Best boat tours in Lisbon

It’s magic seeing the skyline of Lisbon from the water. Suddenly the geography – all the hills, viewpoints, and landmarks – falls into place. Zipping about on the Tagus River aboard a Lisbon boat trip is even better at sunset. A golden glow adds extra sparkle to Lisbon’s monuments as you cruise beneath the towering 25 de Abril Bridge, pass the famous Belém Tower, and gaze up at Cristo Rei watching over you.

I live in Lisbon and I go out on the Rio Tejo at least a few times each summer, usually renting a 12-person sailboat and skipper with my friends. I’ve got lots of local tips and ideas for when to book your sailboat, which type of boat to look for, and what to take with you.

Let’s dive into my guide to the best boat tours in Lisbon. Fingers crossed you’re lucky enough to see dolphins!

Choosing your style of boat tour in Lisbon

There are half-a-dozen types of boat tours that operate on Lisbon’s Tagus River. 

• 10-person sailboats or 18-person catamarans that you can book privately or join on a small-group tour. Usually 2-4 hours.
• Large-scale party boat tours, usually with a DJ at sunset and a bar.
• Tourist hop-on, hop-off boat tours. 
• Half-day ocean boat trips with swim stops.
• Dolphin-watching and wildlife boat tours.

Besides these tour options, there are also public ferry boats that cross the river, connecting the southern areas of Cacilhas, Trafaria, Barreiro, and Seixal with Lisbon.

Essential tips for boat tours in Lisbon

• Book ahead.  Especially in summer, the boats will get very busy and you don’t want to miss out.
• Don’t be late. If you’ve booked a small-group tour, it will leave on time – don’t delay it! They might not wait.
• No hotel pick-ups. You have to find your way to the correct dock (there are 6-8 docks in Lisbon). Use Uber, Bolt, public transport or a taxi.
• Don’t expect commentary. While the skipper and captain are usually very lovely, most boat trips are more excursions than guided tours. If you want to know more about what you’re looking at, just ask – they will know.
• Pack sunscreen. For any day tours, wear sunscreen at least on your face! The reflection off the water is strong.
• Most include a welcome drink. Not all, but many do. Some include an open bar of wine and beer.
• BYO snacks. Very few include food, but in my experience the captain and skipper don’t mind you bringing food. One even built my charcuterie board for me like a pro!
• Some let you BYO alcohol. When I book a private boat with friends, we take our own drinks and snacks. Just no red wine or drinks that will stain.
• Take a jacket. Even in peak summer, once the sun is gone it’s cold. Take a jacket for all sunset tours. 
• Go early for sunset: If you book a private sunset tour, I always make the end time 20-30 minutes before sunset. The sun sets behind Lisbon, so you lose the light faster.

Read next… How to spend 48 hours in Lisbon: Two-day itinerary

My pick – sailboats and catamarans: Best small-group or private boat tours in Lisbon

Kick back on the hull of a sailboat with a glass of local vinho verde and watch Lisbon float by. In my opinion, the best boat tours in Lisbon are the small-group sailboats and catamarans that seat 10-18 people. You can rent the 10-person size privately for about €350-400 for two hours, or pay more or less €35-50 for a place on the boat (2025 prices).   

It’s good fun to be on a boat any time of day, but sunset is obviously a touch more magical as you enjoy a front-row seat to the city’s most famous sights as another day ends. I’ve been out on the Tagus River with a handful of different companies, and all have been good – but my experiences with Enjoy Tagus were always the most memorable.

Small-group Lisbon 2-hour sailboat and catamaran tours

If you’re a couple, a family, or a smaller group of friends I’d lock in a small-group sailboat or catamaran boat tour. This is my favourite way to get out on the river as it’s both intimate and affordable. These tours all go for around two hours unless otherwise stated. 

• My pick – Sailboat tour with Enjoy Tagus: Choice of morning, afternoon or sunset. Includes a welcome drink. Departs from Doca do Espanhol in Alcântara. 
• Catamaran sunset boat: 90-minute sunset tour. Includes welcome drink. Departs from Doca de Santo Amaro.
• Vintage sailboat tour. Choice of afternoon or sunset. Includes welcome drink and snacks. Departs from Doca de Santo Amaro. 
• Top-rated sailboat tour: Sunset. Includes a welcome drink and salty snacks. Departs Doca de Alcântara.
• Top-rated sailboat tour: Includes two drinks and commentary. Departs Doca de Belém.
• Sunset sailboat tour: Includes with a welcome drink. Departs from Doca de Alcântara.
• Sailboat tour with River Sailing. Choice of morning, afternoon or sunset. Departs from Doca do Espanhol in Alcântara
• Sunset sailboat tour. Includes white wine, port wine or fruit juice. Departs Doca de Santo Amaro.
• Sunset catamaran tour: Includes welcome drink. Departs Doca de Alcântara.
• Sailboat cruise: Includes drinks and mini charcuterie board. Departs Doca de Santo Amaro. Options for German, French and Spanish speakers.

Private yacht charters in Lisbon

I love to book a 12-person sailboat with friends and spend a summer evening watching the sunset as we cruise around our chosen city. Chartering a yacht means you’ll enjoy a private, tailor-made experience. Many operators offer private charters, and besides having the boat to yourself you’ll be able to bring your own drinks and snacks. 

If you have a group of 8+ people, or are looking for a stylish way to toast a special occasion with a loved one – then private is the way to go.

• Private sailboat with Enjoy Tagus: 2-hour tour, your choice of start time. Includes a welcome drink. Departs from Doca do Espanhol in Alcântara. 
• Top-rated private sailboat day or sunset tour: Afternoon includes open bar of sparkling wine and salty snacks. Departs Doca de Alcântara at 2pm.
• Private sailboat. Best option for couples! Morning, afternoon or sunset. Departs Doca de Santo Amaro.
• Private sailboat for 2-8 hours with Hypa: Go sailing for 2, 4, 6 or 8 hours on a private 36-foot boat. Hypa can organise catering too. Departs Doca de Alcântara.
• Private sailboat for 2-3 hours with Bloo: or book a private sunset tour with them. Departs from Doca do Bom Sucesso, Belém.
• Private vintage sailboat. Up to 12 people – ideal for a birthday or bachelor party.  Departs Doca de Alcântara.
• Private catamaran tour: Up to 14 people for 2, 3 or 4 hours. Departs from Doca de Belém.
• Private catamaran tour: Up to 18 people for 2 hours. Choose morning, lunch, or afternoon. Departs Doca de Alcântara.
• Private half-day catamaran: Up to 18 people. Departs Doca de Alcântara at 2pm. With four hours you can cruise out to the beaches and go swimming.
• Private half- or whole-day sailboat: Cruise the coastline between Lisbon and Cascais. Play your own music, bring wine, and enjoy 4-7 hours on the water. Departs Doca do Bom Sucesso.

Larger party boat tours in Lisbon

If you’re celebrating a birthday, have a large group for a bachelor or bachelorette party, or just want to meet other people, then the big party boats are a great option. These are more like a floating bar with live DJs, space to dance, and a bar available for you to kick off the fun.

• Lisbon Boat Party: 4-hour sunset party on a big historic ship (the Principe Perfeito). Live DJ playing deep house, techno, R&B, EDM, reggaeton. I’ve been on this boat for a friend’s birthday and it’s good fun! Includes a welcome drink, long drink included, and free club entry after. Departs from Rocha Conde de Óbidos.
• Sunset boat party with a DJ: 2-hour party aboard the spacious Evora boat. Upper deck is a party, downstairs is chill. Includes welcome drink. Departs from Rocha Conde de Óbidos.
• Tall ship sunset party: 2-hour cruise with good music and great vibes. Includes a welcome drink, then there’s a bar onboard. Departs Doca de Alcântara.
• Sunset boat party: With “hot live DJ” and open bar for a 2.5-hour cruise.
• Disco night cruise with open bar: 2-hour cruise kicks off at 9pm with flowing wine, beer and sangria, a live DJ and pumping dancefloor. Perfect club night prelude! Departs from Estação Fluvial Sul e Sueste (Terreiro do Paço).
• Chill catamaran boat party: 90-minute sunset tour. Includes welcome drink and music. Departs from Doca de Santo Amaro.

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Tagus River hop-on hop-off & tourist boats

A Lisbon boat tour that takes you from A to B to C? Lisbon’s hop-on hop-off boat tours operate much like the double-decker hop-on hop-off bus counterparts. You’ll be able to board and disembark at key waterfront locations such as Terreiro do Paço and Belém. Plus you’ll see the beauty of Lisbon’s landmarks from the water (without having to climb hills or navigate cobblestones). It’s a stress-free way to explore.

• Lisboat: Pet-friendly boat stops at Terreiro do Paço, Cais do Sodré & Belém Tower. Get tickets.
• Yellow Boat Tour: From the same company as the Yellow Bus hop-on hop-off tours. Boat stops at Terreiro do Paço and Belém MAAT. In between you’ll enjoy a river cruise with audio guide, and the ticket gives you access to the Carris public trams, funiculars, and Santa Justa Lift. Buy tickets.

Besides the two hop-on hop-off boat trips, there are some more touristic boat rides in Lisbon – such as the HippoTrip, an amphibious vehicle that can go on land and into the river. It always makes me laugh seeing the yellow vessel and they promise a “laughter-filled city adventure aboard an amphibious vehicle” over 90 minutes. I think it would be really fun for families. Book it here.

Budget sightseeing Lisbon river cruises

If you’re on a tighter budget, but still want to experience the city from the river – there are soem larger boats or shorter tours that do the job. Try the…

• Principe de Beira: fits up to 200 people over three decks.
• Cabrio ship: large boat with 90-minute tour. 
• Tagus River Express Cruise: Choice of a 45-minute sightseeing tour (or 105-minute tour) aboard a traditional painted wooden cargo boat from 1947. It also offers a 2-hour sunset cruise.
• Speedboat tour: fast-paced 1-hour boat tour.

Lisbon boat tours with a swim stop or beach hop

It’s pretty rare to find boat tours in Lisbon that allow you to swim. Most carve a two-hour lap of the historic Lisbon, roughly between Praça do Comércio and Belém. But there are a few that head towards the open ocean instead, where the water is clean and clear. Here’s a couple that sound super fun:

• BBQ boat cruise to the beach: 3-hour tour includes lunch, open bar and music. Departs from Praça do Comércio.
• Catamaran boat party: 3-hour tour includes an hour of open bar. Departs Doca de Santo Amaro.
• Private sailboat: 4-7 hours. Cruise between Lisbon and Cascais. Play your own music and bring drinks and snacks. Departs Doca do Bom Sucesso.

Dolphin-watching and wildlife boat tours

Dolphins in the Tagus River? Yep, Lisbon’s wild locals are closer than you think. It’s a rare sight, but I have seen dolphins twice while walking along the riverside in Alcântara. But if you want to catch them up close (and ideally with a marine biologist) you can join a dolphin-watching cruise that will take you to the river mouth and open sea where you can often spot both common and bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat.

• 3-hour dolphin-watching cruise with a marine biologist. Fast rigid inflatable boat. Morning or afternoon. Departs Doca de Santo Amaro.
• 3-hour dolphin-watching cruise with a marine biologist. Includes coffee and pastel de nata. Fast rigid inflatable boat. Morning or afternoon. Departs Doca de Santo Amaro.
• 3-hour dolphin-watching cruise. Open bar. Morning or afternoon. Departs Estação Fluvial Sul e Sueste (Terreiro do Paço).  

Or for something different…

• Tagus Estuary Nature Reserve Birdwatching Boat Tour. Instead of heading towards the ocean, cruise inland to the largest estuary in western Europe. Here a natural reserve of 14,000 hectares counts 200 different species of birds. You’ll be given binoculars. Departs from Onda Lusoamericana.

Other Lisbon boat tours that may interest you

• Mamma Mia Disco Boat Tour: yep, it’s a thing! Twice a month across the summer, you can dress up and find your inner Dancing Queen aboard this 2-hour cruise.
• Fado on the water: Board the Lisboat and cruise around Lisbon’s top sights with a glass of wine in hand while listening to a live traditional fado music trio.

Read next… 13 best day trips from Lisbon

Best times of year for boat tours in Lisbon

You can head out on the water any month of the year – though I’d say late spring (April to May), summer (June to August) and early autumn (September to October) are the best months for a Lisbon boat tour. Lisbon can get super busy in the summer months, but if you organise a private sailboat you’ll be away from the crowds – just be sure to book in advance so you don’t miss out.

Can you swim with a boat trip in Lisbon?

Yes and no. The first time I went on a boat tour, I did pack a swimsuit and towel but most boat tours are too short, so you don’t venture out of the river mouth into the open ocean. If you book a half-day boat, you may cruise towards Cascais and those boat trips would definitely include the chance to swim. I’ve included some boat tours that include swim stops above.

Day trips from Lisbon where you can join boat trips

Besides boat trips on the Tagus River, you can board boats in a couple of cool locations close to Lisbon. The easiest to reach is Cascais, a charming seaside town west of Lisbon. Take a train and walk to the marina where boat tours will cruise along the different beaches and coves – expect swim stops.

You can take a train to Setúbal and walk down to the docks to board a boat or dolphin-watching tour around the Sado Estuary and Arrábida Natural Park. Sailing along the rocky coastline and turquoise waters here is insanely beautiful – I’ve also done this many times with friends as it’s more naturally picturesque and you can swim. At the other end of Arrábida Natural Park is the village of Sesimbra, where you can join kayaking trips or boat tours too. 

Further afield lie the Berlengas Islands, a protected nature reserve off the coast of Peniche. It’s about a 70-minute drive north of Lisbon. The adventurous boat trip out can be rough, but once on the remote island you can explore sea caves, hiking trails, and a cool fort.

Want help planning your trip to Lisbon? ✨ Book a one-on-one video call with Daniela and get custom help organising your perfect Portugal itinerary. Find out more here.

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