More about: 8 Best Boat Tours and Cruises in Lisbon
Enjoying a cruise along the Tagus River after a day of sightseeing in Lisbon is a very relaxing experience that will put the finishing touch on your trip to this splendid city.
There are plenty of options available for river cruises in Lisbon, so I've selected the best experiences and added a few useful tips to make it easy for you. Here's a guide to taking a cruise on the Tagus River in Lisbon.
1. Sunset cruise on the Tagus River in Lisbon
This experience combines three things that, for me, make it perfect: sunset views over Lisbon from the river, a welcome glass of wine to toast with, and a limit of 24 people on board to escape the crowds.
A sunset cruise on the Tagus River in Lisbon will take you to see the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower, the Christ the King monument and the Monument to the Discoveries, among other points of interest, from the river.
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- Duration: 2 hours
- Price: From €43
- Recommended if... you are looking for a peaceful and different way to see Lisbon at sunset.
2. Sunset sailing trip with a glass of wine on the Tagus River in Lisbon
This is another option for a boat trip on the Tagus River in Lisbon with a different company. This is a more relaxed trip, less focused on sightseeing and more on enjoying a glass of Portuguese wine of your choice while sailing along the Tagus on a sailboat.
From the river, you'll see the sky turn colours as the city lights come on. You'll pass places such as Avenida Brasília, the Almada area and Cristo Rey, all with explanations and stories from the crew. This is a highly recommended plan if you fancy enjoying a special moment in good company with a drink in your hand while taking in some of the best views of Lisbon.
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- Duration: 2 hours
- Price: From €67
- Recommended if... you want to enjoy a sailing trip with wine and unique views
3. Traditional cruise on the Tagus in a historic boat
Discover Lisbon from a different perspective with this traditional boat trip on the Tagus River. Aboard an original 1947 boat, you will travel through the heart of the city while enjoying a leisurely pace, with the sound of the water and Lisbon's façades in the background. The boat's small capacity (around 26 passengers) ensures a comfortable, peaceful trip with excellent views from anywhere on board.
During the trip, you'll sail past places such as St George's Castle, with its history linked to the Moors and the first Portuguese kings, and the Alfama district, with its narrow streets and viewpoints over the Tagus. You will also pass by the Praça do Comércio, an emblem of the city that opens up in a U-shape towards the river. An ideal trip for those who want to combine history, relaxation and postcard views.
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- Duration: 45 minutes
- Price: From €17
- Recommended if... you want to sail on a historic boat and see Lisbon from the river
4. Private sailboat for two at sunset
This private sailing trip on the Tagus River is one of the most intimate and special experiences you can have in Lisbon. Designed for couples, it will allow you to enjoy a moment of total disconnection as you sail in silence, watching the orange rooftops of the city bathed in the last rays of the day.
For about two hours, you will sail along the most beautiful stretches of the Tagus River, passing monuments such as the 25 de Abril Bridge, the Padrão dos Descobrimentos and the Praça do Comércio. On board, you'll have a bottle of champagne to toast with and soft music to set the mood for the trip. Perfect for celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a moment of calm with your partner.
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- Duration: 2 hours
- Price: From €290
- Recommended if... you are looking for a romantic experience in Lisbon
5. Transport package: bus, tram and boat
With this 72-hour pack in Lisbon, including boat trip, you can get around the city without worrying about tickets. It includes access to tourist buses, historic trams and a trip on the legendary Yellow Boat, which sails along the Tagus River, allowing you to admire the city from the water.
In addition to transport, the pass gives you access to discounts on leisure, culture and gastronomy. You can ride the famous Santa Justa Elevator, explore the streets on vintage trams, stop at museums such as the MAAT, or simply hop off whenever you want to explore. It's a convenient and flexible way to discover Lisbon by land and water.
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- Duration:
- Price: From €51
- Recommended if... you want to get to know Lisbon in depth with a single pass
6. Boat party on the Tagus River with DJ and sunset
This sunset boat party in Lisbon is ideal if you're looking to combine a great atmosphere, music and unforgettable views. For around 4 hours, you'll sail along the Tagus River on a boat with capacity for around 200 people, to the beat of a local DJ who provides the perfect soundtrack for a summer afternoon in the Portuguese capital.
While you dance or simply have a drink on deck, you'll pass monuments such as the Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery, the 25 de Abril Bridge and the Sé Cathedral. The route is circular and ends with free entry to a nightclub in the centre of Lisbon, in case you feel like continuing the night.
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- Duration: 4 hours
- Price: From €40
- Recommended if... you want to start the night with a different kind of party
7. Yacht trip along the Lisbon skyline
Explore the city from the water with this yacht trip on the Tagus River. For approximately one hour, you will visit some of the most iconic spots on the Lisbon skyline aboard a comfortable and peaceful yacht, ideal for relaxing while enjoying a drink and light snacks.
This small group trip is ideal for unwinding and enjoying the river without the crowds. Along the way, you'll see everything from Cristo Rey to the Belém Tower, passing by the 25 de Abril Bridge and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos. There will be plenty of time to take photos, learn about Lisbon's history or simply admire the scenery.
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- Duration: 1 hour
- Price: From €28
- Recommended if... you want a relaxing ride with iconic views
8. Tour to see dolphins in the wild
This dolphin watching boat tour is one of the most exciting things you can do in Lisbon if you love nature. Aboard a rigid inflatable boat (RIB), you'll head out into the Atlantic waters in search of dolphins, sunfish, sharks and even sea turtles, all guided by an expert marine biologist who will help you identify the species and understand their behaviour.
The excursion lasts about 3 hours and combines an educational component with the adrenaline rush of sailing at high speed on the open sea. You will also have the opportunity to see the Lisbon skyline from the water, passing by St. George's Castle, the Sé Cathedral and the 25 de Abril Bridge. A highly recommended plan for families or travellers with a curious spirit.
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- Duration: 3 hours
- Price: From €63
- Recommended if... you are passionate about marine wildlife and want to see dolphins in the wild
How to book a cruise on the Tagus River in Lisbon
- To book either experience, you must indicate the date and number of participants and the day you wish to take the cruise. Once payment has been confirmed, you will receive a confirmation email (to the email address you provided, so please make sure you use one you check regularly).
- Make sure everything is correct and save the email so you have it handy on the day of the cruise. Another option is to print the confirmation for added security, in case you have any problems with your mobile phone during the trip.
- Both experiences offer free cancellation, and you will receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance, in case you are unable or do not wish to take the boat trip after all.
Tips for taking a cruise on the Tagus River
Bring warm clothing and appropriate footwear
Even in summer, it can get a little chilly on the deck of the boat after sunset. I recommend bringing something warm to enjoy the experience to the fullest. In any case, most cruises have blankets and you can ask for one if you are cold.
Wear shoes with good grip, as the deck can be wet and slippery, and taking an unexpected dip in the water is not usually the most pleasant experience.
Choose a sunny day
If possible, it is best to book this experience a few days in advance so you know what the weather will be like. The boat leaves even if it is cloudy or raining, although this will spoil the views and the experience. Therefore, it is best to choose a sunny day.
During the trip
If you don't drink alcohol or don't like wine, you can swap your drink for a bottle of water or a soft drink when you are offered a drink. On the other hand, the commentary on the places you pass by isn't the most interesting in the world, so I would recommend simply enjoying the views and the breeze and relaxing for a while.
Arrive early to get the best spot
To turn your trip along the Tagus into a romantic moment (yes, this experience is full of couples), you can go to the bow of the boat where there are cushions to sit on and enjoy the sunset. Try to arrive at the pier a little early to get there first and get a good spot.
If you're interested in taking a cruise on the Tagus, you might also like
As I mentioned before, river cruises are a wonderful experience where you can relax and enjoy a glass of wine, but they won't show you Lisbon and all its corners and history as they should. For this, it's best to take a walking tour of the city with a local guide. If this sounds good to you, read on here: 11 Best Tours and Day Trips from Lisbon
Another essential activity on a trip to Lisbon is enjoying a live fado show. There are many fado houses in the city, and it's not easy to distinguish between the most authentic ones and those that offer an experience for tourists. Luckily, we have a very comprehensive guide where you can find out how to enjoy an authentic fado evening: Lisbon Fado Shows.
Finally, if you have a few days to spare in Lisbon and feel like discovering the surrounding area, I recommend taking a trip to Sintra and discovering the Pena Palace, a place that looks like something out of a fairy tale. Read more about this excursion here: Day trips to Sintra and Cascais from Lisbon.