Lisbon: Amphibious City Tour by Land & Tagus River

Summary

Lisbon’s streets & river in one wild ride with local stories

You’ll ride through Lisbon’s grand boulevards and markets before splashing straight into the Tagus River—all without changing seats. Expect live stories from your local guide, up-close views of Belém Tower and Monument to the Discoveries, plus that strange thrill of being both tourist and kid again for 90 minutes.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the weird echo of our own laughter bouncing off the metal roof as we climbed aboard this amphibious bus—honestly, it looked like something out of a cartoon. We squeezed in next to a family from Porto (their little boy kept peeking at my notebook), and our guide, Joana, grinned and waved us off down Avenida da Liberdade. She pointed out the old plane trees and all those fancy shops I could never afford—there’s always someone walking their tiny dog here, even on gray mornings like ours.

I didn’t expect to feel nervous when we rolled toward the river, but Joana made a big show of counting down before we splashed in. The water slapped against the sides and suddenly everything sounded muffled—just gulls overhead and that diesel hum. The Monument to the Discoveries looked even bigger from below, all those stone faces staring out over the Tagus. Joana told us how Belém Tower once guarded explorers heading for India; she asked if anyone knew what “saudade” meant, and Li laughed when I tried to say it in Portuguese (I definitely butchered it). The air smelled briny and cold—my hands were still sticky from a pastel de nata I’d grabbed at Campo de Ourique Market before we started.

It’s only 90 minutes but it felt longer—in a good way. You see Lisbon from this odd angle, slipping between traffic then floating past joggers on the quay. There was one quiet moment where everyone just watched sunlight flicker on the water near Fundação Champalimaud; nobody said anything for a bit, which stuck with me more than all Joana’s jokes. When we finally rolled back onto land, my shoes were still dry (somehow), but my head was buzzing with all these images—blue tiles flashing by, old men waving from balconies. If you’re looking for something that makes you grin like an idiot for no real reason… well.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Lisbon city and river sightseeing tour

• Pass Avenida da Liberdade
• Pass Praça do Marquês de Pombal
• Pass Monument to the Discoveries
• Pass Belém Tower
• Pass Fundação Champalimaud

Top questions

How long is the amphibious sightseeing tour in Lisbon?

The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes.

Does the Lisbon amphibious tour include live commentary?

Yes, there is live commentary on board in Portuguese and English.

What landmarks do you see during this Lisbon city tour?

You’ll pass Avenida da Liberdade, Praça do Marquês de Pombal, Monument to the Discoveries, Belém Tower, Campo de Ourique Market, and Fundação Champalimaud.

Is hotel pickup included in this Lisbon amphibious tour?

No hotel pickup is included; public transportation options are nearby.

Are children allowed on this Lisbon sightseeing bus & boat tour?

Children under 2 years old are not allowed; all children must be accompanied by an adult.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

Passengers must board by their own means; specialized infant seats are available but accessibility may be limited.

Will I get wet during the amphibious part of the Lisbon tour?

No, you stay dry inside the vehicle during both land and water portions.

What’s included

Your ticket covers a 90-minute guided sightseeing adventure through Lisbon by land and water aboard an amphibious vehicle—with live commentary in Portuguese or English throughout your journey.