El Curiosity

El Curiosity is the tourist boat of Aranjuez, a covered vessel that sails on the Tagus in front of the royal gardens.

The boat and who runs it

Its official name is Buque Aranjuez I. It is owned by Aranjuez Town Council and run by the company Cruceros Fluviales SL. It is 15.83 metres long and 4.54 wide, and carries 57 passengers, all seated. It is covered, with large windows and a terrace area, and has a toilet, bar, air conditioning and heating, so it also works in winter or in strong heat. According to the company, it is inspected every year and has the compulsory insurance to operate as a tourist boat.

What the trip is like

It lasts about 45 minutes, with a guide who tells the history of the Royal Site, and costs from €9.99. It includes access to La Ciudad Secreta, an outdoor clue game around Aranjuez to play afterwards on your phone. Departures are concentrated on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: the first announced are at 11:30 and 16:30, with extras at 12:30 and 17:30 if they fill up. Final availability is confirmed when you buy. In April and May there is a plan with a visit to the historic vegetable garden for €25.

Special dates and groups

It runs themed trips on special dates: the Witch's Boat at Halloween, from €12; the Santa Claus one at Christmas, from €9.99; the Gaspar one at Epiphany, and a night cruise for Valentine's Day from €15. For agencies and associations it sells cruise packs with a guided tour of Aranjuez; for schools, combinations with a guide, treasure hunt or canoes. It also hires the boat exclusively for companies, birthdays, communions or ceremonies, with times to suit.

Where you board

At the landing stage of the Club Escuela de Piragüismo Aranjuez, at carretera de Madrid, 2, next to the restaurant Matilde, at the entrance to the town. There is free parking nearby. Tickets are bought in its online shop; the terms of contract, including cancellation, are on a separate page of its website. It does not say in which languages the commentary is given.