Getting around Bilbao by boat is one of the smartest ways to see this vibrant Basque city. The Nervión River provides the perfect vantage point for viewing the city’s architectural gems, including the stunning Guggenheim Museum.
I especially recommend the 4-hour private city tour with boat ride – it’s efficient and combines key highlights with peaceful river views. For romantics, the 3-hour sunset sail shouldn’t be missed, offering golden-hour views of the cityscape. Both tours come with knowledgeable local guides and are fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
Let’s explore the best boat tours that showcase Bilbao from the water.
Key Points
The Bilbao Highlights Tour & Boat Ride provides a combination of city sightseeing and a boat ride along the Nervión River, with mixed reviews on the guide and boat experience.
The Getxo Sunset Sailboat Tour offers a 3-hour sunset sailing experience along the Nervión River, including a sailboat rental, Spanish-speaking guide, and wine tasting, accommodating up to 6 travelers.
The private Bilbao city tours and full-day shore excursions provide comprehensive experiences with professional guides, luxury vehicles, and visits to top attractions like the Guggenheim Museum.
Private transfers are available from the Bilbao Cruise Port to the airport and city hotels, offering stroller accessibility, 24/7 availability, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Booking requirements include specifying the number of travelers, luggage count, cruise ship details, and advance confirmation of pickup and drop-off times, with additional features like infant seats and stroller accessibility.
Private 4-Hour City Tour of Bilbao With Hotel or Cruise Port Pick-Up
The Private 4-Hour City Tour of Bilbao With Hotel or Cruise Port Pick-Up provides a rundown of the city’s top attractions. Priced from $575.12 per person, this private tour includes a professional guide, a private luxury vehicle with a chauffeur, and pickup and drop-off at your hotel or cruise port.
Highlights of the tour include the Bilbao Cathedral, Plaza Nueva Square, Basque Museum, La Ribera Market, and the iconic Guggenheim Museum.
Travelers can also opt to explore the Ensanche neighborhood, modern architecture, or the San Mames Stadium. The tour is customizable to personal preferences and isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller accessible and near public transportation, with infant seats available.
Read our full review: Private 4-Hour City Tour of Bilbao With Hotel or Cruise Port Pick-Up Review
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Bilbao Highlights Private Tour & Boat Ride
A popular choice for visitors to Bilbao, the Bilbao Highlights Private Tour & Boat Ride offers an immersive experience exploring the city’s top attractions. Priced at $XX, the tour includes local taxes, snacks, and a professional guide.
Departing from Pío Baroja Plaza, the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with infant seats available. While reviews are mixed, with some citing the tour as primarily a boat ride, others praise the knowledgeable guide and enjoyable old town experience.
The tour may be operated by a multi-lingual guide and is located near public transportation, making it a convenient option for those looking to discover Bilbao’s highlights.
Read our full review: Bilbao Highlights Private Tour & Boat Ride Review
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Getxo: Sunset in Sailboat and Dinner
While located just a short distance from Bilbao’s city center, the Getxo: Sunset in Sailboat and Dinner tour takes visitors on a tranquil voyage along the Nervión River.
Operated by Turismoi.es, the activity includes a sailboat rental, a Spanish-speaking guide, and a wine tasting of Rioja or Txakoli at the docking port.
The tour departs from the Itsasmuseum Bilbao, with the port of embarkation and disembarkation at the Bilbao Maritime Museum or Getxo.
The 3-hour experience begins at 8:00 PM, with a maximum of 6 travelers. Confirmation is received upon booking, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though most travelers can participate.
Read our full review: Getxo: Sunset in Sailboat and Dinner Review
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Full Day Private Shore Tour in Bilbao From Bilbao Cruise Port
For visitors arriving in Bilbao via cruise ship, the Full Day Private Shore Tour in Bilbao from Bilbao Cruise Port offers a comprehensive introduction to the city’s highlights.
Priced from $1,042.51 per person, the tour includes modern, air-conditioned private transportation, a professional local guide, and 3 hours of free time for shopping and dining.
Participants will be picked up and dropped off at the cruise terminal, with all fees and taxes included.
While the tour route and duration are subject to ship docking times and external factors, the tour is confirmed at booking, and cancellations are permitted up to 24 hours in advance with a full refund.
Read our full review: Full Day Private Shore Tour in Bilbao From Bilbao Cruise Port Review
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San Sebastian Private Day Tour From Bilbao With Hotel or Cruise Port Pick-Up
Exploring San Sebastian’s captivating allure, the San Sebastian Private Day Tour from Bilbao seamlessly transports visitors from the heart of Bilbao to the picturesque coastal city.
This 8-hour excursion includes a private official tour guide, a luxury vehicle with a chauffeur, and the flexibility to customize the itinerary. Highlights include the San Sebastian Cathedral, María Cristina Bridge, Basilica of Saint Mary, La Concha Beach, and Monte Igueldo, among other iconic landmarks.
With the freedom to stop for photos and shopping, and the option to dine at local restaurants, this tour offers a comprehensive and personalized experience.
Priced from $818.14 per person, the tour requires a minimum of 2 participants and features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: San Sebastian Private Day Tour From Bilbao With Hotel or Cruise Port Pick-Up Review
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Basque Towns Private Tour With Hotel or Cruise Pickup From Bilbao
Departing from Bilbao, the Basque Towns Private Tour offers an enriching exploration of the region’s captivating coastal towns and landmarks.
Over 8 hours, this customizable tour covers up to 50 miles around Bilbao, allowing visitors to discover the Old Port of Algorta, Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, Vizcaya Hanging Bridge, Getxo, and the iconic San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.
With a professional guide and private luxury vehicle, the tour provides a personalized experience.
Highlights include the majestic Castillo de Butrón and the free admission to the Vizcaya Hanging Bridge and San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.
Suitable for most travelers, this tour ensures COVID-19 safety measures and a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior.
Prices start from $988.24 per person, with a minimum of 2 people required.
Read our full review: Basque Towns Private Tour With Hotel or Cruise Pickup From Bilbao Review
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Private Transfer From Bilbao Airport (Bio) to Bilbao Cruise Port
Travelers arriving at Bilbao Airport (BIO) can conveniently arrange a private transfer to the Bilbao Cruise Port. This service offers air-conditioned, private transportation with all fees and taxes included.
Passengers can specify their preferred pickup time, number of luggage, cruise ship name, and terminal number. The transfer isn’t wheelchair accessible but does accommodate strollers and service animals. Infant seats are available.
Confirmation is provided at booking, and free cancellation is possible up to 24 hours before the experience. The starting price is $120.82 per person, with a lowest price guarantee and availability based on the selected date and number of travelers.
Read our full review: Private Transfer From Bilbao Airport (Bio) to Bilbao Cruise Port Review
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Private Transfer From Bilbao City Hotels to Bilbao Cruise Port
For travelers seeking a hassle-free start to their cruise from Bilbao, arranging a private transfer from their city hotel to the Bilbao Cruise Port is a convenient option.
The service provides air-conditioned, private transportation with all fees and taxes included. Pickup can be arranged from designated locations, and drop-off is at the Bilbao Cruise Terminal.
Transfers operate 24/7, and travelers can confirm their preferred pickup time and number of luggage during booking.
While the service isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly and allows service animals.
With a lowest price guarantee, this private transfer option is an efficient way to begin a Bilbao cruise experience.
Read our full review: Private Transfer From Bilbao City Hotels to Bilbao Cruise Port Review
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Private Transfer From Bilbao City to Bilbao Cruise Port
With a private transfer from Bilbao city to the Bilbao Cruise Port, travelers can conveniently begin their cruise experience.
Priced from $178.56 per group (up to 3 people), this service offers confirmation at the time of booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
The air-conditioned, luxury vehicle features amenities like infant seats and stroller accessibility, though it’s not wheelchair accessible.
Travelers can choose to be picked up directly from their hotel or meet the driver at the lobby.
The transfer will drop them off at the Bilbao Cruise Terminal, which is accessible via Google Maps.
This service is suitable for most travelers and allows flexibility with payment options.
Read our full review: Private Transfer From Bilbao City to Bilbao Cruise Port Review
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Private Transfer From Vitoria to Bilbao Cruise Port
From Vitoria, travelers can conveniently access the Bilbao Cruise Port via a private transfer service.
This luxury car service provides chauffeur-driven transportation for up to 3 people, priced from $203.16 per group. The service offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and includes an air-conditioned vehicle, infant seats, and stroller accessibility.
Pickup can be arranged directly at the meeting point in Vitoria-Gasteiz or from the traveler’s hotel, with a meet-and-greet at the lobby. The drop-off point is the Bilbao Cruise Terminal.
Most travelers can participate, though the service isn’t wheelchair accessible. Confirmation is provided at booking, and travelers can reserve now and pay later for added flexibility.
Read our full review: Private Transfer From Vitoria to Bilbao Cruise Port Review
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Private Transfer From Bilbao Cruise Port to Bilbao Airport (Bio)
Why not consider a private transfer from the Bilbao Cruise Port to Bilbao Airport (BIO)?
This service provides air-conditioned, private transportation with all fees and taxes included. Pickup is available 24/7 from the Bilbao Cruise Terminal, and you’ll need to advise your preferred pickup time, luggage count, cruise ship name, and terminal number.
The drop-off point is Bilbao Airport, so you’ll need to confirm the time with the local provider in advance. The service is stroller accessible, allows service animals, and has infant seats available.
Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours before the experience, and the lowest price guarantee starts at $120.82 per person.
Read our full review: Private Transfer From Bilbao Cruise Port to Bilbao Airport (Bio) Review
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Private Transfer From Bilbao Cruise Port to Bilbao City Hotels
Rather than arrange your own transportation from the Bilbao Cruise Port to your hotel in the city, consider booking a private transfer service.
This service provides an air-conditioned vehicle to take you directly from the cruise terminal to your Bilbao city hotel. The transfer is private, so only your group will be in the vehicle.
All fees and taxes are included in the price, which starts from $120.82 per person. When booking, be sure to provide the number of travelers, luggage, cruise ship name, and terminal number.
While the service isn’t wheelchair accessible, it does accommodate strollers and service animals, and has infant seats available.
Read our full review: Private Transfer From Bilbao Cruise Port to Bilbao City Hotels Review
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Common Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat Tours?
Passengers can usually bring their own food and drinks on boat tours, but it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand as some may have restrictions or require additional fees.
Do the Boat Tours Have Restroom Facilities on Board?
Most boat tours and cruises do provide restroom facilities on board for passenger convenience. Travelers should check with the tour operator ahead of time to confirm the availability of restrooms during the boat excursion.
Are the Boat Tours Wheelchair Accessible?
The boat tours are typically wheelchair accessible, with ramps or lifts to help passengers board. Many vessels have dedicated spaces for wheelchairs and staff who can assist guests as needed.
Can I Book a Private Boat Tour for a Special Occasion?
Yes, many boat tour companies in the area offer private cruises that can be booked for special occasions. Customers can customize the experience, from the route to the onboard amenities, to create a memorable event.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Boat Tours?
The cancellation policy varies by tour operator, but typically allows for full refunds if cancelled within 24-48 hours of the scheduled departure. Fees may apply for last-minute cancellations. It’s best to check the specific policy when booking a private boat tour.
The Sum Up
Bilbao offers a variety of boat tours and cruises that allow visitors to explore the city from a unique perspective. Whether it’s a private city tour, a sunset sail, or a shore excursion, these experiences provide a memorable way to experience Bilbao’s waterways and attractions. Travelers can choose from a range of options to suit their interests and preferences, ensuring a tailored and enjoyable outing on the water.