San Sebastian isn’t just a foodie paradise; it’s also a fantastic place to see from the water. The city’s coastal scenery, historic landmarks, and beautiful islands are best appreciated from a boat, and luckily, there’s a wide variety of boat tours and cruises to choose from. Whether you want a quick trip on a modern catamaran or a private sailing adventure, this city offers plenty of options to suit different tastes and budgets.
One of our favorite experiences is the Boat Tour with Stop at Santa Clara, which combines a simple, affordable cruise with the chance to explore a charming island. It’s perfect for families or travelers looking for a relaxed introduction to San Sebastian’s coastline. For those wanting a more intimate and personalized experience, the Private Sailing trips & Socioeducational boat tours offer the chance to sail with just your group, enjoying the city’s scenery in style.
From quick panoramic trips to dinner cruises and private charters, the list below covers a variety of boat tours and cruises that showcase San Sebastian’s unique charm from the water.
1. San Sebastian: Boat Tour with Stop at Santa Clara
Enjoy a 30-minute boat tour around the bay of San Sebastian with a stop at the island of Santa Clara. This trip includes an audio guide that provides insightful commentary, making it easy to learn about the city’s coastline while relaxing on the water. The boat departs from the city harbor and offers beautiful views of La Concha Bay, with the option to explore Santa Clara Island, which features a lighthouse and a small bar for refreshments.
What makes this tour stand out is its affordability—just $9 per person—and its family-friendly vibe. It’s great for travelers seeking a quick, scenic ride that doesn’t break the bank. The reviews highlight the friendly staff, punctuality, and the opportunity to catch a sunset, making it an ideal choice for a laid-back afternoon or early evening activity. The trip is short but packed with views of the bay, Mount Urgull, and the island itself.
Bottom Line: Perfect for budget-conscious travelers or families who want a straightforward, enjoyable boat experience with an island visit.
2. San Sebastian: 2 Bays Evening or Sunset Boat Tour with Cava
If a sunset cruise with sparkling wine sounds appealing, this 2-hour evening tour delivers. Departing from Mollaberria Kalea, you’ll sail along the eastern coast towards Pasaia, passing through San Sebastian’s hills and bays. The route includes picturesque stops at La Concha Bay, Mount Urgull, Zurriola Beach, and finally Pasaia, a charming fishing village.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on relaxing, scenic sailing combined with a touch of luxury—a glass of Cava and the chance to enjoy rolling hills and dramatic cliffs. The reviews rave about the friendly guides, the small-group feel, and the personalized touches like blankets and Polaroid pictures. The trip is well-suited for couples or small groups seeking a romantic way to see the city from the water.
At around $74 per person, this cruise offers great value for a relaxed, memorable experience. It’s especially ideal if you want to combine scenic sailing with a bit of local wine and a quiet sunset.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for couples or small groups looking for a relaxed, scenic evening out with a touch of luxury.
3. San Sebastian: Panoramic Catamaran Tour of the Bay and Coast
For a quick and breezy way to see San Sebastian from the water, this 40-minute catamaran cruise is an excellent pick. With capacity for 120 passengers and an eco-friendly hybrid engine, it combines comfort with environmental consciousness. Onboard, you can enjoy bar service, a WC, and panoramic views of the bay and coast.
This tour offers a bird’s-eye view of key highlights like La Concha Bay, Peine del Viento, Santa Clara Island, Miramar Palace, and the city’s skyline. It’s a laid-back experience suitable for all ages, especially those who want an easy, short trip that captures the city’s essence without fuss. The reviews highlight smooth rides and impressive scenery, though some note the lack of an English guide, which isn’t necessary given the spectacular visuals.
At around $16 per person, it’s very affordable and particularly good for travelers short on time but eager to see the city from the sea.
Bottom Line: Ideal for anyone wanting a quick, comfortable overview of San Sebastian’s coastline and cityscape.
4. San Sebastian Private Sailing trips & Socioeducational boat tours
For a more exclusive experience, this private sailing trip is the way to go. It lasts about 2 hours and allows you to reserve a boat just for your group, with a professional skipper handling the navigation. The emphasis here is on sustainability and cultural education, making it perfect for travelers who want a more meaningful, customized experience.
The tour covers the coast and La Concha Bay, offering unobstructed views and opportunities to take spectacular photos. Reviewers mention the friendly, knowledgeable skipper, and the personalized touch makes this trip feel special. It’s suitable for small groups seeking privacy, comfort, and the chance to learn about the seabirds, marine life, and local history.
At $277.55 per person, this is a premium option but well worth it if you value tailored experiences, privacy, and educational content. It’s perfect for families, couples, or small groups who want to avoid crowded tours and enjoy a peaceful, intimate cruise.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers seeking privacy, personalized service, and a deeper connection with the coastline.
5. San Sebastian Private Sailing at La Concha Beach & Pasai Donibane
This luxurious private sailing experience lasts about 4 hours and includes sailing past La Concha Beach and disembarking in Pasai Donibane, a lovely Basque fishing village. The trip is tailored for your group, with the skipper managing all navigation and route planning, so you can just relax and enjoy.
What makes this trip unique is the combination of scenic sailing with the option to explore a charming, less-touristy village. Reviewers love the quiet, exclusive atmosphere and the chance to swim, take photos, or walk around Pasai Donibane. It’s perfect for travelers who want a longer, more relaxed cruise and value privacy and customization.
At around $471 per person, it’s a significant investment but offers a premium, personalized experience that’s hard to match. Ideal for special occasions, romantic trips, or groups who want total control over the itinerary.
Bottom Line: The top choice for those looking for an exclusive, tailored sailing adventure with culture.
6. 2 h Privated Sail Sebastian Tour or Sunset
Looking for a personalized and flexible sailing trip? This 2-hour private tour offers a semi-private sailing experience with a professional skipper. Features include a semi-new sailing boat, Bluetooth sound system, and Supp equipment like fins and goggles. You can choose a daytime sail or a sunset trip, depending on your mood.
Guests mention their captain Unai as friendly and informative, providing a comfortable and memorable experience. The tour is suitable for small groups, families, or couples wanting a more intimate voyage. The price at about $271.76 per person reflects the personalized nature and high-quality vessel.
It’s a great option if you want a flexible schedule or a romantic sunset sail. The reviews confirm that Unai’s professionalism and the boat’s condition make it a trustworthy choice.
Bottom Line: Perfect for couples or small groups seeking a custom, private experience with optional sunset views.
7. San Sebastian Sunset Sailing Trip
For a magical evening, this 2-hour private sunset cruise is hard to beat. Set sail from Donostia as the day winds down, and enjoy spectacular sunset views over La Concha Bay. The skipper takes care of all navigation, so you can unwind and soak in the dramatic light show.
The reviews mention the warm, friendly service and the peaceful atmosphere, making it a perfect end-of-day activity. With room for up to 10 people, it’s ideal for families or small groups celebrating a special moment. The experience is relaxed, with opportunities for snacks and drinks.
At $344.15 per person, this cruise provides a luxurious, intimate experience that’s as much about the scenery as it is about quiet time together.
Bottom Line: A top choice for romantic evenings or celebrating a special occasion with a stunning sunset view.
8. Boat by the Bay and Santa Clara Island in Donostia San Sebastian
This short, 30-minute boat ride takes you to Santa Clara Island, a natural park in La Concha Bay. You can choose to stay on the boat or disembark to explore the island, which features a small bar, a lighthouse, and scenic walking paths. The tour offers audio guides in multiple languages, accessible via QR code, providing info on landmarks like Miramar Palace and Mount Igueldo.
This experience is affordable at just $9.49 per person and caters to those who want a quick scenic trip or an easy island visit. Reviewers appreciate the friendly staff, the peaceful ride, and the opportunity to swim or walk around the island.
It’s ideal for travelers who want an easy, flexible outing with a mix of sightseeing and leisure.
Bottom Line: Great for quick visits, families, or those wanting to combine a short boat ride with island exploring.
9. Boat trip through the bay and the coast of Donostia San Sebastián
This 40-minute cruise offers a comprehensive view of San Sebastian from the sea. It includes sights like La Concha Beach, Ondarreta, Zurriola, Santa Clara Island, and the Wind House of Chillida. The trip is enhanced by an interactive audio guide app you can download beforehand, giving detailed info about each landmark.
Reviewers mention the spectacular views, the chance to spot dolphins, and its value for money. The ride is relaxing and accessible for most, though some note it isn’t ideal for wheelchair users. It’s perfect for visitors wanting a short but informative tour of the city’s coastline.
At about $16.20 per person, it’s an affordable and engaging way to see San Sebastian’s urban and natural scenery.
Bottom Line: A solid choice for a quick, guided experience at an affordable price.
10. San Sebastian: Sunset from the catamaran in La Concha Bay
This one-hour sunset cruise offers a peaceful, scenic way to experience La Concha Bay as the sun dips below the horizon. The relaxed atmosphere features chill-out music and spectacular views of the bay and city lights. It’s perfect for those wanting a short, memorable evening.
While reviews are limited, the reviews suggest it’s an ideal option for a relaxing end to your day, especially if you want to avoid larger crowds. It’s suitable for small groups or families looking for a calm, scenic experience.
Pricing isn’t specified, but it’s generally a good value for a romantic or tranquil evening cruise.
Bottom Line: Recommended for anyone wanting to soak in San Sebastian’s beautiful sunset quietly and comfortably.
How to Choose the Right Boat Tour in San Sebastian
When selecting a boat tour, consider your budget, time allowance, and what kind of experience you seek. For a budget-friendly option with island access, the Santa Clara trip is hard to beat. If you crave a private, tailored experience, the private sailing trips or the La Concha & Pasai Donibane cruise are exceptional choices. Meanwhile, the Sunset Sailing Trip offers a romantic, scenic way to end the day.
Think about whether you want a short overview, a luxury experience, or an educational adventure. Booking early is especially advisable for the private and sunset cruises, which tend to fill up quickly. Also, pay attention to the reviews and included features to match your interests.
Final Thoughts
San Sebastian offers a diverse range of boat tours and cruises that let you see the city from a different perspective. For a quick, affordable trip, the Boat Tour with Stop at Santa Clara is hard to beat. If you’re seeking intimacy and exclusivity, the Private Sailing trips or the La Concha & Pasai Donibane voyage will suit you perfectly.
Whether you’re after a tranquil sunset, a family-friendly adventure, or a luxurious private cruise, San Sebastian’s waters won’t disappoint. Booking early, especially for the private and sunset options, will ensure you don’t miss out on these memorable experiences.
