Cascais: Open Water Swimming and Hiking Experience

Discover the Unique Combination of Swimming and Hiking in Cascais

The Cascais: Open Water Swimming and Hiking Experience offers a perfect blend of water and land adventures in Portugal’s Lisbon District. This 6-hour private tour combines the thrill of swimming in Cascais Bay with a scenic hike through Sintra Cascais Natural Park. The experience is ideal for those wanting to enjoy both coastal waters and lush natural landscapes in a single day, with certified swimming coaches ensuring safety during the water activity.

Starting from Praia da Duquesa, the tour moves seamlessly through beautiful locations, including the Baía de Cascais for a refreshing swim, then takes a break at the Duna da Cresmina with a light lunch overlooking sand dunes. The journey culminates in a 2-hour hike through the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, exposing travelers to Portugal’s stunning natural beauty. This experience is perfect for active individuals who appreciate outdoor adventures in scenic settings, although it is not suitable for children under 14 or those with mobility issues.

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Key Points

• 6-hour private experience combining swimming and hiking in Cascais and Sintra Natural Park
• Swim in Cascais Bay with guidance from a certified swimming coach
• Enjoy a light lunch with views of sand dunes at Cresmina
• Hike through the Sintra Cascais Natural Park for around 2 hours
• Transportation included between stops, with meeting point at Praia da Duquesa
• Suitable for adults 14 and over who are comfortable swimmers and physically active

Starting Point at Praia da Duquesa

The tour begins at Praia da Duquesa, a well-known beach near Cascais, where guests meet next to the showers. This location offers easy access and a relaxed environment to start the day’s activity. The meeting point’s central position makes it convenient for travelers staying in or around Cascais.

From this point, the guide prepares guests for the open water swim in Cascais Bay. This initial activity lasts about 1 hour, with the distance and pace tailored to individual experience levels. As the water is the highlight of the tour, a certified swimming coach accompanies every group, emphasizing safety and technique.

Swimming in Cascais Bay with a Certified Coach

The highlight of the tour is the open water swim in Cascais Bay, where participants enjoy a refreshing dip in Portugal’s inviting waters. The duration is approximately 1 hour, giving enough time to enjoy the scenery and feel confident in the water.

The qualified swimming coach provides guidance, ensuring safety and offering tips for swimmers of different abilities. The bay’s calm waters and scenic surroundings make this a memorable experience, especially for those who enjoy swimming in natural settings. This part of the tour is perfect for non-professional swimmers as well, thanks to the coaching support.

Scenic Lunch at Cresmina with Dune Views

After the swim, the group heads to Bar e Duna da Cresmina for a light lunch. The location offers spectacular views of the sand dunes, making it a peaceful spot to relax and refuel. The lunch is included as part of the tour, featuring snacks and water to keep everyone energized.

Guests have about one hour at this stop, which also provides an opportunity for sightseeing and taking in panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The scenic route to Cresmina includes passing by the coast and natural scenery, enhancing the overall experience.

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Hiking in Sintra Cascais Natural Park

Following lunch, the tour proceeds to the Sintra Cascais Natural Park for a 2-hour hike. The guide leads the group through trails that showcase the region’s lush vegetation and natural beauty. This walk emphasizes the park’s scenic vistas and diverse flora, giving participants a chance to connect with nature.

The hike is designed to be accessible for active adults, with scenic viewpoints and opportunities to capture photos. The trail’s pacing is flexible, allowing for conversations and breaks along the way. The natural park’s atmosphere provides a stark contrast to the coastal water activity, rounding out the day with a land-based adventure.

Convenient Transportation Between Stops

Throughout the day, transportation is provided between major stops, making logistics straightforward and comfortable. The van transfer from Praia da Duquesa to Cresmina takes approximately 15 minutes, and another 15-minute transfer leads to the Natural Park. This setup reduces walking and ensures travelers spend more time enjoying activities rather than navigating.

All transport is included, and the tour ends back at the original meeting point, allowing for easy access to nearby accommodations or further explorations. The private group format guarantees a personalized experience, with flexibility and attentive guidance.

What’s Included and What to Bring

The tour includes a local guide who speaks English, Portuguese, and Spanish, along with snacks, water, swimming cap, and glasses. These details ensure comfort and safety during the water activity. The transportation between activity locations is also covered.

Participants are responsible for bringing comfortable shoes, hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes. The tour explicitly advises against smoking and suggests contacting the provider if a wetsuit rental is desired. The activity duration is flexible, and starting times vary based on availability.

Physical Requirements and Suitability

This experience is designed for adults aged 14 and over who are comfortable swimmers. The hiking is suitable for those with a moderate level of fitness, but it is not recommended for individuals with mobility impairments. Non-swimmers and children under 14 are not suitable for this tour.

The group is private, allowing for tailored pacing and personalized attention from guides. The cancellation policy allows cancellations up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in travel planning.

Why This Tour Stands Out in Cascais

What sets this experience apart is the combination of water and land activities in one seamless package. The guided swim in Cascais Bay, combined with a scenic hike, offers a varied and immersive way to explore the region’s natural beauty.

The scenic lunch spot at Cresmina, with views of the sand dunes, adds a peaceful pause to an active day. The expert guides ensure safety, making it accessible even for those less experienced in open water swimming.

On top of that, the private group format guarantees a more personalized, relaxed atmosphere, unlike larger tour groups. The tour is especially appealing for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy physical activity amidst stunning landscapes.

Final Thoughts on the Cascais Swimming and Hiking Tour

This 6-hour experience provides a well-balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and scenic beauty. The focus on safety and personalized guidance makes it suitable for a range of active adults. The swimming activity is a highlight, offering a chance to enjoy Cascais Bay’s calm waters with expert coaching support.

The scenic lunch and hiking through Sintra Cascais Natural Park ensure that the day is visually rewarding and physically engaging. The included transportation simplifies logistics, and the flexible booking options give travelers peace of mind.

While not suitable for children under 14 or those with mobility issues, it remains an excellent choice for adventurous, active travelers seeking a memorable outdoor experience in Portugal’s beautiful Cascais region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?
No, the tour is not suitable for non-swimmers as open water swimming is a key activity and safety guidance is provided by a certified coach.

Can I rent a wetsuit for the swim?
Yes, wetsuit rentals are available. Interested participants should contact the provider after booking to arrange this.

What should I bring for the hike?
Participants should bring comfortable shoes, hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes for the hike.

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, the experience is not suitable for children under 14 or people with mobility impairments.

How do I cancel the booking?
Cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours before the start, with a full refund available.

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