How to book the Traslatio Route of the Camino de Santiago ⛵
The Traslatio Route is one of the most special experiences of the Camino de Santiago. This boat journey is part of the Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Camino and allows pilgrims to follow the same maritime route that, according to tradition, the disciples of the Apostle Saint James took to transport his body to Galicia.
Every year thousands of pilgrims search, especially since the growth of the Portuguese Camino and the popularity of the Spiritual Variant, for how to book the Traslatio Route to complete their pilgrimage in a different way: sailing through the Ría de Arousa and the Ulla River, surrounded by nature, history and spirituality.
In this guide we explain how to book the Traslatio Route step by step, where the boat departs from, how much it costs and everything you need to know to organize this unique stage of the Camino.
What is the Traslatio Route of the Camino de Santiago 🌊
The Traslatio Route is the only maritime stage of the Camino de Santiago. It is part of the Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Camino and recreates the legendary transfer of the body of the Apostle Saint James from Jerusalem to Galicia.
According to Jacobean tradition, the disciples of the Apostle transported his body in a boat that arrived on the Galician coast and sailed up the Ulla River to Padrón, where the final land stage toward Santiago de Compostela began.
Today pilgrims can relive that journey by sailing through the Ría de Arousa, one of the most spectacular estuaries in Galicia, following a route full of symbolism and unique landscapes.
During the journey you can see:
the traditional mussel rafts (bateas) 🦪
Cortegada Island
the maritime Way of the Cross with its stone crosses
the historic Torres de Catoira
If you want to learn more about the Camino de Santiago and its official routes you can visit the website of the Pilgrim’s Office.
Where the Traslatio Route begins 🚤
The Traslatio Route usually begins in Vilanova de Arousa, one of the key points of the Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Camino.
From there the boat sails through the Ría de Arousa and enters the Ulla River, following the historic route until reaching Pontecesures, where pilgrims continue their Camino on foot toward Santiago de Compostela.
The journey lasts approximately:
1 hour and 15 minutes to Pontecesures
2 hours if you do the round trip
During the journey, in addition to enjoying the scenery, pilgrims receive explanations about the history, the maritime culture and the importance of this route in the Jacobean tradition.
You can discover more about the destination and the Ría de Arousa on the official Tourism of Galicia website
How to book the Traslatio Route step by step
If you are planning your pilgrimage along the Spiritual Variant, booking the Traslatio Route in advance is one of the best decisions to organize your stage properly. Below we explain the easiest ways to book the Traslatio Route and secure a seat on the boat. 🧭
If you are doing the Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Camino, booking the Traslatio Route is very simple. Currently you can do it in several ways.
1. Book online 💻
The most convenient way to book the Traslatio Route is to do it directly through the website of the company that operates the journey.
On the page you will find:
departure calendar
available schedules
direct ticket purchase
This allows you to organize your Camino stage in advance and secure a seat on the boat.
2. Book by phone or email 📞
It is also possible to book by contacting the organizing company directly.
This option is very useful when you need to resolve questions about schedules, tides or availability for groups.
3. Group bookings 👥
If you are traveling with more pilgrims or want to do the journey at a specific time, many companies allow private or group departures to be organized.
This is ideal for:
groups of pilgrims
organized trips
associations or clubs
How much the Traslatio Route costs 💰
The price of the Traslatio Route depends on the route chosen.
The prices of the Traslatio Route are:
Vilanova de Arousa – Pontecesures: 32 € per person
Round trip: 42 € per person
The price includes:
boat journey
guide during the route
explanations about the history of the route
Many pilgrims choose to take only the one-way journey in order to continue their Camino on foot from Pontecesures to Santiago.
When you can do the Traslatio Route 📅
The Traslatio Route mainly takes place between March and October, coinciding with the season when the most pilgrims walk the Portuguese Camino and the Spiritual Variant.
During these months there are departures every day, which makes planning the trip much easier for pilgrims who want to include this maritime stage in their Camino.
Outside this season departures are much more limited, so it is recommended to check availability or book in advance.
What to see during the Traslatio Route 👀
One of the great attractions of this stage is everything that can be seen during the navigation.
Mussel rafts
The floating platforms where Galician mussels are cultivated, one of the most famous products of the local gastronomy.
Cortegada Island
Part of the Atlantic Islands National Park and known for its impressive laurel forest.
Maritime Way of the Cross
A set of stone crosses that mark the river route toward Santiago.
Torres de Catoira
Medieval fortifications that protected the entrance to the Ulla River from Viking attacks.
All this landscape turns the journey into a unique experience within the Camino de Santiago.
Tips for booking the Traslatio Route 🎒
If you are organizing your Camino de Santiago, these tips can help you:
✔ Book in advance in high season
✔ Always check the available schedules
✔ Take tides into account, as they can influence the departure time
✔ Arrive at the port with enough time before boarding
It is also recommended to bring:
sun protection
comfortable clothing
a light jacket for the boat
Experience the Traslatio Route and complete your Camino de Santiago ✨
The Traslatio Route is much more than a simple boat trip. It is an experience that connects history, spirituality and nature in one of the most spectacular landscapes of Galicia.
If you are walking the Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Camino, you should not miss the opportunity to experience this unique journey following the same path that, according to tradition, the Apostle Saint James traveled.
🚤 Book your place and complete your Camino de Santiago in an unforgettable way sailing through the Ría de Arousa.
