The beaches of Oeiras seen from the river: the best stops by boat

Between Lisbon and Cascais, the Oeiras coast lines up some of the most popular beaches in the area — and there’s a different (and better) way to discover them: from the river, aboard a boat. No traffic, no hunting for a parking spot, with the water just a dive away. Here are the beaches of Oeiras seen from the Tagus and the best stops for a swim.

The beaches of Oeiras, from east to west

• Praia de Santo Amaro de Oeiras — the best known, with a Blue Flag, lively and with a good seafront. A great landmark from the water.
• Praia da Torre — next to the Forte de São Julião da Barra, one of the most beautiful settings on the coast.
• Praia de Paço de Arcos — quieter, good for families.
• Praia da Ribeira de Caxias — small and sheltered, a little nook on the way to Lisbon.

Seen from the river, they all take on another dimension: the coastline, the forts, and the Sintra mountains outlined in the background to the west.

Why it’s worth seeing (and stopping) by boat

• You arrive with no traffic or parking — the “road” is the river.
• A swim stop away from the crowd — you dive in from the boat, in calmer waters.
• The best view of the coast — Oeiras, Carcavelos and the bay of Cascais parade in front of you.
• Your own pace — you stop where and when you like, just with your group.

Note: swimming conditions depend on the tide, the wind and the day. The crew always chooses the best spot and moment for the stop.

The right experience for this: Sail & Swim

To combine sailing and swimming, the ideal experience is Sail & Swim: we set off from Lisbon, travel along the coast towards Oeiras and Cascais and stop for a swim in the Tagus. Perfect for summer, for families and for groups.

Prefer the morning, calmer and brighter? The Morning Tour & Brunch is also a great option to catch the coast at its best. And at the end of the day, the return can coincide with the sunset on the Tagus.

Frequently asked questions

Can you reach the beaches of Oeiras by boat from Lisbon? You can. We set off from Doca de Alcântara (Gate 3), in Lisbon, and head along the coast towards Oeiras. As it’s a private charter, we decide with you how far to go and where to stop.

Can I swim from the boat? Yes, that’s exactly the idea. You dive straight off the boat, away from the crowd. Conditions depend on the tide, the wind and the day — the crew always chooses the best spot and moment for the stop.

Which experience is best for a beach day on the river? Sail & Swim is ideal: sailing along the coast plus a swim stop. For a calmer, brighter morning, the Morning Tour & Brunch also works very well.

For how many people? The “Lusitana” catamaran takes up to 37 guests, always as a private charter just for your group, with the crew taking care of everything.

Plan your beach day on the river

At Lusitana we run private charters — the boat is just for your group, with the crew taking care of everything. You choose the day; we take care of the route, the stops and the rest.

With a bit of luck, you might still catch dolphins on the Tagus along the way. Plan your cruise or get in touch on WhatsApp and book your swim stop in Oeiras.