Sesimbra: Boat trip to discover the North Route

Set out from Sesimbra on a 3.5-hour boat trip that reveals the unspoiled and lesser-known stretches of the Portuguese coast. This tour is led by Blue Front, a provider with a perfect 5-star rating, offering an experience that combines adventure, natural beauty, and photography opportunities. The North Route takes you beyond land-based views, showcasing cliffs, coves, beaches, and prehistoric footprints—an ideal choice for those who enjoy discovering wild coastlines and capturing stunning images.

While the trip offers exclusive access to areas unreachable by land, it’s worth considering that the stops are brief (around 15 minutes each), making it suitable for travelers who appreciate a quick but immersive coastal exploration. This tour suits adventurers, photographers, and anyone eager to see Portugal’s Atlantic coast from a fresh perspective.

Key Points

• Duration: 3.5 hours of coastal exploration from Sesimbra
• Highlights: Coastal cliffs, hidden coves, caves, and fossilized dinosaur footprints
• Language options: Portuguese, French, English with live guides
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible and available for small or private groups
• Meeting point: Cais Espadarte, near the Clube Naval
• Flexible booking: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and pay later options

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Starting Point at Cais Espadarte

This boat trip departs from Cais Espadarte, identified by the third white gate after the Clube Naval building, with staff in dark blue or white T-shirts. The convenient location makes it easy for visitors familiar with Sesimbra’s harbor, and the starting time can vary, so checking availability beforehand is recommended. The meeting spot offers quick access to the boat, ensuring an efficient start to your coastal adventure.

Scenic Scenic Views from Cabo Espichel

The journey begins with a photo stop at Cabo Espichel, where scenic views unfold in every direction. Here, the guide provides insights into this historic promontory, and you get a brief guided tour. The 15-minute stop allows for capturing dramatic cliff landscapes and appreciating the Atlantic’s power, all while enjoying a safety briefing before setting sail.

Exploring Praia dos Lagosteiros and Dinosaur Footprints

One of the most exciting highlights is at Praia dos Lagosteiros, famous for its preserved dinosaur footprints embedded in the rocks. This 15-minute stop offers a chance to observe these ancient markings, which are close to the sea and well-preserved. The coastline here is rugged, with natural formations creating a striking backdrop for photos and discovery.

Discovering Hidden Coves and Eroded Caves

As the boat moves along, you’ll visit small hidden coves and caves formed by erosion. These secluded spots are often unknown even to locals, giving the tour its exclusive feel. The natural stone platforms and rocky formations serve as resting sites for seabirds and highlight the coast’s rugged beauty. The guide explains the geological processes shaping these features, making each stop both scenic and educational.

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Visiting Fonte da Telha’s Cliffs and Views

The route then reaches Fonte da Telha, where jagged cliffs provide sweeping ocean views. The 15-minute stop offers opportunities for photography and appreciating the landscape’s textures and colors. The cliffs here are striking, with their sharp outlines contrasting against the blue waters of the Atlantic.

Calm Waters at Praia da Lagoa de Albufeira

The boat then heads into calmer waters near Praia da Lagoa de Albufeira, where the landscape becomes peaceful and tranquil. This 15-minute stop provides a different perspective—less rugged, more serene—highlighting the coast’s varied scenery. It’s an excellent spot for capturing reflective waters and observing seabirds.

Praia do Meco and Its Natural Dunes

Next, the journey takes you past Praia do Meco, renowned for its vast sand dunes and natural environment. From the sea, the long cliffs and dunes seem to stretch forever, emphasizing the sense of total freedom. The guide shares insights into the area’s natural importance, making this stop memorable for nature lovers.

Enchanting Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach

The tour continues towards Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach, another 15-minute stop that showcases untouched beauty. Its rocky outcrops and pristine sands make it a perfect spot for photos. This beach remains relatively isolated and less developed, reinforcing the wild, untouched feel of the coast.

Final Stop at Praia dos Lagosteiros

The trip concludes again at Praia dos Lagosteiros, where you can see the famous dinosaur footprints, a highlight that leaves a lasting impression. The well-preserved footprints, close to the sea, provide a tangible connection to the distant past and are a memorable end to the coastal journey.

Practical Details and Accessibility

The meeting point at Cais Espadarte is easy to find, and the tour welcomes wheelchair users, making it accessible for diverse groups. The small or private group options ensure a personalized experience, while the live guides speak Portuguese, French, and English, offering clear explanations throughout.

What to bring includes sunglasses, a hat, towel, camera, biodegradable sunscreen, jacket, and comfortable clothes. The tour maintains a respectful approach by prohibiting littering, feeding animals, and fishing, ensuring the coast remains pristine.

The Experience with Blue Front

Blue Front is recognized for its high-quality service and attention to safety, making this a smooth and enjoyable trip. The 5-star rating reflects consistent positive feedback, with travelers appreciating the knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery. The option to reserve and pay later adds flexibility, and the full refund policy up to 24 hours before departure** offers peace of mind.

Comparing Similar Experiences

For those interested in exploring more of Sesimbra or nearby areas, links are available to other boat tours, including shared and private options, as well as trips to places like Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach or Lisbon’s surrounding attractions. These tours complement the North Route experience by providing different perspectives or extended exploration.

This boat trip offers a chance to explore the wilder, less accessible side of Portugal’s coast, with a focus on natural beauty, geological wonders, and iconic beaches. It’s particularly well-suited for photographers, nature lovers, and those seeking a swift but immersive coastal escape.

The exclusivity of stops like Praia dos Lagosteiros, with its fossil footprints, and the untouched coves offer a rare glimpse into the coast’s secrets. The experienced guides help bring the scenery to life, sharing insights into the landscape and its history.

While the short stops mean this isn’t a comprehensive or deep exploration of every site, the quality of scenery and accessibility make it worthwhile. The flexible booking options and high safety standards ensure a comfortable and trustworthy experience.

This tour delivers a balanced mix of adventure, natural beauty, and educational highlights, perfect for travelers who want to see Portugal’s coast from a different angle—wilder, more surprising, and more in tune with nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the boat trip?
The trip lasts 3.5 hours, providing enough time to see multiple scenic spots along the coast.

Where does the tour start?
It departs from Cais Espadarte, near the Clube Naval in Sesimbra, at the coordinates 38.43685531616211, -9.113873481750488.

Are there stops at specific locations?
Yes, the tour makes several stops including Cabo Espichel, Praia dos Lagosteiros, Fonte da Telha, Praia da Lagoa de Albufeira, Praia do Meco, and Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible and welcomes small or private groups.

What should I bring on the trip?
Bring sunglasses, a hat, towel, camera, biodegradable sunscreen, jacket, and comfortable clothing for the best experience.

Can I cancel or change my booking?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later.

What is included in the experience?
The tour includes a live guide speaking Portuguese, French, and English, scenic coastal views, and visits to notable spots with 15-minute stops at each location.

Are food and drinks provided?
The data does not specify food or drinks, so travelers should prepare accordingly.

What makes this tour different from others?
This tour emphasizes access to inaccessible coastal areas, with a focus on wild spots, fossil footprints, and photography-friendly scenery, led by a highly rated provider.

Is there an age or physical requirement?
No specific age or physical requirements are mentioned, but the short stops and scenic nature suggest it is suitable for most visitors who can enjoy a boat trip.

How does this tour compare to others in the area?
It offers a more exclusive, nature-focused experience than typical coastal boat tours, highlighting rare geological and ecological sites.

This Sesimbra boat trip from Blue Front stands out as a practical, safe, and visually rewarding way to explore Portugal’s coast from the sea, uncovering hidden coves, stunning cliffs, and ancient footprints in a compact but memorable adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby