Sesimbra Fishing Tour: Behind-the-Scenes Experience

Explore the hidden aspects of Sesimbra’s fishing industry and discover a world that remains unseen by most tourists. Attend the fish auction, immerse yourself in local traditions, and savor a distinctive tasting experience within a fisherman’s warehouse.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Docapesca - Lota de Sesimbra - Explore the authentic Sesimbra through its profound connection to the sea and its age-old fishing customs. Portugal has depended on the ocean for generations, and this experience offers a unique glimpse into that world.
    Begin your journey at Sesimbra’s fishing port and accompany your local guide behind the scenes of…
What's Included
  • Local guide
  • Entrance in the fish auction
  • Small-group tour (limited to 12 people)
  • Liqueur tasting
What's Not Included
  • Hotel pick-up and drop off
  • Transportation to/from attractions
Additional Information
  • A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
  • A maximum of 12 people per booking is required
  • Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. During summer and warmer days, please bring a hat, sunscreen, and water.
Location
Docapesca - Lota de Sesimbra
Meet your local guide at the entrance of Sesimbra’s fishing port, next to the parking area in front of the Docapesca warehouse. Please arrive 10 minutes before the start time.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(4 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Carolbz3217lj
May 31, 2025
Learn How Fish Go From the Fishing Boats to Restaurants - Sesimbra has elevated the commercial fish auction and processing plant to be one of the most efficient operations in Portugal! Tomás, our guide, arranged for us to gain access to the secured port where the local fishing industry sells their catch to commercial buyers. We saw the fish leave the boats, get sorted and evaluated for type, freshness, weight and size minutes before they were photographed and auctioned off to the highest bidders. We sat in the stands with commercial seafood buyers who were bidding on the catches. Other buyers were viewing the catch online in real time. Tomás explained the entire process as we watched orange tubs of sorted fish on a conveyor belt pass in front of us. LaterTomás walked us around the gated port where we saw fishermen making and straightening nets. One even stopped to show us how he puts hooks on a line that will plunge hundreds of feet to catch fish. Only in a place like Sesimbra with a local guide can a tourist see how the locals thrive as they have for hundreds of years. Later that day we saw an orange tub of octopus being delivered to a local restaurant where the special of the day was Portuguese baked octopus.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ralph_w
Sep 26, 2024
Behind Sesimbra's Fish Trade - The Hooked On Sesimbra tour offers a detailed look into the fish processing industry in Sesimbra. Leonor, our guide, provided clear and informative commentary in English. The itinerary included observing a live auction, visiting fishermen working on nets, and watching fishing boats get ready for their trips. I would recommended it for anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes aspects of the fishing trade.
Review provided by Viator
Анна
Oct 18, 2017
Amazing day at fishing port - Hooked on Sesimbra is a great experience organized by Marcelo in his hometown. Sesimbra is a very nice marine town fully devoted to the ocean. Fishing traditions go from generation to generation. We visited port and had a relaxed walk in town getting known its history and traditions, tasting its unique pastries and drinks. Marcelo is a great host and very interesting person. He is very easygoing and communicative. He organized our nice group so everybody felt involved. We are really happy with our decision to take this experience and would highly recommend it to everybody. Hope to visit Sesimbra again and have new experience with Portugalska team!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Judith
Oct 17, 2017
As happened, I was the only person... - <p>As happened, I was the only person on this tour that day, but Marcello was a great guide and person and we got to be friends, so how nice is that. I learned a lot about the fishing industry and had a boat ride along the coast and a great dinner at a tiny place in the town. It was a fine day.</p>
Review provided by Viator
From $49
up to 12 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).