The Global Meaningful Travel Map

Izkira Urdaibai, S.L.

Small-group boat journeys through a biosphere reserve, blending estuary ecology, local culture, and low-impact water transport.

OUR EXPERIENCES

Izkira offers immersive boat experiences through the Urdaibai estuary, combining nature, culture, and local life in a protected Biosphere Reserve. Guests enjoy guided cruises that explore wetlands, tidal landscapes, and migratory bird habitats, while learning about the area’s history, maritime traditions, and community connections.

Experiences are delivered in small groups, at a relaxed pace, and adapted to tidal rhythms to ensure minimal environmental impact. In addition, Izkira provides scenic ferry crossings between riverside villages, offering an authentic way to move through the landscape while experiencing Urdaibai from the water.

ABOUT US

Izkira is a locally owned boat tour and water transport company operating in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve in Northern Spain. For over ten years, its mission has been to provide meaningful, low-impact experiences that connect visitors and residents with the estuary’s natural and cultural heritage.

Izkira combines guided nature-based excursions with essential ferry services, maintaining traditional waterways as living routes. Its vision is to model responsible tourism that balances environmental protection, community well-being, visitor education, and economic viability in one of Europe’s most ecologically significant coastal wetlands.

This Meaningful Travel Map Impact Partner was brought to our attention by Soy Ecoturista.
Soy Ecoturista is a non-profit association that groups destinations and companies in Spain offering authentic ecotourism experiences in territories with protected areas. All members of Soy Ecoturista meet a series of environmental and social requirements that guarantee the traveler their contribution to the conservation of biodiversity and to the local development of the areas they visit.
If you are interested in booking this experience through Soy Ecoturista, learn more here:
https://soyecoturista.com/en/actividad/avistamiento-de-aves-navegando-en-urdaibai
https://soyecoturista.com/en/actividad/ruta-geologica-gea-y-la-ria
https://soyecoturista.com/en/actividad/ruta-mundaka-ogono-elantxobe
https://soyecoturista.com/en/actividad/snorkel-en-la-isla-de-izaro
https://soyecoturista.com/en/actividad/ruta-la-huella-de-las-mareas-en-urdaibai

IMPACT

Izkira delivers direct environmental and community impact through low-impact navigation within the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. Operations follow reduced speeds, fixed routes, tidal schedules, and limited group sizes to minimize disturbance to wetlands, birdlife, and intertidal ecosystems.

All tours include guided interpretation that builds understanding of estuary ecology, migratory birds, traditional maritime livelihoods, and responsible visitor behavior. As a locally rooted operator, Izkira employs local crew, collaborates with nearby businesses, and contributes to a tourism model that prioritizes local benefit over volume.

By providing water-based connections between villages and beaches, Izkira supports sustainable mobility, helping reduce road traffic and pressure on sensitive areas during peak season.