refund.

The tour is booked, on average, about 20 days ahead. That does not mean you must reserve exactly that early, but it is a useful sign that you should not leave a popular date until the last minute, especially if you want a particular day during the high season.

A mobile ticket is provided, and confirmation arrives when you book. Keep the meeting address handy because the marina location may be easy to reach by map but not especially obvious by on-site signage.

What to pack for the boat

Keep your packing light and practical. The operator supplies the snorkeling kit, so your main job is to prepare for sun, spray, and a possible swim.

Bring:

• Sunscreen
• A towel
• Swimwear
• Dry clothes for afterward
• Water and a small snack
• A mobile phone with the booking confirmation

Sunscreen deserves special attention. You may feel cool on the boat, but the reflected light from the water can make the sun stronger than it seems.

Since soda and snacks are not included, take care of those needs before boarding or bring them with you if permitted. The supplied information does not specify food and drink rules beyond the included regional drink, so keep anything you bring simple and secure.

Should you book the Sesimbra boat trip?

Book it if you want four scenic coastal stops, a small group, English-speaking guides, and several chances to swim for $59.91. Marco and Jorge add useful explanations, while the included snorkeling kit keeps the outing straightforward.

I would be cautious only if you are very sensitive to cold water or want to spend hours on one beach. For everyone else, this is a well-sized coastal excursion with a sensible mix of views, swimming, snorkeling, and local flavor. Pack sunscreen, accept that the water may be chilly, and you should get a rewarding look at the wilder shoreline near Sesimbra.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start?

The tour starts at Blue Coast Tours Sesimbra, Rua Clube Naval de Sesimbra, Porto de Abrigo, 2970-263 Sesimbra, Portugal.

Where does the activity finish?

The boat returns to the same meeting point at the end of the activity.

How long does the tour last?

The trip lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

How many people can join the tour?

The activity has a maximum of eight participants.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. A snorkeling kit is included in the tour price.

Are a guide and all fees included?

Yes. The price includes a guide, all fees and taxes, and the snorkeling kit.

Is a regional drink included?

Yes. A regional drink is offered for tasting at Baleeira Beach.

Are snacks and soda included?

No. Snacks and soda are not included.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The activity is offered in English, and Marco and Jorge guide the trip.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. A different date, experience, or full refund is also offered if the minimum number of participants is not reached.