Nautilus Tour

Who they are

Nautilus Tour is a family company of Ribadesella sailors that has been at sea, according to its website, for more than 25 years and presents itself as a pioneer of boat trips in Asturias. It works alongside Cangas Aventura, which shares bookings and email and organises in the area the Sella descent, canyoning, jet skis and buggy routes. The website gives no names of the skippers. It states that the crew hold the qualifications required by the authorities and that the price includes civil liability and accident insurance.

The boat and the routes

They go out on a 9-metre semi-rigid inflatable with seats for 12 passengers plus crew, which complies with EEC regulations. All departures leave from and return to the Ribadesella marina and tour the so-called Asturian Jurassic Coast to the east, towards Llanes.

• Cliffs of the Infierno. The main route: about 10 miles round trip between Ribadesella and Llames de Pría, with cliffs, beaches, islets, caves and the Bufones de Pría, and views of the Sierra del Cuera and the Picos de Europa. It lasts about an hour, depending on the state of the sea.
• Sunset. An hour and a half past beaches, rocks and caves until you watch the sun set from the water. It leaves 30 minutes before nightfall and runs on request.
• Speed routes (Velocirutas). About 35 minutes of pure speed, at 80 to 100 km/h, east or west depending on the weather. Minimum six people and only from age 12; price on request.
• Made to order. Tailor-made routes, with swimming in caves or stops at the foot of the cliffs, with their own quote.

Ages, prices and what to bring

The routes are suitable from age 2, except the Velocirutas. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult and, to qualify for the child price, you must bring an ID card, family book or passport. They publish €60 per adult (from age 12) and €35 per child. Each passenger is given a life jacket. No special clothing is needed: they recommend comfortable, warm clothes, no heels or large bags or rucksacks, sunglasses, sun cream, water and a camera. In good weather you do not get wet, although with wind or some sea it may splash. There is no toilet on board. If you get seasick, they advise taking a tablet an hour beforehand.

Booking, boarding and cancellation

You buy in their online booking engine or at the office on Calle Marqués de Argüelles, in Ribadesella; they also answer by phone (984 762 500) and by WhatsApp (617 083 910). You board through the gate of the marina pontoon, opposite the Red Cross. They ask you to be at the boarding point 30 minutes early: the boat leaves on time and the departure cannot be delayed.

According to their terms, the ticket is only valid for the date and time booked and, once bought, cannot be changed or refunded. Departures need a minimum of six passengers; if it is not reached, another time or day is offered. In bad weather or because of tides they may change the departure or route, and if they cannot run the service they refund the amount. The terms contradict themselves at one point, so it is worth confirming the exact policy when booking. You must declare that you are not pregnant and have no cardiovascular problem. The website does not say in which languages service is given nor publish the season: sailings depend on the weather, so it is best to check dates before going.