The Best Boat Rentals in Lisbon

Expect small motorboats to start around €90–€150 per hour, private sailboats from about €120–€250 per hour, spacious catamarans from roughly €250–€500 per hour, and premium yachts from around €400–€800 per hour, with sunset and weekend slots on the higher end. Many shared sightseeing cruises run about €25–€50 per person for 1–2 hours. Inclusions vary by listing, but commonly cover the professional skipper, basic safety gear, and soft drinks; some experiences add wine, snacks, or even a barbecue, while fuel or catering upgrades may be extra. Always check the specific listing details before you book. (getmyboat.com, portugalboat.com, viator.com, getyourguide.com, travel-buddies.com)

Lisbon’s most-booked options are modern sailboats for relaxing cruises, fast motorboats and RIBs for quick hops, roomy catamarans for groups and parties, and mid-size to luxury yachts for private events. There are also classic vessels and larger event boats if you need extra space. (getmyboat.com, lisbonsightsailing.com)

Most visitors choose a captained charter because it’s stress-free and no license is required when a professional skipper is on board. If you want a self-operated (bareboat) rental, Portugal requires recognized boating qualifications (Portuguese recreational licenses or an accepted foreign equivalent, often an ICC), and companies will ask for proof of competence and experience; bareboat options exist but are limited compared with captained trips. (dgrm.pt, dre.tretas.org, icomia.org, en.wikipedia.org, boataround.com)

Common meeting points include Doca de Santo Amaro beneath the 25 de Abril Bridge in Alcântara, Doca de Belém and nearby Doca do Bom Sucesso by the Belém monuments, Marina Parque das Nações in the eastern riverfront district, and occasionally the Sul e Sueste/Tejo terminal by Terreiro do Paço for sightseeing boats. Some full‑day trips also start from Cascais Marina west of the city. Your confirmation will list the exact gate or pier. (visitportugal.com, marinaparquedasnacoes.pt, yellowbustours.com)

Classic routes glide past Belém Tower, the Monument of the Discoveries, the riverside MAAT museum, the red span of the 25 de Abril Bridge, and the Cristo Rei statue in Almada, with views toward the historic city center and Praça do Comércio; longer itineraries may also head toward the Vasco da Gama area by Parque das Nações. (en.wikipedia.org, yellowbustours.com)

No license is needed if you book with a professional skipper, which is the norm for private charters. To operate a boat yourself, Portuguese rules require the appropriate recreational license or a recognized equivalent (many operators accept the ICC as proof of competence), and companies may still require a skills check and deposit. (dgrm.pt, dre.tretas.org, en.wikipedia.org)

Yes—families are welcome on most cruises. Vessels carry certified lifejackets and safety equipment, and reputable operators provide child‑size lifejackets on request; let your captain know your group’s ages and sizes in advance. Portugal’s maritime‑tourism safety rules also require lifesaving gear appropriate to the vessel and passengers. (lisbonsightsailing.com, marinha.pt)

Policies vary by boat. Many private charters allow you to bring snacks and beverages or include wine and light bites; others offer open bars or full catering, and some do not allow outside drinks for safety reasons. Check the listing or ask your captain when you book. (getyourguide.com, viator.com, tripadvisor.com)

Some boats welcome well‑behaved dogs with advance notice, while others have a no‑pets policy. If you plan to bring a pet, confirm before booking; operators may count pets toward onboard capacity and may set rules to protect deck surfaces. (lisbondolphins.com, travel-buddies.com)

Captains closely monitor the forecast and local river conditions. If conditions are unsafe, most operators will reschedule or refund per their policy; summer afternoons can be breezier, so morning departures are often calmer if you’re worried about motion. (travel-buddies.com, weatherspark.com)

Absolutely. Lisbon charters regularly host special occasions—think sunset sails with music, catered lunches, or custom décor—and fleets include larger vessels specifically set up for events, with indoor/outdoor areas and onboard restrooms. Share your headcount and vibe, and your captain can tailor the route and add‑ons.

The peak boating season runs roughly May through September, when days are warm and dry; June through August is especially popular. Weekday mornings are typically the smoothest and easiest to book, while weekend sunsets sell out first. Portugal doesn’t observe U.S. holidays like Memorial Day, July 4th, or Labor Day, but those dates fall in midsummer and tend to book up quickly in Lisbon too. Plan extra time around big local dates such as Portugal Day on June 10, the Santo António festivities and fireworks in mid‑June, July’s NOS Alive festival on the waterfront in Algés, and New Year’s Eve fireworks over the Tagus. (pt.climate-data.org, pt.wikipedia.org, en.wikipedia.org, nosalive.com, visitlisboa.com)

Yes—river cruises from Parque das Nações often spot estuary birdlife such as flamingos and herons, and ocean‑going trips sometimes encounter dolphins along the Lisbon–Cascais coast. Sightings are never guaranteed, but your captain will advise on the best route for the day. (marinaparquedasnacoes.pt, lisbondolphins.com)