Boat trip along the Acantilados del Infierno from Ribadesella

What it involves

It is a one-hour trip in a semi-rigid inflatable boat from the Ribadesella marina. The boat heads east, hugging the coast: it passes cliffs and rock platforms, reaches the Acantilados del Infierno (Hell’s Cliffs) and carries on past pebble beaches, islets and caves to the Pría blowholes, already in the municipality of Llanes. Before returning it moves away from the coast so you can see the Sierra del Cuera and, on a clear day, the Picos de Europa behind it. In all it is about 10 miles, around 16 km, there and back.

What changes the experience is the point of view. From land the cliffs are seen from above and the blowholes are only heard when there is a swell; from the water you see the whole wall, the mouths of the caves and the cracks where the surf rises under pressure. In calm seas the boat gets close to some caves; with some ground swell, the skipper decides how far to go.

Who runs it

The route is operated by Nautilus Tour, with an office on Calle Marqueses de Argüelles in Ribadesella. Their boat is a 9-metre semi-rigid with capacity for 12 passengers plus crew. The company states that the crew hold the required qualifications and that the boat carries public liability and accident insurance. As well as this route they offer a sunset trip of an hour and a half, a quick route of about 35 minutes (not suitable for under-12s) and tailor-made outings.

Price, duration and age

• Adults (from age 12): €60.
• Under-12s: €35, always accompanied by an adult. For the discount they ask for the child’s ID card, family book or passport.
• Minimum age: 2 years. They provide small life jackets.
• Duration: around an hour, from mooring to mooring. The actual time depends on the state of the sea.

The trip needs a minimum of six passengers. If that isn’t reached, they offer you another time or another day.

When to go

The website does not publish a seasonal calendar, so the reference is to book and confirm. In the Cantabrian Sea the sea rules: the company reserves the right to change the schedule or route, without notice, because of the weather or tides. Summer mornings with light wind tend to give the flattest sea. Outside July and August there are fewer departures, but the boat is less full.

Meeting point and getting there

Boarding is at the Ribadesella marina, on Calle Coronel Bravo, at the entrance opposite the Red Cross building. Arrive at least ten minutes early and have your ticket to hand, because they ask for it when you board. Ribadesella is right by the A-8, half an hour from Llanes and less than an hour from Oviedo. In summer the centre fills up: allow time to park and walk to the port.

How to book

Book on the Nautilus Tour website, on the Acantilados del Infierno route page, or by phone and WhatsApp on the numbers the company publishes. In their conditions they say that, once bought, the ticket cannot be changed or refunded, unless the trip does not go ahead for reasons on the company’s side; if the weather forces a cancellation, they offer you another time. Read them before paying.

What to bring

Comfortable clothes and a warm layer even if it is sunny: on the water and at speed it gets very cool. Sunglasses, sun cream and water. The inflatable splashes, so keep your phone in a case or a zipped pocket. If you get seasick easily, take something beforehand and sit at the back.

Round out the day

The trip fits well with the Sella canoe descent, which finishes near Ribadesella, or a walk along the Llanes coastal path. For a cheap place to sleep by the beach there is the Roberto Frassinelli hostel.