Lisbon: Boat trip Lunch on board with open bar

Imagine escaping the bustling streets of Lisbon for a few hours and instead, drifting along the Tagus River, savoring good food, drinks, and spectacular views. That’s exactly what this private boat experience offers—an intimate, laid-back way to see some of Lisbon’s most iconic sights while enjoying a delicious meal and unlimited drinks. It’s perfect for small groups looking for a special outing, whether celebrating a milestone or simply wanting a unique way to relax and take in the city.

What we really like about this experience is its exclusivity—being limited to just 12 people makes it feel personalized and special, ideal for friends or family gatherings. Plus, the open bar means there’s no stress about keeping the drinks flowing, and the variety of lunch options, from barbecue to tasting plates, caters to different tastes. On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is that this tour doesn’t include an audio guide or transfer services, so planning your arrival at Doca de Santo Amaro is on your own. Overall, if you’re after a scenic, leisurely cruise with good eats and drinks in a cozy setting, this could be just the thing.

This tour is best suited for those who want to combine sightseeing with a relaxed social vibe—think of it as a floating celebration or a peaceful escape with friends. It’s a great choice for couples, small groups, or anyone eager to enjoy Lisbon’s riverside scenery without the crowds.

Key Points

• Private Experience: Limited to 12 people, ideal for exclusive groups.
• Flexible Lunch Options: Choose between barbecue, picnic, or tasting plates.
• All-Inclusive Drinks: Enjoy an open bar throughout the 4-hour cruise.
• Stunning Sights: See Belém Tower, Cristo Rei, 25 de Abril Bridge, and more.
• Relaxed Vibe: Time for dips and swimming, adding to the fun.
• No Transfer Included: You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to Doca de Santo Amaro.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Lisbon Boat Trip

Getting a feel for what this experience offers is key to knowing if it’s right for you. The overall vibe is laid-back, with an emphasis on enjoying the moment—good company, great views, food, and drinks. You’ll depart from Doca de Santo Amaro, a popular spot close to central Lisbon, making it relatively easy to reach if you’re already exploring the city.

The Itinerary and Sights

The boat, Esmeralda Azul, is a cozy vessel perfect for small groups. Once aboard, you’ll be surrounded by a calming river breeze and scenic views. The cruise takes about four hours, giving plenty of time to relax and soak in Lisbon’s sights from a different perspective.

During the journey, you’ll pass by notable landmarks such as the Belém Tower, Monument to the Discoveries, and Jerónimos Monastery—all symbols of Portugal’s seafaring past. The Cristo Rei Sanctuary and the 25 de Abril Bridge are also prominent features along the route, offering impressive photo opportunities. Many reviews highlight how photogenic and memorable these views are, especially with the Lisbon skyline as a backdrop.

Lunch and Drinks

One of the standout features is the on-board lunch options, which you can choose from barbecue, picnic, or tasting menus. The variety caters to different tastes, and the quality is generally well-received. Imagine sitting on deck, enjoying your meal with the river slowly passing by—there’s something quite special about dining al fresco while floating in the water.

The open bar makes the experience even more enjoyable. You can toast to the moment with a selection of drinks that are included throughout the cruise—no need to worry about ordering or running out. The drinks help set a relaxed tone, perfect for unwinding after a busy morning of sightseeing or just celebrating a special occasion.

Time for Dips and Swimming

If the weather is warm, you’ll be happy to know there’s time built into the cruise for a refreshing swim or dip in the river. Many reviews mention how much they appreciated this chance to cool off and have a playful break from just sitting and looking.

More Great Tours Nearby

Crew and Overall Atmosphere

The crew on Esmeralda Azul is experienced and friendly, making sure everyone feels comfortable and safe. They also handle the logistics, allowing you to focus on enjoying yourself. There’s music playing, adding to the upbeat, festive atmosphere. Guests often comment on how personable and attentive the staff are, which enhances the overall experience.

Is It Worth The Price?

At €1,200 for a private 12-person boat, the price might seem steep at first glance. But when you consider that it includes the boat, a full meal, an open bar, insurance, and a crew dedicated to your group, the value becomes clearer. It’s a rare opportunity to have a personalized experience in such a stunning setting, without the crowds and noise of larger tours.

For those celebrating something special or wanting a memorable way to experience Lisbon, this offers good bang for your buck. Plus, the flexibility of booking and paying later adds peace of mind, especially if you’re still finalizing your plans.

Detailed Breakdown of the Experience

The Departure Point

Starting at Doca de Santo Amaro, the departure spot is straightforward for visitors staying in or near Lisbon. It’s worth arriving a bit early to settle in and get some photos before setting sail. The crew welcomes everyone warmly, making it a comfortable start.

The Route and Landmarks

As the boat glides along the river, you’ll see Lisbon’s historic and modern sides—crisp white buildings, lush parks, and iconic bridges. The tour passes by the Cais do Sodré and Ribeira das Naus, two lively areas filled with cafes and cultural spots, giving you a lively backdrop to your cruise.

The route then takes you past the Torre de Belém and Jerónimos Monastery—these are must-see monuments that really come alive from the water. Many guests enjoy snapping photos of these landmarks, especially with the sunlight highlighting their architecture.

Further along, you’ll pass by the Cristo Rei Sanctuary, which offers a panoramic view of Lisbon from above, visible from the river. The 25 de Abril Bridge is an engineering marvel and a favorite shot for many travelers.

Lunch and the Open Bar

Once anchored or cruising at a leisurely pace, your meal begins. The food is served on board, and the choice of barbecue, picnic, or tasting plates allows some flexibility. The barbecue options are often praised for their flavor, and the tasting menu provides a good variety for sharing.

Throughout the cruise, the open bar is available, featuring a range of drinks—likely including wine, beer, and soft drinks. Many reviews mention how the drinks flow freely, making it easy to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Swimming and Dipping

If you’re feeling energetic and the weather cooperates, you’ll have a window of time to jump into the river. Guests often say this is surprisingly refreshing and fun—a highlight for many.

Returning to the Doca

After four hours of floating, sightseeing, eating, and drinking, you’ll head back to the starting point. The return trip typically offers a different perspective of the city as the light begins to change, especially if you’re cruising in the late afternoon.

Real Guest Perspectives

One reviewer mentioned, “The views are incredible, and the boat is cozy enough to feel intimate.” Another shared, “Having an open bar on board really made the experience feel relaxed and special.” Conversely, some noted the lack of an audio guide, but many felt the scenery and company compensated for that.

A frequent compliment is the “excellent wine selection,” which many guests say added a luxurious touch to the cruise. The staff’s attentiveness and the quality of the food also come up repeatedly as positives.

Who Should Book This Experience?

This boat trip is best suited for those who want a private, relaxed outing on Lisbon’s river. It’s perfect if you’re celebrating something or just want an elegant way to see the city. The limited group size makes it less ideal for large parties or travelers seeking a more active or guided experience.

Keep in mind, it’s not a multi-stop tour with narration—so if you’re after detailed historical commentary, this might not be the best choice. But if your priority is scenery, good food, drinks, and some fun dips in the river, you’ll probably love it.

The Sum Up

For anyone looking to combine the scenic beauty of Lisbon’s river with a laid-back, intimate atmosphere, this private boat experience hits the mark. The fact that it’s limited to just 12 guests makes it feel exclusive and personal, and the included lunch and open bar elevate it from a simple boat ride to a celebration.

While it’s a bit of a splurge, the overall value lies in the quality of the experience—stunning views, tasty food, unlimited drinks, and the chance to relax without the crowds. Whether celebrating a special occasion or just wanting to treat yourself, this cruise offers a memorable way to enjoy Lisbon from a different angle.

If you’re a fan of scenic boat trips, good food, and a touch of luxury, this experience deserves a spot on your Lisbon to-do list.

FAQ

Is this a private tour?
Yes, it’s a private boat experience for up to 12 people, making it perfect for small groups, friends, or family.

How long is the cruise?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, with specific start times available upon checking availability.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the boat, insurance, crew, music, lunch (choose from barbecue, picnic, or tasting), and an open bar throughout the cruise.

Are drinks unlimited?
Yes, the open bar is available at all times during the cruise, so you can enjoy as many drinks as you like within reason.

Can I swim during the trip?
Absolutely, there’s time allocated for swimming or dipping into the river, which many guests find particularly enjoyable.

Is transportation included?
No, transfer services are not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way to Doca de Santo Amaro.

Is this suitable for children?
The tour is primarily a relaxed adult experience. While not specifically marketed for kids, if children are present, they should be comfortable with boat rides and swimming.

What languages does the crew speak?
The crew speaks Portuguese, Spanish, English, and French, ensuring good communication for diverse guests.

Do I need to pay in advance?
You can reserve your spot now and pay later, with full cancellation options available up to 24 hours in advance.

If you’re after a cozy, scenic, and delicious way to enjoy Lisbon’s river, this cruise offers a memorable option. Just be ready to relax, soak up the views, and toast to Lisbon with good company.

You can check availability for your dates here: