EXPERIENCIA OCEÁNICA EN LISBOA

SET SAIL AND EMBRACE BIODIVERSITY
A voyage for enquiring minds, fascinated by the beauty and diversity of oceanic and coastal habitats, energized by the prospect of harnessing the power of the wind, and excited by exploring Portugal’s cuisine and culture.
The acclaimed Portuguese tall ship Santa Maria Manuela and global award-winning Oceanário de Lisboa have curated a unique voyage of ecological, maritime, and cultural discovery.
Imagine an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of one of the world’s most celebrated aquariums, a sunset sail away from Lisbon’s historic shoreline, helming a classic 63-meter tall sailing ship under the stars, getting up close and personal with dolphin, kayaking under the jagged cliffs of Arrábida National Park, an eye-to-eye meeting with an octopus as you dive or snorkel in one of Portugal’s most pristine marine reserves, and celebrating this journey of environmental and cultural enlightenment guided by a marine biologist during a final sunset evening of local food and song.
Join the adventure!

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
• 4-days exploring the unique beauty off the coast of Lisbon and discovering its marine biodiversity
• Behind-the-scenes tour at the Oceanário de Lisboa
• Live aboard a 63-meter tall sailing ship
• Swim in the underwater world of the Arrábida National Park and learn more about the unique and amazing biodiversity that lives there
• Explore the coast of Sesimbra by kayak and discover the jagged landscape of cliffs, caves and beaches, all bathed by the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic

• Travel on the Sado Estuary and discover one of only three sedentary dolphin communities in Europe
• Make an authentic connection with local fisherman of the region as you work with them to choose, prepare and cook a “Caldeirada”, one of Portugal’s traditional dishes
• Sail up the Tagus river with the giant statue of “Cristo Rei” and the “25 Abril” bridge silhouetted by the rising sun
• Be a part of an exclusive experience (maximum of 32 participants)

OUR TRAVELLERS
The Lisbon Ocean Experience participants are ocean lovers and have in common a fascination for the underwater world and its mysteries and wonders. With this experience you will be thrilled by unique moments with a deep connection with the ocean and the Portuguese cultural traditions.
Our participants are seeking authentic adventures full of nature, culture and history, that will enable them to return home with lifelong memories, having gained a unique and intimate insight into Lisbon’s coastline above and below the water.
Participants in this experience are helping to grow a wider community of ambassadors for the conservation and knowledge of the ocean through Ocean Alive, our associated foundation

AN EXPERIENCE BY OCEANÁRIO DE LISBOA
Recognized three times as “the best aquarium in the world” by Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice, the Oceanário de Lisboa is a place that brings the ocean to the city through the nearly 500 marine species that inhabit it. The Oceanário’s mission is to encourage visitors to learn more about the ocean, making them aware of their own responsibility in conserving our natural heritage by changing their behaviour towards a more sustainable society.
The Lisbon Ocean Experience, founded in 2022 as a programme for ecotourism, aims to help to grow a wider community of ambassadors for the conservation of the ocean and marine ecosystems. By participating in this experience curated by Oceanário de Lisboa, you will also be supporting research and conservation projects by boosting financial sustainability, which will allow for a larger and full-time dedicated teams and continuous long-term studies of marine species and ecosystems.
The Lisbon Ocean Experience starts with an immersive visit to the Oceanário de Lisboa, delving into the natural world from start to finish, including a behind-the-scenes exclusive tour – which is also an invitation to join us on a path together towards protect marine biodiversity.

ABOUT LISBON OCEAN BIODIVERSITY
Lisbon is one of the European cities with the closest proximity to a wonderful and vast underwater world.

At the Arrábida mountain, participants will fall in love with the sense of harmony felt here between land and sea. This natural park boasts the highest lime-stone cliffs in Europe, offering a place of incomparable beauty and rich plant life.
Aside from marvellous walks, visitors can take part in caving activities, diving or climbing here.

Among the dense vegetation that is unique to the Mediterranean region and the imposing mountain ranges that surround the coast, participants will be able to observe up close the colours and textures of the common octopus, be amazed by the fluorescence of the jewel anemones that can be seen with the naked eye, marvel at the pod of bottlenose dolphin which are resident on the Sado Estuary… and allow themselves to experience all the unpredictable events that the ocean brings us.

LISBON OCEAN EXPERIENCE ECO VOYAGE
Our voyage starts in the company of one local and experienced marine biologist for a private behind the scenes tour of the award winning Oceanário. This immersive experience takes you on a contemplative journey through the underwater world to discover 8,000 sea creatures. There’s little wonder that the Oceanário de Lisboa has three times been recognized as the world’s leading aquarium, both for its content, and for its conservational and educational initiatives.
In the convivial company of our marine biologist, crew and new-found shipmates, enjoy the delights of Portuguese cuisine and be enchanted by Fado, a song declared by UNESCO as the ‘intangible cultural heritage of humanity’ in 2011.
Travel in the wake of Portuguese forefathers and learn to sail the Santa Maria Manuela as we voyage along Lisbon’s historic city shoreline, under the famous 25 April suspension bridge and south towards the Arrábida National reserve.
Explore the coast of Sesimbra by kayak and discover the jagged landscape of cliffs, caves and beaches, all bathed by the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic.
Immerse yourself in the tranquil waters of Luiz Saldanha Marine Park and discover the unusually diverse ecosystem of this unique region. Our dive or snorkel is followed by an educational talk by our resident marine biologist on the conservation project which is protecting this fragile ecosystem, making it one of Portugal’s most vibrant reef systems.
Travel on the Sado Estuary and discover one of only three sedentary dolphin communities in Europe. The flotilla of about 30 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) is frequently seen in the waters of Setúbal and Troia.
Meet local fisherman of the region and work with them to choose, prepare and cook a “Caldeirada”, one of Portugal’s traditional dishes.
As the sunset sinks below the horizon with a glass of wine shared with shipmates on the deck of our historic four masted schooner, is there any better way to celebrate the end of this voyage of Portuguese discovery.

LISBON OCEAN EXPERIENCE ITINERARY
Day 1
Morning Arriving in Lisbon. Private transfer to Santa Maria Manuela Tall Ship.

Afternoon Exclusive behind the scenes tour of the Oceanário de Lisboa escorted by a local and experienced marine biologist.

Evening Board the Santa Maria Manuela 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.

For this product the Portuguese taxation will be applied. If you require an invoice it is necessary to request it to Santa Manuel Manuela S.A. with tax code PT-515 755 028.