Lisbon: Tagus River New Year’s Eve Boat Cruise with Wine

Starting the new year on the water offers a distinctive way to enjoy Lisbon’s iconic fireworks display. This 3-hour New Year’s Eve boat cruise departs from the Doca do Bom Sucesso marina in Belém, with watercraft options including sailboats and catamarans. The tour includes two glasses of sparkling wine to toast the arrival of the new year.

The itinerary takes you past landmarks like the Discovery Monument, the 25th April Bridge, and the Christ the King statue, providing a fresh perspective on Lisbon’s nighttime skyline. The departure begins at 10:30 pm, with the cruise wrapping up at 1:30 am, making it a compact yet memorable experience. While the tour offers a crowdless and cozy environment—perfect for those seeking an intimate celebration—it does require warm clothing for comfort on the water during winter evenings.

This cruise appeals most to visitors wanting an exclusive vantage point for Lisbon’s fireworks, away from the crowded streets onshore. Its moderate duration and inclusive sparkling wine make it a good choice for those seeking a festive yet relaxed way to ring in the new year. However, potential participants should be comfortable with being on a boat for three hours and prepared for cooler temperatures.

Key Points

• Duration: 3 hours, from 10:30 pm to 1:30 am, ideal for a mid-length celebration.
• Location: Starts at Doca do Bom Sucesso marina in Belém, Lisbon.
• Experience: Offers spectacular views of Lisbon’s fireworks and city lights from the water.
• Inclusions: Includes two glasses of sparkling wine for each participant.
• Vessels: Options include sailboats or catamarans, adding variety to the experience.
• Crowd Level: Provides a cozy and crowdless setting, perfect for a more intimate celebration.
• Accessibility: Begins with a brief safety briefing after a short walk from Belém.
• Booking Flexibility: Free cancellation available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Departing from Doca do Bom Sucesso in Belém

The tour starts at the Doca do Bom Sucesso marina, a notable spot in Lisbon’s Belém district. Guests meet at the black and white van with a red flag in front of gate number 1, situated between a BP gas station and Vela Latina restaurant. The coordinates are 38.69374, -9.21298, making it easy to locate. The short 3-minute walk from Belém ensures a relaxed start to the evening.

The meeting process includes a 5-minute safety briefing before setting sail. This ensures all participants are comfortable with the safety procedures and ready for the cruise ahead.

The Excursion on the Tagus River

Once on board, travelers enjoy a 2-hour and 45-minute sightseeing cruise along the Tagus River. The vessel heads toward Commerce Square in Lisbon’s city center, where the fireworks are visible in front of the historic city skyline.

The route passes by prominent monuments such as the Discovery Monument, the 25th April Bridge, and the Christ the King Statue. These landmarks are especially striking at night, illuminated against the Lisbon sky. The cruise’s design ensures a crowdless, cozy environment, allowing for better views of the fireworks and city lights without the crush of land-based crowds.

The Fireworks View from the Water

Witnessing the fireworks display from the river provides a vantage point that is both spectacular and peaceful. As the fireworks explode in the sky in front of Commerce Square, the reflection on the water creates a shimmering backdrop.

This perspective offers a different experience compared to watching from the streets, fostering a sense of intimacy and exclusivity. The cozy vessel environment makes it easier to enjoy the spectacle with smaller groups, compared to crowded onshore celebrations.

The Vessels: Sailboats or Catamarans

The tour offers a choice between sailboats and catamarans, depending on availability. Both vessel types provide stable platforms for viewing, with ample space for passengers to relax. The choice of vessel adds a touch of adventure to the night, with sailboats offering a more traditional experience and catamarans delivering stability and spaciousness.

While the vessels are suitable for most, travelers should be prepared for winter temperatures, which can be cool on open water. Warm clothing is recommended to stay comfortable during the cruise.

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Wine and Celebrations on Board

The cruise includes two glasses of sparkling wine, perfect for toasting the new year. The wine helps set a celebratory mood, adding a touch of elegance to the experience. The relaxed environment also allows for socializing and enjoying the city lights in a calmer setting.

Since the tour is hosted in multiple languages (Portuguese, English, Spanish, French), communication is accessible for many travelers, ensuring everyone feels included in the festivities.

Ease of Booking and Cancellation Policy

Travel plans can be flexible with the option to reserve now and pay later. The full refund policy allows cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure, providing peace of mind if plans change unexpectedly. This flexibility makes the tour a convenient choice for those uncertain about winter weather or other arrangements.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The main draw of this cruise is the combination of a festive celebration with a peaceful, scenic cruise. It offers a crowdless environment, making it ideal for couples or small groups seeking an intimate way to celebrate New Year’s Eve.

The view of the fireworks from the river, combined with the complementary wine and the quiet atmosphere, distinguishes this experience from more traditional onshore parties.

Potential Limitations to Keep in Mind

While the tour offers an exclusive perspective on Lisbon’s New Year’s fireworks, it may not suit those who prefer large, lively street celebrations. The 3-hour duration and cold weather during winter evenings** require some physical and comfort considerations. Participants should come prepared with warm clothing and be comfortable on a boat for that length of time.

The size of the vessel and the vessel type may vary, which could influence comfort levels slightly, especially for larger groups. It’s advisable to check availability in advance.

Final Thoughts on the Lisbon New Year’s Eve Boat Cruise

This 3-hour cruise provides a unique and memorable way to ring in the new year in Lisbon. Its spectacular views of fireworks, cozy environment, and inclusion of sparkling wine make it a strong choice for travelers seeking an intimate celebration on the water.

While it’s not a full-on party experience with DJs or open bars, the peaceful setting and exclusive vantage point are valuable features. It’s especially suitable for those wanting a calmer, scenic start to their new year, with the added bonus of witnessing Lisbon’s skyline illuminated at night.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the cruise last?
The cruise lasts 3 hours, starting at 10:30 pm and ending at 1:30 am.

Where does the tour depart from?
It departs from Doca do Bom Sucesso marina in Belém, specifically from the black and white van with a red flag in front of gate number 1.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes 2 glasses of sparkling wine to toast the new year.

What type of vessels are used?
Participants can choose between sailboats or catamarans.

Is the experience suitable for all weather conditions?
Participants should bring warm clothing as it can be chilly on the water during winter evenings.

Can I cancel my reservation?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.

Is this tour available in multiple languages?
Yes, the tour is hosted in Portuguese, English, Spanish, and French.

What landmarks will I see during the cruise?
You will pass by Discovery monument, 25th April bridge, and Christ the King statue.

How crowded is this cruise?
The environment is cozy and crowdless, offering a more intimate setting for celebrating.

Who is this tour best suited for?
It’s ideal for those seeking a peaceful, scenic way to celebrate the new year with spectacular fireworks from the water.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby