What part of Portugal can you swim with dolphins?

Swim with dolphins in the Azores, where a thriving population of Atlantic spotted dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and common dolphins make this a thrilling place to encounter the marine mammals.



The most famous and ethically regulated place to swim with dolphins in Portugal is the Azores archipelago, specifically on the islands of São Miguel, Pico, and Faial. Unlike "enclosure" experiences, the Azores offer "wild" dolphin swims in the open Atlantic Ocean. Tour operators use lookouts (vigias) on land to spot pods of Common, Bottlenose, Risso's, and Atlantic Spotted dolphins. Once a pod is located, a small group of swimmers enters the water at a respectful distance to observe them in their natural habitat. Another popular, albeit different, experience is found in the Algarve region at Zoomarine near Albufeira, which offers an educational "Dolphin Emotions" program in a controlled lagoon. Additionally, the Sado Estuary near Setúbal is home to a unique resident community of Bottlenose dolphins; while you cannot typically "swim" with them there due to conservation laws, boat tours offer incredibly close encounters. For the most authentic and immersive experience, the deep blue waters of the Azores remain the premier destination for marine life enthusiasts in 2026.

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The high season – June to August – is the best time for the beach. During the summer months, you'll find warmer ocean temperatures, especially as you head south to the Algarve. Water temps and crowds alike peak in July and August, so plan on sharing those pretty beaches with plenty of other sunseekers.

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Watch as these incredible mammals frolic in their natural environment as you learn more about their habits, diet and family life. The waters of the Atlantic Ocean surrounding Lagos are teeming with pods of harbor porpoises, bottlenose dolphins and risso's dolphins among other marine mammals.

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As well as the cetacean and majestic mobulas, the Azores are also a hotspot for sharks. Between July and October, mako and blue sharks can be seen with surprising regularity at remote seamounts around the island of Pico.

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The ocean temperatures are like in January, 17°C (63°F). They only get warmer in May. However, you can still go swimming all year round in the Azores.

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Whether you have an upcoming trip booked or are looking for travel inspiration, keep scrolling to see the best beaches in Portugal.
  • Praia Dona Ana, Lagos.
  • Costa da Caparica, Almada.
  • Praia Porto Santo, Porto Santo Island.
  • Praia de Moledo, Moledo.
  • Praia da Falesia, Albufeira.
  • Praia de São Jacinto, Aveiro.


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Key West, Florida. Key West, Florida is an island well-known for their interactive dolphin experiences. There are numerous tours, cruises and dives all over Key West. Some let you dive and swim with the dolphins while others are strictly a chance to get to watch them in their natural environment.

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But though Nazaré's surfing reputation precedes it, there are plenty of calmer beaches suitable for swimming, including Praia da Nazaré and São Martinho do Porto.

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