Discover Bilbao's maritime side with a scenic boat tour to Santurtzi. Perfect for families and dog lovers, this 75-minute voyage offers unique views of the coast and a taste of local nautical culture.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1h 15m
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal physical effort required
Wildlife
History
Bilbao’s port has been a vital shipping hub since ancient times, shaping the city's economic and cultural development.
Conservation
El Bote Tours emphasizes eco-friendly practices, ensuring minimal disturbance to local marine life and coastline.
El Bote Tours
Discover Bilbao's maritime side with a scenic boat tour to Santurtzi. Perfect for families and dog lovers, this 75-minute voyage offers unique views of the coast and a taste of local nautical culture.
El Bote Tours is a Bilbo-based boat operator offering short scheduled crossings and sightseeing trips across the Ría de Bilbao and the Bay of Abra. The company operates routes linking Bilbao, Portugalete, Getxo, Santurtzi and Bahía del Abra, providing frequent daytime services suited to commuters, visitors and local sightseers. Trips range from 45 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, with clear timetables for each route.
El Bote Tours accepts small to medium-sized dogs on board for a nominal fee when animals are leashed and muzzled, making excursions accessible to pet owners. Vessels follow local maritime safety regulations and crew members maintain standard boarding procedures and lifejacket availability.
The operator focuses on short, reliable crossings rather than long cruises; many departures connect city waterfronts and ports, offering scenic views of the estuary and urban coastline. Ticketing is straightforward for single crossings between two stops, and routes are scheduled to serve both short trips and slightly longer scenic journeys.
As a local service based in Euskadi, El Bote Tours is familiar with regional waters and typical weather patterns, which helps maintain on-time departures and safe passage. The company’s routes and policies are transparent about pet rules, trip durations and pickup/drop-off stops.
Visitors planning to travel with dogs should arrive early, bring a leash and muzzle, and confirm any nominal pet fees. For those seeking quick sightseeing on the Ría de Bilbao or convenient inter-port connections, El Bote Tours provides practical, pet-friendly options in and around Bilbo. Schedules and policies are updated seasonally.
Service Area
Bilbo & Ría de Bilbao
Routes across the estuary and Bay of Abra
Pet Policy
Small–Medium Dogs
Allowed leashed and muzzled on board
Duration Range
45–105 min
Short scheduled crossings and trips
Tours Offered
11 routes
Connections between nearby ports
Select a route, confirm pet rules, and book a short ferry trip for reliable transport and memorable views on the Ría de Bilbao.
Bring sunscreen and water
Protect yourself from sun exposure and stay hydrated during the boat trip.
Leash and muzzle your dog
Ensure your small to medium-sized dog is leashed and muzzled for safety and comfort.
Arrive early for boarding
Getting there a little ahead of schedule ensures a smooth boarding process.
Check weather forecast
Good weather makes for a more enjoyable experience, so review the forecast beforehand.
Sunscreen
Protect your skin during the sunny boat ride.
summer
Hat or Cap
Shield your face from sun exposure.
summer
Water bottle
Stay hydrated during your scenic journey.
Comfortable footwear
Wear shoes suitable for getting on and off the boat easily.