Boat Tours in Donostia - San Sebastián

Located in Spain’s mountainous Basque Country, San Sebastián is a resort town known for its long golden beaches and scenic bay front promenade. The coastal town provides the perfect setting for a wide range of outdoor activities, including surfing, kayaking and boat trips.

Boat tours in San Sebastián are the ideal excursions for nature enthusiasts wanting to spend some time enjoying the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean and admiring the Spanish coastline from a different perspective.

Here's all you need to know about boat tours, one of the most invigorating outdoor activities in San Sebastián.

What are the most popular boat tours in San Sebastián?

Sightseeing catamaran tours in San Sebastián

Sightseeing catamaran tours are perfect to admire some of San Sebastián’s most iconic sites from the water. You’ll board a comfortable catamaran docked in the town’s picturesque harbor and make your way out into the azure Atlantic Ocean.

Marvel at the incredible views of San Sebastián as you learn more about important landmarks through the tour’s audio guide. Some of the places you’ll see include the Oteiza sculpture, the Paseo Nuevo Sea Wall, and the Urumea River.

You’ll also get to see Zurriola Beach, Mount Ulia and the iconic La Concha Beach among other well-known landmarks. During the 40-minute trip, there will be plenty of opportunities to take photos and simply relax as you enjoy the fresh sea breeze. Certain catamaran tours stop at Santa Clara Island, where you can spend some time, before returning to the mainland.

Private sailing trips in San Sebastián

Make the most of your time on the water with a private sailing trip in San Sebastián. As you and your travel companions will be the only tour participants, these excursions can be customized to suit your preferences and interests.

Choose a departure time that suits you best, keeping in mind that sunset sails allow you to enjoy ‘golden hour’ from the water, making for incredible photographs. An experienced skipper will take you to nearby beaches, point out famous landmarks along the coast and teach you a bit about sailing.

Many private sailing trips also provide you the opportunity to disembark at Pasai Donibane, a typical Basque fishing village. For a truly unique experience in San Sebastián, opt for a classic 1920s sailboat, which looks as though it's straight out of a movie set.

Speedboat cruises in San Sebastián

Join a speedboat tour to cruise along at thrilling speeds, an ideal way to see a significant portion of the Basque Country’s coastline if you don’t have a lot of time available. As groups are limited to 12, you’ll enjoy a personal experience while still getting to meet other travelers.

These San Sebastián speedboat cruises typically visit La Concha Bay and Pasaia Bay, and you’ll pass by typical fishing towns of the Basque Country, the cliffs of Jaizkibel, La Plata Lighthouse and more. With an audio guide, you will learn everything you need to know about the places visited, and your skipper can always answer any additional questions.

Flysch Cliffs yacht tours from San Sebastián

See the awe-inspiring Flysch Cliffs from the comfort of a spacious yacht, which offers a memorable outing for you and your travel companions. Your knowledgeable skipper will explain the cliffs’ fascinating history, geology and legends as you admire their tall peaks.

The Flysch Cliffs are one of the most beautiful destinations in the Basque Country, and this yacht tour allows you to see these natural wonders from a unique experience. The yacht is perfect for sunbathing and relaxing as you take in the gorgeous coastal views.

Once you have seen the cliffs and the nearby attractions of Algorri Cove and Itzurun Beach, you’ll sail to the port of Getaria, one of the Basque Country’s traditional fishing villages that is filled with picturesque fishing boats. After roughly two hours of exploring the coastline and making unforgettable memories, you’ll make your way back to the port of San Sebastián.

How much do boat tours in San Sebastián cost?

Basic sightseeing tours catamaran tours in San Sebastián cost about €7 per person, while boat that stop at Santa Clara Island are priced at €12 each.

Small-group speedboat and yacht tours to the Flysch cliffs generally cost around €70 per person for a 2-hour experience, including refreshments.

Private sailing tours can vary in price and depend on your group size, but you can expect to pay around €240 per person for a standard sailboat tour and around €1,000 for a classic sailboat tour.

Which places are seen?

While each boat tour in San Sebastián offers a slightly different itinerary, in most cases you can expect to see many highlights on the Basque Country coastline.

Santa Clara Island

Santa Clara Island is located in the middle of La Concha Bay and is known for its lush vegetation and historic lighthouse. Most boat trips in San Sebastián pass by the island, and some even make a stop there, so you can explore it for yourself.

La Concha Beach

La Concha Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the north of Spain. Seeing this beautiful beach from the water gives you an idea of its impressive size and allows you to understand why so many holidaymakers choose San Sebastián as their favored destination.

Pasaia Bay

Pasaia Bay is home to the quaint fishing village of Pasai Donibane, which is known for only having one street in the entire town! Visiting Pasaia Bay provides valuable insight into the traditional way of life in the Basque Country.

Flysch Cliffs

Characterized by their strange geological formations, the Flysch cliffs are one of northern Spain’s most incredible natural wonders that are not to be missed. If you’re fascinated by rock formations, you should choose a boat tour that visits these cliffs.

How long does a boat trip last?

Basic boat tours in San Sebastián usually last around 40 minutes, but there are also plenty of longer excursions for those looking for a more comprehensive experience at sea, lasting 2, 3 or 4 hours.

Where do boat tours leave from?

Boat tours in San Sebastián typically depart from one of the docks in the town's harbor, which is located on the eastern side of Playa de la Concha’s promenade. Make sure that you arrive at least 10 minutes before your tour’s starting time so that you don’t get left behind or keep your guide waiting.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

While most boat tours in San Sebastián are not wheelchair accessible, the catamaran tours that visit Santa Clara Island are suitable for wheelchair users. Just keep in mind that Santa Clara Island itself is not wheelchair friendly, so you’ll have to stay on the catamaran.

When is the best time for a boat trip in San Sebastián?

The best time for a boat trip in Donostia-San Sebastián is between June and September, when the weather is warm and the Bay of Biscay is calmer. During these months, the city enjoys its sunniest days, making it ideal for exploring the coastline, visiting nearby islands, or enjoying water sports. However, for fewer crowds and still favorable conditions, consider late May or early October.

Which other water activities can be done in San Sebastián?

• Surf lessons in San Sebastián
• Stand up paddleboarding in San Sebastián

Travel tips

• Even in summer, it can get chilly on the water. Wear layers and consider a light windbreaker.
• Always have a bottle of water on hand. The combination of sun and salt can be dehydrating.
• Follow up your boat tour with a food tour of San Sebastián to try local delicacies, such as pintxos, bite-sized snacks usually served in bars.
• Keep an eye out for marine life! You might spot seabirds, dolphins, or even whales depending on the season.