Taking the Ferry Boat in Caminha for the Camino de Santiago
Are you a pilgrim on the Camino Portugués Coastal route looking for information on the ferry boat from Caminha? You’re in the right place!
It can feel overwhelming thinking about this added logistic when you’re so used to just walking every day. But don’t worry! I’ve got the information you need to keep this unique experience crossing into Spain stress free.
I took the ferry from Caminha in May 2025 while walking my third Camino. I felt nervous about it myself, but it was a fun adventure in the end with lovely views and meeting my fellow pilgrims!
Keep on reading for essential info you need to know about the ferry, including the company to use (and which NOT to), timetables, where to go to get on the boat, and more.
Do You Have to Take a Ferry Boat From Caminha?
If you want to continue along the Camino Portugués Coastal route, then you do have to take a ferry boat from Caminha to cross the Minho River and continue along the coast. There is no bridge available there to make the crossing.
What Company Should You Use for the Water Taxi?
There’s only one official company that legally operates the water taxi between Caminha, Portugal and Compasancos, Spain (just southeast of A Guarda): Xacobeo Transfer.
This company operates from port to port, so you never have to walk through the water. They also have civil liability insurance.
The same can’t be said for the other companies that offer ferry rides across the river. They’re a little sketchy in how they handle their businesses and don’t legally operate in Spain.
The other companies might drop you off in a random spot near the shore without a dock, meaning you have to walk through the water. Some don’t have insurance either. Plus, with them not operating legally on the Spanish side, there’s a chance they could run into issues if the Spanish police are out.
While some pilgrims take the other boats and most probably have perfectly fine experiences, I wouldn’t recommend it for your own safety. Plus, I would advise against supporting any illegal business.
Ferry Boat Caminha Schedule
For most of the year, Xacobeo Transfer has ferries leaving Caminha at the following times (in Portuguese time):
- 7:30 a.m.
- 8:30 a.m.
- 9:30 a.m.
- 10:30 a.m.
- 11:30 a.m.
- 12:30 a.m.
- 2:30 p.m.
- 3:30 p.m.
From November to February, they only have water taxis at 8:15 a.m.
The boat ride only takes no more than ten minutes, but note that the boat may not quite leave on time.
Spain is one hour ahead of Portugal, so keep that in mine when choosing your water taxi time from Caminha. For instance, if you choose the 7:30 a.m. boat from Caminha, then you should arrive in Spain a bit before 9 a.m. (8 a.m. Portuguese time).
Ferry Boat Caminha Tickets Price
The boat costs 6 euros per person. If you have a bike as well, then the total is 8 euros.
Do You Need to Book the Ferry Boat from Caminha in Advance?
You don’t need to necessarily book in advance, but I highly recommend it. Sometimes they use a small speedboat that only fits about six people. If you don’t book in advance, there’s a chance you may not get a spot and have to wait for the next boat or use one of the unofficial companies.
Xacobeo Transfers says reservations are flexible and pilgrims can change them depending on when they arrive in Caminha. If you need to change your reservation, I’d message Xacobeo Transfer on WhatsApp: +34 613 01 12 26.
Connect with Other Women Hiking the Camino
Join my free Facebook group! We’re building up a community of women who have hiked or are planning to hike the Camino there. You can also get personalized support from me!
Where Do You Get On and Off the Ferry?
Follow the Camino to the Minho River and head to the Xacobeo Transfer marker on Google Maps. There’s a small dock and parking area next to a restaurant. There’s also a Camino bench nearby.
There’s not a ferry building or anything like that, so don’t worry if it seems like you’re in the wrong place. If you’re where Xacobeo Transfers is on Google Maps, you’re in the right place.
My Experience on the Ferry Boat from Caminha
I chose to take the 7:30 a.m. ferry from Caminha since I wanted plenty of time to enjoy my hike that day and didn’t want to lose too much time with the time change into Spain.
The American in me arrived about 15 minutes early. It’s probably good to get there a bit early in case, but they seemed to be running on Spain time and showed up 10 minutes late.
We had a tiny little boat and there were just six of us. It was fun to meet my fellow pilgrims, but the ride only lasted about 10 minutes so we didn’t chat for long.
Once we got to the other side, there are two paths to choose from. I opted to take the Litoral Way per a recommendation from my hostel and loved it.
Note that this was just my experience with the ferry from Caminha and others may have different experiences. I’ve heard that sometimes Xacobeo Transfers runs more on time, and sometimes they use a bigger boat that can fit more people.
Alternate Route to Skip the Ferry
If you don’t want to take the ferry, your have the option instead to continue on foot to Valença, Portugal, transitioning from the Coastal route to the Central route.
Where to Stay in Caminha
I highly recommend spending the night in Caminha the night before taking the ferry. It makes it much less stressful trying to get to the ferry on time. Plus, Caminha is a lovely town to visit anyways.
📍Budget Option: Bom Caminha has been one of my favorite albergues. It’s a private albergue with both shared and private rooms. They have a nightly pilgrim’s dinner for €12 that’s delicious and a great opportunity for meeting other pilgrims.
📍Mid-Range Option: Arca Nova Guesthouse is well rated with some of the most affordable private rooms in Caminha.
📍Luxury Option: Design & Wine Hotel is the perfect place to treat yourself with a relaxing night after a day of walking. There’s an indoor pool, spa, reading room, and more.
Final Thoughts on the Caminha Ferry
Now that you know the ferry company to book with and all the logistics, I hope you’re feeling more prepared for the ferry boat in Caminha and excited for the journey! It’s a short ride, but it’s a fun way to further enjoy the beautiful coastal views that this route on the Portuguese Way offers.
Book Your Accommodation in Caminha
While you’re planning your visit to Caminha, consider checking one more thing off your list by booking your accommodation there. You can read this article for more information about my favorite Caminha albergue and other top albergues on the Portuguese Way.
