Lisbon: Sightseeing Cruise with Open Bar, DJ & Swim Stop

A Practical Look at Lisbon’s Sightseeing Cruise with Open Bar, DJ & Swim Stop

When you’re in Lisbon and craving a different way to see the city, this 3-hour river cruise offers a relaxing yet lively experience. For $36 per person, you’ll board a boat at Praça do Comércio—Lisbon’s iconic square—and cruise along the Tagus River, taking in views of the city’s skyline, historic bridges, and shimmering waters. The highlight? A stop at a river beach where you can jump into the water for a swim, all while enjoying complimentary drinks and music spun by a DJ.

What we love about this experience is the combination of scenic beauty and casual fun. The freedom to relax and drink from the open bar while listening to good tunes is rare in guided tours. Plus, the swimming stop gives that extra dash of adventure that makes this cruise memorable. It’s a great way to break from sightseeing and just enjoy the river’s natural beauty.

A potential drawback? The duration is only three hours, which works well for a quick escape but might feel rushed if you’re craving a more extensive exploration of Lisbon’s riverfront. Also, the group size can be up to 200 people, so it’s not a small, intimate experience, but reviews show that the lively atmosphere and friendly staff make up for it.

This cruise suits those who want a laid-back day with some entertainment—perfect for solo travelers, groups, or couples wanting to combine sightseeing with a party vibe. If you enjoy music, drinks, and a splash of adventure, this is definitely worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Scenic River Views: Cruise along the Tagus River and enjoy Lisbon’s cityscape from the water.
Open Bar: Sip on beer, sangria, and white wine while relaxing on deck.
Swim Stop: Jump into the river at a designated beach area for a refreshing break.
Music & Atmosphere: A DJ plays lively tunes, creating a fun, party-like environment.
Duration & Flexibility: The tour lasts about 3 hours with flexible starting times.
No Hotel Pickup: You need to arrive at the meeting point yourself.

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Experience Breakdown and What to Expect

Meeting and Boarding in Praça do Comércio

Your journey begins at the white building with a large clock, directly in front of a busy square filled with taxis and bustling street life. Inside, you’ll find the Pacific Cruises ticket booth for check-in. From there, it’s a short walk to board your riverboat, which can hold up to 200 passengers.

The Voyage Begins: Scenic Views and Music

Once on board, the staff will help you settle in, and the DJ will start spinning upbeat tunes. Expect to feel the breeze and sun on your face as your boat glides along the river. The views of Lisbon’s bridges, riverside buildings, and the Almada hillside are simply stunning, especially as the boat moves away from the busy port area.

The soundtrack of modern hits paired with the water’s gentle movement creates a relaxed yet lively atmosphere. Many reviews mention how friendly and professional the staff are, making the environment welcoming whether you’re traveling alone or with friends.

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The Open Bar Experience

The complimentary drinks—beer, sangria, and white wine—are available throughout the cruise. We loved the way the bar was well-stocked, and how easy it was to grab a drink at any time. Gerdas mentioned, “be careful with sangrias as they are very good so easy to drink a lot,” which is a common theme—drink responsibly and enjoy the cold, refreshing beverages.

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The Swim Stop: A Highlight

About halfway through the cruise, the boat halts at a river beach. This is the chance to jump into the water and cool off, something many found to be a highlight of the experience. Alexa described it as “even more fun jumping off the boat than going in on the beach,” which sums up how much fun this stop can be. The water might be a bit cold, but that just adds to the thrill.

You don’t land on a traditional beach but rather stop in front of the beach, which makes the swim quick and easy. After a few dips, you can dry off and rejoin the cruise for the return leg.

Return and Disembarkation

After the swim, the boat heads back to Praça do Comércio, passing more scenic views and soaking up the sunlight. The entire trip wraps up after about three hours, leaving you with plenty of time to continue exploring Lisbon or enjoy a relaxed evening.

The Value of This Experience

At just $36, this cruise offers a very affordable way to see Lisbon’s riverfront from the water, combining sights with leisure and entertainment. The free drinks and music add a sense of celebration—something reviews frequently praise, with Angela calling it “fantastic” and Liz mentioning the “marvellous time.”

While it’s not a private or small-group tour, the lively atmosphere and the opportunity to meet other travelers make it ideal for those looking for a social, casual outing. The professional staff and quality facilities, including a bathroom on board and life jackets, make it a comfortable experience.

The duration strikes a good balance—long enough to relax and enjoy but short enough not to become tiring, especially if you’re already tired from walking Lisbon’s cobblestone streets.

Who Should Consider This?

This tour is perfect for active travelers who want a fun, relaxed afternoon on the water. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy music and drinks and are open to a slightly lively crowd. It’s also suitable for those who want a different perspective of Lisbon that combines sightseeing with a bit of adventure.

However, if you’re seeking a more intimate or educational tour, or if you prefer small groups or private experiences, this might not be the best fit. Also, note that pregnant women, mobility-impaired guests, and wheelchair users are not recommended, as the tour involves swimming and standing on a boat.

Practical Details and Tips

Meeting point is at the white building with a large clock in front of Praça do Comércio.
Check-in at the Pacific Cruises ticket booth.
Boarding begins approximately 15-30 minutes before the scheduled departure.
Duration is about 3 hours, with multiple start times available—be sure to check the schedule.
Price is $36 per person, which covers the cruise, drinks, DJ, and swim stop.
Not included: hotel pickup or drop-off, so plan your transportation accordingly.
Bring sunscreen, a towel, and a swimsuit if you want to take full advantage of the swim stop.
Children are welcome, but keep in mind the alcohol service is for adults.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility in case your plans change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cruise suitable for children?
It can be, depending on the child’s comfort with water and crowds. Keep in mind, the open bar is for adults and the swim stop might not be ideal for very young children unless closely supervised.

Does the cruise include hotel pickup?
No, you need to arrive at the meeting point yourself, specifically in front of Praça do Comércio.

What should I wear?
Casual summer clothes, swimwear if you plan to swim, and don’t forget sunscreen. A light jacket might be handy if it gets breezy.

Can I bring my own drinks or food?
No, the open bar is included in the price, but outside food and drinks are not permitted on the boat.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?
No, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility impairments.

What happens in bad weather?
Severe maritime conditions can lead to cancellation. The provider will notify you if this occurs.

How many people will be on the boat?
Up to 200, which makes for a lively, energetic atmosphere.

Are there restrooms on board?
Yes, you’ll find a bathroom on the boat for your convenience.

What’s the best time to join?
Check the availability for start times; generally, late morning to early afternoon works well.

Is there a guide explaining the sights?
The main focus is on the scenery, music, and drinks. There is no dedicated guide explaining Lisbon’s history but the views speak for themselves.

Final Thoughts

This Lisbon cruise marries scenic beauty, lively music, and refreshing fun in a way that many travelers find rewarding. It’s a perfect choice if you’re in the mood for a relaxed, social experience on the water, especially if you enjoy music, drinks, and a splash of adventure. The value for money is clear, with positive reviews highlighting friendly staff, great drinks, and a memorable swim stop.

While it may not suit those seeking a quiet or educational tour, for anyone wanting a fun-filled afternoon with stunning views and a cheerful atmosphere, this cruise delivers. Just arrive ready for a good time, and you’ll leave with plenty of stories to share.