Bilbao: 1- or 2-Hour Sightseeing Boat Tour

Bilbao, a vibrant Basque city, offers visitors a unique perspective through its sightseeing boat tour. Departing from the City Hall Bridge, the tour glides along the Zorrozaurre riverbank and Deusto Canal, showcasing the city’s iconic landmarks like the Guggenheim Museum and the UNESCO-listed Puente Bizkaia. With comfortable seating for up to 80 guests and informative audioguides in multiple languages, this experience promises to immerse you in Bilbao’s captivating history and architecture. But there’s more to discover beyond the riverbanks…

This experience made our list of the 4 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Bilbao.

Key Points

• The tour offers both 1-hour and 2-hour options, with the 1-hour tour covering the Zorrozaurre riverbank and Deusto Canal.
• The boat can accommodate up to 80 visitors and provides indoor and outdoor seating options.
• Audioguides are available in multiple languages, including Spanish, Basque, English, French, German, and Italian.
• Arriving 30 minutes prior to the tour at the City Hall Bridge in Pio Baroja Square is required, and a mobile voucher is needed for check-in.
• Key landmarks visible during the tour include the Guggenheim Museum and the Puente Bizkaia, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Duration and Pricing

The Bilbao Sightseeing Boat Tour offers two duration options, with the one-hour tour priced from €35.50 per person and the two-hour tour available at a higher cost. Both tours depart from the City Hall Bridge in Pio Baroja Square.

The one-hour tour cruises through the heart of Bilbao, passing the Zorrozaurre riverbank and Deusto Canal. The two-hour tour includes additional sights, reaching the Puente Bizkaia area.

Given the tour’s popularity, it’s recommended to check availability and reserve in advance. Customers can also take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior to the tour for a full refund.

On top of that, a pay-later option is offered, providing flexibility for booking.

Itinerary and Experience Highlights

The Bilbao Sightseeing Boat Tour offers two distinct itinerary options for visitors to experience the city from a unique perspective on the water.

The one-hour tour takes guests on a cruise through Bilbao’s heart, passing by the Zorrozaurre riverbank and the Deusto Canal before returning.

For those with more time, the two-hour tour includes additional sights, reaching the Puente Bizkaia area.

With a capacity of 80 people and both indoor and outdoor seating, the boat tour provides a comfortable and immersive way to take in Bilbao’s landmarks, including the iconic Guggenheim Museum.

Audioguides in multiple languages are available for a more informative experience.

Vessel Capacity and Amenities

In an article titled ‘Bilbao: 1- or 2-Hour Sightseeing Boat Tour’, it’s now time to discuss the CURRENT SUBTOPIC ‘Vessel Capacity and Amenities’.

With a capacity of 80 people, the Bilbao Sightseeing Boat Tour offers ample space for visitors to comfortably experience the city’s landmarks. The vessel features both indoor and outdoor seating options, allowing guests to choose their preferred vantage point.

The tour’s amenities include:

• Audioguide available in six languages: Spanish, Basque, English, French, German, and Italian

• Charged smartphone and headphones required for the audioguide

• Ticket required for babies, with the number of participants indicated

This combination of capacity and features ensures a well-rounded and enjoyable sightseeing experience on the waters of Bilbao.

Meeting Point and Requirements

Visitors must arrive at the City Hall Bridge in Pio Baroja Square 30 minutes before the tour’s start time and bring their mobile voucher for check-in.

This boat tour doesn’t offer assigned seating, nor is it a hop-on hop-off experience. To enjoy the audioguide provided in several languages, guests will need to bring a charged smartphone and headphones.

The tour can accommodate babies, but a ticket is required for them as well.

Customers should come prepared for potentially cold and windy conditions by bringing weather-appropriate clothing, with a windbreaker recommended for comfort during the journey.

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Audioguide Language Options

The boat tour offers an audioguide available in Spanish, Basque, English, French, German, and Italian, allowing visitors to learn about Bilbao’s landmarks in their preferred language.

This multilingual option ensures all guests can fully enjoy the tour’s commentary and gain a deeper understanding of the city’s rich history and architecture.

The audioguide features:

• In-depth narration on Bilbao’s notable sights, including the Guggenheim Museum and various bridges

• Informative details about the city’s cultural and historical significance

• Seamless integration with the boat’s on-board experience

With this versatile audioguide, the Bilbao sightseeing tour caters to a diverse international audience, enhancing the overall experience for all participants.

Customer Review Highlights

Travelers’ reviews of the Bilbao sightseeing boat tour highlight several positive aspects of the experience, including the informative audioguide and the unique perspective it offers of the city’s landmarks. Reviewers praise the audioguide, noting that it provides helpful and engaging commentary in multiple languages.

Many also appreciate the opportunity to see Bilbao’s iconic sights, such as the Guggenheim Museum, from the water, offering a fresh viewpoint. However, some suggest that incorporating local narration could further enhance the tour.

Recommended Attire and Comfort

Given the boat tour’s outdoor setting, visitors should consider packing a windbreaker or light jacket for comfort during the journey. Cold and windy conditions are common along the Bilbao waterfront, so dressing in weather-appropriate attire can help ensure an enjoyable experience.

To make the most of the tour, the following recommendations are worth considering:

• Bring a scarf or hat to protect against the chilly breezes off the river.

• Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes for easy navigation on the boat.

• Pack any necessary medications or personal items to have on hand during the tour.

Prominent Landmarks and Sights

During the boat tour, passengers can admire Bilbao’s iconic landmarks and architectural wonders along the riverbanks.

The Guggenheim Museum, a renowned modern art institution, stands as a captivating centerpiece, its titanium-clad structure designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry.

Likewise, the historic Puente Bizkaia, a UNESCO World Heritage site, impresses with its unique transporter bridge design, offering a unique perspective of Bilbao’s industrial heritage.

As the boat glides through the waterways, travelers can also spot the elegant bridges that span the river, each with its distinctive style, from the ornate Puente del Arenal to the sleek, contemporary Zubizuri Bridge.

The tour provides an engaging way to explore Bilbao’s rich cultural and architectural tapestry from the comfort of the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?

The boat tour may not be suitable for people with significant mobility issues, as there is no assigned seating and passengers must board and disembark the vessel independently. However, the tour does have indoor and outdoor seating options.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Pets are generally not allowed on sightseeing boat tours. The tour operator likely has policies in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers. Travelers with service animals should contact the tour provider to inquire about any special accommodations.

What Facilities Are Available on the Boat?

The boat offers both indoor and outdoor seating areas for passengers. Passengers can enjoy the audioguide during the tour, but there are no other specific facilities mentioned, such as restrooms or food/beverage services, on the boat.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, there is an option to extend the tour duration. Customers can choose between a 1-hour or 2-hour tour, allowing them to explore additional sights along the Deusto Canal and Puente Bizkaia area on the longer option.

Do Tour Guides Provide Any Commentary During the Cruise?

The tour guides do not provide live commentary during the cruise. However, an audioguide is available in several languages to offer informative narration about the sights and landmarks along the route.

Recap

This sightseeing boat tour offers a delightful way to experience Bilbao’s iconic landmarks along the Zorrozaurre riverbank and Deusto Canal.

With comfortable seating for up to 80 guests, informative audioguides, and easy check-in, it’s an accessible and engaging activity for visitors.

Whether you opt for the one- or two-hour tour, you’ll be able to admire the Guggenheim Museum and UNESCO-listed Puente Bizkaia from the water.

You can check if your dates are available here: