Explore Valencias Coast: Boat trip to Valencian Venice

If you’re considering the boat trip to Valencian Venice along Valencia’s stunning coastline, you’ve probably seen the glowing photos and enticing descriptions. This tour promises a scenic two-hour cruise from the Port of Valencia to the colorful and charming Port Saplaya, often called the “Little Valencian Venice.” It sounds like a lovely way to spend part of a day, especially if you enjoy coastal views, quaint canals, and relaxing by the water.

What we really like about this experience is the opportunity to see Valencias’ coastline from the water—there’s something about being on a boat that makes the scenery even more striking. Plus, the idea of strolling through the canals and beaches of Port Saplaya afterward sounds quite appealing, especially if you want a mix of sightseeing and leisure.

However, a significant consideration is the notorious unreliability and negative reviews. Several travelers have reported that their trips never actually happened due to logistical issues, like the meeting point being in a shipping lane or poor communication from the operator. This raises questions about the overall reliability of this particular tour.

If you’re someone who values well-organized, dependable trips, you might want to weigh those reviews carefully. On the other hand, the scenic aspect remains attractive for those who are flexible or who are looking for a relaxed boat ride without high expectations for flawless execution.

Key Points

• Scenic coastal views make this a potentially beautiful outing.
• The destination, Port Saplaya, has colorful buildings and canals that are perfect for photography.
• Verified issues with booking and communication raise red flags.
• Limited group size ensures a more intimate experience, if it happens.
• No hotel transfers included, so you’ll need to organize your own transportation.
• Positive reviews are scarce, but the trip’s natural beauty might still appeal to some.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Is This Tour Really About?

This two-hour boat trip sets sail from the Port of Valencia, heading north along the Mediterranean coast. The main draw is heading towards Port Saplaya, a picturesque seaside town often compared to Venice because of its canals and vibrant, multicolored buildings. The idea is simple: enjoy the sea breeze, take in some stunning views, and then have a bit of free time to explore the town itself.

The tour includes a captain and a guide, which is nice since you’ll have someone to point out sights and keep things moving. But keep in mind, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to arrive at the meeting point on your own. For many travelers, this isn’t a huge deal, but it’s worth planning around.

The Journey: What to Expect on the Water

Once aboard the boat, you’ll cruise along the coast, likely enjoying views of Valencia’s skyline and the shimmering Mediterranean. The route is designed to showcase the region’s natural beauty, with plenty of opportunities for photos. You’ll be on a small group limited to 10 participants, which is great for a more personalized experience—unless the trip gets canceled, as some reviews warn.

The highlight, of course, is arriving at Port Saplaya, where the boat docks for a while. Here, travelers can wander through canals, relax on beaches, browse local shops, or indulge in the local cuisine at waterfront restaurants. The town’s colorful facades and tranquil vibe are what make many say it’s like a hidden gem.

The Dark Cloud: What the Reviews Say

It’s impossible to ignore the negative feedback that colors this tour. Out of four reviews, all are highly critical, each giving a 1-star rating. Multiple travelers describe their trips as never actually happening or being canceled last-minute. For example, one traveler noted that “The meeting point was in the middle of the shipping lane and no one answered the phone or emails,” which indicates serious logistical issues.

Another mentioned they were scheduled for a different tour they didn’t want, and customer service was unhelpful in resolving their problems. The most damning comment was “Nothing that is offered is real,” which echoes the general disappointment some have felt when the trip didn’t meet expectations or was canceled altogether.

While it’s understandable that unforeseen issues happen, the consistency of these reviews suggests reliability is a real concern here. If you’re considering booking this tour, be prepared for potential cancellations or issues, and perhaps have a backup plan.

Is It Worth the Price?

The tour is priced for a 2-hour shared experience, but given the reviews, the value may be questionable unless everything runs smoothly. The included guide and captain add some value, but without assurances of reliability, it’s tricky to recommend at face value.

If you’re a big fan of coastal scenery and don’t mind a bit of uncertainty, this could still be a pleasant outing. But if your trip depends on punctuality and guaranteed experiences, you might want to explore other options or look for tours with more consistent reviews.

More Great Tours Nearby

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip might be suitable for adventurous travelers who are okay with uncertainties and enjoy spontaneous, scenic boat rides. If you’re visiting Valencia and want to see the coast from the water but aren’t overly concerned about the trip’s reliability, it could still be worth a shot.

However, if you prefer well-organized, dependable tours, or if your schedule is tight and you can’t afford cancellations, I’d suggest looking elsewhere. The scenic promise is real—just remember, the experience’s success heavily depends on the operator’s reliability.

Final Thoughts

In a nutshell, this boat trip to Valencian Venice offers a genuinely beautiful destination and the chance to see Valencia’s coast from a different perspective. The picturesque Port Saplaya is a highlight, perfect for photos and relaxing strolls after the cruise.

That said, the poor reviews and reports of canceled trips are a significant caveat. Anyone considering this tour should weigh their tolerance for potential issues and perhaps have alternative plans ready. It’s a gamble—if everything aligns, it could be a lovely addition to your Valencia itinerary. But don’t set your hopes too high for a perfectly run experience.

For travelers who prioritize scenic views and a laid-back vibe, and who are flexible about the organization, this might still be a worthwhile choice. For those who need guaranteed reliability, I’d look for more highly-rated options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
No, hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to make your way to the meeting point on your own.

What languages are available for the guide?
The tour host can communicate in several languages, including English, German, French, Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian.

How long is the tour?
The boat trip lasts approximately 2 hours, but check the schedule for specific starting times as availability might vary.

What can I do once I arrive at Port Saplaya?
You can stroll through the canals, relax on the beaches, browse local shops, or enjoy a meal at waterfront restaurants.

Are there any group size restrictions?
Yes, the tour is limited to small groups of up to 10 participants, which can make the experience more intimate if it happens.

Has this tour experienced issues?
Yes, multiple travelers have reported that their trips were canceled or never happened, often with poor communication from the provider.

To sum it up, while the backdrop of Valencia’s coast and the charm of Port Saplaya are undeniable, the unreliability reported by previous travelers is a significant consideration. If you’re flexible and ready for a bit of an adventure, it might still be worth trying for the scenery alone. But if dependability is your priority, exploring other options could save potential frustration.

You can check availability for your dates here: