San Sebastian Boat Tour: 2 Bays, Cava Sunset & Polaroid Photo

Summary

San Sebastian by sea with locals, sunset cava & secret coves

You’ll board a small family-run boat in San Sebastian for an intimate tour along two bays, passing Santa Clara Island and hidden coves while sipping cava at sunset. Listen to local stories from your guide in several languages and take home a Polaroid photo as a keepsake. Expect laughter, sea air, and moments that linger long after you’re back on shore.

What’s the experience like?

I was already fumbling with my headphones when Amaia waved us aboard at the little port in San Sebastian. She grinned like she’d seen this before—tourists juggling phones and jackets, trying not to drop anything into the water. There were only a handful of us, and I liked that right away. We drifted out past Santa Clara Island and the city faded behind us, all those old stone buildings turning soft in the morning light (or maybe it was afternoon? Time felt weird out there). The salty air hit first—then laughter from someone up front when our guide tried to explain “Senoko zuloa” in four languages. I still can’t say it right.

We hugged the coast so close you could almost see the moss on Monte Urgull’s cliffs. At one point, Amaia pointed out Zurriola Beach where surfers bobbed like seals. She told a story about her grandfather fishing near Cala Ilurrita—her hands moving as if she was casting a line herself. The wind picked up around Silver Lighthouse and for a second I thought my hair might actually fly away (it didn’t). There was this odd silence when we reached Pasaia Bay—just seabirds and that low hum of the boat motor. It felt private, somehow.

On the way back, someone passed around glasses of cava—cold and fizzy, tasted brighter than I expected. The sun started dipping behind Mount Igueldo and everything turned gold for a minute. They snapped a Polaroid of us with our awkward grins; mine’s still stuck to my fridge now. We could’ve swum off Donostiarra Bay but honestly, I just wanted to watch the light change over San Sebastian one more time before we docked again. Sometimes you don’t need big adventures—just good people and a bit of sea spray.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — San Sebastian Bay and Coastal Tour

• Depart from San Sebastian port
• View San Sebastian Bay
• See Mount Urgull
• Observe Urumea river mouth
• Spot Zurriola Beach
• Appreciate Mount Urgull cliffs
• Stop at Cala Ilurrita
• Pass Silver Lighthouse
• Pass Senoko zuloa
• View Pasaia Bay
• Pass San Pedro and San Juan
• See Zurriola Beach from sea
• View Donostia from sea and Ciaboga
• See Mount Igueldo and Comb of the Wind
• Pass Santa Clara Island
• Return to San Sebastian Bay
• Opportunity to swim
• Return to port

Top questions

Is this San Sebastian boat tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas are wheelchair accessible but let them know in advance for boarding arrangements.

Does the tour include drinks or snacks?

A glass of sparkling wine (cava) is served on the sunset tour; soda/pop is also included.

How long does the San Sebastian to Pasaia boat tour last?

The sunset tour is always longer; exact duration depends on sunset timing but expect several hours at sea.

Are guides available in English?

Yes, guided history is offered in English, Spanish, French, and Basque via audio guide.

Can I bring children or infants on board?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the boat tour.

Will we have time to swim during the tour?

There’s an opportunity to swim in Donostiarra Bay if you’d like.

Do I need to bring my own headphones for the audio guide?

Yes, please bring your own headphones to use with their mobile audio guide system.

Is there Wi-Fi available on board?

Yes, free Wi-Fi connection is provided during your boat trip.

What’s included

Your day includes boarding at San Sebastian’s port with all drinks (cava on sunset tours), soda/pop for everyone, use of an audio guide in four languages (bring your own headphones), Wi-Fi access throughout the journey, restroom facilities onboard for comfort, plus a souvenir Polaroid photo snapped by your hosts before returning to port together.