Aboard · LISBON BOAT TOURS
Good lisbon boat tours fill up weeks ahead in season and the great ones go first. Below: the 12 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Spend about two hours on the Tagus with a DJ, open bar, and views of Lisbon’s waterfront. You’ll pass Commerce Square, the 25 de Abril Bridge, Christ the King, Belém Tower, and the Monument to the Discoveries. Arrive 30 to 40 minutes early for check-in.
“It was the best time! The DJ was amazing and the views were breathtaking! Highly recommend this cruise.”
Spend two hours cruising Lisbon’s Tagus River with music, a welcome drink, and views of Belém Tower, the 25 de Abril Bridge, Christ the King, and Alfama. Sardinha do Tejo’s boat has an open upper deck, indoor seating, and a bar selling drinks by cash or card. Expect a party cruise, not a guided tour.
“Absolutely 💯 enjoyed the ride from start to end. The boat ride is very nice with DJ & music. Excellent”
Set out from Praça do Comércio on a spacious Blue Cruises boat with a complimentary drink, onboard bar, and audio guide app. You will pass Alfama, Belém Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries, Christ the King, and the 25 de Abril Bridge. Bring headphones and board early for the sundeck.
“Really welcoming, the staff were lovely! I went as a solo guest and it was a lovely trip”
Spend two hours on a small sailboat with guides such as Benny, Miguel, Telma, or Luiz, hearing Lisbon stories as you pass Belém Tower, MAAT, Alfama, and Christ the King. Choose daytime, sunset, or night sailing. A drink, water, blankets, and a toilet are provided.
“We did the sunset cruise and couldn’t recommend it more! I flew in from the far south with my 79- and 84-year-old family members, and it was the perfect way to start our trip — low activity, high impact, and absolutely stunning. The vessel was comfortable and easy to move around, and the crew were warm, attentive, and genuinely engaging. One guide was a nautical scientist and the other a former banker — both were delightful, sharing interesting insights and keeping our glasses topped up. The music was perfectly curated — relaxed remixes of classic jazz, never too loud — and it truly elevated the atmosphere. We loved every minute…”
Board FRS Portugal’s accessible cruise near Praça do Comércio for 90 minutes on the Tagus. You’ll get a welcome drink, light snacks, lounge music, WiFi, and views of Belém Tower, the 25 April Bridge, Christ the King, and the sunset from open-air or covered seating.
“The night scenes we great! It was very relaxing. The free snacks were funny. It looked like a kid’s afternoon snack pack- a bowl of goldfish crackers, peanuts & a few hand wrapped candies.😀. The staff were really nice. We really enjoyed it over all.”
Set out from Estação Fluvial Sul e Sueste with guides such as Anna, Barbara, or Telma, cruising past Lisbon landmarks toward the Atlantic. Look for wild dolphins, hear stories about the river and marine life, and enjoy included wine, beer, sangria, and soft drinks. Speedboats may be used when numbers are low.
“I loved this activity. We took a speed boat as there wasn’t too many people booked on, I imagine this isn’t for everybody but I found it quite fun. We managed to find lots of dolphins which was amazing to see. I definitely recommend.”
Spend 90 minutes on the Tagus aboard a catamaran from Doca de Santo Amaro. Choose the open nets or covered deck, enjoy one welcome drink, listen to music, and watch the sunset behind Lisbon landmarks including Belém Tower, Cristo Rei, and the 25th of April Bridge.
“Beautiful sunset cruise on a Catamaran. One tip - bring cash, the card machine is temperamental and the night we went it was out of action. Great way to see Lisbon from the water, and we were treated to a gorgeous sunset.”
Set out from Commerce Square on a comfortable FRS Portugal boat with indoor and outdoor seating. You’ll pass the 25th of April Bridge, MAAT, Belém Tower, and Christ the King. Buy drinks and Portuguese snacks onboard, use the free Wi-Fi, and watch for dolphins.
“Great way to see beautiful Lisboa landmarks from Tagus river. Perfect activity for hot summer days to stay away from the heat for some time.”
Join a skipper-led evening sail from Alcântara, with Portuguese wine and views of Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, the 25 de Abril Bridge, and Christ the King. Crew members such as Joe, Henry, JP, and Marta are praised for friendly commentary. Bring a warm layer, since the river air can turn cool.
“The guide (JP) was very knowledgeable, and the tour was very relaxing. This was such a nice evening getting to know the other riders, and enjoying the atmosphere.”
Set sail from Belém’s Doca do Bom Sucesso for a relaxed Tagus cruise with a small crew. Pass the Discoveries monument, 25 de Abril Bridge, Belém Tower, and Christ the King. You can help steer, enjoy a drink, or choose a sunset departure. Captain Luis has been praised for his sailing knowledge and lively narration.
“It was a lovely one hour sailing trip across the Tagus to the bridge and back It was slightly windy so on a hot day I’m sure it would be even better. Free beer water and the young skipper and his mate were very good Worth the money and definitely recommend”
Spend two hours aboard the 15-meter yacht Mara with Nigel and his crew, sailing from Doca de Santo Amaro past Lisbon’s key waterfront sights. Drinks, warm sweet and savory snacks, city stories, blankets, and a chance to steer are included. Sunset departures add extra atmosphere.
“Do yourself a favour and book this excursion….so good!”
Board a hand-painted 1947 cargo boat at Terreiro do Paço for a 45-minute Tagus cruise. Your skipper and guide, sometimes including Marta, Daniel, or Joana, share Lisbon’s story in English, Spanish, Portuguese, or French while you pass Alfama, the castle, and Commerce Square.
“We were the only people on the ride, so it was like our own personal tour!”
Pick a river, a coast or a harbour.
