I’ve explored the coastal excursions around Santiago de Compostela, and they’re refreshingly authentic. The standout trip ventures into Rías Baixas, combining winery visits with scenic coastal views – it’s the perfect mix of culture and scenery. For seafood lovers, the Arousa Island cruise delivers a genuine Galician experience, serving fresh mussels straight from local waters (the unlimited drinks don’t hurt either). During December, the Vigo Christmas Lights boat tour offers a magical evening perspective of the city’s impressive holiday display. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the Ribeira Sacra boat journey along the Sil River, winding through dramatic canyon walls and vineyards. Let’s check out these remarkable maritime adventures, starting with our favorites.
Key Points
- The Rías Baixas region excursion offers a 4.8/5 rated winery visit with an optional mussel boat tour for scenic views and local culture.
- The Arousa Island and Mussel Boat Experience provides a full-day tour with a mussel boat experience, unlimited mussels and drinks, and scenic vistas of the islands.
- The Vigo Christmas Lights Tour is an 8-hour tour exploring Vigo’s Christmas lights and the historic center of Pontevedra, with a 5/5 overall rating.
- The Ribeira Sacra Tour & Boat Trip is a 9.5-hour excursion featuring Galicia’s natural wonders, including a 75-minute boat cruise along the Sil River.
- The From Santiago: Rías Baixas Tour is a 9.5-hour guided experience that immerses travelers in Galician culture and beauty, with a focus on Combarro, Lanzada Beach, O Grove, and Illa da Toxa.
Excursion to the Rias Baixas With Winery – Optional Mussel Boat Trip
For those seeking to explore the picturesque Rías Baixas region, the Excursion to the Rías Baixas With Winery – Optional Mussel Boat Trip offers a delightful opportunity.
With a 4.8 rating from 187 reviews, this tour boasts visits to a local winery for wine tasting, an optional mussel boat tour, and scenic views of charming towns.
Travelers praise the knowledgeable and bilingual guides, while some note a lack of English explanations at the winery.
The tour includes transportation, lunch, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Though not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers.
Visitors are encouraged to consider the mussel boat tour and enjoy the scenic bus ride.
Read our full review: Excursion to the Rias Baixas With Winery – Optional Mussel Boat Trip Review
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From Santiago: Tour to Rias Baixas With Boat, Seafood & Wine
This tour to the Rías Baixas region offers travelers a chance to enjoy Galician culture and natural beauty. Over 9.5 hours, visitors will explore charming villages, sample local wine, and enjoy a scenic boat cruise.
The itinerary includes guided tours of Combarro, Lanzada Beach, O Grove, and Illa da Toxa, as well as a wine tasting at a traditional winery. On the boat, guests can indulge in unlimited mussels and wine.
With pickup and drop-off, transportation, and a knowledgeable guide included, this tour provides an excellent value at just $57.74 per person. Reviewers praise the guide’s expertise and the overall experience, though emphasize the importance of punctuality to avoid missing the boat.
Read our full review: From Santiago: Tour to Rias Baixas With Boat, Seafood & Wine Review
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Rías Baixas – Arousa Island, Combarro and Mussel Boat
Exploring the rugged Rías Baixas region, this full-day tour from Santiago de Compostela takes travelers on a captivating journey through the heart of Galician culture and natural beauty.
Highlights include a mussel boat experience with unlimited mussels and drinks, scenic vistas of Arousa and La Toxa islands, and a visit to the scallop shell-covered chapel.
Knowledgeable guides provide cultural and historical insights throughout the day. Lunch at the charming town of Combarro rounds out the experience.
With an average rating of 4.6 from 14 reviews and a recommendation from 93% of travelers, this tour offers an immersive and delightful glimpse into the wonders of Spain’s Galician coast.
Read our full review: Rías Baixas – Arousa Island, Combarro and Mussel Boat Review
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Tour to Vigo Christmas Lights Plus Pontevedra Including Boat
Travelers can embark on an 8-hour tour that takes them from Santiago de Compostela to explore the Christmas lights and markets of Vigo, as well as the historic town of Pontevedra, including a boat trip along the way.
Priced from €45.00 per person, the tour includes a comfortable bus, professional guide, and boat trip.
Highlights include wandering the streets adorned with impressive lights, visiting Pontevedra’s historic center, and enjoying the Christmas atmosphere in Vigo.
While dinner isn’t included, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or pets.
With an overall rating of 5/5, the tour offers a festive and comprehensive experience.
Read our full review: Tour to Vigo Christmas Lights Plus Pontevedra Including Boat Review
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Rías Baixas Tour; Arousa and Toxa Islands, Combarro & Boat
For those seeking to enjoy the natural beauty and cultural richness of Galicia’s Rías Baixas region, the 9.5-hour Rías Baixas Tour from Santiago de Compostela is an exceptional choice.
Priced from $44.09 per person, this guided tour explores the picturesque towns, islands, and beaches of this stunning coastal area.
Highlights include visiting Padrón, Illa da Toxa, Cambados, A Illa de Arousa, and Combarro, with opportunities to savor local products, taste Albariño wine, and enjoy a boat cruise.
With a flexible cancellation policy and options for hotel pickup, this tour offers a well-rounded and customizable experience to discover the Rías Baixas’ captivating attractions.
Read our full review: Rías Baixas Tour; Arousa and Toxa Islands, Combarro & Boat Review
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From Santiago: Ribeira Sacra Tour & Boat Trip
The Ribeira Sacra Tour & Boat Trip from Santiago de Compostela offers a captivating exploration of Galicia’s natural wonders and medieval heritage.
This 9.5-hour excursion includes a bus tour to iconic sites like the Sil Canyon, San Pedro de Rocas Monastery, and the charming town of Allariz, culminating in a 75-minute boat cruise along the Sil River.
Priced at €57 per person, the tour provides excellent value, with transportation, expert guides, and trip insurance included.
While feedback on the tour is mixed, the boat trip and scenic landscapes consistently receive positive reviews.
With the option to reserve now and pay later, this tour is an attractive choice for those seeking to discover the natural and cultural treasures of Galicia.
Read our full review: From Santiago: Ribeira Sacra Tour & Boat Trip Review
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Recap
Santiago de Compostela offers a variety of boat tours and cruises to explore the stunning Rías Baixas region. From winery visits and mussel harvesting to Christmas light displays and island hopping, there’s something for every traveler. These excursions provide a chance to take in the local culture and natural beauty of northwestern Spain’s picturesque coastline.