In a nutshell
- A boat tour is simply part of a city trip to Lisbon, as the wide Tagus River flows through the middle of the city.
- Our favorite is a sailboat trip at sunset – in the evening, Lisbon looks even more beautiful than the city already is.
- We now present the 7 most beautiful boat tours in Lisbon: from sightseeing trips to dolphin watching tours and amphibious vehicles – yes, you read that right!
Is a Boat Tour in Lisbon Worth it?
Yes, definitely. No matter which boat tour you choose, they all follow a similar route along the Tagus – and it’s absolutely stunning.
From the boat, you can take in the center of Lisbon, sail past the Statue of Christ, and go under the Ponte 25 de Abril.
You’ll also spot highlights in Belém, like the Torre de Belém and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos monument.
Lisbon offers many different types of boat trips – here are the 7 most exciting options.
Sunset Sailboat Tour
Our top pick is an evening boat tour. The sunsets in Lisbon are amazing and bathe the city in warm, golden light.
From the boat, the view is not just beautiful – it creates a special atmosphere that you won’t forget.
The GetYourGuide sailboat tour departs from Belém and lasts around two hours. Drinks, small snacks, and unlimited water are included.
If you want, you can even help the crew with sailing – or simply sit back and enjoy the views.
Book a sunset sailing boat tour
Yellow Boat Lisbon
We especially recommend the Yellow Bus boat if you’re using hop-on/hop-off buses in Lisbon.
There are combination tickets that include both the Yellow Boat and the hop-on/hop-off buses.
The tour leaves from Praça do Comércio in central Lisbon and lasts just under two hours. English audio guides are included, so you’ll pick up interesting facts while enjoying the ride.
A big plus: your ticket also lets you use the tram, funicular, and the Elevador de Santa Justa. You can even hop on the famous Tram 28E.
Note: The Elevador de Santa Justa is currently out of service.
Private Boat Tour in Lisbon
If you’d rather enjoy a boat trip without other tourists, a private boat tour is the way to go. You’ll have your own crew on board and can explore at your own pace.
You can even spend the whole day on the Tagus and stop at various sights – almost like a private sailing cruise.
Small snacks and a welcome drink are included, and catering can also be added.
We especially recommend this tour for groups or families.
Book a private boat tour in Lisbon
Party Boat in Lisbon with DJ
If you’d rather party than relax, book a sunset party boat with DJ and open bar.
As the name suggests, music and a fun atmosphere are guaranteed. You can enjoy wine, beer, sangria, and soft drinks while celebrating the sunset with other guests.
Lisbon highlights like the Ponte 25 de Abril and Belém Tower are also part of the route.
Amphibious Sightseeing
The most unusual boat trip in Lisbon is the amphibious sightseeing tour. You ride in a vehicle that is both a bus and a boat.
The tour lasts 1.5 hours. You start on the streets of Lisbon, heading to Belém by bus, and then explore Belém from the river.
A guide is on board the entire time, so you’ll learn plenty about the city – a fun experience for all ages.
Book amphibious sightseeing in Lisbon
Boat Tour with Dolphin Watching
On the Tagus river dolphin watching tour, you first pass Lisbon and Belém’s highlights before heading out to sea.
You may get to see dolphins – there’s no guarantee, but tours run year-round. The best chance is between March and November.
The tour departs from Praça do Comércio and lasts around three hours. A guide provides info on both dolphins and Lisbon along the way.
Book a dolphin watching tour from Lisbon
Saving Tip: Crossing by Ferry
If you don’t want to spend much on a boat tour but still want to cross the Tagus, take the ferry from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas.
Ferries run every 15 minutes and the ride takes about 15 minutes. A one-way ticket costs 1.50 euros and you can pay with the Navegante card.
Once on the other side, you can visit the Statue of Christ or take the bus to one of Lisbon’s most beautiful beaches, the Costa da Caparica.