Sesimbra Boat Trip: A Snorkeling Adventure to Secret Beaches – My Personal Review

So, you are pondering a trip to Sesimbra and you’re thinking about checking out one of those boat tours, eh? Well, I get it. I, too, had that exact same thought just last spring! After quite a bit of deliberation, I decided to just go for it and booked a “Sesimbra Boat Trip with Snorkeling at Secret Beaches and Bays.” And now I will share the story of it with you.

Why Choose a Boat Trip in Sesimbra? Exploring the coastline

Okay, so what makes a boat trip in Sesimbra a pretty darn good idea? Well, for starters, the coastline there is just…wow. Seriously, stunning. We are talking dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches that you pretty much can’t get to any other way, and bays so unbelievably crystal clear, you would not even believe it until you see it for yourself. And I had a boat bring me right to it!

That rugged coastline? It’s actually part of the Arrábida Natural Park, and honestly, viewing it from the water gives you such a totally different feel for the place. So, you get perspectives that those hiking just the trails never will. Like you are getting the full package in a way! And, a boat trip is a chance to just kick back and let somebody else worry about the “how to get there” details while you soak up all the awesome views.

I will say it also beats trying to fight for parking at some packed beach, especially during the high season. Trust me, your future self will be thankful for saving you the aggravation, basically. This trip almost felt like discovering secret worlds!

The “Secret Beaches and Bays” Promise: What to really expect

Alright, so that’s what initially grabbed my attention. “Secret beaches and bays”… that does sound pretty amazing, no? Let me just tell you that it wasn’t, in the end, entirely hype. In that, the tour did deliver on its promise to show these quite hidden gems. It’s almost like little pockets of paradise you’d likely just completely miss otherwise.

Yet, the reality is also, that how “secret” they are depends probably on the time of year you visit. So, like during my trip (in May), some of the beaches were rather empty, we nearly had them completely to ourselves. That, I really liked! I get the feeling, though, that come July and August, things could be quite different with others getting the same smart idea as us!

What I did love, still, regardless of crowds, was that all these spots were ridiculously stunning and accessible only by boat. It made the whole experience feel exclusive. Really a highlight to the whole venture. Basically, the kind of places you see in travel magazines!

Snorkeling Experience: What lies beneath

Okay, now for the snorkeling part, this too was high on my list when choosing a boat tour. While I would not quite compare it to, say, snorkeling in the Caribbean (which, lets face it, sets the bar awfully high), it was rather quite cool anyway, just the same.

So, I think the water was quite clear, and the boat tour provided all the necessary gear which always a plus. Now, marine life… It’s alright! It was varied and there was stuff to look at but just, not massively teeming with loads and loads of crazy sea creatures, just so you know what to expect. Although I certainly saw many fish! Also a bit of varied seaweed too!

It tends to depend, too, a little, on the specific location where the boat stops. So, the tour guides actually picked spots known for decent visibility and some underwater rock formations, which gave a bit of extra visual pizzazz to look at. Also it helps when you get lucky, just slightly! A neat experience for sure, in all!

What to Bring and How to Prepare – Tips for your trip

Alright so now, let us get practical. If you are thinking of taking this trip, these few items that would be really useful:

• Sunscreen: Seriously, that Portuguese sun can be a bit deceiving, and even if it feels “just” slightly warm, you’ll burn quickly.
• Towel: Seems so very obvious, and I almost did forget it. Don’t be me!
• Swimsuit: Like, even if you’re not a massive swimmer, you’ll probably be tempted to take a dip. That water’s pretty enticing.
• Hat and Sunglasses: Again, sun protection is really, really very crucial.
• Water and Snacks: Most tours have something available, just so you know, but bringing a few things guarantees you’ll have exactly what you need and like, particularly if you have special diets.
• Water Shoes: Some of those beaches can be a bit rocky, just a bit. So having something on your feet to protect from sharp rocks will save your little feet, right?

Now as far as how you should get ready, basically just keep an eye on the forecast that day and dress in layers. The weather can change quickly, specifically when you are out on the water, you know? And maybe take some motion sickness pills if you suspect that, just very slightly, you tend to feel queasy on boats. Nobody wants that!

Choosing the Right Tour Operator – Getting your money’s worth

Alright, this can really change how much fun you have. So, tour operators… some pretty darn good, others maybe, so so. In my situation, I went with one that had really high ratings online plus, as a bonus, had some friends give the tour their personal seal of approval. That actually worked great, come to find out!

Just give all the options out there a thorough look and comparison: think over what they include (gear? Drinks?), their group size (smaller is very often nicer), and obviously, all their prices (being mindful that cheapest isn’t always actually best if the tour just feels rushed and poorly handled).

Really, it makes great sense to go and see if they are adhering to practices focusing on sustainability and respectful touring of the nature parks as well. You know, for those who enjoy nature.

Lastly: It may come in handy to double-check how very flexible their cancellation policy seems to be, you just, you know, for a “just in case” type thing.

Final Verdict: Is it worth your money and time?

So, to wrap it all up: Yeah, in my own estimation, this Sesimbra boat trip plus snorkeling definitely earned my stamp of approval, I can safely say. Obviously, the super scenic views are amazing to begin with. Now throw in the excitement regarding finding secret beaches, together with some quite neat underwater viewing…and it totals a recipe for any pretty perfect day trip!

Of course, there could be so very small drawbacks (the snorkeling is rather basic for all expert snorkelers) and maybe bigger crowds when it comes to peak season…even so? Just so well worth doing if you go see Sesimbra!

• Scenic views: The coastline and cliffs of Arrábida Natural Park is beyond awesome.
• Secret Beaches: Worth doing if you just want something unusual, it gets you away and makes memories!
• Snorkeling: Enjoy some decent snorkeling opportunities with gear given!
• Tour Guides: A good guide might change the experience to beyond just amazing!

Hopefully I have been of some help with my insight. That will wrap it all up for me. Hope I didn’t waste too much of your time! Just like, get on a plane, come down here, and do a boat tour in Sesimbra!

So hopefully, you now, are well ready for all that Sesimbra provides with its beauty. Get that boat trip done!

In a way I guess, safe trip down to the sea!

#Sesimbra #Portugal #BoatTrip #Snorkeling #TravelReview #SecretBeaches #AdventureTravel