Boat hire in Portugalete

Portugalete is the town of the Vizcaya Bridge, on the left bank of the Bilbao ría just where the Abra begins, with the old town climbing from the quay and Las Arenas (Getxo) opposite, a minute away in the bridge's gondola; but the Google Maps register returns no boat rental companies based in the municipality. The nearest are a step away: Santurtzi, 1 km downriver, with a txalupa company, and Getxo, opposite, with 12 at the marina at the mouth, the biggest fleet in Biscay. Bilbao, 9 km upriver, has 4.

The season runs from June to September. The ría at Portugalete is sheltered water with port traffic and a tide of more than four metres; the Abra, at the exit, can be sailed in almost any wind, and outside Punta Lucero there is swell.

Indicative high-season prices from the directory's reference table, reviewed September 2026: a no-licence motorboat costs €120–250 a day; a RIB of 6–8 m, €250–650; a 10–12 m sailing yacht, €400–900 bareboat or €600–1,500 skippered; a catamaran, €1,000–2,500; a skippered motor yacht, from €900. Expect 20–40% less outside July and August. Deposits run from €300 to €2,000 and fuel is extra. Each company sets its own prices.