Decide when to go. Even though Portugal is warm enough that dolphins are easily found year-round, it's important to take the country's high and low seasons into account. Travel and swimming with dolphins will both be more expensive in the summer, when the travel season is at its peak. If you plan on visiting the Azores islands, the best time to see dolphins is from May to October.
Choose between mainland Portugal and a Portuguese island. Mainland Portugal, while it has access to the beach, also offers opportunities to swim with dolphins at the Zoomarine Park in Algarve. The park gives visitors the opportunity to swim with dolphins for 30 minutes after a 40-minute talk on dolphins and the environment. Alzores, an island off the coast of Portugal, is another option for swimming with dolphins.
Find a reputable company or agency. If you're swimming with wild dolphins off the mainland or in the Alzores, be sure that the company you decide to go through is reputable and will respect the laws so you don't get in trouble. It will also mean that the trip itself is more likely to be enjoyable and that you will be well-protected. After you choose the company, choose the trip you'd like to take. Many companies offer day trips that are about eight hours long. Others have trips that are only two or three hours long.
Jump in and swim. Make sure you're comfortable swimming wherever you are, and that you feel the appropriate safety precautions have been taken. Don't forget to take pictures – who knows when you'll have the opportunity to swim with dolphins again.
