Lisbon Plastic Pickup and Boat Tour on the Tagus River
Join marine biologists aboard a research vessel to clean the Tagus and discover Lisbon from the water.
This Lisbon plastic pickup boat tour places participants at the heart of an active environmental research effort on the Tagus River while offering rare riverside views of the city's most iconic landmarks.
Departing from Doca de Recreio de Santo Amaro, the tour boards a research vessel crewed by professionals committed to monitoring and reducing microplastic pollution in the Tagus. Participants take an active role in science rather than simply observing it.
Throughout the two-hour journey, the crew shares knowledge on marine biodiversity threats, plastic pollution dynamics, and the ecology of the Tagus estuary. The data collected during the outing is forwarded to a partner research institute for ongoing analysis.
Lisbon's skyline unfolds from the water in a way rarely experienced from land. The route frames the S. Jorge Castle, the National Pantheon, the Cristo Rei statue, the Discoveries Monument, and the Tower of Belem against the wide expanse of the Tagus.
Tour Highlights
Help marine biologists deploy and retrieve a MicroPlastic net in the Tagus river canal.
Contribute real data to an active microplastic research project linked to a scientific institute.
Observe iconic Lisbon monuments from the river, including the Tower of Belem and Cristo Rei.
Enjoy a glass of Moscatel while taking in the panoramic riverside perspective of the city.
All participants wear lifejackets throughout the tour for safety at every point on the water.
Learn about marine biodiversity threats and plastic pollution challenges in the Lisbon region.
What to Expect
Arrive at Doca de Recreio de Santo Amaro 15 minutes before departure. The crew delivers a safety briefing, distributes lifejackets, and introduces the goals of the research mission.
The vessel heads out onto the Tagus, with the crew narrating the landmarks visible from the water. Participants gain an entirely different perspective of Lisbon's historic skyline.
Marine biologists guide participants in mounting and launching the MicroPlastic net. The net is towed for approximately 20 minutes at 3 knots through the Tagus river canal.
The crew retrieves the net and spends around 10 minutes interpreting the collected material with participants. Findings are documented and submitted to the partner research institute.
Participants enjoy a glass of Moscatel as the vessel makes its way back to Santo Amaro. The crew is available for questions on pollution research and local marine ecology.
Included and Not Included
What Is Included
- Guided boat tour on a research vessel
- MicroPlastic net activity with marine biologists
- Marine litter collection and data interpretation
- Glass of Moscatel
- Lifejackets for all participants
- Commentary on Lisbon monuments and marine ecology
What Is Not Included
- Hotel pickup or drop-off
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities
- Any items of a personal nature
Important Information
Reserve Your Place on the Tagus
Spaces are limited to 24 participants per departure. Secure your spot and play an active part in protecting Lisbon's river.
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