Kayaking in Santander: Bay of Santander excursion

Paddle past palace grounds and a natural biosphere reserve in one morning

A guided kayaking excursion on the Bay of Santander in open kayaks, departing from the Maritime Museum base. You paddle past La Magdalena Park and its palace, the beaches of La Magdalena, Peligros and Biquinis, Torre Island, and depending on sea conditions, Isla de Mouro: a natural biosphere reserve in open water with views of the entire Santander coast. The route suits all fitness levels and requires no prior experience. Guide service, kayak, paddle, wetsuit if needed, life jacket and insurance are included. Children from age 8 are welcome. The base has easy access by car and public transport, with storage for belongings.

The experience

What makes this kayaking work for beginners is that the guide teaches you as you go. You meet at the base next to the Maritime Museum, where the setup is straightforward. The guide handles the instruction and helps you into the kayak, and the paddle out starts calm. The route itself is the draw: you move through the bay at water level, passing the palace and grounds of La Magdalena Park, then the three main beaches where the shoreline changes character with each one. Torre Island sits closer in. Isla de Mouro, a natural biosphere reserve, lies farther out in open water and only appears on the itinerary when sea conditions allow.

The 90-minute paddle covers the most recognizable points of the bay without rushing. A live Spanish-speaking guide leads the group and adjusts the route based on conditions and how the paddlers are moving. Neoprene suits come with you if the water is cold. Life jackets and insurance are standard. The base has storage if you want to leave bags behind, and both car parking and public transport access mean you can reach it easily from anywhere in Santander.

What’s included

• Guide service in Spanish.
• open kayak and paddle.
• life jacket.
• neoprene wetsuit if necessary.
• insurance.
• storage for personal belongings at the base.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Jun 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (14 to 17 years) · Child (8 to 13 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20

Live guideSpanish

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.

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Stand Up Santander

Is this one for you?The 90-minute paddle suits anyone who wants to see the bay from the water without committing to a full day or needing kayaking experience beforehand. The guide teaches as you go and adjusts the route to sea conditions, so you get the highlights that are safe to reach on the day you paddle.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 17 years); Child (8 to 13 years). Children under 8 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.

Do I need to have kayaked before to join this excursion?

No previous experience is required. The guide teaches you everything you need to know and helps you through the setup and launch. The route is designed for all fitness levels.

What happens if the sea conditions are rough on the day I book?

The guide adjusts the route based on conditions. Isla de Mouro, the farthest point in open water, is only included when conditions allow. The inner bay sites (La Magdalena Park, the beaches and Torre Island) are always reachable.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

The kayak, paddle, life jacket, neoprene wetsuit if needed, guide service and insurance are all included. Bring a change of clothes and a towel. The base has storage for your belongings while you're on the water.

Where exactly do I meet for the kayaking, and how do I get there?

You meet at the base next to the Maritime Museum of Santander. It has easy access by car with parking available, and public transport options are nearby, so you can reach it from central Santander without a private transfer.