Lisbon: Sailing Boat Tour with Drinks

Imagine gliding smoothly across the calm waters of the Tagus River, feeling the gentle breeze in your hair, and soaking up some of Lisbon’s most iconic sights from a unique vantage point. That’s what the Lisbon Sailing Boat Tour with Drinks offers—a relaxing, scenic escape from the busy city streets to enjoy Lisbon’s beauty from the water. This tour, offered by Marlin Tours, has quickly earned a reputation for its well-organized, fun, and intimate experience, earning a perfect 5-star rating from 15 reviews.

What makes this experience so appealing? First, the stunning views of Lisbon’s landmarks from the water, including Belém Tower and the 25 de Abril Bridge. Second, the relaxed atmosphere created by a knowledgeable crew and the inclusion of complimentary drinks, which makes it feel more like hanging out with friends than a formal tour. Lastly, the comfort and amenities onboard—like blankets and spacious sun decks—ensure you’re cozy and ready to soak up the scenery.

However, a potential consideration is the lack of food options—you’ll need to bring your own snacks if you’re hungry, as no food is included. Still, for those wanting a laid-back, scenic outing with excellent photo opportunities and a friendly vibe, this cruise hits the spot.

This tour is ideal for couples, small groups, or families looking to enjoy Lisbon’s sights from a peaceful, water-based perspective. It’s especially great for travelers who appreciate a relaxed pace and want to capture memorable photos while sipping a drink.

This experience made our article of 14 Best Sailing Experiences In Lisbon (With Prices).

Key Points

• Stunning Views: Witness Lisbon’s landmarks like Belém Tower, Cristo Rei, and the 25 de Abril Bridge from the water.
• Relaxing Atmosphere: Enjoy a calm, laid-back cruise with a friendly, knowledgeable crew.
• Inclusions: Drinks, blankets, and access to comfy sun decks, along with insurance and onboard amenities.
• Ideal Duration: 2 hours—perfect for a quick yet comprehensive sightseeing break.
• Departure Location: Doca do Espanhol, Gate 3, at the BLUE SKIPPER Café.
• Multilingual Guides: Tours are offered in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish.
• No Food Included: Bring snacks if needed; drinks are included.
• Flexible Booking: Full refund available if canceled 24 hours in advance, or reserve now and pay later.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Check-in

The tour kicks off at Doca do Espanhol, Gate 3, with check-in at the BLUE SKIPPER Café. The process is straightforward—just arrive a little early to settle in and chat with the crew before heading aboard. The friendly staff, including guides like Richard and Rodrigo, seem genuinely eager to share insights about Lisbon, making the experience welcoming from the start.

The Boat and Onboard Comforts

The sailboat itself is characterized by a cozy indoor lounge, bathroom facilities, and spacious sun decks at the bow. Reviewers note that the boat is kept in clean condition, and the addition of blankets adds a cozy touch, especially for late afternoon or sunset cruises. The atmosphere is informal—think hanging out on a friend’s boat rather than a formal tour.

The Itinerary and Sights

The tour takes you from Doca do Espanhol on a gentle cruise past Lisbon’s most famous sights. Highlights include:

• Terreiro do Paço (Praça do Comércio): The expansive riverside square, perfect for photos.
• Commerce Square and Lisbon’s Downtown: Offers a different perspective of the city’s historic center.
• Almada and Cristo Rei: You get spectacular views of the towering Christ statue, especially as the sun sets.
• The 25 de Abril Bridge: Often compared to San Francisco’s Golden Gate, this suspension bridge is a standout feature from the water.
• Belém Tower: A UNESCO World Heritage site and symbol of Lisbon’s Age of Discovery.
• Museums and Foundations: The MAAT, Electricity Museum, and Champalimaud Foundation add cultural and architectural interest from a water-level view.
• Monument to the Discoveries: A tribute to Portugal’s maritime history.
• Sunset Views: Several reviewers noted that the sunset over the river makes the experience particularly magical, with some mentioning the chance to take stunning photos.

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The Crew and Commentary

Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable and friendly crew, with some mentioning guides like Philip, Richard, and Bruno who shared stories and insights about Lisbon’s landmarks. The atmosphere onboard tends to be laid-back—no pressure, just good vibes, music, and conversation.

Drinks and Atmosphere

Included in the tour is a welcome drink, which guests appreciated as a nice touch that adds to the relaxed vibe. Many reviewers describe the atmosphere as “more like hanging out with friends”, with wine flowing freely and the gentle movement of the boat helping to clear the mind.

The Experience’s Pace and Duration

At 2 hours, the cruise is just long enough to cover the main sights without feeling rushed. The timing often coincides with beautiful late-afternoon light or sunset, making it ideal for photography and enjoying the moment.

What Travelers Are Saying

Based on reviews, guests loved the calm, peaceful nature of the cruise, with many describing it as a “relaxing break” from city touring. Clara called it “well-organized and very enjoyable,” citing the friendly crew and clean boat. Patrícia mentioned the sense of calm she felt, enjoying her wine while watching the city turn golden at sunset.

Marta appreciated the laid-back vibe, feeling like she was visiting a friend’s sailboat instead of a tour. Ingrid highlighted the soft background music and good company, saying she would happily do it again. Others loved the uniqueness of the water-level views, particularly of Belém Tower and the Discoveries Monument.

Unique Insights From Reviews

• Guests emphasized how knowledgeable guides like Richard and Rodrigo gave just the right amount of commentary—informative but not overwhelming.
• The wine and drinks added a relaxing, social element that made the tour stand out.
• Views of Lisbon’s key landmarks from the water, especially the Bridge and Belém Tower, were consistently described as breathtaking.
• For families and small groups, the comfortable boat and friendly crew made it an accessible, enjoyable outing for all ages.

Price and Value

While the exact cost isn’t specified here, the inclusion of drinks, blankets, and a 2-hour scenic cruise suggests good value for a relaxing sightseeing experience. It’s a chance to see Lisbon from a different angle without the crowds typical of land-based tours. The informal, friendly environment and personalized commentary from guides enhance the overall experience, making it a worthwhile splurge for those wanting a break from traditional city tours.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This cruise is perfect for romantic couples, small groups of friends, or families with teenagers looking for a peaceful, scenic activity. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate beautiful sunsets, photography opportunities, and relaxed socializing over drinks. If you prefer a more lively party atmosphere, this might be a quieter option, but for those wanting serenity and stunning views, it’s ideal.

The Sum Up

The Lisbon Sailing Boat Tour with Drinks offers a wonderfully relaxed way to see Lisbon’s most iconic sights from the water. The combination of friendly guides, beautiful vistas, and the laid-back vibe makes it a standout experience, especially at sunset. It’s a gift for photography lovers and those who enjoy unwinding with a drink on a boat.

For travelers who want a peaceful, scenic break from busy city streets, this tour provides a perfect balance of comfort, culture, and natural beauty. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to add a memorable water-based adventure to their Lisbon itinerary.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a compact yet immersive experience.

Where does the tour depart from?
The departure point is Doca do Espanhol, Gate 3, with check-in at the BLUE SKIPPER Café.

Are drinks included?
Yes, a welcome drink is included, and guests often find the wine and beverages add to the relaxing atmosphere.

Is the boat accessible in bad weather?
The tour is usually weather-dependent; in case of heavy rain or storms, it might be canceled or rescheduled.

Do I need to bring anything?
Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended; bringing snacks is a good idea since food isn’t included.

Can I book with flexible payment options?
Yes, you can reserve now and pay later, with full refunds available if canceled 24 hours in advance.

Is there a guide?
Yes, guides speak English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish, sharing stories and insights about Lisbon’s landmarks.

Can children join?
Yes, families with teens have found it enjoyable, thanks to the relaxed, friendly environment.

What if I want to see the sunset?
The tour often includes sunset views, which many guests describe as particularly beautiful and memorable.

You can check availability for your dates here: