The temperature was hot, scorching for the time of day. It was six o’clock in the afternoon, but it felt like it was noon. The destination: Bom Sucesso Dock, meeting-point for a boat trip in Lisbon to watch the sunset.
The TagusCruises team was preparing the sailboat that would take us from Belém to the Alfama hill, navigating through the waters of the Tagus River.
The boat was not long but spacious enough to take the group on a trip passing some of the main points of downtown Lisbon.
From the Discoveries Monument, passing under the 25 de Abril Bridge, following the coastline through the Cais do Sodré, Terreiro do Paço and Santa Apolónia, the view over the city of Lisbon has never been more beautiful.
Time to relax in a boat trip in Lisbon
The boat was smooth, cutting slowly the waves, and only swinging when it was hit by the wake of other vessels that crossed the path. And there are plenty going around there in the evening.
The skipper let loose the sails and began his dance with the pulleys and other instruments whose specifique names surpass me. Watching him maneuver the equipment, with such ability and with so little effort, was incredible.
“Doing a sailboat ride on the Tagus and then riding the motor doesn’t make any sense. Our guests hope to have the experience of what it’s like to ride a sailboat, and that’s what we give them,” he tells us, among the many stories he shares with the group.
And the sails were there, haughty, driven by the wind that runs the river, which, although not too strong at this time, was enough to sail.
I could have spent all day aboard, but this boat trip in Lisbon to see the sunset takes about two hours. The return to the quay is done along the south bank of the river, passing the Cristo Rei, so that all the attendees can watch the last minutes of sunshine falling on the city.
Between wine tastings, the sun was setting, and the lights turning on in the street arteries. The hot summer night air caressed our faces as we headed back to Bom Sucesso Dock.
It had been a unique experience, which showed a different and beautiful side of Lisbon.
❤︎
LEAD OF THE TRIP
What?
Sailing boat tour on the Tagus river, Lisbon
Who?
I did with TagusCruises, and it was fabulous! The staff is very knowledgeable, relaxed, and makes us feel at home.
When?
TagusCruises has several types of day tours, which work from morning until the end of the day, but I advise the sunset cruise. After all, who doesn’t want to see views of Lisbon during golden hour?…
Where?
TagusCruises sailing tours depart from the Bom Sucesso Dock in Belém.
How?
The sailboat ride to watch the sunset begins in Belém and goes up to the hill area of Alfama. Take comfortable and sticky footwear, so you be able to walk on deck at ease. Although there are blankets on board, bring a jacket.
Why?
Because you will see an unforgettable sunset over the Portuguese capital!
❤︎
Spending some days in Lisbon? What do you think about this tour? Would you do it? Let me know in the comments below.
Discover Lisbon With Private Sailing
Booking.comEditorial Note: I did this boat trip in Lisbon at the invitation of TagusCruises. However, as always, all the descriptions and opinions reported in this article are independent and the result of my own experience.
18 COMMENTS
Danijela
4 years agoI did see the Torre Belem and the Discoveries Monument, but I can only imagine how beautiful they are from this angle. It might have lasted only for two hours, but the trip sounds like being worth it. Even more so if the day was that hot.
Tagus is so huge, I always wondered what it would be like to go from one bank to the other by boat. Your trip is even better – you had the opportunity to watch the sunset as well. 🙂
Marlene Marques
4 years ago AUTHORIt was truly an experience, Danijela. Maybe you can try it if you ever come back to the city. 🙂 Happy travels!
Tami Wilcox
4 years agoThe Lisbon bridge reminds me of the Golden Gate bridge in San Francisco, which isn’t gold at all, but red like this one. Loved your pictures and your description of how wonderful it was to be sailing in the harbor. I love sunset cruises and would have felt the same as you. Fun post to read!
Marlene Marques
4 years ago AUTHORThanks, Tami. Indeed, Lisbon’s bridge is similar to the Golden Gate Bridge. And on the other side of the river, you have the Cristo-Rei statue, which is identical to the Cristo Redentor in Rio de Janeiro. So, you have three countries (counting with Portugal) in just one city! 😉
Sofia
4 years agoI embarked on a boat trip almost like this when I was in Lisbon! Our’s was a catamaran and it was one of my best moments from that trip. From the dreamy views of Belem to being served wine and cheese, I wish I could go back! Thanks for reminding me of that 🙂
Marlene Marques
4 years ago AUTHORBeautiful, Sofia. It is indeed a lovely experience to have in Lisbon! Happy travels!
Holly
4 years agoI heard Europe was having a heatwave so I can understand that it was super hot. At least you were out on the water. Looked like a lot of fun especially when the sun started to set.
Marlene Marques
4 years ago AUTHORClimate is so weird in Europe right now! You can’t really guess what’s the weather gonna be the next day. But this was definitely a good place to cool down and enjoy the views.
Medha
4 years agoA 2-hour sailboat trip to watch the sunset sounds exactly like the sort of thing I’d love to do! Lisbon looks amazing and to see it from the boat would be even better. And for someone like me who loves to chase the sunset, one over the water would be a gorgeous one to catch. Thanks for this recommendation!
Marlene Marques
4 years ago AUTHORGlad you like it, Medha! Happy travels!
Nisha
4 years agoThis is the fourth article on Portugal I’m reading today. 🙂
That also means Portugal is calling me ! haha
Lisbon is one of those places I wouldn’t want to miss and boat ride is one of the activities. The water is so blue and inviting. Quite a sunny day you had and I loved your shoes too. 😉
Marlene Marques
4 years ago AUTHOReeheh it must be a sign, Nisha! 😉 Glad you enjoyed the article! Happy travels!
sherianne
4 years agoI have been to Lisbon but did not take a boat ride on the Tagus. Cruising pst Belem Tower on a sailboat sounds dreamy, wish I had done it!
Marlene Marques
4 years ago AUTHORMaybe you come back again and get to try it! 😉 Happy travels!
Claudia Laroye
4 years agoA sunset cruise is a wonderful way to enjoy time on the water. I’m not a big sailor but even I could handle a cruise on the Targus River in Lisbon! It looks lovely.
Marlene Marques
4 years ago AUTHORHi Claudia! I’m not a sailor either, but you don’t have to worry about a thing here. 😉
Shreya Saha
4 years agoWow the Taguscruise is offering a really interesting activity on their boats. Enjoying sunset from the river is definitely a beautiful thing to do in Lisbon. I would never miss this when I am there.
Marlene Marques
4 years ago AUTHORIt’s really a beautiful tour. You must try it! 😉