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| The ferry from Bajo de Guia beach to the shore of Parque Nacional de Doñana costs five euros per person, each way. |
Sanlúcar de Barrameda - Ferry to Doñana
From Sanlúcar de Barrameda you can catch the open ferry boats from Playa Bajo de Guia over the Guadalquivir river to the shores of Parque Nacional de Doñana (and back again). From here you can walk along the beach or walk a little way into the park, although there is not much to see at this point. Special permission is required to enter the park at this point in a motor vehicle.
This little ferry across the river does NOT have a timetable. It crosses back an forth in the daylight when the ferryman deems there are sufficient passengers or vehicles to cross. No reservation, pay on the ferry. Take the ferry from Playa Bajo de Guia beach next to the landing stage (not from the landing stage). Ferry is for any foot passengers (and horses) and only motor vehicles that have authorisation to enter the park.
This crossing is a spectacle in early May in the days leading up to Rocio when the pilgrims cross the river here with their horses, mules and carts at the end of the tree-lined Calzada del Ejército. This is a sight not to be missed.
Real Fernando ferry
Visitors can also take the Real Fernando ferry from the landing stage at Playa Bajo de Guia, Sanlúcar de Barrameda 13km up the Guadalquivir river to the Parque Nacional Doñana. There are two excursions:
Doñana Park visit; crossing the estuary to take a 4x4 truck along the beach and into the into the park. Tickets 50€ for adults, 450€ for children (5 to 12 yrs) .
River trip 6km up the river stopping disembarking at La Plancha, an old settlement of huts located within the National Park followed by a short walk, visiting the pine forest, the huts, and the Velázquez Plains and later the Bonanza salt flats. The round trip takes 3½ hours Tickets cost 30€ for adults and 20€ for children.
Boats leave daily from the landing stage at Playa Bajo de Guia. Tickets can be purchased in the Fabrica de Hielo Tourist office (Ice Factory) or on the boat or reserved by calling +34 956 363 813 or by email to [email protected]
Ferry Schedule for the Doñana 4x4 truck excursion
Spring (01/04 to 30/04) ferry departs 9.30, 10.00, 15.15 and 16.00 hrs
Summer (01/05 to 14/09) ferry departs 9.30, 10.00, 16.15 and 17.00 hrs
Autumn (15/09 to 30/10) ferry departs 9.30, 10.00, 15.15 and 16.00 hrs
Winter (01/11 to 30/03) 9.30, 10.00 and 15.15 hrs
Ferry Schedule for the River excursion
Spring (01/04 to 30/04) ferry departs 10.00 and 17.00 hrs
Summer (01/05 to 14/09) ferry departs 10.00 and 17.00 hrs
Autumn (15/09 to 30/10) ferry departs 10.00 and 16.00 hrs
Winter (01/11 to 30/03) 10.00 hrs
