Lisbon: Sunset Sailing Tour with Wine & Belem Landmarks

Summary

Lisbon’s riverside icons glow as sunset sails by with wine in hand

You’ll watch Lisbon’s riverside icons glow as you sail past Belém Tower and under Ponte 25 de Abril at sunset. Sip local wine with snacks as your guide shares stories about kings and explorers. This small group tour includes certified crew and pickup—just bring yourself and let Lisbon surprise you.

What’s the experience like?

We were already drifting past Belém when I realized how different Lisbon looks from the water — all those creamy stone monuments catching the last bit of sun, a few gulls circling overhead. I’d never been on a sailing tour in Lisbon before, and honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Our guide João handed out glasses of chilled rosé (I definitely didn’t say “vinho rosé” right, but he just grinned) and pointed out the Monument to the Discoveries. The wind was softer than I thought it would be; you could smell the river, a little salty, mixed with something sweet from a bakery onshore.

Someone asked about the bridge — Ponte 25 de Abril — and João told us about its old name and how it changed after the Carnation Revolution. He had that calm way Portuguese people sometimes have, like they’re not in any rush. We sailed right under it, which made my stomach flip for a second; it’s huge up close. The Christ the King statue looked almost pink in the evening light. There were snacks passed around (olives, cheese, nothing fancy but somehow perfect), and we all got pretty quiet for a while just watching the city slip by. It’s funny how everyone starts out chatty on these things but then gets kind of thoughtful when the sun starts dropping.

I kept thinking about how this day trip from Lisbon is so different from anything else I’ve done here — no crowds or traffic, just that soft creak of the boat and João telling stories about kings and explorers. At one point he pointed to Ajuda Palace up on the hill, and I tried to imagine royal dinners there while we sipped our wine below. There was a moment where everything went gold — sky, water, even our faces — and I thought, yeah, this is why people book these sunset tours. Still can’t believe how quiet it felt out there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Lisbon sunset sailing and sightseeing

• Board sailing boat in Lisbon
• Sail past Belém Tower
• View Monument to the Discoveries
• Pass MAAT museum and Electricity Factory
• Sail under Ponte 25 de Abril bridge
• See Cristo Rei monument
• Enjoy wine and snacks onboard
• Watch the sunset over Lisbon

Top questions

What landmarks do you see on the Lisbon sunset sailing tour?

You’ll see Belém Tower, Monument to the Discoveries, Ponte 25 de Abril bridge, Cristo Rei statue, Ajuda National Palace, MAAT/Electricity Factory museum, and National Museum of Ancient Art.

Is wine included on the sunset sailing cruise?

Yes, complimentary white or rosé wine is included (1 bottle per 3 people), along with snacks like cheese and olives.

How many people are on each boat?

The maximum is 14 people per boat; most groups are around 10 guests for a more relaxed experience.

Where does the Lisbon sunset sailing tour start?

The tour departs from Belém in Lisbon’s riverside area near major landmarks like Belém Tower.

Are children allowed on this sailing tour?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Is pickup included for this day trip from Lisbon?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet at the departure point in Belém.

What time does the sunset cruise begin?

The starting time depends on sunset—it begins two hours before sunset; exact time will be confirmed after booking.

What’s included

Your evening includes a sightseeing river cruise along Lisbon’s waterfront with a certified crew guiding you past famous landmarks like Belém Tower and Ponte 25 de Abril bridge. You’ll enjoy complimentary white or rosé wine (one bottle for every three guests) plus simple snacks such as cheese and olives—all taxes and insurance are covered too.