Want to go on a Lisbon sunset cruise?
It’s one of the coolest, most unique things to do in Lisbon! Why?
A sunset cruise in Lisbon allows you to experience the city from a totally new perspective. Whether you’re a family with kids looking for a fun activity or a couple looking for a romantic date, sailing away at sunset is always a good idea!
While some people are taking Tram 28 or taking the train to Sintra, sailing away on the beautiful Tagus River at sunset gives you a whole new perspective on the city of Lisbon that you can’t get anywhere else!
Matthew and I spent a month living in Lisbon as digital nomads. Going on a Lisbon sunset cruise was at the top of our to-do list because we thought it was just a cool, unique activity! But what does a Lisbon sunset cruise cost and how does it all work?
In this blog, we will share all the information (types of boats, prices, best tours, things to know) you need to experience it for yourself and our personal experience of going on a Lisbon sunset cruise.
Quick Overview – Taking A Lisbon Sunset Cruise
There are tons of Lisbon sunset cruise tours you could choose from: 1) more people, less expensive, 2) fewer people, a tad more expensive, and 3) the kind of boat you want to ride. Group sizes on sunset cruises can range from 2-30+ people. You can also choose the type of boat like a traditional boat, a catamaran tour, a luxury yacht and many more!
The price for a sunset cruise in Lisbon ranges from €15 to €35 per person (obvs more if you want to cruise alone). Your usual cruise takes around 2 hours and you will get to see unobstructed views of famous monuments like the Belem Tower, the April 25 Bridge, Christ the King Statue, the beautiful Lisbon skyline of orange-roofed houses and so much more. Some cruises will also share a few facts and insights about the history of the city and its people.
The most important thing about booking a Lisbon sunset cruise is choosing the right one for you. We wanted a more private, intimate group of people of less than 10 people rather than a huge cruise with 25+ people. Both are great ways to experience the city from a different perspective!
Top 5x Lisbon Sunset Cruises That Are Worth It
The Tagus River was mainly used for shipping purposes back in the day and now with the slow current, it’s become a relaxing activity for everyone to enjoy (locals and tourists alike).
You’ve got quite a few options for a sunset cruise in Lisbon based on things like:
- type of boat (traditional vs catamaran, etc)
- budget
- number of people
We have tried to simplify the Lisbon sunset cruise options to help you decide which is best for you. I’ve listed 5 different types of cruises you can take, the prices and where to book your tour. If there’s one thing you take away from this blog post, it should be that you just need to get out on the Tagus River and see Lisbon from a totally new perspective (no matter which cruises you book).
Here’s all you need to know about booking a Lisbon sunset cruise, the costs of the tour, and the number of people – we will also share our personal experience!
1. Semi-Private Sailboat Cruise
Looking for a more intimate Lisbon sunset cruise experience…
…without paying the huge dollars for a private yacht?
Several semi-private sunset cruises in Lisbon have a maximum capacity of 10 people. This allows you to build rapport with the captain who is sharing his city, culture and history while you sail along the Tagus River.
That’s why Matthew and I searched for hours looking for a Lisbon sunset cruise that didn’t cost an arm and a leg but still had a personal touch to it. To be honest, we just didn’t want to be packed like sardines with other tourists with a speakerphone blasting random facts about the city.
We booked the Lisbon sunset cruise on Airbnb Experiences with Captain Victor. He was very charming and great at making conversation with everyone (there were 8 passengers total)! As we started to sail along the river, he shared insights into the history and culture of the city. He made it quite interactive by having a few quiz questions in which you could win a shot of this local liquor. We had a few drinks like some cans of beer or glass of wine (rose) and a little snack like Ritz crackers!
The best part is that Victor nailed the balance between sharing about the landmarks we are seeing and letting us simply enjoy the views. He was also great at letting everyone take pictures on the boat and we even got to steer the sailboat for a bit! We got to see all the iconic landmarks like the Belem Tower, 25 April Bridge, Lisbon Cathedral, Christ the King Statue and so much more. We felt like 2 hours was the perfect amount of time (not too long but not too short).
Victor’s exact tour has a 4.98 rating with over 2,000 reviews and after touring with him, we can see why he has such high ratings! We think he delivers great value for money as this tour only costs $40 USD which some of the other tours (with bigger crowds) can cost the same!
Here’s a quick snapshot of the details for this Lisbon sunset cruise on a semi-private sailboat:
- Where To Book: Airbnb Experiences
- Price: $39 USD per person
- Includes Drinks: Yes (beer or glass of rose) + a snack
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Capacity: up to 10 people
- Type: Sail Boat
As it’s a sunset cruise in Lisbon, we also wanted it to be a little more intimate and romantic. We have pretty fond memories of our catamaran cruise in Santorini during our honeymoon and even though it isn’t the same – we learned that we prefer a smaller group of people!
The best Lisbon sunset cruise has to be a semi-private one! If you don’t want to spend a lot on a private yacht but also don’t want to buy the cheapest tour, this is going to be your best option. This was an unforgettable experience for us and we highly recommend it!
2. Catamaran Boat Cruise
You might be wondering…
…what’s the difference between a catamaran boat and a sailboat? I’m not a boat expert so this is how I interpret it: a catamaran is balanced on two hulls which creates this opportunity to have nets across for passengers to sit or lay down on.
In other words: If you want to lay or sit down on the nets of a boat, the catamaran is the one to do that!
A few catamaran cruises in Lisbon offer a welcome drink, a great atmosphere with music, commentary and more. They are a little more expensive than your traditional sailboats but they are also much more comfortable!
Here’s a quick snapshot of the details for this Lisbon sunset cruise on a catamaran boat:
- Where To Book: Viator, Get Your Guide
- Price: from $30 USD to $45+ USD
- Includes Drinks: Yes
- Duration: 1.5 Hours
- Capacity: up to 18 people
- Type: Catamaran Boat
You will get the usual included in a Lisbon sunset cruise such as a welcome drink and possibly a commentary on the landmarks. The tour is only 1.5 hours which is a little shorter than a semi-private sailboat.
We went on a catamaran cruise during our honeymoon in Santorini and it’s definitely a better sailing experience than your traditional sailboat! The best reason to do a catamaran cruise is that you like this style of boat and you want to sit out on the nets while you sail along the river! A catamaran is also usually pretty spacious and holds a smaller amount of people (perfect if you hate big crowds).
3. Lisbon Traditional Boat Cruise
You’ve decided you want to go on a Lisbon sunset cruise…
…but maybe you’re looking for a more unique way to experience the city from the Tagus River?
Book a 1947 traditional boat!
From the intricate paint on the boat to the way it is shaped, this is a truly unique way to experience the Lisbon sunset cruise tour. If you sail with Nosso Tejo, they have the largest size Tagus River Traditional boat which has the capacity for up to 45 people.
While you sail along the Tagus River admiring the historic Lisbon landmarks, there will be a live commentary sharing the history and culture of the city. You will also hear a little bit of Fado music being played in the background which is a Portuguese style of music that expresses a lot of feelings and emotions.
Here’s a quick snapshot of the details for this Lisbon sunset cruise on a traditional boat:
- Where To Book: Get Your Guide, Viator, Nosso Tejo
- Price: from $17 USD to $39 USD+ per person
- Includes Drinks: Yes
- Duration: 45 minutes or 2 Hours
- Capacity: up to 45 people
- Type: Traditional Boat
Going on a Lisbon sunset cruise is already a unique way to experience the city but to get on a traditional boat that dates back to 1947 – that’s truly special! The only thing you need to consider is that there may be a bigger crowd as the capacity is nearly 50 people. If you don’t mind a few people, this is a great way to set sail around the city of Lisbon.
4. Large Boat Cruise
Looking for an affordable Lisbon sunset cruise?
You can’t go wrong with the large boats that cruise along the Tagus River.
The FRS Portugal is the most popular option for a big boat cruise that starts in Lisbon’s city center sailing all the way to Belem Tower passing underneath the 25 April Bridge and dropping you off back in the city center.
You do get a complimentary drink included in your FRS Portugal tour and this specific tour typically last 1.5 hours (rather than the usual 2 hours). You still get to see all the famous landmarks such as the Belem Tower, MAAT Museum, Padrão dos Descobrimentos and more.
The only thing with the FRS Portugal tour is that it’s a big boat with a large capacity, making it more crowded than usual. There also doesn’t seem to be any commentary about the landmarks as you sail along the river (some people want commentary, others don’t – it’s up to you). This also departs at 7:30pm which can either be a little too late for sunset, depending on the season you visit Lisbon.
One more thing to keep in mind if you book this tour – it is an enclosed tour with big windows and air-conditioning available. There is no open deck option that we can see!
Here’s a quick snapshot of the details for this Lisbon sunset cruise on a large boat cruise:
- Where To Book: Viator, Get Your Guide, FRS Portugal
- Price: $32 USD per person
- Includes Drinks: Yes, 1 welcome drink
- Duration: 1.5 Hours
- Capacity: up to 30+ people (not totally sure)
- Type: Large Boat
This is a great tour for anyone tight on time because the more semi-private tours all depart from Belem (which is a 30-minute journey you will have to do yourself). The FRS Portugal is conveniently located next to the Rua da Augusta commercial plaza, departing and returning to the city center of Lisbon saving you tons of time!
5. Luxury Sailing Yacht Cruise
Got a big group of people or maybe you want to celebrate a special occasion?
Book a luxury sailing yacht for your Lisbon sunset cruise!
There are tons of options for private sailboats, you can choose to rent the entire boat yourself or book a private tour with a captain. You pay more for a private experience which is why this is a popular option for large groups of people!
If you’re looking to have your own party with friends or if you just want a private, intimate experience of a Lisbon sunset cruise, this is your best option!
The only thing with a private cruise is that it is pretty pricey. It’s also much harder to book and figure out which one is the best option for you – I’ve tried to share some options below but again, it’s best to see which will suit you and your preferences!
Here’s a quick snapshot of the details for this Lisbon sunset cruise on a luxury sailing yacht:
- Where To Book: Get Your Guide, Urban Sailors
- Price: from $66 USD to $300+ USD
- Includes Drinks: Yes
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Capacity: up to you
- Type: Sailboat or Yacht
A private cruise can cost anywhere from $330 USD per 2 hours on the Tagus River. You can also hire a private boat with a captain that can share insights about the history and culture of the city and its famous landmarks.
Where To Book Sunset Cruises In Lisbon?
There are a lot of ways to book your Lisbon sunset cruise which can make it very confusing and overwhelming all at once.
That’s why we are here to help clear things up for you!
The best way to narrow it down is by the booking platforms you can use. The 3 most popular ones for a Lisbon sunset cruise are:
- Airbnb Experiences
- Get Your Guide
- Viator
You can also book directly through a company if you find one that you like. These booking platforms just make it very convenient to shop around at different tours and the booking process is very straightforward.
A popular company that people book directly with is FRS Portugal. They run medium-sized cruises along the Tagus River with 2 types each day – a sunset cruise and a day cruise.
For a Lisbon sunset cruise specifically, we prefer booking via Airbnb Experiences. They had more of the semi-private experiences we were looking for!
Airbnb Experiences
Matthew and I booked our own Lisbon sunset cruise through Airbnb Experiences. We found the tours there had the best value for money and more of the kind of boats we wanted to sail on.
When you get on Airbnb, simply click on Experiences instead of Stays. You will enter the city of choice, in this case, it’s Lisbon. You can also try searching directly for the ‘Lisbon sunset cruise’.
The options for sunset cruises in Lisbon will pop up. The prices for these ranges depending on how private it gets and whether you want to have more add-ons like food or drinks.
We booked with Victor and had the best time! He was entertaining and professional plus he had the perfect balance of sharing information about his city but letting us have private time to enjoy the views.
Get Your Guide & Viator
It’s so much easier to go through a booking platform like Get Your Guide.
You can choose from a wide selection of Lisbon sunset cruises on their site and book the one that’s best for you. They provide all the information and details of the site on a single web page which makes it easy for you to understand.
They are usually priced the same or maybe a few dollars more than if you book directly through the boat companies. That’s fine as you are paying for the convenience of shopping around and the ease of a booking platform along with its processes.
Is A Lisbon Sunset Cruise Worth It?
Yes, it’s 100% worth it!
If you want to experience Lisbon from a different perspective, this is one of the coolest ways to do that. You get to enjoy sailing the Tagus River, get insights into famous monuments and watch the sunset in this stunning city!
It’s also not as expensive as you might think! There are day tours for only €15 and you can book a semi-private tour like ours for only €36. If you want to splash the cash or have a big group, you can also hire a private boat starting from €300 per 3 hours.
There are tons of options for a Lisbon sunset cruise and you can choose which one suits you best depending on the type of boat, the duration and the budget you’ve got.
Matthew and I were looking to experience the city from a new perspective, after living in Lisbon for a month. A Lisbon sunset cruise was the perfect way to do this! We thoroughly enjoyed our semi-private sailboat experience with Victor who shared facts about landmarks we otherwise wouldn’t have known about. This was a great date night for us as we enjoyed a few drinks, panoramic views of this amazing city and watched the beautiful sunset from the water.
Frequently Asked Questions – Lisbon Sunset Cruise 2023
Where Do You Sail For A Sunset Cruise In Lisbon?
Most cruises will last around 1.5 to 2 hours and you will sail along the Tagus River. The water you see from the cobbled streets in Lisbon is NOT the ocean! It’s actually the Tagus River that flows through the city.
As you sail along at sunset, you will see unobstructed views of many beautiful sights including:
- Belem Tower
- Discovery Monument
- Electricity Museum
- 25 April Bridge
- Lisbon Cathedral
- St. George’s Castle
- Christ The King Statue
The departure points for the cruise depend entirely on the one you book.
A lot of cruises will depart from Lisbon itself, close to the famous Rua da Augusta. However, other cruises (usually smaller boats) will depart from Belem which is a town located about 25 minutes away by tram.
How Long Is A Sunset Cruise In Lisbon?
A Lisbon sunset cruise typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the tour you book.
Matthew and I went on a 2-hour sunset cruise in Lisbon, it felt like a good amount of time. It wasn’t too short where you felt you didn’t get your value for money but it also wasn’t too long that you were dying to get off the boat!
What’s Included In A Lisbon Sunset Cruise?
This all depends on the tour you book!
Most Lisbon sunset cruises will include a welcome drink onboard. Some will have little snacks like crackers and others will have cheese as well. It all depends if you paid a premium to have a little more included on your tour.
Some cruises will only offer water or a soft drink with no options for snacks or alcohol. These typically cost less and have more people on the boat. If you pay a little more, they will usually include some alcohol (wine or beer) and snacks to nibble on.
A lot of the sunset cruises in Lisbon will usually have a soft drink (Coca-Cola, Fanta) and/or an alcoholic drink (beer or wine). I’m not sure if you only get one for the entire trip, it depends if you went with a big tour or a more private one.
Matthew and I went on a semi-private sailboat that had less than 10 people. We got unlimited crackers and 2-3 glasses of wine with a choice of rose or white wine. You could also have a local beer in a can, Matt enjoyed a Super Buck! At the start of the trip, we also shared a shot of whiskey (I’m not too sure what it was but it was a local liquor that was quite sweet but it definitely wasn’t ginginha).
Lisbon sunset cruises also tend to have a little commentary about the history, culture and architecture you’re looking at. Our guide had some very cool facts and quiz questions that made it so much more interactive! They know NOT to override you with too much information. Don’t worry, you will have plenty of private time to enjoy the beautiful views of the city too.
How Much Does A Sunset Cruise Cost In Lisbon?
The cost of a Lisbon sunset cruise ranges from $25 USD to $100+ USD depending on the type of boat you select, the number of people on board and what’s included.
If you don’t mind a large group of people of about 15 to 30+ people, you can pay much less for a sunset cruise. The Lisbon sunset cruise by FRS Portugal costs $32 USD per adult.
If you want to save a little more cash, you can also go on a day cruise instead of a sunset cruise in Lisbon. They are much cheaper and still give you the option of getting out on the water! These Lisbon day cruises start from $13 USD per adult.
Looking for a semi-private option? If you’re willing to pay just a little more, we think you get better value for your money. That’s why we decided to book a local tour on Airbnb with a much smaller group of people (<10) and a smaller sailboat. We paid around $41 USD per person for our Lisbon sunset cruise!
You can also hire private yachts where it will only be your group and a captain. If you have a big group of people (and a bigger budget), this could be a very fun and unique option! Private boat tours start from €300 per 2 hours of sailing.
There’s a Lisbon sunset cruise for every budget! We believe it was such a great experience and so worth the money if you want to get out on the water.
