Private Boat Tours in Lisbon: The Complete Guide for Groups and Events
A private boat tour in Lisbon gives your group something that no restaurant, rooftop bar or city venue can offer: the Tagus River, exclusively for you. In practice, this means no shared decks with strangers, no fixed menus, no standard tour route — just the boat, your people, and one of the most spectacular views in southern Europe, arranged entirely around your event.
Sardinha do Tejo offers two tipes of vessels for private charters on the Tagus River — the iconic Barco EVORA and the catamaran. Consequently, this guide covers both options, what is included, how to plan your event, and what makes a private boat experience in Lisbon genuinely different from a standard dinner or bar event.
Why Choose a Private Boat Event in Lisbon?
There are plenty of ways to celebrate or entertain in Lisbon. However, private boat charters on the Tagus River have grown consistently in popularity — not because they are fashionable, but because they are genuinely hard to replicate.
Above all, the river offers a contained, exclusive environment. Once the boat leaves the dock, the group is together in a way that restaurants and bars never quite achieve. There are no other tables to compete with, no street noise, no distraction from other guests. Additionally, the visual backdrop of the Tagus — the 25 de Abril Bridge, the Belém Tower, Cristo Rei, the Lisbon skyline — makes every event automatically memorable. Consequently, photographs from a private sunset cruise on the Tagus look unlike photographs from any other venue in the city.
The Two Private Charter Options
Private Barco EVORA — up to 220 Guests
The Private Barco EVORA is the largest private event space on the water in Lisbon. With capacity for up to 220 guests, it is suited for large corporate events, product launches, company parties, large birthday celebrations and group gatherings.
Notably, the EVORA has both open deck areas and an enclosed interior, giving your event flexibility regardless of weather. Furthermore, the vessel’s historic character adds a layer of authenticity that modern charter boats cannot match.
Private Catamaran — up to 60 Guests
The Private Catamaran is the choice for smaller, more intimate group events. With capacity for up to 60 guests, it suits hen parties, birthday celebrations, small corporate team building sessions, engagement celebrations and family gatherings.
In particular, the catamaran’s upper terrace deck is well suited to events where guests want to move around freely, take photos and enjoy the open sky. Its more contained size also creates a sense of occasion that larger boats can sometimes dilute.
What Is Included in a Private Charter
Every private charter with Sardinha do Tejo is built around your specific needs. The base package includes exclusive use of the vessel, an experienced captain and crew, a flexible departure time and route, duration tailored to your event, and the on-board music system.
Beyond that, catering and drinks are fully customisable. Whether you want a simple bar, a more elaborate drinks package, or food service on board, our team will work with you to build the right package.
Popular Private Event Formats
Sunset corporate event (2–3 hours): The most common format for business entertaining. Guests board at approximately 6–7pm, the boat heads west along the Belém waterfront, and the sunset serves as the natural centrepiece of the evening. Drinks and canapés on the upper deck, with the city as the backdrop.
Hen party (3–4 hours): A daytime or late afternoon format that makes full use of the Catamaran’s energy. Specifically, music, personalised decorations, a drinks package and the freedom of the river without sharing the boat with anyone else make this a consistently popular choice.
Team building experience: The river removes the formality of the office in a way that land-based team building venues rarely achieve. Moreover, the shared experience of being on the water together consistently produces positive results for groups, without the need for structured activities.
Birthday celebration: From intimate 30-person Catamaran events to 150-person parties on the ÉVORA, birthdays on the water have a sense of occasion that is genuinely difficult to match in a standard venue.
How to Get a Quote
Getting a quote is straightforward. Contact the Sardinha do Tejo team with the following information and we will respond quickly with a tailored proposal:
- Your preferred date (and a backup if flexible)
- Number of guests
- Type of event
- Preferred duration
- Any specific requirements (catering, music, decoration)
Contact:
- Email: reservas@sardinhadotejo.pt
- Phone: +351 962 370 436
- Request a quote on our website
Certified by Turismo de Portugal | Member of Associação de Turismo de Lisboa
Frequently Asked Questions
For peak season (June to September), contact us at least 4–6 weeks in advance. For off-peak dates, 2–3 weeks is usually sufficient, though earlier is always better.
Sardinha do Tejo offers private charters for up to 220 guests on the Barco ÉVORA and up to 60 guests on the Catamaran.
Yes. The sound system is available for your own playlist. For larger events, arrangements for a live DJ can also be discussed with the team.
Yes. We work with catering partners to offer everything from simple drinks packages to full canapé service. Share your requirements when requesting a quote.
Yes. Basic decoration is welcome on board. However, please discuss your plans with the team in advance so we can advise on what is practical in a marine environment.
We monitor conditions closely. In the event of unsafe weather, we will work with you to reschedule or, if necessary, discuss alternatives. Safety always takes priority.
Request a Quote — Private Barco ÉVORA (up to 220 guests) →
Request a Quote — Private Catamaran (up to 60 guests) →
Written by the Sardinha do Tejo team — certified by Turismo de Portugal, members of the Associação de Turismo de Lisboa.
