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If you’re seeking a memorable way to explore Portugal’s stunning coastline and underwater world, the Sea Scooter Snorkeling Tour from Sesimbra offers a fantastic mix of adventure, comfort, and natural beauty. Run by Bolhas Tours, this guided experience takes you along the Arrabida coast, where crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life await. It’s a trip designed for those who want to combine the thrill of snorkeling with the ease of electric Sea Scooters, all in a small-group setting that emphasizes safety and personal attention.
One of the things we really appreciate about this tour is how accessible it is—all equipment is provided, and the Sea Scooters make exploring underwater both effortless and fun. Plus, the experienced guides, notably Rosa, bring a friendly, enthusiastic vibe that helps everyone feel comfortable, regardless of skill level. That said, if you’re looking for a long, intense dive or family-friendly activities for very young children, this might not be the best fit. It’s best suited for those who want a relaxed, engaging marine experience with a dash of adrenaline.
This tour appeals most to curious travelers, snorkelers, or anyone eager to see Portugal’s marine protected areas without fuss. If you’re after a guided, all-inclusive adventure that combines sightseeing, snorkeling, and a bit of sea scooter fun, this ticks all the boxes.
Key Points
- Accessible and All-Inclusive: No need to bring your own gear; everything, including wetsuits, snorkel goggles, and Sea Scooters, is included.
- Small Group Experience: Limited to 7 participants, ensuring personalized attention and safety.
- Expert Guides: Friendly, multilingual guides like Rosa make the experience educational and enjoyable.
- Perfect for All Ages: The Sea Scooter makes snorkeling effortless, suitable for all skill levels, with safety as a priority.
- Beautiful Scenery: The Arrabida coastline offers stunning views and vibrant marine life, ideal for underwater photography.
- Value for Money: The tour combines transportation, equipment, guides, and stunning scenery, making it a worthwhile 3-hour adventure.
Starting Point and Check-In
The tour begins at Avenida dos Náufragos in Sesimbra, a charming coastal town packed with eateries and a lively vibe. Check-in at the Nautical Centre is straightforward—there are facilities like changing rooms, hot showers, and WCs to make your prep and post-tour comfort a breeze. Arriving early helps you relax, get suited up, and soak in the seaside atmosphere before heading out.
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The Safety Briefing and Preparation
Once aboard the comfortable zodiac boat, the crew provides a 20-minute safety briefing, which is thorough yet accessible. It covers the basics of Sea Scooter use, underwater signals, and safety protocols. Reviews highlight guides like Rosa as particularly helpful and enthusiastic, making novices feel at ease right away. The guides also hand out educational maps and charts, enriching your understanding of the marine environment you’ll explore.
The Sightseeing Cruise Along the Coast
The boat cruise itself is part of the joy. Sitting comfortably on the zodiac, you’ll cruise along the scenic Arrabida coast, known for its dramatic cliffs, coves, and natural beauty. This part lasts around 20 minutes and offers fantastic photo opportunities of the coastline. The experienced captain and guide point out notable features, giving you context about the area’s geology and marine protection efforts.
Snorkeling with Sea Scooters
The highlight begins when the boat anchors at the designated snorkeling spots—each carefully chosen for their clarity and marine diversity. Here, you’ll don your snorkeling gear, while your Sea Scooter awaits. With a simple instruction from your guide, you’ll glide through the waters, propelled effortlessly. The reviews emphasize how easy and fun this makes snorkeling, even for first-timers.
One reviewer remarked, “The scooters are so much fun,” which is no exaggeration. They make exploring coral reefs and spotting marine life a breeze, especially since you don’t have to worry about tiring out your arms or struggling against currents. The underwater scenery includes vibrant corals, intriguing rocks, and a variety of fish. This accessible approach allows you to cover more ground and see more of what the marine park has to offer.
Marine Life and Hidden Treasures
Thanks to the maritime protected status, the waters are teeming with marine fauna. While individual sightings depend on the day, many guests report encountering fish, colorful corals, and even a few surprises beneath the surface. The educational maps and charts provided help you identify species and understand the ecosystem, adding an educational layer to the fun.
One reviewer, Krzysztof, simply said, “everything is perfect,” highlighting how the combination of scenery, guide expertise, and equipment made for a seamless experience. Rosa, the guide, was praised for her friendliness, help, and enthusiasm, making everyone feel confident and engaged.
Additional Sightseeing and Return
After your snorkeling session, the boat cruises again along the coast, offering more scenic views and photo ops. The entire experience lasts roughly 3 hours, balancing active snorkeling with relaxing cruising. The tour concludes back at the starting point, leaving you with plenty of time to explore Sesimbra or continue your adventure in the region.
What’s Included and What’s Not
The price covers port facilities, WCs, hot showers, a comfortable boat, and all necessary snorkeling equipment, including Sea Scooters and short wetsuits. You also get a tour guide, educational materials, a bottle of water, and a welcome drink, making it a comprehensive package for a half-day outing.
Not included are hotel pick-up/drop-off and any meals, so plan accordingly if you want to explore the town afterward. The meeting point at Avenida dos Náufragos is easily accessible, and the activity ends right where it begins—no complicated logistics involved.
Group Size and Language Options
Limited to 7 participants, the small-group setting ensures personalized attention. The guides speak English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese, accommodating a broad range of travelers.
When to Book and Cancellation Policy
Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons. The tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, offering flexibility if your plans change.
This experience is perfect for adventurous families, couples, or solo travelers who want a relaxed yet exciting marine exploration. It’s suitable for all ages above 6, especially those who may be wary of traditional snorkeling or diving but want to try something more effortless. The Sea Scooter makes it accessible for people with limited snorkeling experience, and the guides’ emphasis on safety and comfort ensures an enjoyable outing.
However, it’s not recommended for pregnant women, children under 6, or travelers over 150 kg or with pre-existing medical conditions, mainly due to safety and equipment constraints. Also, those seeking a more intense diving experience may find this tour too gentle.
The From Sesimbra Sea Scooter Snorkeling Tour offers a thoughtfully curated experience that balances fun, comfort, and scenery. The inclusion of high-quality equipment, professional guides like Rosa, and small-group intimacy make it stand out. You’ll get to glide effortlessly through vibrant waters, spot marine life, and enjoy the gorgeous Arrabida coast—all without the need for advanced skills.
If you’re after a relaxed, educational, and visually stunning marine adventure that emphasizes safety and local expertise, this tour is definitely worth considering. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a complete novice, you’ll likely find yourself captivated by the clear waters and the friendly guides leading the way.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, but children must be at least 6 years old to participate, and very young children should be comfortable in water. The Sea Scooter makes snorkeling easier for kids, but adult supervision is essential.
Do I need prior snorkeling experience?
No, the tour is designed for all skill levels, especially since the Sea Scooters make exploring underwater effortless. Guides are on hand to give instructions and ensure everyone feels safe.
What should I bring?
Bring swimwear and a towel. All other equipment, including wetsuits, snorkels, and Sea Scooters, are provided.
Is transportation included?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not part of the package. You’ll meet at the specified location in Sesimbra.
How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts about 3 hours, including safety briefing, cruising, snorkeling, and return.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in your travel plans.
This Sea Scooter snorkeling tour from Sesimbra blends the beauty of the Arrabida coast with the joy of effortless underwater exploration, perfect for anyone eager to add a splash of adventure to their Portugal trip.
