Price from:
59 EUR
Discover our Premium Tour: 2 experiences in one!
Duration
2H30
Highlights
- Contribute to a responsible dolphin watching activity
- Support turistic operators fully licenced by ICNF with years of experience and appropriated training
- Learn about history and geology of the region & the marine species sighted from a multilingual guide and biologists
- Experience an unforgettable moment with wild dolphins in their natural habitat
- Spot some incredible seabirds
- Travel into the heart of Benagil Cave and many other stunning rock formations
- Admire the beautiful Algarve coastline and take awesome pictures
- In the summer enjoy swimming in the blue sea and crystalline water at a tranquil bay
- Small group and family-friendly environment
Description
This tour combines 2 unforgettable experiences in 1: Spotting dolphins in their natural habitat and seeing the famous Benagil Cave and other rock formations along the Algarve Coast from Portimão to Praia da Marinha. Count on a familiar, cheerful and experienced team that will share information and curiosities about the animal species and rock formations observed (and also reveal some secrets!).
The most sighted species of Cetaceans are the Common Dolphin (*Delphinus delphis*) and the Bottlenose Dolphin (*Tursiops truncatus*). Although this tour depends on Nature, it is a team effort with other companies equally accredited by the ICNF (Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests), thus maximizing the possibilities of sighting.
For bird enthusiasts, we also saw several marine species such as Northern Gannet (*Morus bassanus*), Crested Cormorant (*Phalacrocorax aristotelis*) and Black-billed Tern (*Thalasseus sandvicensis*), among others.
During the summer months, and if favorable sea and weather conditions are met, we stop at a bay to swim in the calm, crystal clear waters, drink something fresh and eat seasonal fruit.
**Do you want to enjoy this experience in a more intimate setting?**
Book the tour as PRIVATE. Limited to a maximum of 14 people. Includes a bottle of champagne and snacks.
***Whether winter or summer, get ready for an exciting, fun and full of adrenaline journey in a paradisiacal setting!***
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Know before you go
1. Although we cannot guarantee 100% the dolphin encounter, even after all efforts to find them on the vast ocean, we can guarantee that we will do our best for a memorable and informative experience.
2. Entry to the caves is conditioned by the state of the sea and, consequently, to the restrictions imposed by the Port Captain of Portimão on the same day, with no possibility of advance prediction.
- If the minimum safety conditions for navigation are NOT assured, the tour will be canceled and rescheduled for another day, or a full refund will be provided.
- If minimum safety conditions for navigation are met, BUT entry to the caves is prohibited, we will do a coastal tour.
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Not suitable for
- Pregnant women
- People with back problems
- Babies under 1 year
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What's included?
- Tour Guide - English, Portuguese, Spanish and French speaking
- Experienced Captain
- Life jackets
- Insurance
- Bottled water
- Free car park
What to bring?
- Selfie-stick
- Binoculars
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Jacket or Windbreaker
- Comfortable clothes
- Towel
- Swimwear (summer)
- Electronic equipment, such as mobile phones and cameras **must be protected against water as we are not responsible for them**
- You can bring your own drinks and snacks
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Meeting Point
Cais São Francisco, Ac. Porto Comercial de Portimão, 8500-512 Portimão, with free parking next to the boarding gate.
Check-in 15 minutes before departure time
You don't need to print your ticket - We just need your booking name and number.
**WC available next to the boarding gate**.
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Pet Friendly
Our mascot, Pipoca, comes on board on most tours. If you have any objections or you want to bring your furry friend, please contact us before finalizing your reservation.
Note: A fee may apply depending on the size of the dog.
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**FULL REFUND – if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance**
Booking Notes
#⚠️ IMPORTANT — PLEASE READ
1. Read this email carefully — it contains important information about your tour.
2. Monitor phone/email for updates.
3. Bring a warm layer/jacket
4. Not suitable for pregnant women / children under 3 years old / serious back, neck, or physical conditions.
5. Dolphins sightings are highly likely but cannot be guaranteed.
6. Sea and safety conditions may affect cave entry, swimming stops, route, duration, or departure times.
7. Meeting point may change.
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# 🌦️ About the Weather & Sea Conditions
**📳 Please double-check that your contact details are correct and keep an eye on notifications:** Weather forecasting for ocean activities is uncertain, with 24-hour predictability of around 50–85%. That said, there is no absolute accuracy in forecasts and sea conditions can change rapidly. This may require delayed departures, route changes, rescheduling, early returns, or cancellations. **As safety always comes first, we will contact you as soon as anything changes.** You can also check: [live weather conditions](https://www.windy.com/pt/-Webcams-Portim%C3%A3o-Portim%C3%A3o:-Praia-da-Rocha-Faro-Portogallo:-Praia-_-da-_-Rocha/webcams/1570400523?37.121,-8.536,8)
🌊 **We travel at high speed offshore and, some days for a long period of time,** in search of dolphins — exposure to cold wind, sea spray, and changing sea conditions, which range from calm to adventurous, can be part of the experience.
❄️ **Offshore temperatures are often up to 10°C colder than on land**. Combined with wind and speed, it can feel significantly cooler even on hot sunny days — please dress accordingly and bring an extra warm layer.
##Every tour is unique, shaped by nature itself — that’s part of the adventure!
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#🎒 What to Bring
* **Sunglasses** — protection from sun and wind
* **Comfortable clothing and footwear** – suitable for sea conditions and adjusted to season
* **Warm layer or jacket**
* **Hat or cap** — sun protection in summer, extra warmth in winter
* **Beanie or scarf** — to protect your ears from wind
* **Sun protection** — sunscreen and lip balm
* **Camera or smartphone** — to capture the moment
* **Waterproof bag or case** for electronic devices
* **Water and light snacks** *(no glass containers allowed)*
* **Binoculars** *(optional)* for wildlife spotting
We can provide **raincoats / waterproof jackets** if needed
We recommend a **light meal before** the tour (not heavy and not on an empty stomach) and staying well hydrated.
If you are prone to **motion sickness**, seasickness medication should be taken in advance, according to product's instructions.
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#⚠️ Important Information Reminder:
##Pet Friendly
* Pets allowed with prior notice and subject to availability; fees may apply.
* Our mascot, Pipoca, is usually onboard. If you have any objections to dogs **please let us know in advance.**
##No WC on board
* Restroom available at the boarding pier/pier-side restaurant
##Wildlife & Nature Disclaimer
* This tour takes place in a **natural, unpredictable environment**. **Dolphins and whales are wild animals that roam freely** in the Atlantic Ocean. While sightings occur year-round and we have a **98% sighting success rate**, sightings **cannot be guaranteed**.
* **Cetaceans are protected** by Portuguese law — feeding, touching, calling, or swimming with the animals is **strictly prohibited.**
* If **no cetacean species** (dolphins, porpoises, or whales) are sighted a **50% discount** on the *EXPEDITION🐬 Dolphins & Marine Wildlife* experience will be offered (valid for one year), but no refunds apply.
* **Disembarking inside caves is not permitted by law under any circumstances.**
* **Cave entry** is conditioned by the sea conditions and, consequently, by the restrictions imposed by the Port Captain of Portimão on the same day, including last-minute prohibitions or limitations, with **no advance notice**.
* Cave entry or swimming stop may not be possible for safety reasons and **does not entitle the customer to a refund**.
* We aim to stay on schedule, but delays are possible due to the nature of this tour and depending on the sea conditions and wildlife distance.
##Meeting Point, occasionally, may change due to tide restrictions between:
* Cais do Restaurante Vista Rio – Hotel Riverside, Parchal (Lagoa)
* Cais São Francisco – next to the ruins of the Convent of São Francisco, Portimão.
*(approximately 3.6 km apart)*
##Responsibility
* Follow crew instructions and safety regulations at all times.
* Minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
* Personal belongings are **your responsibility** - We are not responsible for damage or loss.
* It is your responsibility to inform the crew before departure of any pregnancy, medical condition, or special need requiring attention.
* Any intentional damage to life jackets, rain jackets, the vessel, staff, or third parties will be **charged to the responsible customer**.
* By participating, you authorize the **use of photos and videos** taken during the tour - if you object please inform the crew during check-in.
* Smoking is prohibited onboard.
* Some natural risks cannot be fully controlled — you accept responsibility for participation.
* **Capitão Nemo / Capitão Nemo Algarve** is the commercial name of **Perspective Smile Unipessoal LDA**. RNAAT nº 398/2020. AOC/27/2023.
* Full [Terms & Conditions](https://capitaonemo.pt/termos-e-condicoes/).
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### 🔍 Meanwhile, check our latest adventures: [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/capitaonemoalgarve?igsh=NWxvOTE1cThvcjJ5 )
If you have any questions, please get in touch 😉
See you soon 🌊🐬
**Pedro & Ana**
*Capitão Nemo*
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Cancellation Policy
* **Full refund** for cancellations made **up to 24 hours** before departure
* **No refund** for cancellations made **less than 24 hours** before departure
* **No-shows, or late arrivals** after the boat has departed, are **non-refundable**
###Capitão Nemo reserves the right to **cancel, reschedule, or change** the tour time, vessel, route, or conditions without prior notice due to:
* Safety reasons
* Weather or sea conditions
* Port authority or maritime restrictions
* Insufficient number of participants (**minimum 6 passengers**)
In such cases, you will receive a **full refund** or may choose to **reschedule**, with no right to further compensation.
