Join us as we explore the beauty of the lesser-known Galician coast, where the raw Atlantic Ocean meets Celtic history, lighthouses at the edge of the world, and food worth staying an extra day for. Over eight days, we will enjoy active yet relaxed sailing through the long inlets known as the RÍAS – where open sea alternates with calm waters sheltered by islands.
We will anchor, for example, near the beaches of the Islas Cíes National Park, often called the “Caribbean of Spain”, or walk across the sandy dunes of the Dunas de Corrubedo Nature Reserve. We may also visit the ancient Celtic hillfort of Castro de Baroña, where history can still be felt in the air. Another stop will be the stone village of Combarro, famous for its traditional granaries, hórreos, built right above the sea, and much more.
We will combine sailing with swimming, stops on islands with white beaches washed by turquoise waters, anchoring in quiet coves, and visits to medieval fishing towns. Evenings at anchor away from busy marinas will be part of the experience, as well as tasting local seafood and white wine, Albariño, in harbours where time is measured by the tides.
This voyage is especially suitable for those who are stepping aboard a sailing yacht for the first time and want to experience the beauty of sailing – in the safe waters of the rías, yet with a touch of the open Atlantic.
An adventure beyond an ordinary holiday: with us, you’ll be in direct contact with the ocean and nature. Sustainable sailing and respect for the environment are part of our identity. Don’t expect “all-inclusive” — you’ll be actively involved in running the boat, we’ll show you everything, and you’ll become part of the crew. In every mile, you can find both freedom and a unique experience.
We have years of expedition experience, from the Mediterranean to the Arctic, which is why we place strong emphasis on safety. Our expedition sailboat is fast and easy to handle. Inside, you’ll find a minimalist galley, a compact toilet with a shower, and everything essential for offshore sailing. Thanks to this, the boat is prepared for different styles of sailing and a wide range of weather conditions.
Date (Vigo – Arousa)
14.7. – 21.7.2026
Date (Arousa – Portosín)
25.7. – 1.8.2026
A sailing trip is first and foremost a maritime adventure, not a guided tour with a fixed schedule. Therefore, the itinerary below serves only as a general route proposal. The actual course of the voyage will depend on weather conditions, sea state, and other circumstances.
The goal is not to strictly follow a predefined plan at all costs, but to experience the area as the sea allows in the moment.
15:00 – 15:30 – Meeting at a café or bar near the embarkation port (exact location will be specified in the pre-departure information).
At the first meeting, there will be time to have lunch or just a drink and get to know each other in a relaxed setting.
We will go through the basic information about the organisation of the trip, you will contribute to the onboard kitty, and we will take care of everything necessary before departure, including provisioning.
We will then move to the boat. After the introductory briefing and completion of formalities, you will settle in, we will store the supplies, prepare a light dinner, and you will get familiar with life on board. We usually spend the first night in the marina.
We start the day with a shared breakfast at 9:00, unless agreed otherwise in advance. Those responsible for meals that day (the daily duty crew) get up a bit earlier to prepare breakfast for the whole crew. During breakfast, we will go over the exact plan for the day.
After that, we will introduce you to life on board during the sailing voyage: we will cover safety procedures, the use and care of life jackets, rules of movement on deck and below deck, and we will show you the basics of handling lines and working with sails.
After lunch, we will set off on a first short sail, with the goal that you can try everything and, above all, experience that amazing feeling when the wind fills the sails, the boat heels over, and starts gliding over the waves.
In the evening, after anchoring, you will have free time — swimming in the sea, reading a book, or simply watching the water. The daily duty crew will prepare dinner around 20:00. After washing up, we will assign the watches, and then it’s up to you — some may want to chat over a glass of wine, others to rest under the starry sky to the rhythm of the waves, or go to sleep.
In the following days, we will move between the individual “RÍAS” – broad coastal inlets with numerous small islands and fishing harbours. We will sail along a highly indented coastline, cross between islands, and experience more open stretches where you can try sailing on the Atlantic itself.
Some mornings we will depart early when the wind is favourable. On other days we will let the morning unfold slowly, swim in the sea, and raise anchor after lunch. The route will always be adapted to the weather – the goal is not to “tick off destinations on a map”, but to experience the area in the best possible conditions.
We will anchor in natural beaches and walk on islands and in national parks, taste local seafood, or enjoy a glass of Albariño in a harbour bar. Some evenings will be spent at anchor, others in small ports. Each day brings a different combination of wind, sea, flavours, and conversations. What the area looks like and what to look forward to can be seen in the gallery below.
Selection of possible places to visit:
Muros – a historic fishing town with stone arcades.
Illas Cíes – part of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park.
Corrubedo – a natural park with impressive sand dunes.
Baiona – a historic town with Monterreal fortress linked to the discovery of America.
Illa de Sálvora – a nearly uninhabited island with a lighthouse and fortress.
Illa de Ons – an island with a traditional fishing community, hiking trails, and beautiful views of the open Atlantic.
Castro de Baroña – a well-preserved Celtic hillfort on a rocky headland above the ocean.
Illa de Arousa – the largest island in Galicia, connected to the mainland by a bridge, with sandy beaches.
We will set off on the final leg of the voyage and arrive in the destination port in the afternoon. After arrival, we will prepare the boat for handover so that the final morning can run as smoothly as possible — this includes rinsing all lines and used equipment to remove salt, cleaning the deck and shared spaces, and packing personal belongings.
We will then conclude the trip with a final debrief over a shared dinner, either on board Midnight Blue or in one of the local restaurants.
All good things must come to an end, but before that, we still have a beautiful morning and breakfast on board ahead of us. A group photo of the crew with the boat will of course not be missing, along with a proper farewell.
Disembarkation takes place between 8:00 and 10:00.
The voyage takes place in the Galician RÍAS area between the towns of Vigo and Portosín in northwestern Spain.
The Rías Baixas are flooded river valleys opening into the Atlantic Ocean. Sailing in this area therefore offers both the possibility of navigating sheltered waters suitable for calm anchoring, as well as spending a day on the open ocean. Typical daily passages range from 5 to 20 nautical miles (2–6 hours of sailing). This combination is what makes Galicia an ideal destination for active yet non-extreme sailing.
The coastline is green, rugged, and less touristy than the Mediterranean. It is characterised by white sandy beaches, granite cliffs, pine forests reaching all the way to the water, and small fishing towns with a long tradition.
The region is known for mussel and oyster farming, as well as Albariño wine. Galicia is therefore a region of excellent cuisine based on seafood – mussels, octopus, scallops, and simple fish dishes are all part of the local identity. We will have the opportunity to taste them in small harbour restaurants, as well as prepare meals on board from fresh local ingredients.
My first sailing trip with Tom and Máří was back when they were operating under the “Pink Boa” brand, when we delivered a boat from Tenerife to Mallorca. It was three weeks of great adventure, and although some of the crew were occasionally a bit challenging (but you can’t really choose that), Máří and Tom were always professional and great to sail with.
Since then, I have joined them many more times — a week in Scotland, Copenhagen, and Greece — always an excellent experience.
If you want to try sailing and experience adventure, I can hardly think of anyone better to recommend.
A perfect skipper, a great boat, and beautiful experiences ♡ If you want to experience a truly unforgettable holiday, don’t hesitate to contact Serenity Explorers!
A fantastic adventure with incredibly kind people who truly understand sailing and are happy to teach you as well 🙂 There is nothing better than having a great skipper you can rely on in all conditions. Especially when the weather is not ideal or you are sailing for several days in a row 🙂
Many thanks to Mari and Tom for an amazing delivery trip from Bergen to Bodø last year. And if you are really well-behaved, Mari might even bring out some Czech beers north of the Arctic Circle, or bake a cake on board for you 🙂
I feel very lucky to have sailed with Tomáš and Máří – first around the Greek Islands and then around the Inner Hebrides, Scotland. These were both amazing experiences that I will treasure forever! Tom is an excellent captain and I always felt safe, informed and welcome on board. They put so much effort into planning the routes and stops, which means we see hidden gems along the route, and things that are well off the beaten track away from tourist crowds. As passengers, we got to help out and learn about sailing, and have a say in where/when we want to stop and go on land. I’d never sailed before meeting Tom and Máří, and I can’t wait to join them again for another adventure!
Professionally guided sailing that offers a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation.
What a great way to spend a week at sea! After a trip with Tomas and Maruska, I would never think about doing a cruise any other way. Forget about large commercial cruise ships, this is the way to go and feel connected with the elements. The way they do it is perfect for someone wanting to literally „learn the ropes“! There’s exciting adventure to be found from learning sailing knots, extending the sails or spending time at the helm. But don’t worry, it’s extremely beginner friendly, and T+M are professionals, so you’re definitely not gonna sink even if you screw something up 😉 Outside of your time on the boat, T+M are amazing local guides, they’ll hook you up with the best spots to see (and hike to). I already can’t wait for the next opportunity to go sailing with them!
If you enjoy discovering new places or learning new things — whether about the sea, sailing, or sustainability — I can highly recommend Serenity Explorers. Tom and Máří were very friendly, took great care of us as crew members, and above all always prioritised our safety and well-being.
I had the chance to sail a day with Mari and Tom, in south coast of S.Miguel Island, Azores. It was an amazing day, Mari and Tom did they best effort to make me and my friends feel at home, in their lovely boat. We learned the basic of wind sailing, and go for a swim near Vila Franca Islet. They prepared an awesome snack for all of us to enjoy after swimming, before the return to Ponta Delgada Marine. Cannot recommend more! Thank you, Mari and Tom, hope to see you again next summer.
Wow! Tom and Mari provided the experience of a lifetime. They were patient and kind while I was literally learning the ropes of sailing. Not to mention their incredible knowledge of the Azores that made our time on land filled to the brim with stunning sights, local culture, and engaging educational content. I wish I could give this experience more than 5 stars! I am stunned that we were able to see and learn as much as we did in such a short time. All my friends and family have been so envious when I told them about my amazing trip. Thank you, Mari and Tom, for making this trip unforgettable!
