The dataset provides a quantitative list of the macrozoobenthic taxa collected in the infra and circalittoral sandy bottom off Ericeira (central Portugal) in May 2001. The fauna was identified to species or family level. The aim was to characterize the macrozoobenthic composition of sandy sediments potentially suitable for beach nourishment, in order to assess the environmental impact of the dredging operations on the benthic communities.