Secret coves feel like they belong in a postcard. This boat trip along the Setubal coast is built for easy fun: you get snorkeling kit onboard and short beach stops where the sea looks calm and clear from the boat. I also like how the crew keeps things moving, with guided time in the water rather than long, empty stretches.

The one catch: the water can be chilly, especially outside peak summer. One American review flagged early September temps as too cold for comfortable snorkeling, so you may want a plan for cooler water like a wetsuit or warmer swimwear.

Key Things I’d Plan Around

• Small group (max 8 people) means you’re not lost in a crowd when it’s time to gear up or get in the water
• Four stops in about 2.5 hours gives you views and multiple chances to swim and look at the seabed
• Snorkeling kit + safety gear included so you’re not scrambling last-minute
• Baleeira Beach includes a regional drink tasting, which turns the last stop into the payoff
• Bring sunscreen because you’ll be out on the water with serious sun exposure

Why This Sesimbra Boat-and-Snorkel Plan Feels Worth It

If you want to see Sesimbra’s coast without renting a car and guessing where the water is best, this is a practical shortcut. The route is designed around quick access to shoreline spots—places that are hard to reach on your own and feel more special once you’re close enough to hear the waves.

At about 2 hours 30 minutes, it’s also a good length for a half-day activity. It’s long enough to get real coastal time—views, time at beaches, and snorkeling—and short enough that you can still keep the rest of your day flexible. For most people, that balance matters more than chasing an extra hour of sightseeing.

And the value isn’t just the boat. You’re paying for four things that are easy to under-budget when you book independently:

• transportation to remote coastline
• snorkeling gear
• a guide to help you make sense of what you’re seeing
• at least one regional drink during the final stop

The price is $59.91 per person, and with small-group limits, English-speaking guiding, and a kit included, it tends to pencil out as a fair deal—especially if you’d otherwise have to pay for gear and figure out logistics yourself.

Meet-Up and Boat Time: What Your 2.5 Hours Actually Look Like

The tour starts at Blue Coast Tours Sesimbra, at Rua Clube Naval de Sesimbra, Porto de Abrigo, 2970-263 Sesimbra, Portugal. The good news is the meeting area is near public transportation, so you’re not forced into a long taxi run just to get to the dock.

You’ll return to the same meeting point when it ends. That matters because you don’t have to plan a second transfer after you’re wet, sunburnt, and hungry.

Also keep in mind the tour is offered in English, and confirmations come at the time of booking. If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to have things settled ahead of time, that’s a nice detail.

Finally, the group size caps at 8 travelers. That usually means you get more personal attention during gear checks and when the crew explains how to handle each stop safely and smoothly.

Stop 1: Ribeira do Cavalo Beach for Snorkeling and a Quick Coast Reset

Your first real swim moment is Ribeira do Cavalo Beach. You get about 30 minutes here, and snorkeling access is part of the stop.

This is a smart start. When you enter the day with a shoreline that’s close and clear, you can settle in fast:

• get your bearings
• gear up with the included snorkeling kit
• spend your time looking at the seabed rather than spending it searching for the waterline

The biggest practical consideration is temperature. One reviewer noted that in early September the water was too cold for comfortable snorkeling. That doesn’t mean snorkeling won’t be possible—just that your comfort depends a lot on the season and your personal cold tolerance.

If you run cold easily, don’t assume you’ll be able to stay in the water long. Plan for short sessions and consider bringing a wetsuit (if you have one) or wearing a long-sleeve swim layer.

Stop 2: Praia da Mijona for Calm-Water Swims

Next is Praia da Mijona, again with around 30 minutes. This stop doesn’t include the admission ticket cost, but the focus is the same: calm, clear water and a chance to swim.

What I like about this kind of stop is that it breaks the day into “snorkel bursts.” Even if you don’t want to snorkel the whole time, you can still enjoy the bay vibe—hang near the shoreline, cool off, and then get back on the boat without it dragging.

Because the time window is short, it helps to have your snorkeling readiness in place quickly. If you’re bringing your own goggles, double-check them before you arrive. If you’re using the provided kit, confirm it fits and adjust before stepping in.

Stop 3: Inferno Beach for Another Snorkeling Session

Inferno beach is the third stop, also set for about 30 minutes, and it’s another snorkeling-friendly moment.

This is where the tour’s pacing makes sense. By the third stop, you already understand the rhythm:

• boat arrives
• quick instructions and safety check
• limited time in the water
• back on board for the next viewpoint

If you’re hoping to see variety, a third stop boosts your odds. You might find that one beach has more interesting rocky edges or different water clarity than the others. Even when snorkeling time is brief, those small changes can make the experience feel more complete.

The same temperature warning applies. If you felt it at the first stop, you’ll likely feel it again here. Don’t force long snorkeling stretches if the water is uncomfortable. The tour’s value is in the combination of views, swim time, and a guided flow—not in suffering for underwater sightseeing.

Stop 4: Baleeira Beach for the Longest Swim and Regional Drinks

The final stop is Baleeira Beach, and this is the one with the most time: about 1 hour. It also includes snorkeling and swimming, plus a regional drink tasting on site.

This stop is often the payoff, for two reasons. First, you have more time to decide what you want to do. If you snorkeled hard earlier, you can shift into a relaxed swim. If the water was chilly on the first stops, the extra hour gives you room for shorter sessions and recovery.

Second, the regional drinks add a warm, social finish after being out on the water. One review specifically called out getting a little wine at the end, which fits with the regional drink inclusion.

Practical tip: plan to dry off a bit before you eat or drink anything. You’ll be on and off the boat, so you want to keep it comfortable rather than rushing.

The Views: Why the Boat Portion Matters as Much as the Water

A lot of coastal tours sell snorkeling first, but here the boat ride is a major part of the deal. You’re seeing the coastline and hidden bays from the water, which gives you angles you just won’t get from the shore.

And because this is a small group, it’s easier to enjoy the views at each stop. You’re not stuck waiting behind a line when the crew tells everyone to shift sides or settle near a specific viewing angle.

In short: even if you treat snorkeling as optional, you still get something worthwhile. You get coastal scenery, beach access, and a guided day that feels light rather than packed.

Snorkeling Kit and Safety: The Stuff You Don’t Want to Guess

The tour includes a snorkeling kit and safety gear (listed as safe). That’s genuinely helpful. Buying or renting gear separately can quickly turn a “cheap” activity into a more expensive day.

What you should do is treat the first stop like your gear test. Make sure:

• your mask seals comfortably
• your snorkel sits right
• you can breathe easily without fussing

Because each stop is timed, gear problems can eat minutes fast. When I’m planning my own day like this, I’d rather solve fit questions immediately so the rest of the trip stays fun.

What’s Not Included (and How to Plan Without Stress)

The tour includes fees, guide, snorkeling kit, safety gear, and a regional drink. What’s not included is snacks and soda/pop.

That’s not a deal-breaker, but it does affect how you plan your energy:

• eat a real meal or snack before you go
• bring water if you tend to get thirsty quickly
• don’t assume a full food stop will happen between swims

Also, you’ll be out in strong coastal sun. The simplest prep step from real-world feedback: wear sunscreen.

Language, Group Size, and Crew Style (Marco and Jorge)

English-speaking guiding matters more than people think. The crew’s job is not just pointing out where to go—it’s explaining safety, helping you make the most of short swim windows, and keeping the day on pace.

The guides Marco and Jorge come up again and again as friendly and clear. In practical terms, that means you’re more likely to feel comfortable in the water, and you’ll spend your time enjoying the scenery instead of wondering what to do next.

Small-group travel also changes the vibe. With a maximum of 8 travelers, instructions feel more personal. You’re less likely to get left behind during a quick move from boat to beach.

Weather and When to Book: Avoiding a Flimsy Day

This tour requires good weather. If conditions are poor, the activity can be rescheduled or refunded. That’s the right approach for a boat-and-snorkel plan, because visibility and water conditions change fast.

Also, on average this is booked about 20 days in advance. If you’re traveling during a busy period or you’re picky about timing, earlier booking gives you better options.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This is a great fit if you:

• want a low-effort way to visit multiple remote bays in one outing
• like short, guided swim sessions rather than hours of waiting
• enjoy coastal views from the water as much as from land
• prefer a small group with an English-speaking guide

It’s less ideal if you:

• are very sensitive to cold water and you’re traveling in shoulder season
• want long, uninterrupted snorkeling time (each stop is timed)
• plan to buy snacks and drinks only during the tour (those aren’t included)

Should You Book This Boat Trip to Secret Bays and Beaches?

I’d book this if your goal is simple: coastal scenery plus snorkeling chances, guided and organized, without the hassle of planning stops on your own. The small group size, included snorkeling kit, and the regional drink at Baleeira make the day feel complete for the price.

My personal decision rule: if you’ll be there in warmer months, or you’re comfortable getting in colder water for short sessions, this becomes an easy yes. If you’re going in a cooler period and you know you run cold, consider bringing a wetsuit or choosing warmer swim layers—so you don’t end up treating the water as a quick dip only.

If you want, tell me your travel month and how cold-tolerant you are, and I’ll help you decide whether snorkeling time is likely to feel enjoyable for you.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip?

The tour runs for about 2 hours 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Blue Coast Tours Sesimbra in Sesimbra and ends back at the same meeting point.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 8 travelers.

What snorkeling gear is included?

A snorkeling kit is included, along with safety gear.

Are drinks and food included?

A regional drink is included. Snacks and soda/pop are not included.

What’s included in the price?

The price covers all fees and taxes, plus the guide, snorkeling kit, safety gear, and the regional drink.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

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