boat hire in Lisbon · Madeira — Varino (1950)

PRIVATE EVENTS Location Valada do Ribatejo Cartaxo (50min from Lisbon) Half-day rental €299 Full-day rental €549 This vessel was acquired by the municipality of Azambuja from Rota dos Mouchões in 1997 and was the main tourist attraction of the town of Azambuja, both nationally and internationally, until 2012 when it was taken to the shipyard and left abandoned for several years, returning to the waters of the Tagus in 2020 under a fund from the European Community. Vala Real is a wooden Varino boat, one of several typical boats that sailed the Tagus. Its type was a cargo boat, which allowed it to travel between Lisbon and Vila Nova da Barquinha. This route ran from the Cais de Santarém in Lisbon, the current Navy dock, to the mouth of the Vala Real in Azambuja (the ditch that gave the vessel its name). The Vala Real was built between 1839 and 1844 during the reign of Dona Maria II by the Companhia dos Canais de Azambuja, which by royal decree was obliged to build an inn that served as a hostel and as an access control to the Vala in Azambuja - the Palácio das Obras Novas. It was navigable for 17 km from the mouth (Palace) to the Ponte da Asseca (Santarém) where it connected to the Tagus in the Ónias area. Its use ended due to a decree law of July 1857 that dispensed with the services provided by the Companhia dos Canais de Azambuja, due to the arrival of the Caminho de Ferro do Norte, promoted by the Governo Regenerador de Fontes de Pereira de Melo. Proudly different and original, we love to think outside the box. We are not just another boat tour company, we were created to provide experiences that have never been done before. Our River Climbing and Safari programs are a result of our values. Innovative programs that reveal unexplored landscapes and routes. Alight with us, FEEL the river and all its surroundings... let yourself be carried away on an unforgettable experience. What We Offer Corporate Services Team building activities develop team spirit, improve communication and increase employee motivation and productivity. We have a wide range of activities, we are sure to have the program that best suits your team. Our range includes programs full of adrenaline to more relaxed and cultural programs, with the possibility of adding catering, DJ or photography services. We guarantee lots of fun and satisfaction! We also offer a photoshooting service, take advantage of the Tagus landscapes to promote your products and company. Shared Services Join other adventurers and come enjoy the various tours and excursions along the river and its canals. River cruises from Lisbon to Valada, safaris, cultural tours, sunset cruises, and dolphin watching are just some of the programs we have to offer. Private Services For a more exclusive and personalized experience, our private services offer the opportunity to enjoy the river at your own pace. Whether it’s to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a moment of tranquility, Feel the River has the best solution. We have a vast fleet of boats that can adapt to any situation. You can also add complementary services and extra activities, such as catering, stand-up paddleboarding, DJ or photography services. Our Best Sellers: RIVER TRAVEL We are the only ones to sail from Lisbon to Valada. Each trip is an opportunity to discover the history and natural beauty of the Tagus River and its banks. We pass by emblematic monuments, picturesque villages and stunning landscapes. We guarantee a rich and varied experience, in an exciting contrast between the city and the fauna and flora of the Lezíria. A trip full of unforgettable moments. SPEED BOAT SUNSET Feel the magic of the best sunset combined with the adrenaline of the acrobatics of our boats. SAFARI BOAT TOUR We sail along unexplored routes and landscapes, we travel along the narrow channels of the river, navigable only for a few hours a day. We see several birds and wild horses, among other animals in their habitat, a true feeling of immersion in nature in its purest state.