The beaches of Seixal and the Margem Sul bay, seen from the Tagus

Everyone knows the Lisbon side of the Tagus. But the estuary has another side, quieter and full of character: the Margem Sul (south bank) and the bay of Seixal. Seen from the water, it’s one of the most beautiful surprises of the river — and a perfect destination for a different kind of cruise, away from the bustle.

The bay of Seixal, from the river

The bay of Seixal is a sheltered nook of the estuary, with calm waters, where the traditional boats of the Tagus still sail — the moliceiro and the varino, sails to the wind. All around, the riverfront of Seixal and Amora, the salt marsh and the life of the estuary. It’s a slower, greener and very photogenic Tagus.

Because it’s a sheltered area, the waters tend to be calmer — ideal for peaceful sailing and, in the right conditions, for a stop.

Why it’s worth seeing by boat

• The quiet side of the Tagus — no crowds, with time to take it all in.
• Traditional boats and riverside heritage — the history of the river right before your eyes.
• Sheltered waters — good for smooth sailing and for families.
• Another view of Lisbon — the city and the 25 de Abril Bridge seen from the opposite bank.

Note: swimming conditions always depend on the tide, the wind and the day — the crew chooses the best spot and moment. For open-sea beaches, neighbouring Costa da Caparica is just to the west.

Add the Margem Sul to your cruise

The Margem Sul pairs beautifully with a route through the estuary: sailing between the two sides of the Tagus, with Lisbon on one side and Seixal on the other. Ideal for a Sail & Swim, a calmer Morning Tour or a return at sunset. And, with a bit of luck, there might even be dolphins on the Tagus along the way.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go to the Margem Sul and Seixal by boat from Lisbon? You can, and it’s the best way to do it. We set off from Doca de Alcântara (Gate 3), in Lisbon, and cross over to the other side of the estuary. The route is designed with you, because it’s always a private charter.

Are the waters of the bay of Seixal calm? Because it’s a sheltered area, they tend to be calmer than open sea — great for smooth sailing and for families. Even so, conditions depend on the tide and the wind on the day.

Can I swim on the Margem Sul? In the right conditions, yes — the crew chooses the best spot and moment. For open-sea beaches, neighbouring Costa da Caparica is just to the west, and we can arrange that on a Sail & Swim.

Is it worth it for large groups? Yes. The “Lusitana” catamaran takes up to 37 guests on a private charter, and the Margem Sul is perfect for a quieter cruise, away from the bustle.

Plan your cruise along the Margem Sul

Private charter — the boat is just for your group and we design the route with you.

Plan your cruise or get in touch on WhatsApp and discover the other side of the Tagus.