The bay of Pasaia is set to become a unique showcase of maritime history with the celebration of the Pasaia Maritime Festival, taking place between May 14th and 17th. This event will bring together nine historic vessels of great cultural and heritage value, offering visitors the chance to get up close and personal with them, and even to venture out to sea for a sailing experience.

This year's fleet showcases a diverse range of naval history, from 16th-century whaling ships to more contemporary work and rescue vessels, such as the well-known Aita Mari. These ships will be moored at the docks of Pasai San Pedro and Donibane, offering 30-minute tours.

Among the ships available for visits, the replica of the Basque whaling ship San Juan, built in Albaola, stands out as it will be seen in the water for the first time. Also present will be the imposing French privateer frigate Étoile du Roy, the Dutch brigantine Morgenster, the Breton barge Notre Dame de Rumengol, the elegant schooner La Recouvrance, the old tuna boat Mater (now an environmental education museum-ship), and the rescue vessel Aita Mari. In Pasai Donibane, the British customs lugger Grayhound will also be open for visits.

For those wishing to experience the thrill of sailing the waters of the Cantabrian Sea, three vessels will offer 75-minute sailing trips from the pontoons of Bizkaia Square in Pasai Donibane: La Recouvrance, Notre Dame de Rumengol, and Evangelina, one of Galicia's oldest traditional boats. However, all tickets for these sailing experiences are already sold out.

Regarding prices, access to the Mater and Aita Mari ships is free, as are all activities for children up to six years old. For the other vessels, visit fees range from 4 to 8 euros for adults, and between 2 and 4 euros for young people aged 7 to 17. Due to the high interest generated by the replica of the whaling ship San Juan, open visits to this vessel have also sold out.