Boat Trip on the Tagus on El Curiosity

See Aranjuez from the river, like the court in its barges. El Curiosity is a covered boat for 57 passengers that makes a trip of about 45 minutes with a guide along the Tagus, from €9.99. It is a relaxed way to see the gardens and the riverbank from the water, and it also works in cold or rain, because you travel under cover.

The boat

Its official name is Buque Aranjuez I. It belongs to Aranjuez Town Council and is run by the company Cruceros Fluviales. It is almost 16 metres long, fully covered and has continuous windows from bow to stern, so you see the river from any seat. It has heating and air conditioning, screens for the commentary, a toilet and a small bar. It passes its annual inspections and has the compulsory tourist-boat insurance.

What the trip is like

It lasts about 45 minutes, out and back along the Tagus, with a guide on board who tells the history of the city and the Royal Site in Spanish. It includes a quiz and access to La Ciudad Secreta, a city adventure that accompanies the trip. The tourism listing gives it as accessible; pets are not admitted.

Times and price

Departures are concentrated on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, at 11:30 and 16:30; if they fill up, others are added at 12:30 and 17:30. Final availability is confirmed when booking in the website's shop. The price starts at €9.99 per person; the website does not say whether there is a children's rate. In April and May they also offer a historic kitchen garden plan with a cruise for €25. For groups, schools or exclusive hire, contact 911 610 367 or the form on the website.

Where to board

The landing stage is at Carretera de Madrid 2, inside the Aranjuez Canoeing Club School, next to the Matilde restaurant. The free municipal car park is at Carretera de Cádiz 6, behind the Hotel Mercedes, about three minutes' walk; it admits coaches. Arrive with some time to spare to park and find the club.

Before or after

The boat fits between the Royal Palace and the Island Garden, which the same river surrounds. If you are interested in the history of royal boats, the Royal Barges Museum holds the court's. For lunch by the Tagus, El Rana Verde has terraces on the river.