Discover how to visit the Cíes Islands by private boat.
How to visit the Cíes Islands by private boat: permits, anchoring and prices
Anchoring off Rodas beach, swimming from your own boat, and staying to watch the sunset after the last ferry has left: that’s what visiting the Cíes by private boat is like. It’s much easier and cheaper than it seems, with options for groups from €100 a day — which ends up matching the price of the scheduled ferry tickets. In this guide we’ll tell you what you need to know: what options you can choose, what permits you need, and how to make the most of it!
Choose your ideal boat for the Cíes
There are plenty of options, depending on the number of people, how much time you want to spend exploring the islands, the departure port, or the licence you hold (if any). At Zarpar we have boats available to make it happen.
- ⚓ Inflatables and RIBs — from €100/day. The most affordable getaway. Perfect for a couple or with a couple of friends. Easy to handle for cruising around the islands and going ashore to explore them. → See available inflatables
- 🛥️ Day boats — from €300/day. A bit more space and comfort for 4-6 people, with room to eat on board and enjoy the calm. Split between six, it costs less than many Saturday plans. → See available day boats
- ⛵ Sailboats and motorboats with a skipper — from €700/day. For larger groups or to go without worrying about a thing, including a skipper who’ll make sure everything goes perfectly. You can even stay overnight! (Highly recommended — waking up in the Cíes is next level.) → See boats with a skipper
Prices vary by season and type; beyond the ones listed here, there are many more!
Which port to leave from?
The ports in the Ría de Vigo are the closest, which keeps the crossing short so you can make the most of your time on the Islands. But they’re not the only ones you can set off from.
You can also reach the Cíes Islands from the Ría de Aldán or the Ría de Pontevedra; the run along the Costa da Vela takes a bit longer, but it’s a beautiful trip too.
Ports such as Marina Davila, RCN Vigo, Baiona, Porto de Aldán, Portonovo and Sanxenxo are some of the ones you can visit the Cíes Islands from.
Why go by private boat instead of the ferry?
The ferry from Vigo, Cangas or Baiona works fine, but it runs on fixed schedules, daily quotas and, in high season, a Xunta permit on top of the ticket.
On a private rental boat, you get to enjoy:
- Your own schedule: no queues — decide when to go and, above all, when to come back.
- The sunset over Rodas, something the ferry simply can’t offer.
- The Cíes the ferry never sees: the southern island, the cliffs, San Martiño.
- Your own plan: a swim from the boat, lunch on board, your music low, your people — and you can go ashore too if you want.
And you can go any day of the year, without depending on the ferry season.
Book ahead to make sure you get a permit!
The Cíes are part of the Atlantic Islands National Park (Parque Nacional das Illas Atlánticas), and to go by boat you need two authorisations that must be arranged in advance.
1. Navigation permit. The boat owner applies for it with a form and the vessel’s documentation. It’s done once and is valid for several years, so if you’re renting, the boat should already have it in force.
2. Anchoring permit. Requested online for each specific date, with limited daily spots, if you want to visit the Cíes during your outing. It should be arranged in advance.
Precautions and good practice when visiting the Cíes.
The Cíes are special — one of the most beautiful natural spots on planet Earth — and behaviour there should live up to that. Here’s a list of good practices to follow:
- Anchor only in designated areas and over sand.
- Respect the marked swimming zones: don’t go near them, always use the navigation channels.
- Check the nautical chart and leave room.
- Leave swinging room with your neighbours.
- Check the weather forecast before setting off, as on every trip.
- Don’t feed the animals — birds or fish.
- Take your rubbish with you and put nothing in the water.
- No fire or smoke.
- No fishing.
Ready to experience the Cíes your way?
Your schedule, your people, and the sunset over Rodas after the last ferry has left. We take care of the boat and of keeping your permits in order; you just pick the day.
Tell us how many of you there are and which port you’d like to leave from, and we’ll help you choose the best option.