Viator Rating : 5 (190 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 8.8/10 (Verified Excellent)
Lisbon
Lisbon: Dolphin, Whale & Bird Watching Boat Tour
240
Overview
Feathers & Scales is an ocean adventure off the coast of Lisbon. It shows the amazing sea life of Portugal. Since 2015, this tour has a very high success rate (95%) for seeing dolphins.
The boat trip starts at the Bom Sucesso Dock, passing the Belém Tower. It sails into the Atlantic Ocean for about 4 hours. People can watch dolphins, whales, and birds. Depending on the time of year, you might see different seabirds following fishermen or dolphins hunting. Sometimes, blue sharks and whales show up too! The coast has beautiful views of the ocean and land.
This tour includes life jackets and binoculars. It does not include food or drinks. Get ready for an unforgettable journey! 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Crowd Density (8 - Empty / Light) : Very few people, free movement
Safety (9 - Secure) : Strong feeling of safety and control
Upsell Risk (9 - Transparent) : No upsells or hidden costs
Logistics (9 - Seamless) : Smooth and well executed
Pacing (8 - Balanced) : Smooth and comfortable timing
Instagram Factor (9 - Iconic) : Highly photogenic and memorable
Guide Quality (10 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (10 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
What to Watch Out For
Mobility (7 - Moderate) : Some effort required
Highlights
See Dolphins Up Close: Watch playful dolphins in their natural habitat.
Spot Whales and Seabirds: Look for whales and different kinds of seabirds.
Beautiful Coastal Views: Enjoy stunning views of the Lisbon coastline.
Life Jackets and Binoculars Included: Stay safe and see better with provided equipment.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers enjoyed seeing many dolphins and other sea life.
-
The guides are very friendly and helpful.
-
Many customers said it was the best tour they have ever taken
-
The experience is fun and memorable.
Some customers felt the tour was too long.
-
A few customers did not see any dolphins.
The Journey
Doca de Recreio do Bom Sucesso
The starting point of the tour, Doca de Recreio do Bom Sucesso is a recreational dock in Lisbon. It serves as the departure point for the Atlantic ocean expedition.
Torre de Belém
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Tower of Belém is a 16th-century fortress located at the mouth of the Tagus River. The boat passes by this iconic landmark on the way to the Atlantic Ocean.
Atlantic Ocean
The main area for the dolphin-watching, bird-watching, and whale-watching expedition. The waters offshore Lisbon are known for their biodiversity, offering opportunities to observe various marine species and seascapes.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes life jackets and binoculars to help see the wildlife. Food and drinks are not included, so it's a good idea to bring your own. Make sure to arrive at the Bom Sucesso Dock on time for departure.
Hot Tip
Customers recommend bringing a jacket as it can get chilly on the water, even on a sunny day. Also, bring your camera to capture the amazing views and wildlife!
Review Summary
Customers generally say that Feathers & Scales delivers an exceptional wildlife viewing experience with knowledgeable, respectful guides who go the extra mile to spot marine life. Travelers consistently praise the high success rate in encountering dolphins and whales, with many mentioning close-up sightings and the opportunity to learn from marine biologists on board. The guides, particularly Captain Vasco and guide Ines, receive specific commendations for their expertise and friendly demeanor. Reviewers highlight the convenient departure from central Lisbon near Belém Tower and appreciate the small group sizes that make the experience feel personalized. The tour is rated highly by 100% of reviewers with ratings of 4 or higher, and visitors frequently describe it as unforgettable and worth every penny.
Frequently Asked Questions
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