Arrabida Kayaking Expedition

Arrábida Nature Park is one of the most beautiful and fascinating natural regions of Mediterranean influence that remains almost untouched in its natural equilibrium. The cultural references of the Park witness occupation from prehistoric times, through those of the Phoenicians and Romans to the Arabs.
We will paddle in the Maritime Reserve Luiz de Saldanha and in the estuary of the Sado River, enjoying the caves, secret beaches, old fortresses along the coast and crystal clear waters where we might play with the dolphins if we´re lucky.
For many years the area now occupied by the Arrabida Natural Park was an important hunting reserve with a diversified fauna, which, amongst other species, included wolves, wild boar and deer, the latter having disappeared by the beginning of the 20th century. The most representative and characteristic biotopes for the land fauna are limestone cliffs and rocky outcrops, caves, scrubland, thickets, bushes, copses, corkwoods, pine forest, meadows and small watercourses that we best see paddling along the coast. Arrabida’s marine ecosystems are of the greatest national and international importance too.
Our ACA certified and experienced guides will take the best care of you during this paddle adventure that is limited to groups of 12 participants.

INCLUDED

ACA certified guide
Sea kayak (individual or double), spraydeck, PFD, paddle (sea kayak or wing)
Transfers onsite and from Lisbon (departure at 12pm on day 1 and return at 2pm on day 5)
Insurance
Full-board Accommodation, 4 nights

Next departures

20/05/2024 to 24/05/2024

Places available

Additional information

Dates	20/05/2024 – 24/05/2024

Trip introduction, first paddling session

After a transfer to Sesimbra and setting up the kayaks, this first paddling session focusses on paddling technics and rescue exercises so that we make sure you´re prepared for the coming days. We will also get to know eachother better.

Sesimbra - Espichel, 25 km

Sesimbra is a traditional fishing village that also stands in the middle of two Natural Parks: the Maritime Park Professor Luis Saldanha and Arrábida Natural Park. We will paddle along the coast towards Cape Espichel and climb to the castle at night.

Sesimbra - Setúbal, 24 Km

Kayaking in the Nature Park of Arrabida and Luiz de Saldanha Nature Reserve until the town of Setúbal. We will cross the Nature Park from Sesimbra heading east to Setúbal paddling along an amazing coastline with high cliffs, crystal clear waters, caves, white sand beaches and might again see some bottlenose or common dolphins, if we´re lucky.

Setúbal - Troia - Carrasqueira, 20km

We will cross the estuary of the Sado River by ferry boat and paddle in the river along white sand beaches. We will visit the Roman ruins of what used to be the largest center of fish-salting industry known from the Roman Empire, occupied until the 6th century. We will then paddle to the fishing docks of Carrasqueira.

Visit Palmela, farewell

We will visit the castle of Palmela and an archeologic site from the Iron Age. We will end the morning with a wine tasting in Azeitão. After lunch, we will be transfered to the airport or Lisbon city centre where it´s time to say goodbye

Arrábida Nature Park

Arrábida Nature Park and Maritime Park Professor Luis Saldanha are one of the most beautiful and fascinating natural regions of Mediterranean influence, and remains almost untouched in its natural equilibrium. For many years the area now occupied by the Arrabida Natural Park was an important hunting reserve with a diversified fauna, which, amongst other species, included wolves, wild boar and deer, the latter having disappeared by the beginning of the 20th century. The most representative and characteristic biotopes for the land fauna are limestone cliffs and rocky outcrops, caves, scrubland, thickets, bushes, copses, corkwoods, pine forest, meadows and small watercourses. Arrabida’s marine ecosystems are of the greatest national and international importance too. The cultural references of the Park witness occupation from prehistoric times, through those of the Phoenicians and Romans to the Arabs. We will visit the medieval castles of Sesimbra and Palmela and the sixteenth century Fortress of S. Felipe and spend the night in the Convent of Arrábida.