AROUND THE WORLD · SAILING

The World’s 15 Best Sailing Trips

16 tours  ·  from $15 a head

Every trip has one free day too few. These 15 sailing trips justify the slot wherever you are, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes.

Lisbon: Sailing Tour on the Tagus River - The first sail past Belém’s waterfront
Lisbon River Cruises, Portugal River Cruises, River Cruises, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours

Lisbon: Sailing Tour on the Tagus River

1.Sailing Tour on the Tagus River

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,632 reviews · 1 - 2 hours · from $23Our pick

Join a small sailboat or catamaran from Belém’s Doca do Bom Sucesso for a relaxed Tagus cruise past Lisbon’s key sights. Help steer with the crew or lounge on deck. The trip includes a drink, water, light snacks, and a sunset option.

“What a great way to see Lisbon. The crew and staff could not have been better. Do this trip !”

Check availability →Read our full review

Lisbon: Tagus River Sailboat City Cruise - Starting at Bom Sucesso Marina in Belém
Lisbon River Cruises, Portugal River Cruises, River Cruises, River Sightseeing Cruises, Sailing, Tour Reviews

Lisbon: Tagus River Sailboat City Cruise

2.Tagus River Sailboat City Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,212 reviews · 2 hours · from $41

Sail from Belém with guides such as Tiago, Miguel, Paulo, or Isaac, hearing stories about Lisbon’s monuments while you enjoy one drink, music, and river views. Choose a shared or private cruise, with sunset departures available and an accessible boat.

“Our afternoon on the river was spectacular! Tiago and Paulo kept us entertained with wonderful history of the area and the views of the city from the other side of the shore were incredible! A great value and we're so glad we took this relaxing and beautiful tour of the Lisbon shoreline. Thanks!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Berlin: East Side Gallery Spree Cruise in a Solar Catamaran - Under Oberbaumbrücke and Into Berlin’s East
Berlin River Cruises, Germany River Cruises, Museums, Sailing, Spree River Cruises, Tour Reviews

Berlin: East Side Gallery Spree Cruise in a Solar Catamaran

3.East Side Gallery Spree Cruise in a Solar Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 1,086 reviews · 2 hours · from $28

Spend two hours on a solar-powered catamaran from Jannowitzbrücke to Treptow Park and back. You’ll see the East Side Gallery from the water, pass Oberbaumbrücke, spot Kater Blau and houseboats, and hear an English audio guide while the German crew handles the cruise.

“Amazing boat, new and everywhere very clean, the traject was also very nice ! We loved it!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Bratislava Day Trip from Vienna With Catamaran Cruise on Danube - A local guide introduces Bratislava’s Old Town
1-Day Tours, Austria River Cruises, Danube River Cruises, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Vienna River Cruises

Bratislava Day Trip from Vienna With Catamaran Cruise on Danube

4.Bratislava Day Trip from Vienna With Catamaran Cruise on Danube

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 723 reviews · from $115

Travel from Vienna to Bratislava by air-conditioned coach, then follow a local guide through the Old Town, St. Martin’s Cathedral, Michael’s Gate, the palaces, and major squares. You get several hours to explore alone before returning to Vienna by Twin City Liner catamaran, weather and river conditions permitting.

“Tour was in two languages not just English, slowed down the tour, to finish at 12 and return at 6.30 was difficult for a 6.5 hour wait. I was so exhausted that i cancelled my Sunday tour and lost my money of $230 not impressed”

Check availability →Read our full review

Seine River Dinner Cruise with Live Singer by VIP Yacht de Paris - Port de la Rapée and the boarding routine
Dinner Cruises, Dinner Cruises in France, Dinner Cruises in Paris, France River Cruises, Paris River Cruises, River Cruises, Sailing, Seine River Cruises, Tour Reviews

Seine River Dinner Cruise with Live Singer by VIP Yacht de Paris

5.Seine River Dinner Cruise with Live Singer by VIP Yacht de Paris

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 604 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $126

Cruise the Seine by night aboard the VIP Yacht de Paris, with views of the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre, and more. A live singer performs during a three-course dinner, with optional wine, water, or champagne packages. Allow extra time for boarding and the long pre-departure period.

“The sights , the food and the service was excellent. After enjoying a glass of wine up top and watching the iconic sites we passed by, we went downstairs for dinner. Although my fish was delicious, a portion of it was undercooked and so I left it on my plate. Surprisingly, the waiter noticed this and the manager came to my table to offer me a cheese plate. I accepted an after dinner bailey's instead. I was definitely impressed with this service. The cruise and dinner and service were worth the price.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Private tasting in the Douro (1 to 7 people) on a yacht for yourself - The bridges and Porto from the water
Douro River Cruises, Food & Drink, Porto River Cruises, Portugal River Cruises, Sailing, Tour Reviews

Private tasting in the Douro (1 to 7 people) on a yacht for yourself

6.Private tasting in the Douro (1 to 7 people) on a yacht for yourself

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 559 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) Top rated

Board a private yacht at Marina do Freixo for a two-hour Douro cruise with a welcome drink, local wine, Port, cheese, meats, and homemade jam. Guides such as Paulo, Christina, Daniel, and Luca share city stories as you pass Porto’s bridges, Gaia’s cellars, Foz, and the Atlantic coast.

“Great boat ride! Nicer and bigger than we expected! Great wine and charcuterie board! Did the 530 so watched the sun set, which was beautiful! Would highly recommend Paolo and company. Both were very informative and made sure we were well taken care of!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Porto: Luxury Yacht Tour of the 6 Bridges and Douro Estuary - The Arrábida Bridge and Porto’s western riverfront
Douro River Cruises, Luxury River Cruises, Luxury River Cruises in Portugal, Portugal River Cruises, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours

Porto: Luxury Yacht Tour of the 6 Bridges and Douro Estuary

7.Luxury Yacht Tour of the 6 Bridges and Douro Estuary

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 521 reviews · 2 hours · from $57

Set out from Douro Marina with Nancy and Fernando or another certified crew, then cruise Porto and Gaia’s six bridges on a yacht limited to 12 people. You’ll see the riverfront, port cellars, Foz do Douro, and the estuary reserve, with sangria, music, and time for photos.

“Beautiful evening cruise along the Douro. Nancy was very friendly and shared great historical context about Porto. It’s worth noting that we were one of the few boats that were still out at sea when the sun set into the sea!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Douro Sunset Sailboat Experience in Porto - The Arrábida Bridge and Porto’s river mouth
Douro River Cruises, Porto River Cruises, Portugal River Cruises, Sailing, Tour Reviews

Douro Sunset Sailboat Experience in Porto

8.Douro Sunset Sailboat Experience in Porto

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 439 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $71

Join Porto Sailing Spot for a roughly two-hour sunset sail from Douro Marina. Your guide points out Ribeira, Gaia, the bridges, Foz do Douro, and local wine culture while you enjoy snacks and a Porto Tónico. Crew members such as Sara, Rodrigo, Claudia, and José have been praised for warm, personal hosting.

“Crew was fantastic. Very engaging. Service was great. Get ready for a great photo opportunity. Bring a lite jacket.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Porto: Sunset or Daytime, Charming Sailboat Cruise on the Douro River - Under the Arrábida Bridge
Douro River Cruises, Porto River Cruises, Portugal River Cruises, River Cruises, Sailing, Tour Reviews

Porto: Sunset or Daytime, Charming Sailboat Cruise on the Douro River

9.Sunset or Daytime, Charming Sailboat Cruise on the Douro River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 396 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $47

Cruise the Douro for about two hours in a small sailboat carrying no more than 12 people. With George, Ricardo, Patricia, or Henrique helping on board, you’ll see Porto’s bridges, Gaia, Foz, and the Atlantic entrance, with a Porto Tónico welcome drink.

“Fantastic experience! Our Captain was charming and thoughtful and experienced. We were very comfortable and the cocktail was really amazing. The river tour and views were wonderful! Highly Recommend this experience!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Sunset Sailing Tour On The Tagus River - Under the 25th of April Bridge
Lisbon River Cruises, Portugal River Cruises, River Cruises, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours

Sunset Sailing Tour On The Tagus River

10.Sunset Sailing Tour On The Tagus River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 385 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $54

Spend about two hours sailing from Belém with Taguscruises, passing under the 25th of April Bridge and by Belém Tower, the Discoveries Monument, Christ statue and St. George’s Castle. The captain shares local stories, while you enjoy one drink, light snacks and sunset views from the deck.

“Fantastic crew. Our group had a great time. The second half of the sail was a little chilly but the crew had lots of warm jackets and blankets for anyone that wanted one.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Catamaran Cruise with Snorkeling and Dunn's River Falls - Snorkeling over a Caribbean reef
Jamaica River Cruises, Ocho Rios River Cruises, River Cruises, Sailing, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews

Catamaran Cruise with Snorkeling and Dunn’s River Falls

11.Catamaran Cruise with Snorkeling and Dunn’s River Falls

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 358 reviews · from $139

Sail from Ocho Rios to Dunn’s River Falls on a 65-foot catamaran, snorkel over Caribbean reefs, climb the 600-foot falls, and return with lunch, Jamaican music, rum punch, and guides such as Mama Felicia. Expect a lively group outing, not a quiet sailing trip.

“Party time very lively group. So much fun!! Helpful with people who want to go snorkeling. Drinks were flowing and the music had us up dancing and enjoying ourselves!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Lisbon: Enjoy a Sunset or Night Tagus River Sailboat Cruise - Boarding in Belém and choosing your departure
Lisbon River Cruises, Portugal River Cruises, River Cruises, Sailing, Tour Reviews

Lisbon: Enjoy a Sunset or Night Tagus River Sailboat Cruise

12.Enjoy a Sunset or Night Tagus River Sailboat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 306 reviews · 2 hours · from $41

Sail the Tagus for two hours with an English-speaking guide, a welcome drink, and views of Belém Tower, the 25 April Bridge, Christ the King, and Lisbon’s waterfront. Choose sunset or night, with boats limited to 16 people and blankets available when the river breeze turns cool.

“my wife and I had a great time on this tour. Isaac the guide was fantastic.. The scenery was spectacular. a great way to spend a evening”

Check availability →Read our full review

Nile River Dinner Cruise on a Yacht with Open Buffet - Pickup from downtown Cairo or the Pyramid area
Buffet Experiences, Cairo River Cruises, Dinner Cruises, Dinner Cruises in Cairo, Dinner Cruises in Egypt, Egypt River Cruises, Nile Cruises, River Cruises, Sailing, Tour Reviews

Nile River Dinner Cruise on a Yacht with Open Buffet

13.Nile River Dinner Cruise on a Yacht with Open Buffet

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 292 reviews · from $15Best value

Spend about three hours on a Nile dinner cruise from Cairo, with hotel pickup, an open buffet of Egyptian and international dishes, oriental sweets, live singing, Tanoura dancing, and belly dance. Expect a shared vessel rather than a truly private yacht, and check pickup timing carefully.

“The organiser was rather rude. When I got to the boat he was no where to be seen. This was my second time dining on this boat hence I knew what to expect The boat was delayed by over 1 1/2hr. No explanation was given. Throughout the cruise I didn't see the organiser. HRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

Gdańsk: Motlawa River Yacht Cruise - The Green Bridge and Gdańsk’s Water Gates
Poland River Cruises, River Cruises, Sailing, Tour Reviews

Gdańsk: Motlawa River Yacht Cruise

14.Gdańsk: Motlawa River Yacht Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 272 reviews · from $18

You’ll see Gdańsk from its waterways on a 45-minute open motor-yacht cruise for up to 10 people. The route passes the Green Bridge, Crane, Ołowianka Island, Granary Island, shipyards, Polish Hook, and Gdańsk Marina, with commentary in English, German, or Polish.

“Excellent service, we were running 3 minutes late because we were lost and they called to check on us and give us directions The boat cruise was informative and lovely Highly recommend”

Check availability →Read our full review

Gdańsk: Motlawa River Sightseeing Catamaran Cruise - Starting at Przystań Zielony Most
Poland River Cruises, River Cruises, River Sightseeing Cruises, River Sightseeing Cruises in Poland, Sailing, Tour Reviews

Gdańsk: Motlawa River Sightseeing Catamaran Cruise

15.Gdańsk: Motlawa River Sightseeing Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 215 reviews · from $18

Join a 45-minute catamaran cruise from Przystań Zielony Most and see Gdańsk from the Motława River. An audio guide covers the Green Gate, medieval crane, fish market, shipyards, Ołowianka Island, and Granary Island. English, German, and Polish language options are available.

“Everything was perfect. Captain is super nice! We really enjoyed it ;))”

Check availability →Read our full review

Scroll to Top

Every kind of river day

An hour, an evening, a set of rapids or a week aboard.

Rivers by place

Every country and city on the site, from the Nile to the Chicago.