Catamaran through the Sil canyons from A Abeleda

The A Abeleda jetty is on the Ourense bank of the Sil, in Castro Caldelas, opposite the Doade jetty, on the other side of the bridge. Two guided boats leave from here on the Santo Estevo reservoir: the Catamarán Río Sil catamaran and the Brandán II of the Algueira winery. Both make a round of an hour and a half among terraced vineyards and rock walls that, according to the shipping company, exceed 500 metres.

From the jetty to the canyon and back

Catamarán Río Sil asks you to be at the jetty half an hour before departure; a quarter of an hour at the very latest. The boat leaves on time and waits for nobody, so if you are going to be late, let them know. Boarding and disembarking take between ten and fifteen minutes. Then there are about 12 km of circular route through the canyons, with a guide who explains live the landscape, the remains of monasteries and how vines are worked on the slope. There are viewpoints and corners that can only be seen from the water.

The boat has 360-degree views and shelters you from the rain, and has a toilet. There is no bar service or food on board: you can bring your own water or a snack. The 11:00 departure returns at about 12:45 and the 16:00 one at about 17:45. You do not need to be fit: everyone from small children to older people does it.

Departures by season

In high season, from July to September, there are departures at 11:00 and 16:00, and they may add others at 13:00 and 18:00. At Easter and over the Pilar long weekend four boats a day sail. From October to June the base is 11:00 and 16:00, with fewer departures on weekdays. In winter there is only one, at 11:00, on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, and at Christmas there is no service. The calendar for each day is seen when you book.

Tickets, booking and cancellation

Adults pay €13; over-65s and ages 13 to 17, €10; ages 4 to 12, €5, and under-4s do not pay. In high season everything goes up €1. Book on its website or on 649 610 221, also by WhatsApp, and pay by card, Bizum or in cash at the jetty. Cancelling is free up to 24 hours before.

The other boat: Algueira's Brandán II

The Algueira winery, in Doade, has its own boat from this jetty: a guided trip of an hour and a half with explanations about the Ribeira Sacra and its wine. Book on its website, which shows times and price when you choose a date. It combines well with the tasting at the winery and with lunch at O Castelo, on the other side of the river.

Eighteen kilometres from Monforte

From Monforte it is 18 km, about 20 minutes, along the OU-0605 towards Castro Caldelas; from Castro Caldelas, 12 km. The road is fine for any car. You park free in line beside the road, and there is more room across the bridge, beside the Doade jetty. If you prefer a longer, cheaper boat, the Provincial Council's sails from Ponte do Sil, on the other bank. The full day with wineries is in the plan Sunday of boat and wineries in the Sil canyon.