This time, Lisbon in Us takes a slightly different format. Rather than sharing his story in the first person through a traditional article, Mário Firmino introduces himself in an interview.
But what kind of Lisbon does our guest bring us? One that is a little different, too. Here, the focus is firmly on the River Tagus. Given that his training and professional life revolve around boats and navigation on the river, this comes as no surprise. The Tagus is his daily source of inspiration and pride.
In Conversation with Mário
From a Love of the Tagus to the Creation of Sardinha do Tejo
Some people discover the sea. Others seem to have been born on it.
For Mário, the Tagus has always been part of his life. Now 34, he brings with him more than two decades of experience on the river, a background in the merchant navy and a clear ambition to build something of his own.
That ambition gave rise to Sardinha do Tejo. Today, with its catamarans, the historic Barco ÉVORA and a young, passionate team, the project aims to do more than simply take people on boat trips along the Tagus. It seeks to help raise the standard of nautical tourism in Lisbon and across Portugal.
We spoke to Mário about the journey that brought him here, the story behind Sardinha do Tejo and what continues to inspire him.
Mário, tell us your story. How did it all begin?
Sardinha do Tejo was born out of a strong desire to start my own business in nautical tourism.
I have been working on the River Tagus for 12 years and have been sailing on it for more than 20. I spent many years sailing from the age of six. Later, I studied at the Instituto de Tecnologias Náuticas, where I completed a course in Merchant Navy deck operations.
I then spent three years aboard general cargo ships in the merchant navy before beginning my career as a skipper on vessels operating on the Tagus.
I worked for several companies, across different businesses and on boats owned by other people. Then, in 2021, in the post-Covid period, I met Bernardo de Sousa through Júlio Osório, and the three of us set up the company that has since become Sardinha do Tejo.
Júlio introduced me to the project and invited me to work with him. My answer was very clear: I wanted to be part of the project, not just an employee.
I put forward a partnership proposal, which was accepted, and we began our journey in 2021.
For three years, we worked tirelessly, day and night, to build what Sardinha do Tejo is today: a nautical tourism company offering high-quality boat trips and a range of events.
Our sunset cruises are perhaps the best way to watch Lisbon change colour from the water. We also organise parties on board for those who want to celebrate on the river.
Alongside our two versatile catamarans, we have the Barco ÉVORA, a former cacilheiro ferry with a strong historical presence and an identity that means a great deal to the people of Lisbon. It was the first ferry commissioned by CP to operate the crossing between Barreiro and Terreiro do Paço, in 1931.
I actually worked on the boat myself as a sailor some years ago, which makes it particularly special to me on a personal level. It is a beautiful vessel and is now the oldest boat still in operation on the Tagus. In my opinion, it is also one of the most beautiful.
And if you had to describe Sardinha do Tejo in one word?
Pride.
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| Lisbon in Us by Mário Firmino | |
|---|---|
| Who is Mário, the person behind Sardinha do Tejo? | Mário is a 34-year-old young man who is passionate about the sea and has been connected to it for as long as he can remember. I cannot remember a time when I wasn’t on a boat. I am a young entrepreneur with big ambitions. I have always wanted to start my own ventures, develop projects, try new things, do things differently and, above all, create value. I am a cheerful person, and I have a wonderful family: two daughters and a beautiful wife. |
| An inspiring place | The Tagus River |
| An unmissable visit | The sunset on the Tagus |
| His mouth waters with… | The restaurant at the Paço de Arcos Nautical Club |
| A song… | Chorinho para você by Paulo Moura |
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