90 Minute Amphibious Sightseeing Tour in Lisbon

A 90-minute amphibious sightseeing adventure in Lisbon that combines city highlights with a splash into the Tagus River. For just around $35 per person, you’re treated to a lively tour that visits top landmarks like Commerce Square, Avenida da Liberdade, Belém Tower, and the Monument to the Discoveries. Led by engaging guides such as Maria or Pedro, this tour offers a blend of history, humor, and scenic views, with the added thrill of a boat ride into the river. It’s a fun, family-friendly way to see the city from two perspectives—land and water—without the hassle of coordinating separate tours.

Two things we particularly love about this experience: first, the energetic tour guides who keep the atmosphere light and informative—it’s clear many travelers appreciate their humor and local knowledge, as multiple reviews highlight how much fun they have. Second, the stunning photo opportunities from the boat—sailing past Belem Tower and the Discoveries Monument provides memorable views that you won’t get from just walking around.

A minor consideration is the length of the bus ride through the city, which some travelers find a bit congested or less engaging compared to the water portion. If you’re short on time or prefer a more land-focused exploration, you might feel the land drive could be streamlined.

This tour is best suited for families, first-time visitors wanting a broad overview, and anyone looking for a lively, interactive way to experience Lisbon’s sights without lengthy walking or multiple bookings. It’s ideal if you’re ready for a bit of fun, a splash of adventure, and some excellent photo ops all in one short trip.

Key Points

• Land and water combo offers diverse perspectives of Lisbon’s top sights.
• Guides are lively, humorous, and well-informed, making the experience engaging.
• Great value for money considering the duration and the scenic boat ride.
• Family-friendly and suitable for most travelers, with most people able to participate.
• Booking 10 days in advance helps secure a preferred departure time.
• Weather-dependent, so check the forecast if planning outdoor water activities.

Discover Lisbon on Land and in the Water

This amphibious tour offers a unique way to get to know Lisbon, especially if you’re short on time but want a comprehensive taste of the city’s highlights. For approximately 90 minutes, you’ll experience a lively journey that starts on land and transitions into a boat ride on the Tagus River, creating a seamless blend of sightseeing and adventure.

Led by guides like Maria or Pedro—who earn high praise for their humor and knowledge—you’ll find yourself immersed in stories about Lisbon’s landmarks, history, and culture. The initial part of the tour takes you along Avenida da Liberdade, Lisbon’s luxury shopping boulevard, and the Praça do Marquês de Pombal, one of the city’s busiest roundabouts. These stops set the scene for the city’s modern vibrance and historical significance.

Then, the vehicle transforms into a boat, and suddenly you’re sailing past some of Lisbon’s most iconic riverfront monuments, like the Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. Traveling on the water lets you see these landmarks from a different angle, with many reviews mentioning how memorable the views are—perfect for photos and those “wow” moments.

What Makes This Tour Special?

One key aspect that travelers mention repeatedly is the enthusiasm and humor of the guides. Reviews praise guides like Tanya and Pedro for their energy, storytelling, and bilingual commentary, making the experience engaging whether you’re traveling with kids or adults. Many mention how the guides keep the atmosphere fun, with a good mix of information and humor.

Another highlight is the scenic boat ride. As you glide across the river, you’ll pass Belem Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that played a crucial role during Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. The views here are striking, and many travelers comment on how the boat provides a fresh perspective on these landmarks, which are often crowded when viewed from land.

Detailed Itinerary and Landmarks

Starting Point: Doca de Santo Amaro
Your adventure begins at the Doca de Santo Amaro, where the tour operator’s office is located. From here, you’ll board the amphibious vehicle, which resembles a quirky bus with large wheels, specially designed to handle both roads and water.

Avenida da Liberdade
Your first stop is one of Europe’s most expensive shopping streets. While you might not get much time for shopping, the avenue’s grandeur and the elegant architecture make it a good starting point for understanding Lisbon’s modern affluence. You’ll see grand boutiques, upscale hotels, and lush trees lining the street.

Praça do Marquês de Pombal
Next, the tour stops at this major roundabout, dominated by the towering Marquis of Pombal himself. Sitting here gives you a snapshot of Lisbon’s resilience—this square was rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake, and it’s a hub for city traffic and activity.

Padrão dos Descobrimentos
From here, the guide will explain Portugal’s age of exploration, with stories about famous explorers. The Monument to the Discoveries on the northern bank of the river is a striking sculpture celebrating this era of maritime discovery.

Transition to the Boat
Then, the vehicle enters the water, transforming from land transport into a boat. This part of the experience is the highlight for many travelers, as the boat glides past Belém Tower, a fortress that once guarded the city’s entrance and now stands as a symbol of Portugal’s seafaring past.

Sailing past Belem Tower and the Discoveries Monument
The views from the river are spectacular, with many reviewers describing the experience as both fun and educational. “Sliding into the water was very exciting,” says one traveler, and others mention how their guides shared stories that brought history to life.

Final Stop and Return

The tour concludes back at the starting point after your leisurely cruise on the Tagus. Most travelers feel the 90-minute time frame is just right—long enough to see the key sights without feeling rushed.

What Travelers Say

The reviews paint a clear picture of the overall experience: most travelers rate it 5 out of 5 for fun, value, and enjoyment. Many highlight the entertainment value—guides like Anna and Paula bringing high energy, humor, and local insights, making the tour both informative and amusing.

Some reviews appreciate the photo opportunities, noting how sailing past landmarks like Belem Tower creates memorable images. Others mention the friendly staff and the condition of the vehicle, which was described as “great” or “well-maintained.”

A couple of reviews note that the bus ride through Lisbon can feel congested or lengthy, which might detract slightly from the land portion of the tour. Still, most agree that the boat ride makes up for it, offering a different perspective and a welcome break from walking.

Practical Details and Tips

• The tour costs about $34.58 per person, representing very good value for the combined city and river experience.
• Book at least 10 days in advance to secure your preferred time, especially in peak seasons.
• The tour lasts about 90 minutes, with various departure times available throughout the day.
• The meeting point is at the Doca de Santo Amaro, easily reachable by public transportation.
• Children under 2 are not allowed, but most older kids enjoy the mix of land and water.
• Remember to dress according to the season and consider that you’ll spend about 25 minutes on the water, so pack accordingly.
• Guides speak both Portuguese and English, making the experience accessible to most travelers.
• The tour is suitable for most people, but be aware of the limited capacity of 37 travelers, making for a more intimate experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who appreciates lively guides, stunning views, and a mix of history with a splash of fun, this tour will suit you well. Families with kids often find it a hit, thanks to the entertainment and photo ops, while solo travelers or couples looking for a quick overview of Lisbon’s highlights will also find it rewarding.

It’s perfect if you’re short on time but want a comprehensive snapshot of the city’s riverfront and key landmarks. If you prefer a quiet, contemplative experience, or dislike crowds, this might not be your best choice. But for those wanting an energetic, engaging, and scenic introduction to Lisbon, this amphibious tour hits the mark.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers find it fun for kids, especially because of the boat ride and lively guides. However, children under 2 are not permitted.

How long is the entire tour?
The tour is approximately 90 minutes, including land and water segments.

What landmarks will I see?
You’ll visit major sites like Commerce Square, Avenida da Liberdade, Belém Tower, and the Discoveries Monument. The boat takes you past Belém Tower and the riverfront.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Dress appropriately for the season and prepare for about 25 minutes on the water. Bring your camera for great photo opportunities.

Is the vehicle easy to find and accessible?
Yes, the meeting point is at Doca de Santo Amaro, which is near public transportation.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour allows up to 37 travelers, ensuring a friendly and less crowded experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made more than 24 hours in advance. The tour is weather-dependent, with options for rescheduling or full refunds if canceled due to poor weather.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak both Portuguese and English, making communication clear and enjoyable.

In brief, this amphibious tour offers an upbeat, scenic, and educational look at Lisbon with the bonus of a splashy boat ride. It’s a smart choice for travelers seeking a fun, flexible, and memorable way to see the city without the fatigue of extended walking or complicated logistics. Whether you’re traveling with family or just want a lively overview, this experience delivers good value and plenty of memorable moments.