Tips for visiting the Cíes Islands by boat

The Cíes Islands, a natural paradise located in the Rías Baixas in Galicia, and more precisely, in the Vigo Estuary, are a bucket-list destination for travellers who love nature and beaches with crystal clear waters. It is the second most-visited destination in Galicia, after the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, making it an essential stop for visitors to the region. The islands are part of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park, which means there are certain rules and requirements that all visitors need to know about. In this post we’ll tell you what these rules are.

This destination is only accessible by sea, so to visit the Cíes Islands by boat you need to book your ticket in advance and bear in mind the instructions given by our ferry operator . Below is a detailed guide with practical tips for organising your trip to the Cíes Islands. If you have any questions, you can contact us by email at or by phone on (+34) 986 22 52 72.

The number of visitors permitted to visit to the Cíes Islands each day is limited to preserve its ecosystem. For this reason, it is essential that you book your boat ticket in advance on , particularly during the high season (from 15 May to 15 September) and during Easter from Friday 11 to Sunday 20 April. However, our ferry operator also offers trips to the Cíes Islands , and places are limited so it is important that you choose the date of your visit in advance.

Mar de Ons operates ferries to the Cíes Islands out of a number of ports, so you need to choose the one that best suits your needs: Vigo, Cangas, Sanxenxo, Portonovo or Baiona. Bear in mind that, depending on the time of year, the departure ports may also vary. With regard to crossing times, these may also vary depending on the season and weather conditions, however we will always notify you if there are any changes to the timetable. Make sure you know your departure and return times so you can plan your day and avoid any mishaps. Remember that it is not permitted to stay overnight on the islands outside the authorised camping season.

To enrich your experience, you might want to consider taking a guided tour. Our team of professional guides will provide you with detailed information on the history, and of the islands, along with curious facts, making you appreciate this privileged natural environment even more. The guided tour is included in the price of the ticket during the regular season. However, if you visit during Easter or from 15 May to 15 September, bear in mind that the booking process is different and you need to contact to book your guided tour of the Cíes Islands.

In addition to your boat ticket, to visit the Cíes Islands you also need to get a travel authorisation from the Xunta de Galicia to visit the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park. This permit is free of charge and you can request it online from the authorisations . During the high season (15 May to 15 September and Easter Week), you can do this yourself online, but you need to do it in advance as the places get snapped up fast. In this case, when you request the authorisation on the website mentioned above, you will be given a pre-booking code which you will need in order to buy your boat ticket from our website, after which you will be sent the QR code for the authorisation. 

During the rest of the year, we will process your authorisation from the Xunta de Galicia so you can visit the National Park and travel by boat to the Cíes Islands, as the website is not set up to enable users to process it themselves.  All you have to do is purchase your ticket and send us your details, and we’ll manage your authorisation request for you.

Below are some of the requirements for travelling with Mar de Ons and visiting the Cíes Islands by boat without any incidents:

Because they are a protected nature reserve, the Cíes Islands do not have any shops or supermarkets. So, it is important that you bring the following with you in your backpack: 

To travel to the Cíes Islands, you are permitted to take a maximum of 20 kg of luggage per person. However, it is important that you think about how much you can carry and pay close attention to valuable objects. 

Also, due to security measures, it is prohibited to carry any hazardous items in your hand luggage that could pose a risk to the safety of our passengers.

The Cíes Islands are home to some of the most stunning beaches in Spain, such as , internationally recognised for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. The islands offer various , giving you the chance to discover stunning landscapes and a rich biodiversity. Don’t forget to take your camera with you to capture these unique moments.

To preserve the biodiversity and beauty of the Cíes Islands, it is essential that you respect the rules of the park:

The weather on the Cíes Islands can be changeable. We recommend that you check the weather forecast before your trip so you are prepared for any possible changes, taking a jacket or raincoat if necessary.

If you decide to share your experiences on the Cíes Islands on social media, do so promoting respect for and conservation of the environment, inspiring others to enjoy this landscape in a sustainable way.

If you follow these tips, your boat trip to the Cíes Islands will be a memorable experience, because with Mar de Ons the crossing also forms part of this exciting trip, as it is one of the most special moments and it enables you to fully enjoy this natural treasure whilst helping to preserve it for future generations.