Snorkeling in Spanish coves from Saint-Jean-de-Luz

Swim in transparent coves and see the Basque coast from the water

A 3.5-hour boat trip from Saint-Jean-de-Luz to the Spanish coves with a professional skipper and snorkeling equipment available. Small groups of no more than 10 passengers follow the Basque coastline, stopping to swim in the bay of Los Frailes and at Jaizkibel where the water is often calm and clear. The route also passes the Flysch cliffs, Hondarribia fishing port, and the castle of Abbadia on the return.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat trip along Basque coast

• Depart from Port of Saint-Jean-de-Luz
• View Basque cornice cliffs from sea
• Visit Hondarribia fishing port
• Discover bay of Los Frailes and Amuitz islet
• Swim near Jaizkibel cliffs
• Visit bay of Loia and Abbadia castle
• Admire the 2 Jumeaux rocks
• Detour to port of Socoa and fort

The experience

You leave from the Port of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a working fishing harbor in the heart of the Basque Country, and head out along the Basque cornice: a protected natural area with cliffs too fragile for hiking trails but perfectly visible from the boat. The skipper navigates the coastline at a pace that lets you take in the landscape: the Flysch rock formations, the bay of Los Frailes with its transparent water, and the Amuitz islet. Stops for swimming happen where conditions are right, usually at Jaizkibel and the bay of Los Frailes, where the water stays calm and clear enough to see what you're looking at.

Snorkeling equipment is available on board, so you can go in with a mask and fins if you want to look closer at the water. The boat also carries you past Hondarribia, one of the most important fishing ports on the Spanish Basque coast, and on the return passes the castle of Abbadia (built between 1864 and 1870 by French traveler and astronomer Antoine d'Abbadie) and the two Jumeaux rocks below it. The whole trip runs 3.5 hours, and the skipper speaks English and French.

Arrive 20 minutes early at the dock. A team member will meet you there rather than you waiting on the pontoon. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a windproof layer, and a towel if you plan to swim, plus water. The boat works for all fitness levels and welcomes children from age 4, though it's not recommended for pregnant travelers.

What’s included

• A professional skipper guiding the boat.
• snorkeling equipment available on board.
• stops for swimming in the Spanish coves and at Jaizkibel.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 15 Feb 2027

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by Oceanboat64

Is this one for you?The small group size, maximum 10 passengers, keeps the boat intimate and the pace relaxed, which suits a half-day trip where you want to see the coast without feeling rushed or crowded. The skipper handles all navigation and timing, so you just show up, swim where the water is calm, and let the boat carry you past the cliffs, fishing ports and landmarks you couldn't reach on foot.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the bay of Los Frailes like for swimming?

The bay of Los Frailes, near the Amuitz islet off the Spanish coast, has water that is often transparent and very calm, making it one of the main stops for swimming on the trip.

Is snorkeling equipment included or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkeling equipment is available on the boat, so you don't need to bring any.

How many people will be on the boat?

Groups stay at a maximum of 10 passengers, keeping the boat small and the experience less crowded.

What happens if I arrive late to the dock?

Plan to arrive 20 minutes before departure. A team member will pick you up at the dock rather than you waiting on the pontoon, so timing matters for the handoff.