Nestled in the serene waters of Ría de Vigo, San Simón Island beckons adventure-seekers with its captivating history and breathtaking natural beauty. The San Simón Island Excursion offers a unique opportunity to explore this captivating locale, immersing visitors in a guided tour that unveils the island’s fascinating past as a lazaretto, concentration camp, and haunt of legendary pirates. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a nature lover, this 3-hour excursion promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you eager to uncover more of the island’s secrets.
This experience made our list of the 2 Best Tours In Redondela.
This experience made our article of 2 Best Tours In Redondela.
Key Points
- The 3-hour guided tour includes a boat trip to Illa de San Simón and a 100-minute walking tour, providing an immersive exploration of the island’s captivating history.
- The tour features tales of notorious pirates, insights into the island’s role as a lazaretto and concentration camp, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
- Booking is flexible, with no upfront payment required, free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, and accommodations for individual schedules.
- Restrictions are in place to ensure visitor comfort and safety, including prohibitions on certain attire, items, and activities.
- Preparation recommendations include sturdy footwear for the boat ride and walking tour, and notification of any disabilities or mobility issues.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Excursion Overview
- Itinerary Details
- Booking Information
- Restrictions
- Preparation and Safety
- About San Simón Island
- Guided Tour Highlights
- Departure and Return
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Is This Excursion Available in Other Languages Besides Spanish?
- What Is the Dress Code for the Excursion?
- Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
- Is There a Possibility to Extend the Duration of the Excursion?
- Are There Any Special Discounts or Package Deals Available?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Redondela
- More Tours in Redondela
- More Tour Reviews in Redondela
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Redondela we have recnetly reviewed
Excursion Overview
The San Simón Island Excursion offers a captivating 3-hour guided tour, providing visitors with a boat trip, a walking tour, and an exclusive group experience, all for a starting price of $29.27 per person.
The excursion departs from Porto de Cesantes in Redondela, where you will embark on a 10-minute boat ride to the picturesque Illa de San Simón.
Once on the island, an official guide from the Xunta de Galicia will lead a 100-minute walking tour, revealing the island’s rich history, including stories of pirates, Francis Drake, and the Rande Bridge battles.
After the guided tour, visitors will return to the mainland via a 30-minute water taxi ride.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Redondela.
Itinerary Details
Upon embarking on the San Simón Island Excursion, visitors will commence a 10-minute boat cruise to reach the picturesque Illa de San Simón.
Following the tranquil water passage, an official guide from the Xunta de Galicia will lead a comprehensive 100-minute walking tour, unveiling the island’s captivating history replete with tales of pirates, Francis Drake, and the Rande Bridge battles.
The guided exploration will explore the island’s historic role as a lazaretto and concentration camp.
After the tour, you will then board a 30-minute water taxi for their return to the mainland at Porto de Cesantes.
Booking Information
Customers can reserve their spot on the San Simón Island Excursion without any upfront payment, allowing them to book in advance and pay later.
Alternatively, those interested can check the availability of different starting times to suit their schedule.
On top of that, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the event, providing flexibility for participants. This ensures customers can secure their place on the excursion with confidence, knowing they can adjust their plans if needed.
With these convenient booking options, exploring the historical island of San Simón has never been easier. Customers can look forward to an immersive experience, safe in the knowledge that their reservation is flexible and risk-free.
Restrictions
Certain restrictions apply to the San Simón Island Excursion to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants.
Children under 12, people with mobility impairments, and individuals over 80 years old aren’t permitted on the tour.
Plus, visitors aren’t allowed to bring high-heeled shoes, pets, baby strollers, food, drinks, or engage in activities like fishing, swimming, or using skateboards and skates.
These rules are in place to:
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Maintain a comfortable experience for everyone
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Prevent potential accidents or injuries
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Protect the island’s natural environment
Following these guidelines will allow you to fully learn about the captivating history and scenery of San Simón Island during the 3-hour excursion.
More Great Tours NearbyPreparation and Safety
To ensure a comfortable and safe experience, visitors are recommended to wear shoes that provide good support due to the island’s irregular terrain.
The tour takes visitors on a boat ride and guided walking tour, so sturdy footwear is essential.
Individuals with disabilities or mobility issues should notify the tour organizers in advance using the contact number provided on the voucher, so they can receive appropriate assistance.
Plus, the organizers request that visitors refrain from bringing high-heeled shoes, pets, baby strollers, and other items that could pose safety concerns.
About San Simón Island
San Simón Island is a small, picturesque island located off the coast of Galicia, Spain, with a rich history and remarkable landmarks that captivate visitors.
Visitors can explore the island’s fascinating past, including its role as a former lazaretto and concentration camp. The island boasts stunning views of the Ría de Vigo, the Rande Bridge, and the surrounding landscapes.
Some of the island’s highlights include:
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The Lazaretto, a former quarantine station that once housed travelers and sailors suspected of carrying infectious diseases.
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The remnants of the concentration camp, a somber reminder of the island’s tumultuous past.
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The stunning natural beauty, with lush vegetation and panoramic vistas that offer a tranquil escape from the mainland.
Guided Tour Highlights
The guided tour on San Simón Island takes visitors on an immersive exploration of the island’s captivating history, transporting them back in time through a series of meticulously curated highlights. From stories of infamous pirates like Francis Drake to the battles that unfolded at the Rande Bridge, the tour provides a vivid glimpse into the island’s past. Guests will also discover the island’s former role as a lazaretto and concentration camp, learning about the complex and often somber chapters in its history. The tour strikes a balance between education and engagement, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation for this unique Galician destination.
| Site | Significance |
|---|---|
| Pirates | Tales of notorious buccaneers like Francis Drake |
| Rande Bridge | Witness to historic battles and conflicts |
| Lazaretto | Former quarantine facility for the ill |
| Concentration Camp | Dark chapter in the island’s complex history |
Departure and Return
The excursion departs from Porto de Cesantes, a charming port town in Redondela, where participants board the boat for the 10-minute journey to Illa de San Simón.
Once on the island, the guided tour lasts approximately 100 minutes, allowing visitors to explore the island’s rich history and captivating sites.
The return journey is equally enjoyable, with a 30-minute water taxi ride back to Porto de Cesantes.
This excursion offers a unique opportunity to:
- Immerse oneself in the island’s captivating past
- Witness the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape
- Gain a deeper understanding of Galicia’s cultural heritage
At the end of the excursion, participants disembark with a newfound appreciation for the island’s remarkable history and its enduring significance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is This Excursion Available in Other Languages Besides Spanish?
The website doesn’t specify if the excursion is available in languages other than Spanish. However, it’s common for guided tours in popular tourist destinations to offer multilingual options. Customers should inquire about language availability when booking.
What Is the Dress Code for the Excursion?
The dress code for the excursion is casual and comfortable. The website recommends wearing shoes that provide good support due to the irregular terrain on the island. Guests should avoid wearing high-heeled shoes.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
No, visitors cannot bring their own food and drinks on the excursion. According to the important restrictions, food and drinks are not allowed during the trip. Participants should plan accordingly and avoid packing any outside items.
Is There a Possibility to Extend the Duration of the Excursion?
The excursion duration is fixed at 3 hours and can’t be extended. There’s no option to customize the tour length. The itinerary and schedule are pre-determined by the tour operator.
Are There Any Special Discounts or Package Deals Available?
The excursion provider doesn’t offer any special discounts or package deals at this time. However, customers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
San Simón Island Excursion
Recap
The San Simón Island Excursion offers a captivating 3-hour guided tour, featuring a scenic boat ride and a 100-minute walking tour.
Explore the island’s rich history, including tales of pirates and its past as a lazaretto and concentration camp.
With breathtaking views and an immersive experience, this excursion is perfect for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
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