Private Sailboat Cruise with Barbecue and Drinks

Imagine trading crowded streets and busy sightseeing for a laid-back day aboard a private sailboat, gliding past Lisbon’s iconic landmarks. For roughly four hours, you’ll enjoy a personalized experience on a catamaran designed for up to 12 guests, with the chance to take in the city’s sights from the calm waters of the Tagus River. At a price of around $927 for your group, this tour offers an indulgent yet intimate way to see Lisbon, with the added bonus of a delicious barbecue lunch and refreshing drinks.

What makes this experience particularly appealing is the blend of stunning views and relaxed luxury. We love how you can avoid the typical crowds and get up close to Lisbon’s scenic spots from a unique vantage point. The inclusions of wines, sangria, sodas, and water elevate the experience, making it feel more like a special day out than just another sightseeing tour. Plus, the opportunity to stop for a swim near a beach adds a refreshing touch to the cruise.

One possible consideration is that the boat is described as “a little old,” which might be noticeable to some travelers used to newer vessels. Also, the lunch location may not be as scenic as you’d hope, but overall, the experience remains rich with value and memorable moments.

This tour suits those who enjoy personalized experiences, water-based sightseeing, and delicious, casual dining on board. It’s especially ideal for photographers eager to capture Lisbon from a different angle or travelers looking for a stress-free day away from land-based crowds.

Key Points

• Private Experience: Only your group participates, ensuring personalized service.
• Unbeatable Views: See Lisbon’s landmarks from the river, including Belém Tower and the 25 de Abril Bridge.
• Food & Drinks: Included barbecue with cheese, chorizo, grilled meats, and tasty desserts, plus four drinks per guest.
• Swim Stop: Opportunity for a swim close to a beach, adding a fun, refreshing element.
• Flexible Options: Vegetarian meals available on request.
• Ideal for Photography: Access to viewpoints that are hard to reach on land.

A Closer Look at the Lisbon Sailing Experience

Sailing through Lisbon’s calm waters offers a different perspective that shore visits can’t match. The four-hour cruise is perfect for travelers wanting a relaxed pace, with enough time to absorb the scenery, enjoy good food, and snap plenty of photos. The tour begins at the Doca de Alcântara Norte, a location well-served by public transport, making it convenient for most travelers to reach.

Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point: Blue Skipper Snacks & Drinks
From this lively meeting spot, you’ll board your private catamaran. With a maximum of 12 guests, the boat maintains an intimate and relaxed atmosphere. As you set sail, the first sights include the 25 de Abril Bridge, reminiscent of San Francisco’s Golden Gate, and the MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology), which provides a modern contrast to Lisbon’s historic architecture.

Belem & Monumental Landmarks
You’ll glide past Belem, home to the famous Torre de Belém and Padrão dos Descobrimentos. These are some of Lisbon’s most iconic sights, best appreciated from the river, where you can admire their scale and beauty without the crowds. The Santuario Nacional de Cristo Rei, visible from the water, offers a majestic view of Lisbon’s skyline and the river, making for excellent photo opportunities.

Further Along the River
The cruise gives you a chance to see Alges, Padrão de Arcos, and Caxias, which are less visited during land tours but beautiful from the water. The boat also stops near a beach for a swim, giving a refreshing break from sightseeing and a chance to cool off in the clear river water.

Final Views in the City Center
As you approach Praça do Comércio (Terreiro do Paco), you’ll notice how the bustling city seems to open up from this vantage point. The cruise ends back at the initial meeting point, leaving you with a well-rounded view of Lisbon’s riverfront and skyline.

The Food and Drink Experience

No good sailing adventure would be complete without good food, and this tour delivers. Onboard, you’ll find cheese and chorizo boards, along with grilled meats, salad, and bread. The pineapple and chocolate cake for dessert adds a sweet finish. The included four drinks per guest—ranging from white, green, and sparkling wine to sangria, sodas, and water—allow you to toast Lisbon’s beauty or simply relax with a drink in hand.

Reviewers appreciate the quality of the drinks and the food, noting that the professional crew takes care of all the details, making it feel more like a special occasion than a standard boat trip. If you have dietary restrictions, vegetarian options can be arranged upon request.

The Overall Experience: Pros and Cons

What we loved:
– The personalized nature of the private boat, making it easy to relax and enjoy the cruise without a large crowd.
– The stunning vistas of Lisbon’s landmarks, especially from the water where the scale and beauty of the city come alive.
– The good value for a half-day of luxury, food, drinks, and sightseeing, especially if you want a more relaxed and intimate experience than a busy group tour.

A potential drawback:
– The boat’s age was mentioned as “a little old,” which some travelers might find less appealing if you’re used to newer vessels.
– The lunch location (near the boat) might not be as picturesque as other scenic spots, but the included barbecue is flavorful and plentiful.

Who it’s best for:
– Travelers seeking a relaxed, private outing with spectacular views.
– Photography enthusiasts eager to capture Lisbon from a unique, water-level perspective.
– Food and wine lovers who want a casual, delicious onboard meal with scenic entertainment.

Practical Tips for Booking and Enjoying Your Cruise

• Book in advance, as this experience tends to be popular, usually reserved about 10 days ahead.
• The cost per group is about $926.89, which covers up to 12 people, making it an affordable luxury for small groups or families.
• The tour does not include hotel transfers, so plan your transportation accordingly.
• If you prefer a vegetarian meal, request this at booking to ensure your dietary needs are met.
• The cruise is weather-dependent; if rain or storms threaten, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
• Be prepared with sun protection and some cash or a card for extras beyond the included drinks.

FAQs

How long is the private sailing tour?
It lasts approximately four hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the sights, food, and swim break without feeling rushed.

What landmarks will I see from the boat?
You’ll see Lisbon’s most famous sights, including the Tower of Belém, Padrão dos Descobrimentos, 25 de Abril Bridge, and Cristo Rei.

Are drinks included?
Yes, you get four drinks per guest, including white, green, sparkling wine, sangria, sodas, and water.

What is included in the barbecue lunch?
The onboard meal features cheese and chorizo boards, grilled meats, salad, bread, and dessert like pineapple and chocolate cake.

Can vegetarians be accommodated?
Yes, vegetarian options are available upon request.

Is this suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the cruise’s relaxed nature and family-friendly food make it a good option for kids, especially if they enjoy swimming.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Blue Skipper Snacks & Drinks in Doca de Alcântara Norte and ends back at the same location.

Is transportation to the meeting point included?
No, you’ll need to arrange your own transport; the meeting point is near public transit.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to rain or storms, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

For those wanting a luxurious yet relaxed way to see Lisbon, this private sailboat cruise offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty, delicious food, and personalized service. The chance to see Lisbon’s landmarks from the river, combined with a laid-back atmosphere and good value, makes this experience stand out among typical land-based tours. The inclusion of a swim stop adds a fun, refreshing element that appeals to families and active travelers alike.

While the boat’s age might be noticeable, the overall quality of the experience—thanks to friendly guides, excellent wine, and tasty barbecue—makes it an outing worth considering. This tour is best suited for couples, small groups, or families who want to enjoy Lisbon from a different perspective, with plenty of opportunities for photos and relaxation.

If you’re after a unique, intimate, and scenic adventure that combines the charm of Lisbon with a touch of sailing luxury, this cruise could be just the ticket for your visit.