# Cruzeiros Douro

Boat en Vila Nova de Gaia

Fuente: https://www.geocalia.com/en/companies/cruzeiros-douro

A Porto cruise company with the Six Bridges cruise on a rabelo boat from Gaia and the Ribeira, day cruises on the Douro and the historic train.

## Who they are

Cruzeiros Douro is a Porto tour operator specialising in cruises and excursions on the River Douro. It was founded by Vasco Melo, its managing director, after working in Spain and the United Kingdom, and today has a team of tourism technicians who handle bookings. The legal company is Grupo Ecotravel, Lda., registered in the Portuguese travel agencies register under number RNAVT 2811. Its website says it works with the best river partners on the river and does not detail a fleet of its own. It has been recognised for several years as a PME Excelência and in 2024 received a World Travel Awards prize.

## What it offers

The shortest outing is the Six Bridges cruise, on a rabelo boat, the traditional boat that used to carry port wine down from the vineyards. It lasts 50 minutes and covers the banks of Porto and Gaia, passing under the bridges. It sails every day from the Vila Nova de Gaia quay or from the Ribeira one, every half hour subject to availability: from April to September, from 10:00 to 18:00, and from October to March, from 10:00 to 16:00. Adults pay €18 in Gaia and €20 in the Ribeira, with a 10% discount online; children aged 4 to 12 pay half and under-3s do not pay. The commentary is in Portuguese, English, Spanish and French, with a guide or audioguide. With an online ticket, you choose the time at the quay.

It also organises day cruises upriver, such as Porto–Régua by boat with a return by bus, one-day programmes combining boat, museum, quinta and tastings, cruises of two to eight days, trips on the historic Douro train, themed Christmas, New Year's Eve and São João cruises, private yachts and group cruises.

## Bookings and cancellation

You book from the sheet for each programme (some are paid for online), by phone on +351 226 191 090, by email at info@cruzeiros-douro.pt, by WhatsApp on +351 916 388 423 or at its offices. The booking is confirmed on payment. You must bring the boarding voucher and an identity document, and be at the quay about 15 minutes beforehand: anyone who misses the departure loses the programme without a refund.

One- and two-day cruises, themed ones and excursions can be cancelled with a full refund up to 7 days beforehand; three-day programmes and the historic train, up to 15 days beforehand. After that the amount is lost. Rain does not entitle you to change the date, because all the boats have a covered area, but if the river is not safely navigable they notify you and offer another date or a refund. For meals on board, the menu is set beforehand; allergies or diets are requested when booking. Only guide dogs are admitted on board.

## What they run

- [Six bridges cruise from Gaia or the Ribeira](https://www.geocalia.com/en/portugal/porto-and-douro/things-to-do/six-bridges-cruise), in Porto and the Douro. Cruzeiro das Pontes on a rabelo boat, 50 min. Desde 18 € adult from Gaia. 50 min. All year. From the Ribeira, €20; children, €9 and €10; under-3s, free. Departures every 30 min from 10:00

Independent companies: you book with them, on their terms. Prices are as they publish them and may change.

## Practical details

- Phone: +351 226 191 090
- Email: info@cruzeiros-douro.pt
- Details checked on 12 November 2026.

## Contact

- Web: https://www.cruzeiros-douro.pt/
- Coordenadas: 41.1385, -8.612

## Preguntas frecuentes

### Where does the Six Bridges cruise leave from?
From the Gaia quay or the Ribeira one, to choose when you book.

### Is there commentary in Spanish?
Yes, on the Six Bridges cruise, with a guide or audioguide.

### Until when can you cancel?
On day cruises, up to 7 days beforehand with a full refund.