Tour operator
Devour Tours Seville
Small-group food tours of Seville, from a morning tasting walk with jamón carving to evening tapas, tavern and flamenco tours, capped at 12 people.
Cruceros Torre del Oro
A long-established boat company running sightseeing cruises on the Guadalquivir all year from the quay beneath the Torre del Oro, with views of Triana and the bridges.
At a glance
- Type
- River cruise
- Area
- Arenal, Seville, Spain
Good to know
- Year-round departures
- River views
- Ticket office at the Torre del Oro
Why we recommend it
Cruceros Torre del Oro is the company behind the sightseeing boats that leave from the quay beneath the Torre del Oro, and a cruise on the Guadalquivir is one of the most relaxing ways to see Seville. The boats run throughout the year from the Muelle del Marqués de Contadero, the riverside walkway below the tower, where the ticket office is also located.
The standard panoramic cruise lasts about an hour and follows the river past the city's landmarks without stopping. Along the way you see the Torre del Oro, the Maestranza bullring and the Arenal on one bank, and the colourful houses of Calle Betis and the Triana neighbourhood on the other, and you pass under the Puente de Triana, the 19th-century iron bridge that links the two sides. The company has also offered longer excursions down the Guadalquivir towards Sanlúcar de Barrameda, where the river meets the sea.
The river was the source of Seville's wealth for centuries. In the 16th and 17th centuries it was the port for Spain's trade with the Americas, and ships left from here for the New World; the cruise is a good moment to reflect on that history, which you can explore further at the Archivo de Indias and the naval museum in the Torre del Oro.
A cruise suits families with children, older travellers and anyone who wants a break from walking, and it is particularly pleasant in the late afternoon, when the light on the river is soft and the temperature drops. On hot summer days, choose a departure in the evening. Tickets are sold at the office by the tower, and some ticket resellers also offer the cruise; check the departure times on the day, as they vary through the year. Choose a seat on an open deck, where available, for the best views and photographs, and bring a hat or sunscreen on bright days.
The quay is on the Paseo de Cristóbal Colón, a ten minute walk from the Cathedral and next to the Torre del Oro. The Maestranza bullring, the Teatro de la Maestranza and the Arenal's tapas bars are within a few minutes, and the Puerta de Jerez tram stop is nearby.
Cruceros Torre del Oro FAQs
Where do the boats leave from?
From the Muelle del Marqués de Contadero, the quay below the Torre del Oro.
How long is the cruise?
The panoramic cruise lasts about an hour.
Do the boats stop along the way?
No. The standard cruise is a round trip without stops.
Does it run all year?
Yes. Departures run throughout the year, with times varying by season.
Where do you buy tickets?
At the ticket office at the foot of the Torre del Oro, or through some resellers.
What will you see?
The Torre del Oro, the Maestranza, Triana, Calle Betis and the river's bridges.
When is the best time to go?
Late afternoon or early evening, especially in summer.
Is it good for children?
Yes. It is an easy, relaxing outing for families.