SESIMBRA GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Along Sesimbra’s Secret Coves: Caverns, Cliff Faces and Clear Water in Three Hours
A 3-hour guided boat tour from Cais Espadarte that visits four hidden beaches, sea caves and the towering Serra do Risco cliff—this guide explains what to expect and what to pack.
Along Sesimbra’s Secret Coves: Caverns, Cliff Faces and Clear Water in Three Hours.
Embark on a three-hour outing with Blue Coast Tours Sesimbra to trace a rugged stretch of the Arrábida coast: four secret beaches including Praia Ribeiro do Cavalo, a string of sea caves such as the Arco da Pombeira and Boca Tamboril, and views of the limestone escarpments of the Serra do Risco. The route combines cliff-top panoramas with stops for swims in calm, crystal‑clear water rich in marine life.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Praia Ribeiro do Cavalo and the four secret coves
The tour calls at Sesimbra’s four secret beaches—Praia Ribeiro do Cavalo, Praia Cova da Mijona, Praia do Inferno and Praia da Balleira—each noted for calm, crystal‑clear waters and abundant marine life, with scheduled stops for swimming.
Arco da Pombeira and coastal grottoes
A sequence of sea caves and arches punctuates the route; visitors see formations such as the Arco da Pombeira and Boca Tamboril from sea level, where the geology opens onto dramatic views along the coast.
Serra do Risco — a towering limestone escarpment
The itinerary includes views of the calcareous cliff of the Serra do Risco, measured at 381 meters and described in the tour materials as the largest cliff on the continental European coastline, alongside shoreline forts and bays such as Forte São Domingos da Baralha and the baía da armação.
What the day feels like
What the three hours feel like
From the Cais Espadarte launch point the boat threads a coastline of hidden coves and vertical rock faces: short sweeps past grotto mouths, slow approaches to secluded beaches for swims, and vantage moments to inspect cliff‑top forts and the vertical face of Serra do Risco. The pace is boat‑based and observational, punctuated by water stops in calm, intensely colored seas.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip is pitched to.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Swimsuit, sunscreen, hat, camera, towel and appropriate footwear are recommended for the trip.
The tour provides the boat, personal accident insurance, life jackets and a sailor/guide (marinheiro/guia).
Departure is from Cais Espadarte, next to Clube Naval Sesimbra; skippers/marinheiros will be on site. A round‑trip ticket is required and schedules can be adjusted with prior notice.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The outing lasts three hours.
Where do we meet the boat?
The meeting point is Cais Espadarte, beside the Clube Naval Sesimbra; skippers and mariners will be waiting there.
Which beaches and sights does the tour visit?
The itinerary includes four secret beaches—Praia Ribeiro do Cavalo, Praia Cova da Mijona, Praia do Inferno and Praia da Balleira—sea caves such as Arco da Pombeira and Boca Tamboril, the baía da armação and views of the Serra do Risco cliff and Forte São Domingos da Baralha.
Can I swim or snorkel on the tour?
Yes: the schedule includes stops for swims in calm, intensely colored waters.
What is included in the price?
Aboard the tour you will have the boat, life jackets, personal accident insurance and a sailor/guide.
Are the departure times fixed?
Departure times can be adjusted with prior notice; check with the operator for any schedule changes.