The 5 Best Lisbon Sunset Cruise: A Review and Comparison 2024
Have you been wondering about booking a Lisbon Sunset Cruise? I’ve got you covered!
River Cruises in Lisbon are an unforgettable experience! Every time my friends and family come to visit, I make sure to arrange a cruise on the Tejo River. Not only do you get to take in the stunning Lisbon skyline from the water, but you also get to pass by several important monuments and landmarks of Portugal’s rich history.
As someone who has done lots of sailing around Europe, I can confidently say that the Tejo cruises are some of the best out there. I also love love love sailing to Arrabida to see the resident dolphins, so I’m recommending my favorite Lisbon Boat trip to Arrabida here below as a bonus tour!
🌊🐬 Curious about the Full Day Arrábida Private Yacht Tour from Lisbon? Check it out here!
If you’re looking for just one more memorable experience in Lisbon before going home, then a River Cruise or a day sailing is just the ticket since this rarely disappoints. They only last a few hours, are well-priced and well worth the money. It’s a great way to cap off a visit to Lisbon.
🔴 Hot Tip!! Some cruises charge per person, while others charter the boat out privately to a maximum number of people. There is always a skipper on board which provides interesting running commentary on the view and important landmarks seen from the boat, and if you’re lucky you’ll come across some dolphins!
All tours leave from the Lisbon docks, which are between Belem and Praça do Comercio right in the center of town. Your tour operator will tell you exactly where to go once you book and all docks are easily accessible. Each tour provides a slightly different experience, but all are highly rated by tourists visiting Lisbon.
Read on to find out which is the best option for you.
My Top 3 Picks: Best Lisbon Sunset Cruise
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Lux Yacht Sailing Tour with Champagne
✅ Small group for an intimate experience
✅ 15 m luxury yacht for a great price
✅ Champagne and snacks
Catamaran at Sunset Tour with Music
✅ Catamaran means a more comfortable, larger space
✅ Live DJ for a fun time meeting others
✅ Drinks included
Lisbon Sunset Cruise: The top 5 Tours
1. Catamaran at Sunset Tour with Music
⭐️ RATING: 4.7/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours
The sunsets in Lisbon are just unforgettable. Imagine watching the red, orange and pink hues of the sky reflecting on the waters of the Tagus River, while listening to some of your favorite music.
The crew onboard the Catamaran at Sunset Tour will make sure that you have a drink included in the price of your ticket so you can relax and unwind while enjoying this unique experience at sea!
Not only will you be able to take pictures of some iconic sights like Lisbon’s Christo and the 25 de Abril Bridge, but also take advantage of having more space on this type of boat.
This catamaran has a large flat platform for your comfort, and you’ll also have access to two nets on the catamaran where you can get an even better view of the gorgeous skyline.
And if you’re lucky, you may be able to spot dolphins swimming alongside the boat! This is an ideal tour if you’re looking for a lively fun sunset before an evening out on the town or a nice dinner. Just don’t forget to bring a jacket so you can keep warm during this special moment!
Prices start at 40€/person.
Absolutely LOVED it! If you’re looking at this and not sure, take it from me, DO IT! It was fun and such a great way to take in all the sights really easily! We went at the end of May and needed a light jacket towards the end of the trip so keep that in mind but honestly it was the highlight of our trip to Lisbon. Thank you to the crew, next time we are back we will absolutely be rebooking and going again!
-Jenny (Read more reviews)
Get Your Guide
2. Sunset Sailing Cruise with Wine
⭐️ RATING: 4.9/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime Sunset Sailing Cruise on a sailboat to admire Lisbon’s iconic skyline! Sip on a glass of wine as you glide along the Tagus River and take in the breathtaking views of Lisbon’s splendid palaces, museums, and monuments.
The sailboat is small enough for an intimate relaxing experience while providing blankets for you in the evening. The crew is precise and organized, and the best part is they don’t skimp on the snacks or wine!
Plus, you’ll get great information about all the landmarks seen from the water with the music of your choice in the background. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for dolphins too! This sunset cruise is a perfect way to get a unique view of Lisbon at sundown. Prices start at 65€/person.
We did this as a recommendation from a friend & it did not disappoint! Beautiful views. Amazing service & such a fun experience. One of our favorite parts of the trip -John (Read more reviews)
Get Your Guide
3. Luxury Yacht Sailing Tour with Champagne
⭐️ RATING: 4.9/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the Yacht Sailing Tour and be mesmerized by the beauty of Lisbon. This two-hour tour will take you up the river of Lisbon and will present you with a unique view of some of its most iconic monuments.
You’ll be sailing in a 15-meter luxurious yacht, hosted by a captain who knows all of Lisbon’s secrets. Enjoy the classy experience with champagne and light snacks while learning interesting facts about the view from your captain, or try your hand at steering the yacht if that’s more your style.
Beer and soft drinks are also available if you prefer this. As you sail along, enjoy sweet and savory hot snacks as your captain introduces you to the captivating history of Lisbon’s monuments.
Prices start at 50€/person.
Nigel and crew are fab – attentive and friendly hosts/guides. I had never used get your guide before and this was an excellent first experience. Would definitely recommend this as something to do in Lisbon. We were very fortunate to have hardly anyone else book on so loads of space on the boat. Nigel made sure our glasses were always topped up, and provided warm snacks (croissant and pastel de nata), and explained what buildings and sights were when we passed them. Saw the sights from the water feeling relaxed…and nice and tipsy! Thanks for making our trip.
-ReviewerName (Read more reviews)
4. Tagus River Sunset Cruise in a Traditional Vessel
⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours
✅ Book it!
Hop aboard this Sunset Cruise in a traditional vessel from 1947 and explore majestic Lisbon from the sea. You’ll get to spend time sipping wine at sunset with your friends and family as you take in the awe-inspiring views of the city, including its historical monuments and iconic architecture.
The knowledgeable skipper will make sure that you don’t miss anything as he expertly maneuvers the beautiful Portuguese boat. This tour is charged per person and includes complimentary wine. If it gets too chilly out there, blankets are also provided for everyone’s comfort. Prices start at 35€/person.
We took this on our last night of vacation and our last night in Lisbon. It was such a nice way to cap our time away. The crew was excellent. The two glasses of wine were a nice touch. The scenery and sunset were amazing. They knew exactly when to pause at the bridge and let us take in the beauty. Their description of sights along the way was very helpful. Everyone should try to fit this in on their trips to Lisbon
-Christopher (Read more reviews)
Viator
5. Private Sailing Tour in Lisbon
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours
✅ Book it!
The Private Lisbon Sail Tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for tourists and locals alike. With its maximum of 12 passengers, the cruise offers an intimate and personal setting and flexible scheduling options to make your tour the perfect fit!
Soak in some of Portugal’s most iconic sites from the water: the Cristo Rei statue, the 25th of April Bridge, Terreiro do Paço Square, Alfama, and the Castle. You’ll also have access to a knowledgeable skipper who can share insider tips about the sights as you go.
To top it off, enjoy some light snacks like sodas and other refreshments during your boat trip. Take time to savor the beauty of Lisbon from the river – you won’t regret it! Prices start at 300€ for a group of up to 12 people.
We were lucky and had a windy but sunny 2 hours out on the sea. Our very funny and literate skippers enjoyed the ride just as much as we did. We had a very beautiful sailing boat. Totally recommend this experience.
-Raphael (Read more reviews)
Viator
Would you like something a little longer than just a few hours? Check out this full-day tour from Lisbon to Arrabida. It is incredible!
Full Day Arrábida Private Yacht Tour from Lisbon
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours
✅ Book it!
This is not a sunset tour, but is an incredible deal if you are a group wanting to sail for a day! The Full Day Arrabida Private Yacht Tour is the perfect choice for a group of friends looking for an unforgettable day out at sea.
With transport from your hotel and a private boat that takes up to eight people, you can cruise through the azure waters of the Arrábida Natural Park in comfort and style. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and other marine life as you sail by some of the most visited beaches without having to deal with the crowds.
When you anchor in Praia dos Galapinhos, you can enjoy swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, as well as kayaking, paddle boarding, and other fun activities. You can also bring snacks and drinks for the day too since the boat has a kitchen!
Finally, you’ll make a stop at Portinho da Arrábida so you can go ashore to have lunch at one of the local restaurants – you definitely get the most bang for your buck here!
The tour starts at 9 am sharp – although this isn’t a sunset tour, it is the most incredible day out on a boat I’ve had in Portugal! I loved this tour and would do it again in a heartbeat. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to explore this beautiful region slightly out of Lisbon. Prices start at 300€ and depend on group size.
All I can say is WOW. An absolutely incredible experience and real treat to celebrate my husband’s birthday. Gill and luis were impeccable hosts and could not have done more for us. Luis collected us from our hotel and was so friendly and explained and pointed out interesting facts about Lisbon as we drove. He then drove us to the harbour and showed us where the fisherman sought their fish and equipment . We bought food and drinks aboard which was great. Gill explained to us about the natural park we would be seeing and areas we would be sailing to. I had read the reviews that some people were lucky enough to see dolphins but we not only saw them we saw 6-8 of them playing under the boat for about 15 solid minutes!! Through out we chatted with luis and Gill who were so friendly and interesting but they also gave us space to enjoy our time as well. I can not recommend this experience more.
-Julie (Read more reviews)
Viator
🤩 Check Prices and Availability!
Why Should I Take a Lisbon Sunset Cruise?
1. A sunset cruise offers a breathtaking view of the city skyline as the sun drops below the horizon.
2. A sunset cruise is a unique way to relax and take in the sights, sounds, and smells of Lisbon’s waterfront. The unique experience really creates incredible memories and is more than worth the price.
3. The views of iconic landmarks like the 25 de Abril Bridge and the Christo are particularly stunning against the backdrop of the setting sun on the water.
4. You get your own guide who provides running commentary on the monuments and historical landmarks seen from the water. It’s an excellent way to combine an enjoyable experience and historical information about Lisbon.
5. Enjoy local Portuguese wines, drinks and snacks as you cruise along the Tagus River before sundown.
6. Perfect for photography! Capture breathtaking shots of the prettiest streets in Lisbon and Lisbon’s skyline lit by golden hues from a sunset cruise in this beautiful city!
FAQs About Sunset Cruise Lisbon
Q: What type of Lisbon river cruises are available?
A: You can choose between private luxury cruises, or if you prefer to be part of a small group, you can cruise on a sailboat or a catamaran. Private charters allow you to customize your cruise experience while enjoying a personal tour guide for the duration of the cruise. A luxury cruise offers a unique experience on a larger yacht with drink options such as champagne and stunning views of the city from the river. Sailboat or catamaran cruises are great for those looking to explore Lisbon from the water in a more casual group setting.
Q: What is included on a Lisbon river cruise?
A: Generally speaking, all cruises include a selection of local wines and beers as well as nonalcoholic drinks and snacks. Luxury options include nicer options like champagne and strawberries. Some sunset cruises even have live DJs!
Q: How long do Lisbon river cruises last?
A: Most Lisbon river cruises are about two hours long, although some private charters may be longer if requested in advance. Sunset river cruises typically last around two hours and may include a night tour after sunset, or a day tour right before.
Is a river cruise a good way to see Portugal?
A river cruise is a great way to see Portugal! It offers a unique and memorable perspective of the area that you just can’t get anywhere else. From the comfort of a boat, you can take in the sights and sounds of breathtaking Portuguese cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Albufeira. You can get up close with wildlife, explore quaint riverside villages, and see some of the iconic monuments that Portugal has to offer.
Do you get seasick on river cruises?
River cruises are a great way to enjoy nature or a city skyline, without needing to worry about feeling seasick. The water is usually very calm since you will be on a river instead of being out at sea. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about feeling nauseous or having motion sickness due to choppy waters. So the answer is no – you don’t need to worry about getting seasick on river cruises!
🤩 Still not sure? Yacht Sailing Tour with Champagne is the best sunset tour which offers the most for the least!
Final Thoughts: Best Lisbon River Cruise
These amazing sunset cruises down Lisbon’s Tejo River are a great way to take in the beauty of this city from the river. There are so many stunning sights to behold it will leave you feeling completely relaxed and refreshed.
Regardless of which cruise you choose, it will provide an opportunity for you to get a unique view of the city, unlike any other tourist attraction. Enjoy!
