Navigation to the Natural Park of Arrabida in Sesimbra

Coastal sailing from Lisbon to Sesimbra with interactions and ecological knowledge in the Arrábida National Park, led by one of the best marine biographers in Europe, in partnership with the Lisbon Aquarium.
A trip for inquiring minds, fascinated by the beauty and diversity of oceanic and coastal habitats, animated by the desire to harness the power of the wind and to discover and learn about Portugal's gastronomy and culture.
The acclaimed Portuguese sailing ship Santa Maria Manuela and the world award-winning Oceanário de Lisboa have developed for you a unique voyage of ecological, maritime and cultural discovery.
Imagine an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to one of the world's most celebrated aquariums, a sunset trip from Lisbon's historic coastline, steering a 63-meter classic sailboat under the stars, getting up close to dolphins, kayaking under the rugged cliffs of the Arrábida National Park, a face-to-face encounter with an octopus while diving or snorkeling in one of Portugal's most pristine marine reserves, and the celebration of this environmental and cultural awareness trip guided by a marine biologist during a final evening at sunset with food and local songs.
Join the adventure!

Plan

Day 1
Morning Arriving in Lisbon. Private transfer to the Tall Ship.
Afternoon Exclusive behind the scenes tour of the Oceanário de Lisboa escorted by a local and experienced marine biologist.
Evening Board the the Tall Ship and enjoy the Portuguese traditional dishes seasoned by Fado.

Day 2
Morning Set sail west along Lisbon’s historic city shoreline, under the famous 25 April suspension bridge and into the setting sun. Hands on sail training experience. Learn to trim the sails for best speed, helm the wheel or climb the mast
Evening Talk by your marine biologist expedition leader about the Arrábida National Reserve project.

Day 3
Morning Diving or snorkeling tour of Arrabida’s protected reef.
Look out for Octopus, Cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) and triggerfish. Kayak tour of Luiz Saldanha Marine Park Swim at leisure on Praia do Cavalo.
Look out for the jagged landscape of cliffs, caves and beaches.
Afternoon Sado Estuary boat trip.
Look out for the Sado’s resident flotilla of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus); one of only 3 sedentary dolphin communities in Europe (common sightings).
Evening Cultural evening: Choose, prepare and cook a «Caldeirada» with local fishermen.

Day 4
Morning Sail into the Tagus river at sunrise and breakfast onboard before disembarking
Look out for the Cristo Rei one of the most iconic monuments in Lisbon.

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Other information

The price indicated in the activity corresponds to a communal shared bunk cabin and is the lowest of all the rates we offer. We have more type of cabins (bunk bed cabin, double bed cabin, master cabin...) at higher prices.

Contact us so that we can inform you about availability and prices.

Next dates

Boat details

Four masted schooner Santa Maria Manuela offers adventure voyages, island hopping, ocean voyages, diving and oceanographic expeditions for individuals of all ages and groups. At 223ft long (63 metres) she is the largest tall ship Classic Sailing offers activity holidays on, but the crew to guest ratio is excellent so you will be well looked after. This historic Portuguese tall ship has excellent facilities on board and plenty of holiday toys like dive ribs, 'stand up paddle boards' and kayaks, but this is also a ship where you can take part in the hands on sailing, join a night watch or climb the rigging.

Santa Maria Manuela was once the flagship of the Portuguese cod fishing fleet. Built in 1937, in the same year as her sister ship Creoula, she was designed to fish the Newfoundland Banks and rich fishing waters of Arctic Greenland. She often carries the small rowing and sailing dories that would have set out from the mother ship to fish for cod, so you can continue her fishing tradition from small boats or from her huge wooden decks.

Specifications

Model: Custom - 4 masted scooner
Capacity: 46 spots
Length: 68.00 m
Cabins: 16
Year: 1937
Bathrooms: 16

Features

GPS
Radar
Life jackets
VHF
Sounding line
Electric windlass
Autopilot
Wind equipment
EPIRB
Generator
Tender
Bow thruster
Shower
Diving equipment
Fishing rods
HI-FI equipment
Wifi
TV

5 · 3 reviews

Miguel

November of 2022

a special experience

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Carlos Vargas Mogo

June of 2018

Fantastic boat, competent and attentive crew, excellent food, "great" companions, what more to ask for, other than repeat!

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Keith Hubbard

May of 2018

Terrific crew & ship and a lovely passage to the Azores. Crew & Guests very good and patient with someone who only spoke English. It would be difficult to find a better one.
<br>This is a terrifically well run vessel, or was on this trip. Excellent accommodation, well serviced by a professional crew. All very friendly, helpful and willing to give information throughout. Many opportunities to get involved in most aspects of the ships operation & involvement in the vessel's past history.
<br>The Island was beautiful and rather unexpected.
<br>Best wishes & Good Luck for the future.
<br>Very many thanks

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