5 Best Cruises and Boat Tours in Santiago De Compostela

The beautiful Rias Baixas region near Santiago de Compostela offers several worthwhile boat excursions along Galicia’s dramatic coastline. The standout tour is the 9.5-hour Rias Baixas expedition, combining wine tasting with an authentic mussel boat experience – a perfect blend of local culture and cuisine. For a memorable winter outing, the 8-hour Vigo Christmas Lights cruise hits all the right notes, featuring Pontevedra’s historic streets and twinkling harbor views. Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the Arousa Island tour, which includes unlimited mussels and drinks during a relaxing coastal voyage. Let’s explore these top-rated maritime adventures.

Key Points

• The Rias Baixas Excursions offer a unique exploration of wine culture and mussel farming in the region, with a 9.5-hour tour and a lowest price guarantee.

• The Vigo Christmas Lights Tour provides an 8-hour festive experience, including a guided tour of Pontevedra’s historic center and a boat ride to Vigo.

• The Rías Baixas – Arousa Island Tour features a 9.5-hour coastal experience with a boat trip to Arousa Island, unlimited mussels, and drinks.

• The From Santiago: Rias Baixas Tour offers a comprehensive 9.5-hour journey, including visits to picturesque villages, local wine tasting, and a boat trip with unlimited mussels and wine.

• The Ribeira Sacra Tour & Boat Trip includes a scenic boat cruise along the Sil River and explores middle-age monasteries, castles, and Galician culture.

Excursion to Rias Baixas With Winery – Optional Mussel Boat

The excursion to Rias Baixas offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore the region’s renowned wine culture and witness the traditional mussel farming practices. Priced at €42.00 per person, this tour provides a lowest price guarantee and flexibility with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

During the 9.5-hour tour, guests will enjoy a wine tasting session praised for its quality and variety, allowing them to learn about local production methods. The tour also includes an optional mussel boat experience, where participants can observe the mussel extraction process and taste the freshly harvested seafood.

Bilingual tour guides are available to cater to diverse groups, and the comfortable transportation features luxury amenities like USB charging ports.

While the tour itinerary has received mixed reviews, the overall experience is highly rated at 4.8 out of 5 based on 187 reviews, with highlights including knowledgeable guides and the enjoyable boat trips.

Read our full review: Excursion to Rias Baixas With Winery – Optional Mussel Boat Review
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Tour to Vigo Christmas Lights Plus Pontevedra Including Boat

For travelers seeking to enjoy the festive spirit of Galicia, the Tour to Vigo Christmas Lights Plus Pontevedra Including Boat offers an enchanting experience. Priced at $47.55 per person, this 8-hour excursion explores the region’s Christmas wonderland, including a guided tour of Pontevedra’s historic center and a boat ride to Vigo.

Guests will depart from the Galicia Travels office, near the entrance of Santiago de Compostela’s old town, and embark on a 75-minute guided walk through Pontevedra’s charming streets.

They’ll then transfer by bus to Moaña for a 45-minute boat ride to Vigo, where they’ll have 4 hours to explore the city’s vibrant Christmas markets, decorated streets, and the iconic Porta do Sol square.

The tour includes comfortable transportation, a professional guide, and insurance, though meals and drinks aren’t provided.

With an impressive 5/5 rating based on 3 reviews, this experience promises to be a highlight of any Galician holiday.

Read our full review: Tour to Vigo Christmas Lights Plus Pontevedra Including Boat Review
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Rías Baixas – Arousa Island, Combarro and Mussel Boat

Priced from $45.04 per person, the Rías Baixas – Arousa Island, Combarro and Mussel Boat tour immerses travelers in the natural beauty and cultural richness of Galicia’s coastal region.

The 9.5-hour experience includes a boat trip to Arousa Island, where guests can enjoy the island’s scenic views. The highlight is the mussel boat trip, which offers unlimited mussels and drinks.

The tour concludes at the original meeting point, and travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

With an overall rating of 4.6 out of 14 reviews, this tour is praised for its memorable mussel boat experience and friendly guides.

Travelers can easily book and pay later, ensuring flexibility. Customer support is available through the Viator Help Centre, where they can find additional information and resources to address any booking issues.

Read our full review: Rías Baixas – Arousa Island, Combarro and Mussel Boat Review
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From Santiago: Tour to Rias Baixas With Boat, Seafood & Wine

Frequently, travelers embark on the “From Santiago: Tour to Rias Baixas With Boat, Seafood & Wine” experience, an immersive 9.5-hour journey that showcases the natural splendor and cultural riches of Galicia’s coastal region.

The tour, priced from $58.12 per person, allows visitors to explore picturesque villages, taste local wines, and cruise through the stunning Rias Baixas estuaries.

The itinerary includes stops in Combarro, Lanzada Beach, O Grove, and Illa da Toxa, with guided tours and free time to immerse in the Galician way of life.

Highlights include a boat trip with unlimited fresh mussels and local wine, as well as a wine tasting at a local vineyard. Travelers can also visit the shrine of “la Lanzada” and learn about the region’s Albariño wine production.

With a 4.7/5 overall rating, the tour offers excellent value, knowledgeable guides, and seamless transportation, making it a must-do for those seeking to explore the coastal wonders of Galicia.

Read our full review: From Santiago: Tour to Rias Baixas With Boat, Seafood & Wine Review
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From Santiago: Ribeira Sacra Tour & Boat Trip

The “From Santiago: Ribeira Sacra Tour & Boat Trip” offers travelers a captivating 9.5-hour journey into the heart of Galicia’s historic and natural wonders.

Priced from €57.00 per person, this tour provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.

The itinerary highlights include a visit to the Miradoiro Canón del Sil, the San Pedro de Rocas Monastery, and the town of Allariz, with a scenic boat cruise along the Sil River.

Participants can explore middle-age monasteries, castles, and villages, while learning about Galician and Celtic culture.

The tour includes modern air-conditioned transportation, an expert local guide, and boat trip tickets.

Reviews indicate mixed feedback on the guide’s language proficiency and the value for money, though the transportation and boat ride were generally enjoyed.

Read our full review: From Santiago: Ribeira Sacra Tour & Boat Trip Review
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The Sum Up

Santiago de Compostela offers a variety of cruises and boat tours to explore the stunning Rías Baixas and nearby towns. Visitors can enjoy winery visits, seafood tastings, and scenic voyages. Whether seeking a Christmas lights tour or a relaxing day on the water, these excursions provide an excellent way to discover the region’s natural beauty and cultural attractions.