Santander isn’t just for wandering its charming streets; it’s also a fantastic place to explore by boat. The city’s maritime setting offers a unique perspective on its iconic architecture, bustling port, and surrounding natural beauty. We particularly like the 1-hour city cruise for a quick, scenic overview of Santander’s most famous sights—perfect if you’re pressed for time but want a taste of the sea. For those interested in local culture and gourmet food, the small-group trip to Santoña with its focus on anchovies and stunning bay views provides a more behind-the-scenes experience. And if you’re after a more active, customizable adventure, the guided boat tours of Santander Bay with a private skipper are an excellent fit. These options showcase the diversity of experiences available — from quick sightseeing to in-depth culinary and historical explorations.
In this guide, we’ll explore four standout boat tours, each offering a different way to enjoy Santander’s rich maritime environment. Whether you’re looking for a brief overview or an immersive day trip, these tours highlight the region’s best features and help you decide what suits your interests and schedule.
1. Santander: 1-Hour City Cruise Around the Bay
At number 1, the Santander: 1-Hour City Cruise Around the Bay offers a quick, relaxing way to see Santander from the water. This tour gives an easy introduction to the city’s main landmarks, with a friendly guide sharing insights along the way. For travelers who want a low-commitment, scenic experience, this cruise is hard to beat. It’s especially good if you’re short on time but still want a sense of the city’s character from a different viewpoint.
The highlight is the chance to see emblematic buildings and learn about cultural sites all while enjoying fresh sea air. The boat’s open-air deck lets you snap photos and soak in the coastal scenery. With a solid 4.4/5 rating from hundreds of reviews, most travelers find this tour a delightful, easy way to start their visit. The price isn’t listed here, but it’s typically affordable for an hour on the water.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a quick orientation or a leisurely break, this cruise suits first-time visitors or those with limited time. It’s simple, scenic, and informative.
2. Santoña: Anchovy Factory & Boat Trip with Tickets-Small Groups
Next on our list, the Santoña: Anchovy Factory & Boat Trip with tickets-small groups is a true foodie and culture lover’s delight. For around $78, you get a 4.5-hour deep dive into the local anchovy industry, with a very limited group size of just eight travelers. This tour is about more than just riding the water—it’s a full immersion into Santoña’s fishing heritage and culinary tradition.
The trip begins with a visit to the Conservas Emilia anchovy factory, where you learn how these gourmet fish are processed and packed. You’ll then take a 1-hour boat trip around the bay, passing by the Faro del Caballo lighthouse, with stunning views of the marshes and coastline. The walk through Santoña’s fishing port, coupled with the visit to the Fuerte de San Martin, offers a glimpse into the town’s maritime history. The tour concludes with a chance to buy directly from the factory, making it a great opportunity for souvenir shopping.
Reviewers praise the insider knowledge and personal touch of guide Rafa, with one saying he “had a great knowledge of the history and a good relationship with the anchovy providers.” A few noted that the boat trip was all in Spanish, so an English info sheet would have enhanced their experience.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal if you’re a food enthusiast, history lover, or someone wanting a small-group, personalized experience. It’s a well-rounded day combining culture, scenery, and culinary insight.
3. Santoña: Anchovy Factory Tour and Boat Trip
The Santoña: Anchovy Factory Tour and Boat Trip offers a slightly longer, more flexible experience at about 4.5 hours. It combines a visit to an anchovy factory with a boat ride along the bay, providing a comprehensive look at Santoña’s fishing industry and stunning coastal views. This tour appeals to travelers wanting a more in-depth cultural experience without the commitment of a full day.
The factory visit is informative, giving insight into the manufacturing process of Santoña’s famous anchovies. The boat trip offers a chance to see the marshes of Santoña, Vitoria, and Joel, with the option to enjoy a private or small-group setting. Reviewers mention that the tour provides a good overview of the town’s marine history and local life, although some wished for a closer look at the factory workers and a more integrated English narration. The boat trip in particular can be affected by language barriers, but the QR code translations help mitigate this.
This tour is best suited for those who like a mix of cultural visits, scenic boat rides, and local foods in a manageable time frame. The reviews highlight it as a “really good experience” with a nice balance of activities.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a well-rounded, mildly active day that introduces them to Santoña’s anchovy industry and scenic bay.
4. Santander: Guided Boat Tours of Santander Bay
Completing our list, the Guided Boat Tours of Santander Bay are perfect for those who want a customizable and small-group experience on the water. Offered by a local company passionate about the sea, these tours can be tailored to your interests, whether that’s exploring hidden corners like the Ría Cubas or enjoying a speedboat ride along the coast.
The typical itinerary includes starting at the Centro Especializado de Alto Rendimiento de Vela Príncipe Felipe and taking a speedboat trip lasting about 2 hours. You might stop for snorkeling, a quick break with drinks, and even make a “secret” stop that most tours don’t visit. For a more personalized adventure, you can charter the boat with a skipper, making it an ideal choice for private celebrations or family outings.
This tour emphasizes environmentally friendly practices and small groups, ensuring personalized attention and fewer crowds. Reviews emphasize the fun, friendly service and the chance to visit hard-to-reach places, making it stand out for flexibility.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want a bespoke boat experience with options for adventure and privacy, especially if you prefer a more active, customizable outing.
How to Choose the Best Boat Tour in Santander
Choosing between these options depends on your interests, schedule, and budget. If you need a quick overview, the 1-hour city cruise is ideal. For those fascinated by local food and history, the small-group anchovy factory trip (see details) offers a hands-on experience. If you want a comprehensive cultural visit with factory and bay views, the anchovy factory and boat tour (more info) might suit you best. For personalized, flexible adventures, the guided boat tours (check availability) provide the most options.
Consider your interest in food, scenery, or private experiences, as well as your time constraints. Booking early is recommended, especially in summer months, to secure your preferred time slot and ensure availability.
Final Thoughts
Santander offers a variety of boat experiences, whether you’re after a quick scenic cruise, an in-depth culinary exploration, or a personalized private outing. The city cruise is perfect for a brief introduction, while the small-group anchovy tours satisfy those interested in local food traditions. For a truly custom experience, the guided boat trips can be tailored to your desires.
No matter your choice, these tours give you a different way to see Santander’s coast, port, and natural beauty. Planning ahead and booking early will ensure you get the most out of your maritime adventure in this lively Spanish city.
