Santiago de Compostela isn’t just about its stunning cathedral; it’s also a fantastic launch point for cruises and boat tours that explore Galicia’s spectacular coastlines, rivers, and islands. Whether you’re after a relaxing sail while sampling Albariño wine or a scenic boat ride through ancient estuaries, this city offers options that cater to different interests and budgets. One tour we particularly like is the Excursion to Rías Baixas with Winery because it combines scenic coastal views, wine tasting, and the fun of riding a mussel boat — a real taste of Galicia’s maritime culture. For those seeking a more comprehensive experience, the From Santiago: Tour to Rías Baixas with Boat Trip and Winery stands out with its detailed itinerary and multiple stops.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the ten best options for cruises and boat tours in and around Santiago de Compostela. We’ll look at what each one offers, who they’re best suited for, and what makes them worth your time. Whether you want a short scenic cruise or a full-day wine excursion, this list will help you decide.
1. Excursion to Rias Baixas with Winery – Optional mussel boat
This full-day trip takes you along Galicia’s most beautiful southern coast, the Rías Baixas, famous for its seafood, Albariño wine, and picturesque villages. The tour includes a stop in O Grove, the birthplace of the region’s renowned seafood and Albariño, where you’ll have plenty of time for lunch and local tastes. Afterward, you’ll visit the Capilla de Nuestra Señora de La Lanzada, an 9th-century chapel famous for moonlight rituals, situated on one of Galicia’s most stunning beaches.
But the real highlight is the optional mussel boat ride, where you can cruise among mussel farms, eat unlimited mussels, and enjoy free white wine. The tour also stops in Combarro, one of Spain’s most beautiful towns, with its traditional granaries and stone crosses. It’s a great way to combine scenic views with authentic local experiences. The tour has a perfect 5-star rating based on over 200 reviews, with many praising the scenery, the wine, and the friendly guide. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy food, culture, and a relaxed pace.
Bottom Line: A fantastic all-in-one day trip if you want to experience Galicia’s coast, taste Albariño, and enjoy a fun boat cruise — all with a high rating and affordable price.
2. From Santiago: Tour to Rias Baixas with Boat Trip and Winery
This tour offers a similar Rías Baixas experience but with a more detailed itinerary and a focus on exploring villages, beaches, and islands. It includes a boat ride on Galician estuaries, where unlimited mussels and wine are served onboard — a true highlight. The tour begins with a visit to Combarro, allowing you to walk its charming streets and learn about local traditions. Then, there’s a visit to Lanzada Beach for sightseeing and a stop at O Grove for free time, shopping, and a guided tour.
A special feature is the Illa da Toxa, where you can explore the island’s seashell-covered chapel and relax. The combination of sea, wine, and seafood makes this tour stand out. The reviews are glowing, with travelers mentioning the boat trip and the informative guides as the main highlights. The tour lasts about 9.5 hours, making it ideal for day-trippers who want a mix of scenery, culture, and culinary delights.
Bottom Line: For those who want a complete Galicia coast experience with plenty of stops and a scenic boat trip, this tour offers excellent value and variety.
3. From Santiago: Rías Baixas Tour with boat trip and winery
This full-day tour introduces you to Galicia’s most iconic fishing villages and the region’s famed Albariño wines. Starting at a traditional winery, you’ll learn about the local wine-making process and taste some of the best Albariño wines in the area. Then, you’ll visit O Grove for a scenic boat trip on the estuary, including a glass-bottom boat ride showcasing marine life. The itinerary also features stops at Illa da Toxa and Combarro, both full of character and traditional charm.
This tour is praised for its balance of cultural, culinary, and scenic experiences, with guests especially enjoying the wine tasting and the boat cruise. The 9-hour duration makes it manageable, but packed with highlights. You’ll get to explore the coast, enjoy fresh seafood, and learn about local legends.
Bottom Line: An ideal choice for wine lovers and those who want a compact, well-rounded Galicia experience with scenic boat rides and cultural stops.
4. Ribeira Sacra & Ourense Day Tour with Catamaran Cruise
Leaving Santiago behind, this tour takes you into the Ribeira Sacra, famed for its dramatic canyon landscapes and monasteries. The highlight is a catamaran cruise on the Sil River, which offers panoramic views of the steep heroic vineyards and terraced hills. Along the way, you’ll visit San Pedro de Rocas, Galicia’s oldest rock-carved monastery, and enjoy a guided tour of Ourense, known for its thermal waters.
This tour is perfect if you’re after scenery and history, with the boat cruise adding a peaceful, scenic element. The guides are knowledgeable, and the boat ride is often described as a peaceful, picture-perfect experience. The tour lasts about 10 hours and is rated very highly for its scenic vistas and cultural insights.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers interested in natural landscapes and monasteries, with a relaxing cruise through Galicia’s famous canyons.
5. Tour from Santiago to Ribeira Sacra with Boat Trip
This day trip focuses on the Ribeira Sacra region’s monasteries and villages. It features a catamaran ride on the Sil River, giving you unparalleled views of the steep vineyards growing on the canyon walls. The tour also includes stops at Parada de Sil for spectacular views and a visit to San Pedro de Rocas monastery.
What sets this apart is the emphasis on “heroic viticulture”, with the boat providing close-up views of the terraced vineyards. The tour also offers a good blend of natural beauty and history, with free time in Allariz, a charming village with a local guide. The reviews commend the boat ride and the scenic vistas as highlights.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those wanting a combination of scenic boat cruise and cultural exploration in the Ribeira Sacra.
6. From Santiago: Ribeira Sacra Tour & Boat Trip
This slightly shorter tour covers the Ribeira Sacra’s monasteries, castles, and villages along the Sil River. It combines a boat cruise with visits to monasteries and villages like Allariz. The boat trip through the Sil Canyon offers memorable views, and the guided visits deep dive into local history.
This tour receives praise for its well-paced itinerary and the beautiful scenery of the river canyon. It’s ideal if you prefer a curated experience that mixes natural landscapes with cultural highlights. The 9.5-hour tour offers good value for travelers interested in history and nature.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you want a comprehensive day trip with natural beauty and some medieval history.
7. Rías Baixas – Arousa Island, Combarro and Mussel Boat
This tour emphasizes Galicia’s maritime culture and islands, starting with a visit to Padrón, famous for its connection to the Camino de Santiago. You’ll explore Combarro, known for its granary architecture, then hop on a mussel boat in the Marina of Combarro, crossing the Pontevedra estuary to see mussel farms, local towns, and the island of Toxa. The boat ride includes unlimited mussels and drinks, making it a full tasting experience.
Guests love the food and scenery, with the mussel boat being the highlight. The tour also includes a visit to Illa da Toxa, known for its seashell-covered chapel. It’s perfect for travelers who want a culinary adventure combined with scenic views.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice if you want to combine seafood, island scenery, and a mussel boat experience.
8. Albariño Private Sailing Wine Tour in Rías Baixas
This is Galicia’s premier luxury experience, offering a private sailing trip combined with visits to top wineries. Starting with a visit to a well-known Albariño winery, the tour then takes you on a private sailing trip through the estuarine inlets of Rías Baixas. You’ll explore mussel farms, enjoy a gourmet seafood lunch in Cambados, and visit A Toxa Island, famous for its shell-covered chapel.
This tour is distinguished by its exclusive nature — nobody else joins, and you get a personalized experience. It’s best suited for travelers who appreciate luxury and privacy and are willing to spend a premium for an unforgettable, intimate wine and sailing adventure.
Guests note the beautiful scenery and the gourmet lunch as highlights. It’s perfect for special occasions or those wanting a high-end Galicia experience.
Bottom Line: For those seeking exclusivity, top-tier wines, and a sailing adventure, this private tour is unmatched — albeit at a premium.
9. Excursion to Finisterre, Muxia and Cabo Vilan With Boat Cruise
This full-day trip explores Galicia’s “Costa da Morte” (Death Coast), including visit to Finisterre and Muxia. The highlight is a boat cruise from Finisterre to see the famous lighthouse from the sea, giving you a unique perspective of this rugged coastline. You’ll stop at Faro de Fisterra, the westernmost lighthouse in Europe, and walk along the “End of the World” marker.
The tour is rated highly for its scenic vistas and the boat cruise that offers a different view of the coast. It’s ideal for travelers interested in lighthouses, rugged landscapes, and coastal legends.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you’re captivated by coastal scenery, lighthouses, and want a memorable boat experience along Galicia’s most dramatic coast.
10. Explore Ribeira Sacra by Boat: Unique Excursion from Santiago
Rounding out the list, this Ribeira Sacra boat trip offers a peaceful cruise on the Sil River, with stops at Parada de Sil and Souto Chao for panoramic views. The highlight is the catamaran experience, which offers a tranquil way to see vineyards, monasteries, and mountain scenery.
While rated slightly lower, it provides a quieter, more intimate way to appreciate Galicia’s natural beauty. It’s suitable for travelers wanting a less crowded, more relaxed boat ride, especially if they’re interested in photography or nature.
Bottom Line: Best for those wanting a serene, less commercialized boat trip with plenty of time for photos and reflection.
How to Choose Your Ideal Cruise or Boat Tour in Santiago de Compostela
Picking the right cruise depends on your priorities: budget, interests, and time available. If you want a luxury experience with private sailing, check out the Albariño Private Sailing Wine Tour. For a full-day adventure with food, wine, and scenic villages, the Excursion to Rías Baixas with Winery is hard to beat. Looking for cultural richness and natural beauty? The Ribeira Sacra & Ourense Day Tour offers a balanced mix.
Consider your fitness level too — some tours involve walking or boat rides that require moderate mobility. If your schedule is tight, choose shorter options like the Rías Baixas Tour with boat trip and winery. For travelers seeking a special occasion, the private sail offers unmatched exclusivity.
Booking early is wise, especially in high season, and always check for available discounts or combo deals to make the most of your trip.
Final Thoughts
Galicia offers a surprising variety of cruise and boat experiences that showcase its stunning coast, lush river valleys, and vibrant villages. Whether you prefer a relaxing scenic cruise, an adventure with food and wine, or a private sailing experience, there’s something for all. For most travelers, the Excursion to Rías Baixas with Winery balances affordability, fun, and beauty, while the Albariño Private Sailing Wine Tour offers a luxurious twist.
Whatever you choose, these tours promise a memorable way to see Galicia from a different perspective. Book your trip well in advance, especially if you want to enjoy the best wines and private experiences!