Lisbon is one of my favorite European cities, and its location by a stunning river might or might not have something to do with that. Together with the Pasteis de Nata, of course!
The Portuguese capital also has direct access to the Atlantic Ocean, which means it not only offers the most beautiful views and photo ops of the water, but plenty of opportunities to enjoy it. It’s no wonder boat tours rank amongst the best things to do in Lisbon.
I absolutely loved the experience, and I highly recommend it, which is why I decided to curate the most iconic selection of Lisbon boat tours for you. From sunset cruises to quick sailing tours and even party boat trips, I compiled the best experiences below so you get to choose from the crème de la crème.
Add your favorite boat tour(s) to your Portugal itinerary and start packing your bags; you’ll want to leave immediately!
Why should you trust me? I’ve been in the travel industry for over a decade, and curating travel guides and tours has become second nature to me. I’ve developed a knack for identifying extraordinary experiences, and those are the only activities I include in my posts!
Besides, I’ve visited Lisbon several times over the years (I love it!), so I’m familiar with its attractions, adventures, and hidden gems. You can expect the most iconic, high-quality tours below.
I personally use (and trust) Get Your Guide and Viator to book tours around the world. I especially recommend them for their cancellation policy. If your plans change, you can cancel most tours up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Don’t have time to read it all? These are the top tours:
| THE BEST TOUR | Daytime/Sunset/Night City Sailboat Tour with Drink |
| PARTY BOAT TOUR | Lisbon: Sunset Boat Party Cruise with DJ and Open Bar |
| SUNSET CRUISE | Traditional Boats Sunset Cruise with White Wine |
| PRIVATE TOUR | Lisbon: Private Boutique Boat Tour – Sail in Style |
| DAY TRIP FROM LISBON | Berlengas The Atlantic Frontier: Day Tour |
OUR PICK: The BEST Lisbon Boat Tour
The Lisbon: Daytime/Sunset/Night City Sailboat Tour with Drink sets sail at your preferred time: during the day, at golden hour, or in the evening, ensuring you admire Lisbon in the light you fancy the most.
You’ll sail along the Tagus River, taking in the sights of the city’s riverfront from a completely new perspective. As you sip on a refreshing welcome drink, you’ll listen to your host’s live commentary, who will explain the history of the city, point to the major landmarks, and tell you fascinating stories.
Cruise beneath the iconic 25 de April Bridge, catch a glimpse of the Cristo Rei statue, and see the Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries from the water.
You’ll also be able to spot the Praça do Comércio, Lisbon’s most important square, the dome of Basilica da Estrela, and the hilltop Castle of São Jorge, which looks over the city.
Why this tour? It’s a spectacular way to see the city and learn about it while giving your legs a break from all the walking around. Getting to choose your favorite time to sail is a massive plus that most tours never offer, and you’ll have a comfortable seat to take in all the sights. The photo ops are incredible, by the way!
Read what the reviews say:
“We had the most amazing time aboard this spectacular sunset cruise! Our guides could not have been more welcoming, enthusiastic, or informed. They were passionate about Portugal and provided us with many fun facts about life in Portugal beyond the normal sites along the river. Our conversation with Alex never stopped and we learned more in those two hours than the rest of our trip combined!!! 11/10 will return to Palma yachts anytime we are in Lisbon”
Lauren – Read more reviews
This boat tour includes: Live commentary, a welcome drink, and water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Other Great Options To Consider
▶️ The Lisbon: Sunset Boat Party Cruise with DJ and Open Bar is just the adventure for you if you’re in the mood for a party. You’ll set sail at sunset on a spacious boat that allows you to dance to the beats of a live DJ while sipping drinks from the open bar.
Along the way, you’ll catch the views of a few iconic landmarks, including the 25 de Abril Bridge, the Cristo Rei statue, the Commerce Square, and the Tower of Belém, all of them bathed in the golden light of sunset.
The boat is equipped with a bathroom, and the experience lasts 2 hours. You’ll be back on land just in time for dinner!
This tour includes: An open bar, a DJ, a host, and life jackets. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Step aboard a vintage 1947 cargo boat for this Lisbon Traditional Boats – Express Cruise – 45min. You’ll sail along the Tagus River, listening to the informative live commentary as you glide past the São Jorge Castle, the enchanting Alfama neighborhood, and the National Pantheon.
You’ll get unbeatable photo opportunities of the city skyline and the boat, which boasts lovely hand-painted details.
This tour includes: Live commentary. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This Lisbon: Sailing Tour on the Tagus River is a really good alternative. You can choose between a 1 or 2-hour experience, sailing along the iconic river as you take in the sights of the Monument of Discoveries, 25 de Abril Bridge, the Belém Tower, and the Cristo Rei statue.
You can opt to just chill on deck, enjoying the views, or to help sail the boat, learning the ropes from the friendly crew. A drink and snacks will be provided to make the trip even more memorable.
There are various departing times, from morning to night including a sunset cruise, making the experience super customizable.
This tour includes: A welcome drink, snacks, water, insurance, and life jackets. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Sunset Cruises in Lisbon
▶️ Choose the Lisbon: Sunset Boat Tour with Music and Drinks for a magical evening on the water. You’ll glide along the Tagus River as the sun dips below the horizon, admiring the skyline views and major landmarks lighting up for the night.
The boat’s spacious lower floor offers plenty of room for dancing to the music as you sip on a glass of wine or beer. The cruise lasts 2 hours, and it’s the perfect pre-dinner activity to wrap up your day.
This tour includes: A welcome drink and music. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This 2-Hour Lisbon Traditional Boats Sunset Cruise with White Wine is a lovely way to end your day, sailing along the Tagus River and sipping on unlimited glasses of local white wine.
You’ll take in the sights of major city highlights, including the Belém Tower, the Lisbon Cathedral, and St. George’s Castle, as you listen to your host share fascinating insights and stories about Lisbon.
You’ll glide beneath the Ponte 25 de Abril, enjoy iconic photo ops, and watch the sunset from the water.
This tour includes: Unlimited white wine, and live commentary. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Enjoy a Private Sunset Cruise on the Tagus River with Drink, which takes you sailing along the city skyline to admire its most important landmarks from a new angle.
You’ll glide underneath the 25 de Abril and the Vasco da Gama bridges, and past the Praça do Comércio square, taking in the views of the Castle of São Jorge, the Basilica da Estrela, and the colorful waterfront houses.
Cruise toward Almada for a view of the Cristo-Rei Statue as you sip on a welcome drink of your choice between beer, wine, soft drinks, and water, and return to the marina after sunset. The tour is for groups of up to 10 people.
This tour includes: Live commentary, insurance, and a welcome drink. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Private Boat Tours in Lisbon
▶️ The Lisbon: Private Boutique Boat Tour – Sail in Style is a customizable experience for groups of up to 6 people, enabling you to sail for 2, 4, 6, or 8 hours at your preferred time of day.
You’ll set foot on a 36-foot sailboat, where the crew will welcome you with a drink and snacks, and cruise along the Tagus River, passing by iconic sights such as Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, Commerce Square, and underneath the 25 de Abril Bridge.
Depending on the length of your tour, you’ll also be treated to a gourmet meal and the chance to try your hand at sailing.
This tour includes: A welcome drink, snacks, life jackets, insurance, music, and wifi. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Lisbon: Private Luxury Catamaran Tour with Welcome Drink offers a great way to spend your day with your friends or family, accommodating up to 14 passengers onboard.
You’ll step aboard a luxurious, fully equipped catamaran for a private cruise along the Tagus River, admiring the passing sights and spotting various iconic attractions such as Praça do Comércio square, the Cristo Rei statue, the Belém Tower, and the Monument to the Discoveries.
You’ll be provided with a bottle of wine to share with your group, and there is a bar onboard where you can get more drinks.
This tour includes: A host, a security briefing, and a bottle of wine. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This Lisbon: Private Sunset Sailing Tour with Champagne is an intimate experience for two, which makes it by far the most romantic experience. You’ll sail along the Tagus River at sunset, admiring the golden hues that paint the city’s skyline as you pop open a bottle of champagne.
Sip on the bubbly drink while spotting major landmarks like the Belém Tower, the Monument of Discoveries, and the Cristo Rei statue from the water, and glide underneath the 25 de Abril Bridge.
This tour includes: A host and a bottle of champagne. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Dolphin Watching Tour from Lisbon
The Lisbon: Tagus River Cruise to the Ocean & Dolphin Watching sails along the city’s famous Tagus River toward the Atlantic Ocean, passing by some of Lisbon’s major landmarks.
Along the way, you’ll learn about the local marine ecosystem and fascinating facts about the dolphins from your knowledgeable guide, who will also be eager to answer your questions. The highlight of the tour is seeing the dolphins playfully swim around the boat, leaping out od the water and gliding beside you.
To enhance the experience even more, you’ll have access to the onboard open bar, keeping your glass of wine, beer, sangria, or soft drinks always full.
This tour includes: A guide, and an open bar. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Day Tours from Lisbon by Boat
▶️ Join the Berlengas The Atlantic Frontier: Day Tour from Lisbon for a full-day excursion that starts with transfers to Peniche, where you’ll hop on a comfortable boat and set sail.
Travel to Berlenga Grande, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve where you’ll get to explore the historic St. John the Baptist Fort, wander along the island’s scenic pathways, and enjoy a refreshing swim, kapaking session, or snorkeling with the provided equipment.
You’ll also hop on a glass-bottom boat to explore the caves around the island, and at the end of the day, relax on the comfortable transfers back to Lisbon.
This tour includes: Round-trip transportation, boat rides, snorkel gear, and a boat tour of the island’s caves. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This Lisbon: Day Trip To Algarve, Benagil Cave, Carvoeiro & Lagos takes you to Southern Portugal, where you’ll discover the striking coast of the Algarve.
The tour includes multiple worthy stops, including one at the Benagil Cave, which you’ll admire from a cliff-top viewpoint, and a visit to the dramatic Algar Seco sea caves. Stroll coastal trails, enjoy some time to relax on the golden beaches, and go for a swim at Marinha Beach and Praia Dona Ana.
You’ll then discover the charming towns of Carvoeiro, Portimão, and Lagos, with free time to explore the walled Old Town, admire Ponta da Piedade’s rock formations, and enjoy the local cuisine.
The tour is private, capped at 12 passengers, and offers the chance to customize the trip to suit your preferences.
This tour includes: A customizable itinerary, hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, insurance, and bottled water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
