SilTrip

SilTrip is a small river activities company in the Sil canyon, in the Ribeira Sacra. It operates from the Os Chancís landing stage, on the Sober bank, in the province of Lugo, with a small catamaran and a fleet of kayaks. The website does not say who runs it or how long it has been operating, and does not publish a company name either.

What it offers

The catamaran trip lasts an hour: it leaves Os Chancís, sails to the area of the Balcones de Madrid and Cadeiras and returns to the landing stage. On the way you see the terraced vineyards, the bell tower of the monastery of Santa Cristina de Ribas de Sil, centuries-old chestnut trees and the rock formations of the canyon, while the skipper tells the history and legends of the river. A glass of wine from the D.O. Ribeira Sacra is served on board. The boat carries eleven passengers plus the skipper, and can be hired in full for a group, with a bottle of wine included.

The kayak hire is for going out on your own: it has sixteen double kayaks, self-righting and self-bailing, hired by the hour. Before setting off you are given some basic paddling instructions.

Season and times

The catamaran sails from March to October, with departures at 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 16:00 and 17:00 depending on the month, and a few more in high season. Kayaks can be hired until 30 September. There is no service on Mondays. The booking phone line is staffed Tuesday to Sunday, morning and afternoon.

Ages, safety and accessibility

On the catamaran babies up to 11 months do not pay and children must stay seated for the whole trip. Pets are not allowed on board. Kayaks can be used from age 6, always with an adult, and the hire includes a life jacket and a dry bag for keys, phone and wallet.

Access to the landing stage involves six flights of steps, so it is not suitable for wheelchairs or people with reduced mobility. There are no changing rooms or toilets on the jetty: if you go by kayak, wear your swimsuit under your clothes. The catamaran commentary is given in Spanish; the website mentions no other languages.

Booking and cancellation

You book online on the website, paying by card, or on 621 249 089 (also 982 460 714 and [email protected]). Those who arrive without a booking pay in cash at the jetty, if there is room. For the catamaran you must show your order number at the landing stage 15 minutes before departure; for kayaks, arrive at least 10 minutes beforehand.

Cancellations made at least 72 hours in advance are refunded in full; with less notice there is no refund and the date cannot be changed. If SilTrip cancels because of bad weather or a risk to navigation, it offers another time or day, or refunds the amount.

Both activities are on the listings for the double kayak through the Sil canyon and the catamaran through the Sil canyon.