Boat Trip to Secret Bays and Beaches with Snorkeling

This is the kind of coast trip that changes your pace fast. You cruise out from Sesimbra in a small group, then spend short, sweet sessions at beaches and coves around the Setubal coastline.

I love that you get snorkeling kit included and a friendly guide on hand, so it feels easy rather than chaotic. I also like the stop style, quick swims plus one longer beach break, so you can see a lot without feeling stuck anywhere.

One thing to plan for: the water can be chilly, especially in early fall. If you run cold, you may want to arrange a wet suit locally.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Small group size (max 8): more personal attention during snorkeling and instructions
• 4 named stops in about 2.5 hours: beach time adds up fast
• Snorkeling kit and safe included: you do not need to source gear first
• Regional drink on site: a nice end-of-trip touch (worth pacing yourself for)
• English-speaking guide: clear directions and explanations during the tour

Why this 2.5-hour Sesimbra boat trip feels like a mini escape

This trip is built for people who want coast views without a full day commitment. From Setubal District shorelines near Sesimbra, you ride out, hit several coves, and come back after roughly 2 hours 30 minutes.

The pacing is the real value. You get enough time at each spot to actually swim and look around, but it never drags. With a maximum of 8 travelers, it also feels less like cattle herding and more like a small crew day.

Getting to Blue Coast Tours Sesimbra (and not losing time)

Your tour starts at Blue Coast Tours Sesimbra, Rua Clube Naval de Sesimbra, Porto de Abrigo, 2970-263 Sesimbra, Portugal. It ends back at the same place, so you are not guessing how to get home after the water fun.

One practical tip: the meeting point can be easy to reach with maps, but it may not be clearly labeled once you are standing there. I recommend arriving 10 to 15 minutes early so you can get your bearings and settle before departure.

If you are using public transportation, the meeting area is described as near public transport, which helps if you are not renting a car.

What you get for $59.91 (and what you should bring)

The price is $59.91 per person, and it includes all fees and taxes plus several items that normally cost extra on similar tours. You also get a guide, a snorkeling kit, and a safe (as provided by the tour), along with a regional drink.

What is not included is just as important. Plan on bringing what you need for personal comfort:

• Snacks (not included)
• Soda or pop (not included)

Also, do not forget the basics for being on the water: sun protection. One review specifically called out wearing sunscreen, and that is good advice when you are out for hours, even if the sky looks changeable.

Stop 1: Ribeira do Cavalo Beach for snorkeling and easy beach time

Your first stop is Ribeira do Cavalo Beach, with about 30 minutes on site. This is the main snorkeling-ticket stop, so it makes sense to treat this as your first real chance to get the gear on and start exploring.

Expect crystal-clear water and a straightforward rhythm: swim, snorkel, and relax on the shore for a short stretch. The upside of the shorter time here is focus. You do not have to decide whether you want a long swim. You just do what you can comfortably and move on.

The catch is timing and temperature. One past visitor who went in early September found the water too cold to snorkel comfortably and said they would rent wet suits if they did it again. If you tend to get cold in the ocean, this is the moment to be realistic and dress accordingly.

Stop 2: Praia da Mijona for calm-water swimming

Next up is Praia da Mijona for another 30-minute break. This stop is described as a hidden spot with calm, clear water, and the ticket is noted as free for this segment.

This is the kind of stop that works well even if snorkeling feels less appealing that day. The schedule makes it easy to take a gentle swim, float, and enjoy being out of the main surf zone.

Because the time is short, come ready to make the most of it. If you are still warming up from the first swim, this stop gives you a more relaxed second chance.

Stop 3: Inferno Beach for a quick, fun snorkeling-style look

Your third stop is Inferno beach, again around 30 minutes, with admission marked as free. The description frames it as a chance to explore the beach and enjoy snorkeling.

This is a good stop for people who want to keep moving and compare what they see from cove to cove. Each beach has its own feel, and even short snorkeling windows can show you different underwater scenery.

If you are going with friends or family who do not all snorkel equally, this stop also gives everyone something to do. Some people will stay closer to the surface and others will focus more on looking around.

Stop 4: Baleeira Beach with an hour of swimming plus a regional drink

Finally, you reach Baleeira Beach, where you get about 1 hour on site. Admission is listed as free for this stop, and you also get the added perk of regional drinks for tasting on site.

That longer hour matters. It gives you room to settle in, swim at your own speed, and snorkel when you are ready rather than rushing. It also makes the regional drink feel like a planned finish, not an interruption.

One review also mentioned wine at the end, so plan to pace your drinking and stay sensible in and around the water. If you are sensitive to sun and dehydration, keep water intake in mind too.

Chilly water reality, and how to prepare for snorkeling

Snorkeling here is the highlight, but the biggest real-world variable is the water temperature. More than one review pointed out that the water can run too cold for comfortable snorkeling, even when the day feels sunny.

Here is how I’d plan if you want the best chance of enjoying it:

• Consider renting a wet suit locally if you are visiting in cooler months or you run cold easily.
• Bring a swimsuit you are comfortable using as your base layer.
• Start snorkeling early at the first stop if conditions feel workable, rather than waiting until you are already tired.

Even if you decide not to snorkel much, you still get something worthwhile: coastline views from the boat, plus several chances to swim and relax.

The boat ride part: why the cruise itself is worth it

Even when you focus on snorkeling, the ride between stops is a big part of the experience. You are seeing sections of coastline that you likely would not reach easily on foot.

Short tours like this often succeed because the time is balanced. You are not spending half the day traveling on a slow route. Instead, you get quick sailing time paired with actual beach time.

If you love coastal scenery and want a day that feels like a collection of small moments, this format fits well.

Who this tour fits best (and who should skip it)

I think this works especially well for:

• People who want snorkeling included without bringing gear
• Travelers who like variety (four stops instead of one long beach)
• Anyone who values a small group, since the max is 8 travelers

It may not be the best match for you if you:

• Know you get cold fast in ocean water and cannot or will not use a wet suit
• Prefer long, uninterrupted time in one place rather than several short stops

The overall setup says most travelers can participate, so it is not presented as a hardcore adventure. It is more like a well-paced coastal outing.

Price and value: what you really pay for at $59.91

On paper, $59.91 does not look like a bargain or a splurge. The value comes from what is included. You are paying for:

• A guide
• Snorkeling kit
• Safe
• All fees and taxes
• Regional drink
• Access at multiple stops (with some stops marked as ticket included and others marked free)

And you only need to add a couple basics, mainly snacks and non-included drinks. That keeps your total cost closer to the headline price than tours where you pay extra on top of the ticket.

Also, a small group helps the “feel” of the price. With fewer people, instructions during snorkeling and timing at the stops tend to feel smoother.

Booking smart: weather, timing, and comfort

This is a good weather activity, so check forecasts before you commit. If conditions are poor, the operator offers a different date or a full refund, and they only run the tour with a minimum group size.

Because snorkeling depends on comfort, plan your day based on season. In early fall, you might get clear water but colder temperatures. If you are visiting around that time and snorkeling is a top priority, I would plan around wet suit options.

The tour confirmation happens at booking, and you will receive details digitally via a mobile ticket.

Should you book this Secret Bays and Beaches snorkeling boat trip?

If you want a short, well-paced coast experience with snorkeling gear included and multiple beach breaks, I’d book it. The small group size and the mix of stops make it feel efficient in a good way, not rushed.

I’d hesitate only if cold water is a deal-breaker for you. If you tend to get uncomfortable in cooler ocean temps, look into wet suits before you go, or accept that you might mostly enjoy swimming and scenery rather than long snorkel sessions.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip?

It lasts about 2 hours 30 minutes.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $59.91 per person.

What snorkeling gear is included?

A snorkeling kit is included, along with a safe as provided by the tour.

What is included besides snorkeling?

The tour includes a guide, all fees and taxes, and a regional drink. A ticket is included at the first stop, and admission is free at the other stops.

Are snacks included?

No, snacks are not included.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

How many people are in a group?

The maximum group size is 8 travelers.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Blue Coast Tours Sesimbra, Rua Clube Naval de Sesimbra, Porto de Abrigo, 2970-263 Sesimbra, Portugal, and ends back at the meeting point.

What happens if I need to cancel?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the experience start time.