Bilbao, a vibrant city in Spain’s Basque Country, offers visitors a unique way to explore its architectural gems – a sightseeing boat tour. Whether you opt for the 1-hour or 2-hour excursion, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Guggenheim Museum and other iconic landmarks along the waterfront. With flexible booking and a hassle-free cancellation policy, this tour provides a comfortable and informative journey, leaving you to wonder about the stories these buildings hold and the history that has unfolded within this captivating city.
Good To Know
- The Bilbao sightseeing boat tour offers 1-hour and 2-hour duration options, with prices starting at €20 per person and accommodating up to 80 passengers.
- The tour provides audio guides in multiple languages, offering informative commentary on the city’s iconic landmarks like the Guggenheim Museum.
- The 1-hour tour covers the Zorrozaurre riverbank, while the 2-hour tour extends to the historic Puente Bizkaia, providing a unique architectural appreciation of Bilbao.
- Booking for the tour is available online, with free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance, and passengers must arrive 30 minutes early at the Pio Baroja Square departure point.
- The tour has an average overall rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars, with positive feedback on the informative commentary and the stunning views of Bilbao’s architecture.
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Tour Overview
The Bilbao Sightseeing Boat Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the city’s waterways from the comfort of a boat.
The 1- or 2-hour tour departs from City Hall Bridge, with prices starting at €20 per person. Guests can choose between the 1-hour and 2-hour options, both of which provide audio guides in multiple languages.
The tour boat can accommodate up to 80 people, with both indoor and outdoor seating. Passengers should arrive 30 minutes early at the meeting point of Pio Baroja Square and present their mobile vouchers.
Experience Highlights
The sightseeing boat tour provides a unique opportunity to cruise past Bilbao’s significant landmarks, including the iconic Guggenheim Museum.
An audio guide is available in six languages, allowing passengers to learn about the city’s history and architecture as they glide along the waterway.
The 1-hour tour includes the Zorrozaurre riverbank, while the 2-hour option extends to the Puente Bizkaia.
Both routes offer stunning views and a chance to appreciate Bilbao’s architectural wonders from a different perspective.
Whether you choose the shorter or longer tour, the experience promises an informative and enjoyable sightseeing adventure on the water.
Booking Details
Reserving the Bilbao sightseeing boat tour is a hassle-free process. Customers can reserve the tour online and pay later, with no upfront payment required.
The flexible cancellation policy allows for free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. It’s important to note that this isn’t a hop-on hop-off tour, so there are no assigned seating arrangements.
Travelers should arrive at the meeting point, Pio Baroja Square, 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time and present their mobile voucher.
Whether opting for the 1-hour or 2-hour tour, guests can expect an enjoyable sightseeing experience along the Bilbao riverbanks.
What to Expect
Travelers embarking on the Bilbao sightseeing boat tour can expect an immersive experience along the city’s waterways.
The 1-hour or 2-hour tour offers stunning views of the Guggenheim Museum and other iconic landmarks. The audio guide, available in six languages, provides informative commentary to enhance the experience.
Passengers can choose to sit inside the boat or enjoy the fresh air from the outside seating area. The boat has a capacity of 80 people, ensuring a comfortable and intimate journey.
Whether it’s the 1-hour tour along the Zorrozaurre riverbank or the extended 2-hour tour to the Puente Bizkaia, the Bilbao sightseeing boat tour promises an unforgettable way to explore the city from the water.
Practical Information
To start your Bilbao sightseeing adventure, you’ll need to know the essential practical information.
The boat tour departs from Pio Baroja Square, so arrive 30 minutes early with your mobile voucher. The boat can accommodate up to 80 people, with both indoor and outdoor seating.
While there’s no assigned seating, you’ll have the flexibility to move around. The tour is available in 1-hour and 2-hour options, with the longer tour extending to the Puente Bizkaia.
Bring headphones to enjoy the multilingual audio guide. Also, be sure to dress for the weather, as you’ll be on the water.
With these tips, you’ll be ready to embark on an immersive sightseeing experience in Bilbao.
Customer Ratings
The boat tour’s customer ratings provide a valuable snapshot of the overall experience. Based on 1,442 reviews, the tour has an impressive average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars.
Specifically:
- Guide: 4.2/5
- Transportation: 4.4/5
- Value for Money: 4/5
Highlighted positive reviews praise the tour’s good value, interesting commentary, and excellent views of the Guggenheim Museum and Bilbao’s architecture.
With high marks across various aspects, the Bilbao sightseeing boat tour emerges as a well-received and enjoyable way to explore the city from the water.
Tour Duration Options
Bilbao’s sightseeing boat tour offers travelers two convenient duration options to choose from.
The 1-hour tour provides a quick and efficient way to see the city’s key landmarks, including the iconic Guggenheim Museum, along the Zorrozaurre riverbank.
For those seeking a more in-depth experience, the 2-hour tour extends the journey to the historic Puente Bizkaia bridge.
Both options feature multilingual audio guides, allowing passengers to learn about the sights at their own pace.
With flexible booking and cancellation policies, visitors can easily plan their Bilbao sightseeing adventure to fit their schedule and preferences.
Meeting Point and Arrival
Passengers begin their Bilbao sightseeing boat tour at Pio Baroja Square, arriving 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure with their mobile vouchers in hand.
The meeting point is conveniently located, allowing ample time for passengers to find their bearings and get ready for the tour.
Once there, they can:
- Check in with the tour operator and receive any necessary information or instructions.
- Explore the surrounding area and take in the sights before the boat departs.
- Ensure they’ve all the required items, such as headphones and charged smartphones, for a seamless experience.
- Socialize with fellow passengers and get excited about the upcoming journey along the Bilbao waterfront.
Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.
- Guggenheim Bilbao Museum Private Tour
- Bizkaia, Route of the Coast. Unforgettable Corners to Enjoy by the Sea.
- The Sanctuary of Loyola, Getaria, Zarauz and San Sebastian From Bilbao
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao
- The La Rioja Boutique Wine Tour – 2 Wineries & Picnic Lunch (From Bilbao)
- The Magic of the Guggenheim Museum – 2 Hours With VIP Tickets
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Food and Drink Available on the Boat?
Food and drink are not available for purchase on the boat. Passengers are welcome to bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages to consume during the tour. Consuming outside food and drink is permitted on the boat.
Can I Bring My Own Refreshments?
Passengers are generally allowed to bring their own refreshments on the boat tour. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand to confirm their policy on outside food and drinks.
Is the Boat Wheelchair Accessible?
The boat is wheelchair accessible. It has wide aisles and designated seating areas to accommodate passengers with mobility needs. Guests should inform the tour operator of any special requirements when booking the tour.
Are There Any Restrictions on Photography?
There are no restrictions on photography during the boat tour. Guests are free to take pictures of the sights and scenery throughout the tour. However, flash photography may be discouraged to avoid disturbing other passengers.
Are There Any Age Limits for Children?
There are no age limits for children on the boat tour. Infants and kids of all ages are welcome, but parents must purchase tickets for babies. The boat can accommodate up to 80 passengers in both indoor and outdoor seating areas.
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The Sum Up
The Bilbao sightseeing boat tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s architectural landmarks from a different perspective. With flexible booking options, multilingual audio guides, and comfortable indoor and outdoor seating, this tour promises an enjoyable and informative experience for visitors. Whether you choose the 1-hour or 2-hour option, you’ll be able to take in the stunning views of the Guggenheim Museum and other iconic sites along the river.