The beautiful seaside city of San Sebastian’s best boat experiences focus on three main highlights: La Concha Bay, Santa Clara Island, and the dramatic Flysch cliffs. While several operators run tours, the standouts combine local expertise with comfortable vessels and thoughtful touches. We particularly love the private sailing tours – they include tasty Basque pintxos (snacks) and offer the most flexible viewing of the coastline. For something special, the sunset yacht cruises during summer fireworks festivals are memorable and worth the splurge.
The best tours provide multilingual guides and good accessibility. Most run year-round, weather permitting, though summer brings the clearest skies and calmest waters. Game of Thrones fans will recognize several filming locations along the coast.
Let’s look at our favorite boat tours in San Sebastian.
Key Points
- San Sebastian offers various private and exclusive sailing tours, including the 5-star rated Sunset Sailing Trip and Yacht Cruise with Fireworks for enchanting water adventures.
- Scenic and unique boat tours in San Sebastian include visits to the historic Santa Clara island, Albaola Maritime Museum, and exploration of the Bay of Biscay.
- Many of the boat tours in San Sebastian are family-friendly, with options that accommodate children, wheelchairs, and service animals.
- Accessibility and logistical details are important, with several tours offering wheelchair accessibility, free cancellation, and multilingual guides.
- The boat tours in San Sebastian are highly rated, popular, and provide unique experiences such as Cava tastings and viewings of natural wonders like the Flysch cliffs.
San Sebastian Private Sailing Tour
For a truly breathtaking and intimate experience on the Cantabrian Sea, the San Sebastian Private Sailing Tour offers travelers a chance to explore the stunning coastline and bay of this picturesque Basque city.
Rated 5.0 based on 24 reviews, the tour boasts a 100% traveler recommendation. Priced from $266.24 per person, the private boat tour provides exclusive access to the beautiful vessel, snacks, and great amenities.
Though not wheelchair accessible, the tour allows for family-friendly activities like children steering the boat. Praised for its excellent service, relaxing experience, and stunning views, this sailing tour is a highlight for many visitors to San Sebastian.
Read our full review: San Sebastian Private Sailing Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
San Sebastian: Boat Tour With Stop at Santa Clara
Offering a delightful alternative to sailing tours, the San Sebastian: Boat Tour With Stop at Santa Clara takes travelers on a captivating journey across the Cantabrian Sea.
This 2-hour excursion allows visitors to admire the stunning coastline and the picturesque Santa Clara Island, which is home to a historic lighthouse and serene beaches.
The tour departs from the Port of San Sebastian and provides travelers with the opportunity to savor cava, or Spanish sparkling wine, as they soak in the breathtaking views.
With a 4.9 rating from previous participants, this boat tour is an excellent way to experience the natural beauty of San Sebastian from a unique perspective.
Read our full review: San Sebastian: Boat Tour With Stop at Santa Clara Review
Book now: Check availability
San Sebastian Private Sailing at La Concha Beach & Pasai Donibane
This private sailing tour in San Sebastian offers travelers a unique opportunity to experience the city’s stunning coastline from the comfort of a private yacht.
Over 4 hours, the tour provides scenic views of San Sebastián’s coastline and coves, with chances to swim in the bay.
The knowledgeable and friendly skipper, Unai, is known for his culinary skills and will provide gourmet local snacks for a supplement.
With a 100% recommendation rate from 11 reviews, this private sailing experience is a highlight for many visiting Spain.
While non-refundable, the tour can accommodate infants and private groups, making it a memorable addition to any San Sebastian itinerary.
Read our full review: San Sebastian Private Sailing at La Concha Beach & Pasai Donibane Review
Book now: Check availability
San Sebastian: Sightseeing Catamaran Bay Tour
Travelers seeking a more panoramic perspective of San Sebastian’s picturesque coastline can embark on the Sightseeing Catamaran Bay Tour.
The 40-minute excursion departs from the Catamarán Ciudad San Sebastián and showcases key landmarks like the Kursaal, Peine del Viento, and La Concha Bay. Priced from $14.70 per person, the tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Onboard, guests will find a modern, eco-friendly catamaran with a capacity of 120 passengers, plus bar and restroom facilities. Audio guides in multiple languages are available for download.
While the tour may be canceled due to unfavorable sea conditions, it enjoys an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5 based on 371 reviews, making it a popular option for sightseeing from the water.
Read our full review: San Sebastian: Sightseeing Catamaran Bay Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Boat Trip Through La Concha Bay and Santa Clara Island
The Boat Trip Through La Concha Bay and Santa Clara Island provides travelers with a captivating excursion along San Sebastian’s picturesque coastline.
With a maximum capacity of 100 travelers, the round-trip journey offers stunning views of the bay and the option to explore the charming Santa Clara Island.
While the island’s amenities receive mixed reviews, the boat ride itself is widely praised for its calming atmosphere and friendly staff.
Accessibility is ensured, with wheelchair-accessible transportation and the ability to bring strollers and service animals.
Travelers are advised to plan their visit to the island carefully, considering factors like crowds and tidal conditions, to make the most of this unique experience.
Read our full review: Boat Trip Through La Concha Bay and Santa Clara Island Review
Book now: Check availability
Boat Trip From Donostia San Sebastián to Albaola Museum
For those seeking a captivating maritime experience, the boat trip from Donostia San Sebastián to the Albaola Museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the Basque coast and learn about the region’s rich seafaring heritage.
The 3.5-hour journey takes visitors past the old town of Pasai Donibane and Pasajes San Pedro, culminating in a visit to the Albaola Basque Maritime Factory.
Along the way, a live tour guide provides insights in multiple languages. With free cancellation and wheelchair accessibility, this tour caters to diverse travelers.
The highlight is the chance to witness the construction of a replica of the historic Nao San Juan whaler.
Read our full review: Boat Trip From Donostia San Sebastián to Albaola Museum Review
Book now: Check availability
Boat Trip Through the Bay and the Coast of Donostia San Sebastián
Setting sail from the picturesque Muelle Promenade, the Boat Trip Through the Bay and the Coast of Donostia San Sebastián offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s maritime heritage.
With a maximum capacity of 120 travelers, the 3.9-rated tour provides a comfortable journey along the bay and coastline, complete with onboard amenities like a toilet, snacks, and a bar.
Travelers can enjoy 100% free audio guides on their smartphones, and the tour is accessible for those with reduced mobility or service animals.
While reviews highlight the spectacular views, some note the choppy sea conditions and desire for more guided information during the cruise.
Read our full review: Boat Trip Through the Bay and the Coast of Donostia San Sebastián Review
Book now: Check availability
San Sebastian: Exclusive Yacht Tour in La Concha Bay
Aboard the luxurious yacht, travelers embark on an intimate exploration of San Sebastian’s renowned La Concha Bay. This exclusive tour offers a unique perspective of the city’s stunning coastline, from the picturesque beaches to the towering Mount Urgull.
The small-group experience allows for personalized attention as the yacht glides through the calm waters, providing a serene and relaxing journey. Guests can sip on complimentary cava and savor the breathtaking views, making this tour an unforgettable way to experience the beauty of San Sebastian.
With its convenient departure from the city center, the Exclusive Yacht Tour in La Concha Bay is a must-try activity for those seeking a truly unique and memorable experience in this coastal gem.
Read our full review: San Sebastian: Exclusive Yacht Tour in La Concha Bay Review
Book now: Check availability
San Sebastian Sunset Sailing Trip
The San Sebastian Sunset Sailing Trip offers travelers an enchanting adventure on the sparkling waters of the Bay of Biscay. Priced from $317.56 per person, this 2-hour private tour departs daily from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM between December 21, 2023 and October 20, 2025.
Led by the knowledgeable boat captain Unai, the trip includes snacks and the option to add local gourmet catering. While not wheelchair accessible, this experience has received exceptional reviews praising the flexibility and welcoming nature of the captain.
Travelers can easily access the meeting point near public transportation, making this sunset sailing trip a must-do activity for visitors to the charming coastal city of San Sebastian.
Read our full review: San Sebastian Sunset Sailing Trip Review
Book now: Check availability
San Sebastian: Yacht Cruise With Fireworks Experience
A spectacular yacht cruise awaits visitors to San Sebastian, offering an unforgettable fireworks experience on the sparkling waters of the Bay of Biscay.
This 2-hour tour takes guests aboard a luxurious yacht to witness the captivating display of lights and colors in the night sky. Cruising along the stunning coastline, passengers can enjoy a glass of cava and indulge in the breathtaking views.
The activity is a new addition to the diverse range of activities and tours available in the area, with a rating yet to be established. Priced at an undisclosed amount, this excursion promises to be a highlight of any San Sebastian visit, providing a unique perspective on the city’s vibrant nightlife and coastal beauty.
Read our full review: San Sebastian: Yacht Cruise With Fireworks Experience Review
Book now: Check availability
SUNSET on a YACHT in San Sebastian
While the captivating fireworks display over the Bay of Biscay may have enthralled visitors in the past, San Sebastian now offers an equally enchanting experience – Sunset on a Yacht.
This 5-star rated activity allows up to 6 travelers to witness the stunning sunset while cruising along the coast on a luxurious yacht. Guests can enjoy snorkeling, snacks, and refreshments during the 2-hour excursion.
The yacht departs from the Mollaberria Kalea harbor, providing convenient access for travelers. With a friendly crew, excellent boat condition, and historical insights, this sunset cruise promises an unforgettable experience for all who embark on this journey in San Sebastian.
Read our full review: SUNSET on a YACHT in San Sebastian Review
Book now: Check availability
San Sebastian: Sunset on a Yacht
As the sun dips below the horizon, San Sebastian’s harbor comes alive with the gentle rocking of a luxurious yacht, offering visitors a front-row seat to the captivating sunset over the Bay of Biscay.
The 2-hour sunset boat tour with Cava is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by 74 reviewers, making it a popular choice for those seeking a romantic and scenic experience in the city.
Priced at $68.24, the tour allows guests to savor sparkling Cava while taking in the breathtaking views of the city’s iconic landmarks, including Mount Urgull and the Peine del Viento sculptures.
Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying the city’s natural beauty, this sunset yacht tour is an unforgettable way to experience San Sebastian.
Read our full review: San Sebastian: Sunset on a Yacht Review
Book now: Check availability
YACHT Tour Through the FLYSCH Cliffs and Game of Thrones
Embarking from the charming town of Zumaia, this captivating yacht tour immerses guests in the natural wonders of the Flysch cliffs and the cinematic landscapes that have graced the hit TV series Game of Thrones.
Accommodating a maximum of 6 travelers, this exclusive experience offers private transportation and no need to queue at the jetty.
Soda and pop are included, and the fantastic and professional crew have received high praise from past guests.
With an overall 5-star rating based on a single review, this yacht tour is sure to provide unique coastal views and beautiful scenery for those seeking an unforgettable adventure in San Sebastian.
Read our full review: YACHT Tour Through the FLYSCH Cliffs and Game of Thrones Review
Book now: Check availability
Recap
San Sebastian offers a variety of scenic boat tours and cruises that allow visitors to explore the city’s coastline and nearby islands. From private sailing excursions to sightseeing catamarans, there’s something for every traveler. Whether you’re interested in seeing the Flysch cliffs, watching the sunset from a yacht, or simply taking in the views of La Concha Bay, San Sebastian has a boat tour to suit your needs.