¿Cuánto dura el paseo en catamaran por el río Sil?

The catamaran tour lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Where do the Sil River catamarans depart from?

Our catamarans depart from the Abeleda pier in Castro Caldelas, with free parking.

How much does the Sil River catamaran cost?

Prices are: Adults €13, Seniors (65+) €10, Children 13–17 €10, Children 4–12 €5, Under 4 free.

Discover the Ribeira Sacra by catamaran along the Sil River

Catamarán Ribeira Sacra y Cañones del Sil: travesías guiadas desde el embarcadero de A Abeleda

Live a unique experience on a Catamaran Tour of the Ribeira Sacra and the Sil Canyons.

You're about to start one of the most extraordinary river routes in Spain and Europe — and it's right here in Galicia: the Ribeira Sacra.

Cruise by catamaran along the Sil River, among vineyards clinging to rocky terraces. Discover the Discover nature from a truly unique perspective.

This is an adventure you can't miss, and one you'll hardly forget.

What your Sil River catamaran tour includes

Specialized Guide

Our guide accompanies you throughout the journey, sharing the stories and secrets of the Sil River. It's not a recording — it's a live experience where you can ask as many questions as you like.

Certified Safety:

Life jackets available, mandatory insurance, and all certifications required by maritime authorities.

Panoramic Views:

The catamaran's design offers unobstructed 360-degree views, perfect for photography and for enjoying the scenery from anywhere on board.

The Sil River boat route: what you'll see

The Sil River catamaran tour is a round-trip route departing from the A Abeleda pier, with free parking and easy access. Over roughly 12 kilometers, you'll sail through the breathtaking Sil Canyons, past impossibly steep vineyards and striking rock formations.

During the journey you'll discover the contrast between the Mediterranean vegetation on the west-facing slope and the Atlantic vegetation on the east-facing one, while our guide tells you about the history, traditional life in the Ribeira Sacra, and the heroic viticulture that still defies gravity.

A relaxed journey to enjoy the landscape… and understand it.

Best way to discover the Sil Canyons by boat

Take in the massive, rugged rock walls, barely softened by erosion, carved out by the Sil canyon's course. Admire the improbable vineyards first planted in the 2nd century and later tended by the monks of the various monasteries that gave this area of the Ribeira Sacra its name.

Nuestros catamaranes te llevan por un recorrido inolvidable desde el embarcadero de A Abeleda, navegando entre las abruptas laderas del Sil Canyon.

During the tour you'll discover heroic vineyards planted on impossibly steep slopes and unique geological formations.

You can check out other Sil Canyons routes

You can check out other Sil Canyons routes

Our Sil River catamaran routes depart exclusively from the Abeleda pier, a privileged natural setting surrounded by vineyards and native woodland. embarcadero de A Abeleda.

Nuestras rutas en catamarán por el Sil comienzan exclusivamente desde el A Abeleda Pier, un enclave natural privilegiado rodeado de viñedos y bosques autóctonos.

You'll enjoy an unforgettable river cruise through the most authentic stretch of the Sil River.

Traveler reviews of our Ribeira Sacra catamaran tours

These are reviews written by our customers on Google, without us asking for them.

I've done both cruises, and I liked this one much more than the one run by the provincial council.

I think it was the best experience of our entire trip through the Ribeira Sacra.

Impressive tour and route. The guide is incredible — his knowledge of the area really shows. He takes you back to those tough, ancestral grape-harvest times. I loved it, I'd come back again and again.

A truly enriching experience — visually, it's stunning to see the entire Sil canyon with its mountainside vineyards, the natural beaches, what a sight, and so much more...

From the moment you book, you feel taken care of — they send you the GPS location in several formats, so you won't have any trouble finding the spot.

This trip is a must if you really want to experience the true essence of the Ribeira Sacra. Wonderful, spot-on narration throughout the journey.

Image gallery to whet your appetite.

A catamaran tour through the Sil Canyons is one of the most extraordinary routes in Galicia.

Prices and schedules for regular Sil River boat trips

Standard adult ticket: 13 euros
Seniors (65+): 10 euros
Children aged 13–17: 10 euros
Children aged 4 to 12: 5 euros
Children under 4: gratis

High season prices (from 01/07 to 15/09)

Standard adult ticket: 14 euros
Seniors (65+): 11 euros
Children aged 13–17: 11 euros
Children aged 4 to 12: 6 euros
Children under 4: gratis

Our catamaran departs at 11:00 and 16:00 throughout the season.
An additional 2 sailings are added during high season, at 13:00 and 18:00.
During mid-season, there are also 4 sailings on weekends, as well as on selected dates.

When you make your booking, you'll see which time slots are available on your chosen day.

Other Sil River tours

If you're looking for a personalized tour or a group trip, we have something to offer you too.
We offer different tour options for a catamarán por el río Sil, tailored to your needs and preferences.

Group Tours

We can arrange custom trips for groups, events, themed excursions, mindfulness tours, and more. We'll organize a unique catamaran experience on the Sil for you: cultural, mindful, and 100% tailored to you.

Special Tours

Still have questions?

The pier is located right on the Ourense side of the road that connects Monforte de Lemos with Castro Caldelas
Caldelas
Abeleda is just a few hundred meters from the Ponte do Sil pier, known until recently as the Doade pier.

Is the Sil River route a loop?

Yes, our regular tours are circular — meaning they depart from and return to the same point. For group or personalized tours, one-way (linear) routes are also possible.

Can children come on the boat?

Of course they can! The waters of the Sil River are calm thanks to the San Estevo reservoir downstream. Our catamaran meets all safety regulations and certifications.

What's the best way to see the Sil Canyons?

The best way to discover the Sil Canyons is by sailing on a catamaran, right from the water. This lets you take in the heroic vineyards, the sheer cliffs, and the natural beauty of the Ribeira Sacra from a truly unique perspective.

What can you see during the boat trip?

During the tour you'll see terraced vineyards, rock walls over 500 meters high, birds of prey, native forests, and the remains of ancient monasteries. Your guide will fill you in on the landscape's secrets and history along the way.

How long does the catamaran tour last?

The standard tour lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes, with morning and afternoon departures. It's a round-trip route, departing from and returning to the Abeleda pier.

Can I ask the guide questions during the trip?

Of course! In fact, he loves being asked. Our guide grew up just a few kilometers from the river, in Nogueira de Ramuín, and knows the Ribeira Sacra like the back of his hand. Asking questions is part of the experience, and it's what makes every tour unique.

What's the best time to take the Sil catamaran route?

Both the 11:00 and 16:00 departures have their own charm. In the morning, the light is softer and there's less heat in summer. In the afternoon, the sun lights up the slopes spectacularly. During high season (July–August) both sailings tend to fill up, so the important thing is to book in advance.

Is it necessary to book in advance during high season?

Yes, especially in summer (July and August) and on weekends. The catamaran has limited capacity, and spots regularly sell out. We recommend booking online right here on this page, or calling a few days ahead to secure your spot.

Can I bring food onto the catamaran?

Yes, you're welcome to bring your own food and drinks. We recommend bringing water, especially in summer. There's no catering service on board, so if you'd like a snack or drink during the tour, bring it along with you.

Is there a bathroom on the boat?

Yes, it has a restroom on board.

Was the Sil River catamaran previously operated by Viajes Pardo?

Yes. Viajes Pardo was, for years, the agency that sold these tours. That agreement no longer applies — the service now continues under direct management. More information about the transition →

Ready to discover the Sil Canyons?

Book your catamaran tour now and experience the Ribeira Sacra like never before.

And after the boat excursion, explore the Ribeira Sacra at your own pace.

Fancy extending the experience after the boat trip? The Ribeira Sacra has plenty more to offer.
Mountain biking centers, hiking trails, farms to visit, landscapes and churches, plus Monforte de Lemos with its monuments and museums

For wine lovers, wine tourism awaits at wineries like Adega Cruceiro and dining spots like A Cantina de Doade.

You can also visit — not far away, though outside the Ribeira Sacra itself — the city of Ourense, and take a dip in one of the thermal springs open to locals and visitors alike.

The Ribeira Sacra offers you a world of possibilities!

Want to learn more about this spectacular landscape? Discover what to see and how to get to the Sil Canyons.

Where to eat: A Cantina Restaurant

After your Ribeira Sacra catamaran tour, we recommend A Cantina de Doade, a Galician restaurant that captures the culinary essence of the Sil Canyons and the Ribeira Sacra. Located right in the heart of the D.O. Ribeira Sacra, this cozy spot combines traditional Galician cooking with the region's finest wines. Here you can try octopus, homemade empanadas, and meats paired with mencía and godello wines from nearby wineries. The full Sil River experience includes its food: there's no better way to end your day than savoring Galicia's authentic flavors, surrounded by heroic vineyards.

Visit a winery: Adega Cruceiro

Extend your Ribeira Sacra experience with a visit to Adega Cruceiro, a family-run winery producing some of the finest wines in the D.O. Ribeira Sacra. Perched on the slopes of the Sil Canyons, this winery lets you discover the secrets of the heroic viticulture you admired from the catamaran. Its vineyards cling to impossibly steep slopes above the Sil River, yielding mencía and godello wines with a character all their own. The guided visit includes a tour of the winery and a wine tasting with spectacular views. It's the perfect way to understand why the Ribeira Sacra is one of Spain's most singular wine tourism destinations.

The Ribeira Sacra — Next UNESCO World Heritage Site?

The Ribeira Sacra offers exactly what nature-loving travelers are looking for: a rugged natural landscape, shaped by water and by centuries of human winemaking. That's why UNESCO has long been considering World Heritage status for this region.
A new vote will take place this July. Will we be celebrating together? We hope so.

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