Plans to enjoy in the Rias Baixas with Mar de Ons

The Rías Baixas, situated on the west coast of Galicia, are known for their natural beauty and charming fishing villages. If you're planning a visit to this region and aren’t sure what there is to do in the Rias Baixas, one of the best ways to explore it is via the guided tours we offer here at Mar de Ons, and the multiple experiences available. 

You just need to head to our website .com and discover the different islands you can visit (Cíes Islands, Island of Ons, Island of Tambo and Island of San Simón) or the that we offer (Tour of the estuary with mussel tasting, Fireworks from the sea, Vigo’s O barco do Nadal, etc.) Choose the port and the date and we’ll take care of the rest. Remember that by entering your trip locator, you can enjoy a 10% discount on your second trip with us. 

In this article, we will tell you about some of the best plans you can enjoy in the Rias Baixas with Mar de Ons. Keep reading!

The Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park, to which both islands belong, is one of the most impressive destinations this Autonomous Community has to offer. It is a must-visit for anyone looking for something to do in the Rías Baixas.

The Cíes Islands, known as the “Caribbean of Galicia”, are a natural area of extraordinary beauty in Galicia, famous for their white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, such as Rodas Beach, hailed by “The Guardian” newspaper as one of the best in the world. These islands are a must for anyone visiting Vigo and the Rias Baixas. However, due to high demand, you need to book at least 30 days in advance to guarantee a visit, particularly in summer. At Easter and during the high season (from May 15th until September 15th) you can obtain to visit the Cíes Islands. The remainder of the year, Mar de Ons offers guided tours to discover the Cíes Islands. Tickets are booked through our website. 

You can only access the Cíes Islands by boat, here at Mar de Ons, we offer the chance to depart from different ports: Vigo, Cangas, Baiona, Sanxenxo and Portonovo. This will enable you to choose the port of departure that best suits your needs. 

The Cíes Islands don’t just offer the chance to enjoy their idyllic beaches, but also a variety of activities that bring you into contact with nature. You will be able to go hiking along its well signposted trails, which enable you to discover the native flora and fauna, and enjoy impressive views from its viewpoints. The most highly recommended trails include the Lighthouse Trail and Alto del Principe Trail, which will give you unrivalled views of the surroundings.

The Island of Ons is the least crowded of the Cíes Islands, which offers a more peaceful experience where you can taste the most traditional flavours of Galicia. Located in the Ria de Pontevedra estuary, this island is famous for its natural beauty, rich cultural life and strong Galician tradition. As with the Cíes Islands, you must also obtain authorisation on the in order to visit during the high season. For the remainder of the year, here at Mar de Ons, we organise guided trips to the island. You can book your

The Island of Ons has white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, such as Melide Beach, ideal if you want to relax in idyllic surroundings. Additionally, it has a network of trails that traverse through its landscapes, offering visitors the chance to explore its more remote corners, including Ruta do Faro (Lighthouse Trail) or Ruta do Castelo (Castle Trail). 

The Island of Ons is also known for its exquisite gastronomy, which combines the freshest products from the sea and land with Galician tradition. Dishes like octopus, corn pasties, fish and seafood delight visitors and reflect the region’s rich culinary heritage. The island is, therefore, a perfect destination for lovers of nature as well as those looking to enjoy some traditional Galician gastronomy.

Another plan to enjoy in the Rias Baixas is discovering the mysterious Island of Tambo. This is an island of enormous environmental and historic value, situated in the Ria de Pontevedra estuary. It has two beaches (Area da Illa and A Dreidá), three jetties and Tenlo lighthouse. You can explore the Island of Tambo as part of a “guided tour” that we offer at Mar de Ons. Remember that in order to visit this destination you will need to request and

On this guided tour, you will discover the island through its signposted trails, admiring its landscapes and ancient buildings, such as the remains of a ‘lazareto’ quarantine station and a small chapel dedicated to Saint Michael. The island has been inhabited and used for a variety of purposes over the centuries, from being a Benedictine Monastery to a military camp, reflecting its rich and varied history. Up until 2022, this island had restricted access, so it has become one of the most interesting destinations to visit in recent years. 

The Island of San Simón, in the Vigo estuary, is a place with a rich history that has been used in the past as a monastery, prison and quarantine centre. Nowadays, you can explore its fascinating past through guided tours, like those we organise here at Mar de Ons. If you don't know what to do in the Rias Baixas, this plan is a firm favourite among visitors. Secure your place  

In addition to its historical value, the Island of San Simón offers a unique natural setting with peaceful landscapes, rich biodiversity and historic monuments, such as the Convent of San Simón. Enjoy an incredible panoramic view of the Ria de Vigo estuary with the Rande Bridge as the icing on the cake of this stunning scenery. 

If you are looking for things to do in the Rias Baixas and would like to enjoy a plan which is interesting and also involves gastronomy, here at Mar de Ons we offer a tour of the Pontevedra and Vigo estuaries with mussel tasting. The boat trip lasts one and a half hours and includes fresh mussel tasting, accompanied by local wine, water or soft drinks. This trip not only stands out for its seascapes, but also for the chance to try one of Galicia’s star products in its natural surroundings.

The trip includes a visit to the ‘bateas’ or mussel rafts, typical structures used in Galicia to cultivate mussels, where an expert guide will explain the process of cultivating these bivalve molluscs to you. This tour is an ideal choice for tourists and locals alike, since it offers a fantastic way of discovering and enjoying the traditions and scenery of the Rias Baixas.

In summer, the tour departs from the ports of Sanxenxo, Portonovo and Vigo. You can get your ticket

If you are looking for a unique plan to enjoy in the Rias Baixas, here at Mar de Ons, we offer you a truly special evening experience in the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park. During this Starlight experience, you will be able to enjoy an evening under the starry sky in one of the ‘Starlight Tourism Destination’ certified enclaves of the world. For this activity, we will take you by boat towards the Cíes Islands or the Island of Ons, far from any light pollution, to observe the stars, constellations and planets along with our astronomy guides, who will explain the myths and legends of the night sky to you. This Starlight Experience is perfect for enjoying as a family or with friends, offering a special connection with nature and the cosmos.

You can enjoy the Starlight Experience from the ports of Vigo and Cangas. This activity is designed for groups and individual visitors, with advanced booking options due to high demand. You canalways subject to availability, since this is only offered during summer months.

In the month of August, at Mar de Ons, we also offer a special service to enjoy the Perseids meteor shower, known as the Tears of St. Lawrence, from the waters of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park. During their maximum intensity, between 11th and 13th August, you will be able to enjoy this astronomic phenomenon aboard our boats, sailing towards the Cíes Islands. You can also , subject to availability. 

The Evening of Fireworks of Bouzas

In July, the municipality of Bouzas in Vigo holds its traditional festival in honour of Christ of the Afflicted, culminating in the impressive Fireworks of Bouzas, a pyrotechnic show that has been declared of tourist interest. Mar de Ons offers you the chance to enjoy these , offering a privileged visit featuring the show and nightscapes of the Ría de Vigo estuary. 

The Evening of Fireworks of Sanxenxo

If  you are looking for something to do in the Rias Baixas at the end of August, this experience is ideal. Sanxenxo, known as the Tourist Capital of the Rias Baixas, celebrates the festival of its patron saint from August 24th until September 5th, ending the celebration with a spectacular firework show. 

The best way to enjoy this pyrotechnic show of Sanxenxo's festival is from the sea, which is why our ferry company, Mar de Ons, offers this unique experience. From a strategic position in the sea, aboard one of our boats, you will be able to marvel the spectacular cascade of lights that light up the sky.

If you are travelling to the Rias Baixas at Christmas, you simply cannot miss the chance to climb aboard our famous Vigo Barco do Nadal. One of the city of Vigo’s best Christmas attractions. You will find lights, music, Christmas characters, food and much more. A unique experience to enjoy Christmas in all its splendour. On our website you will find and you will be able to buy tickets when they become available. 

At Naviera Mar de Ons we have a Business and Groups Department. From here, we offer the wide range of services described above at reduced prices, depending on the season and size of the group or port chosen to sail from. Contact us at and get discounts for groups of 20 adults or more.