Scenic Bilbo Boat Tours — Pet-Friendly Crossings on the Ría de Bilbao

El Bote Tours — Bilbo Boat Tours & Crossings

El Bote Tours operates short ferry and sightseeing connections across the Ría de Bilbao and the Bay of Abra from Bilbo (Bilbao). These Bilbo boat tours and scheduled crossings link Bilbao with Portugalete, Getxo, Santurtzi and Bahía del Abra, offering reliable, scenic transport for commuters, visitors and pet owners.

Routes and Durations

El Bote Tours offers a range of short routes with clear journey times and straightforward single-crossing ticketing. Typical itineraries include:

• Bilbao - Portugalete — 60 minutes
• Portugalete - Bilbao — 60 minutes
• Bilbao - Portugalete + Bahía del Abra — 1 hour 45 minutes
• Portugalete + Bahía del Abra - Bilbao — 1 hour 45 minutes
• Bilbao - Santurtzi — 1 hour 15 minutes
• Santurtzi - Bilbao — 1.5 hours
• Getxo - Bilbao — 1 hour 15 minutes
• Bilbao - Getxo — 1.5 hours
• Portugalete - Portugalete — 45 minutes

These short crossings are designed for scenic views of the estuary, coastal landmarks and urban waterfronts while providing practical inter-port connections.

Pet-Friendly Policy

A key feature of El Bote Tours is the allowance of small to medium-sized dogs on board. For safety and comfort:

• Dogs must be leashed and muzzled at all times.
• A nominal pet fee may apply on some routes.
• Owners should arrive early to secure space and follow crew instructions.

This policy makes El Bote Tours a go-to option for travelers who want to bring their pets on short maritime journeys in the Bilbo area.

What to Expect On Board

Passengers can expect:

• Short, punctual departures focused on crossings and local sightseeing
• Clear boarding procedures and lifejacket availability
• Scenic views of the Ría de Bilbao and the Bay of Abra
• Straightforward ticketing for single-leg journeys

Booking & Practical Information

To prepare for a trip with El Bote Tours, visitors should check the scheduled departure times for specific routes, verify any pet fees, bring a leash and muzzle for dogs, and arrive early for boarding. Being familiar with local weather and tidal conditions helps ensure smooth passage on short crossings.

Why Choose These Trips

• Convenient connections between major waterfronts in Bilbao and neighboring ports
• Pet-friendly options that allow small and medium dogs on board
• Scenic, short-duration rides ideal for sightseeing without a full-day commitment

For travelers searching for reliable Bilbo boat tours, short ferry crossings or pet-friendly maritime transport on the Ría de Bilbao, El Bote Tours provides practical routes, clear pet policies and scenic views between Bilbao, Portugalete, Getxo, Santurtzi and Bahía del Abra.