Boat rental in Vilanova de Arousa: the complete 2026 guide

Vilanova de Arousa is the best home port in Galicia for exploring the Rías Baixas by boat, and yet hardly anyone talks about it. While Sanxenxo and O Grove dominate search engines, Vilanova offers something unique: direct access to the heart of the Arousa estuary, the only inhabited island of Rías Baixas, Galicia's most photographed sandbank and miles of floating mussel rafts. All at sensible prices.

This guide covers everything you'll want to know before booking: real prices, what's included and what's not, what to bring, best dates, sample routes and how to book.

Why Vilanova rather than other nearby ports

Arousa is the widest and brightest of the Rías Baixas. Vilanova sits on its south shore, right across from Illa de Arousa — meaning 10 minutes of navigation gets you to the best coves in the area. Compare that with leaving from Sanxenxo (further south, outside the ría) or O Grove (more exposed to the open Atlantic).

Concrete advantages of departing from Vilanova:

• Sheltered waters thanks to the ría's geography — flat sea most days.
• Direct access to Illa de Arousa, Areoso, Punta Cabalo lighthouse, Cortegada and mussel rafts.
• Free parking at the old fish market, 50 m from the marina.
• Seafood restaurants 3 minutes' walk from the dock.
• No yacht traffic compared with August in Sanxenxo.

Actual rental prices

In 2026, standard prices for a skippered boat rental in Vilanova de Arousa:

Option	Duration	Price	Includes
Half day	4 hours	€300	Skipper + watersports gear + insurance
Full day	8 hours	€500	Skipper + gear + route flexibility

Prices are per boat, not per person. Up to 6 guests + skipper share the same price.

Fuel is charged separately at the end of the day based on actual consumption. Realistic estimate: €60-80 half day, €120-150 full day. Always cheaper than the flat-fee structures some companies use.

Payment

30% deposit on booking (bank transfer) + 70% on departure day in cash or transfer. Credit card on request.

What the rate includes

• Licensed professional skipper for the entire trip.
• Wakeboard with tow rope onboard.
• Rigid SUP (paddle surf board).
• Snorkel gear in several sizes.
• Large cooler with bottled water included.
• Full-cover insurance for boat and guests.
• Rear bathing platform with ladder and freshwater shower.
• Forward sundeck with cushions.
• WhatsApp support 24/7 before, during and after the trip.

The only extras: fuel and, if you stop for lunch at one of our trusted restaurants, the meal itself.

Three sample routes

Half day — "Vilanova-Areoso"

4 hours for an intense morning or an afternoon of swimming. Depart from the port, cross the ría heading north, anchor at the Areoso sandbank to swim and paddle, return wakeboarding in the flat afternoon water.

Full day — "Around the Island"

8 hours to really know the ría. Loop Illa de Arousa via its west side, snorkel stop at Punta Cabalo under the lighthouse, lunch at a terrace on the island, cross to Cortegada (Atlantic Islands National Park), return through the mussel rafts at sunset.

Sports full day

Same loop but adapted to intensive wakeboard or kitesurf — we take you to A Lanzada if the wind is right and pick you up whenever you want.

When is the best season

The Rías Baixas show their best face from June to September:

• June: flat sea, long days, few people. Ideal for tranquility.
• July: most stable weather, water around 19°C, less crowded than August.
• August: pilgrim month (Traslatio), warmest and brightest. Book well in advance.
• September: equinox tides, Galician "Caribbean" at its peak, water still warm.
• October-May: trips possible but limited. Give notice.

What to bring onboard

• Water-resistant sunscreen (factor 50, minimum).
• One towel per person — we don't provide towels onboard.
• Cap or hat: the water reflection burns more than the beach.
• Light hoodie: cools down on the way back, especially September.
• Camera or phone with waterproof case.
• Snacks if you want to nibble onboard (restaurant lunch is separate).

You don't need to bring: life jackets, snorkel gear, paddle board, wakeboard — all onboard.

Maximum capacity

The boat is certified for 10 people, but we charter to a maximum of 6 guests + skipper. With 6 you all have your space to sunbathe, paddle without queueing and lunch at the same restaurant without splitting the group.

How to book step by step

1. WhatsApp +34 685 74 24 20 with the date, option (full/half day), number of guests and preferred activities.
2. We confirm availability within 4 hours.
3. Bank transfer of 30% to secure the date.
4. You receive confirmation with departure point, arrival time and weather forecast.
5. On the day: arrive at the marina 15 min before, pay the remaining 70%, photos, swim, food, return.

Bad weather policy

If conditions aren't safe (rough sea, sustained strong wind, storm), we cancel. You get 100% refund or free date change. The skipper makes the call 24h in advance. Safety always over business.

Final questions before booking

Do I need boating experience? No. You step on, swim, eat and enjoy. The skipper handles it.

Are pets allowed? Yes, no extra cost. Tell us when booking.

What about kitesurfing? No problem. You bring your gear, the skipper takes you to A Lanzada or wherever the wind is best.

Is there a toilet onboard? No, it's an open day boat. There's a freshwater rear shower. Toilets available at land stops.

Do you depart from other ports? Vilanova is our home port but we can pick up at Vilagarcía, Cambados, A Illa or O Grove on request with a small fuel surcharge.

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Vilanova de Arousa is the best-kept secret of the Rías Baixas for boat rental. Quiet waters, coves 10 min away, gastronomy back at port and sensible prices. See you at the marina.