Sailing Trips in Barcelona

Life on the ocean waves! That’s what it’s all about. Blues skies, salty air, and the majesty of the Mediterranean unfurling in front of you as you sail out of Barcelona’s ports thirsty for adventure. (Hopefully with a copy of Moby Dick and a bottle of rum tucked inside your cabin for good measure).

Whatever your budget, you can afford to get on the water when in Barcelona, and whether you prefer an early morning breath of sea air or a more romantic evening cruise timed with the sunset, I’m confident you’ll find your perfect tour on this very page!

You can even combine sailing with other fun activities, like wine tasting, supercar drives or helicopter flights!

How to Choose a Sailing Tour?

When choosing a sailing tour the first choice is whether you want to hire a private boat (with skipper), for just you and your partner, or friends and family. This can be done from as little as €250 for a 3-hr sail on an 8 metre yacht, with prices rising for bigger vessels. More details later on this page.

For most people, I would suggest that booking a space on public tour makes more sense, as it’s a lot more affordable and still plenty of fun. Broadly speaking, we can divide public sailing tours into three categories:

• Sailing Yacht Tours
• Catamaran Tours
• Boat Tours

Sailing yacht tours are perhaps the most authentic experience as your skipper will rely on wind-power to captain your vessel and you’re sure to feel the ocean spray once in a while too! Prices start at €39 per person on a 1.5 hour Sailing Trip, while the in-demand Sunset Sailing Trips start at €69. (Plus you can use promo code BARCELONALIFE to save 5% on those prices!).

Catamaran tours are steadier and more comfortable, and still use windpower for the most part, but the experience is closer to a boat cruise. They are more affordable and you will share the vessel with a larger number of people.

Boat tours typically take place on big steady diesel-powered boats such as the famous Golodrinas ferries, although luxury, RIB and speedboat tour options also exist for adrenaline seekers!

Yacht life…. making the most of the Mediterranean!

Sailing Yacht Tours

Motorised boat tours are all very well, but true sailors understand that the real thrill of sailing is to harness the power of the wind and plough the ocean furrows. If you’ve been on a yacht once or twice before, you can usually help the captain by winching in some ropes, or even steering the helm. While those who don’t know their port from their starboard (and have little intention of learning) can dedicate themselves to drinking champagne on deck and working on their tan.

1. Sailing Tour (1.5 hrs) with Vermouth

This is the number one activity from Barcelona’s number one boat company, Sailing Experience. Their professional skippers will take you out on an 11 person sailboat for a 1.5 hour spin on the big blue. You’ll leave from Port Olimpic and, looking back across land, you’ll be able to admire views of the Olympic Village, sun-kissed city beaches and the modern skyscrapers of Poblenou. And you’ll do all that with a delicious glass of Catalan vermouth in your hand, or beer, sangria, wine or soft drinks, if you prefer. This tour runs four times a day (9:30am, 12pm, 2:30pm and 4:30pm) every day of the year – even on Christmas day – and costs just €39-44 per person. Check below for a 5% discount code too!

2. Sailing Tour (2hrs) with Brunch

Get your day off to wonderful start by combining some sunshine and bracing sea air with a delicious brunch of local pastries, ‘pica pica’ snacks and hot and cold beverages. Another of Sailing Experience‘s most booked trips, this 2-hour cruise must be one of the best ways to start a day of sightseeing in Barcelona. The tour departs from Port Olimpic daily at 9:30am… but if you’re not a morning person, you can book the same experience with snacks and aperitif for 12pm, 2:30pm or 4:30pm. Best to reserve your space early, as some time slots will sell out.

3. Sunset Sail with Cava

Barcelona boasts some beautiful sunsets, and there are few places better to enjoy them than out on a boat with views back over the city’s rose-tinted skyline, glass of sparkling Cava in hand. The activity takes place on a 12-metre yacht with a maximum of 11 passengers, and also includes snacks and other beverages. After a hectic schedule of sightseeing, this is the perfect way to round off your day! For a little bit extra you can upgrade this experience to include live music on board (either Spanish guitar or live saxophone!). Keep reading for more info…

4. Sunset Sail with Live Music

For something truly extraordinary why not add some live music to the romantic cocktail of sailing and sunsets? Choose between the jazzy funk notes of a live saxophone performance or the more chilled, dulcet refrains of a classic Spanish guitar performance. Click the links to reserve directly with the provider, Sailing Experience, Barcelona’s most popular yacht company. You will receive a confirmation email with all the details you need.

Catamaran Tours

Catamaran tours are affordable, relaxed and fun, and their twin hulls make them steadier than yachts, so I would recommend this option if you are prone to any seasickness. Catamarans vary in size, often fitting between 30 and 100 people, so obviously they are less exclusive than taking a trip in a yacht, and you may have to sit on the netting, but they offer good value for money. (They are also the vessel of choice for epic parties, if that’s your thing!).

5. Small-Group Catamaran Tour (2 hrs)

A great option if you want a bit more exclusivity than the larger catamaran tours, this small group option hosts a maximum of 30 people on board a gorgeous red-and-white catamaran, and even includes a free tapa (that’s singular of tapas!) and drink of your choice. Choose the day time tour and you can take advantage of a 30 minute swim stop and dive into the Mediterranean, or opt for the sunset cruise and enjoy the setting sphere. Reserve via Get Your Guide.

6. Sunset Cruise w/ Live Music (1.5 hrs)

It doesn’t get much more affordable than this catamaran cruise which costs just over €25 per person and even includes a live jazz concert on board. At 78-feet-long this cat is big and spacious and you can buy a drink from the onboard bar with which to enjoy the sun setting over the Med. Available on Get Your Guide.

Boat Tours

Barcelona boat tours come in a few different shapes and sizes, starting with a trip in the classic Golondrinas ferry.

7. Las Golondrinas Boat Tour

This affordable tour departs several times a day from the Port Vell (Old Port), near Las Ramblas, and takes you on a pleasure cruise along Barcelona’s coastline, past Barceloneta beach, all the way to the twin towers at the modern Port Olimpic, before heading back to where you began. This tour has been taken by 100,000s of travellers since it began back in 1888, and is still popular today. The tour takes place on a comfortable, large motorised catamaran (not a sailing boat!), departing several times a day. You can book via Get Your Guide.

8. Speedboat Tour

If you feel the need for speed, jump on this adrenaline pumping tour to skim over the Mediterranean like a black marlin who’s late for work. Your skilled captain is only too glad to show off some of the RIB speedboat’s acceleration and manoeuvrability, so if its thrills you’re after you should leave plenty satisfied. You can book via Get Your Guide. (Fancy a private speedboat instead? You can rent one from €195 per hour!).

Private Sailing Tours

Ramp up the luxury a bit with a private boat trip, exclusively for you and your partner, friends or family. Prices in this section are per boat, not per person.

9. Chill Out Sailing Trip (3 hrs)

If you fancy heading out to sea with your besties then this activity offers you a very reasonably priced 3-hour yacht hire with experienced captain, and the chance to roam Barcelona’s coastline and, of course, enjoy a dip in the water and a few drinks. Perfect for small groups of friends. The cost is €350 total for up to 7 people (or €450 if you need a bigger boat for up to 11 people). We have a direct contact with the provider, so just email us on info@barcelona-life.com with your dates and group size, and you’ll hear back within 1 working day.

10. Romantic Sunset Cruise (3 hrs)

During this amorous activity you’ll head out on to the glittering Mediterranean for a romantic cruise you won’t forget with gorgeous views back over the iconic Barcelona skyline. It doesn’t get much more romantic than cuddling up with your loved one with a glass of Cava and chocolates on the gently rocking waves. The cost for this 3 hour private trip with skipper depends on the price of the boat, starting at €250 total for two people for an 8-metre boat (€350 for a 10-metre craft, €450 for a luxury 12-metre vessel). Read more on the different options here. We work directly with the provider for this one, so simply email us on info@barcelona-life.com with your preferred dates and expect to hear back within 1 working day.

11. Private Sailing (2, 4 or 8 hrs)

Rent your own private yacht for a 2 hour, 4 hour or 8 hour sailing trip that leaves from Barcelona’s modern Port Olimpic. The yacht fits up to 11 people and you can book online up to two hours before the event. The price includes snacks (olives, cheese, salami and crackers) and drinks (wine, beer, sangria and soft drinks) on board. Just click on the links provided to book directly with the organisers, the city’s best known charter company, and check below for a 5% discount code.

12. Private Catamaran Trip

Fitting up to 12 people, this gorgeous new 40-foot-long catamaran is the perfect choice for a private sailing trip with friends. More spacious than a sailing yacht, you can really kick back and relax and enjoy the high life – especially as the cat comes with bar, dining area, music system and sun decks. If you really want to make an event of it, you can book lunch or dinner on board the catamaran, courtesy of a private chef (click the link and select the private option). You can book online, although if you have any doubts, or need a bigger boat, get in touch on info@barcelona-life.com.

13. Luxury Motor Yacht Rental

For a decadent day out on the water, it’s hard to beat the luxury of your own private motorboat, in this case a sleek 46 foot beauty with twin 455 horsepower engines and a cruising speed of 22 knots. It’s the kind of craft you’d expect to see world famous footballers in on their summer holidays… and so great for posing in on the waters of Barcelona. Or if you can afford the fuel, the beautiful bays of Sitges or the Costa Brava. You can book direct with the boat owner here, or just send us an email and we’ll put you in touch.

14. Sport Fishing Charter

If sunbathing, swimming and winching the odd rope is not enough for you, then you might want to try your luck at one of mankind’s oldest hobbies… fishing! Click the link above to find out a list of boats available for fishing charters in and around Barcelona. You will also be able to grill and eat your catch at the end of the day at a local restaurant.

Sailing Combinations

Want to combine some ocean spray, with other fun, luxury or adrenaline activities? Get ready for a truly extraordinary day out!

15. Wine Tasting & Sailing

Probably my favourite of all the activities on this page, I would highly recommend this excursion to anyone with half a day to spare in Barcelona. There are a few different options here, but you can either set sail from Barcelona to the nearby Alella wine region, to enjoy a sumptuous wine tasting overlooking the sea, or you can do the winery first and then sail back to Barcelona, merrily tipsy as you recline on deck (which would be my preference!). For the other leg of the journey, you can choose private transport by car, or you can ride along the coast on an electric bike. (You can even choose to e-bike it both ways, but then you would miss out on the sailing!). Check out Get Your Guide, where you can select the best option for you.

16. Ferrari Drive & Sail

Move over James Bond, there’s a new playboy in town… you! For this activity you get to drive a 460hp Ferrari California around Barcelona, with the wind in your hair and the purring of a V8 engine under your bonnet. Afterwards you get to relax on a 1.5 hour sailing cruise, cocktail in hand. Prices start at just €119 for a combined 20 minutes Ferrari drive, plus 90 minutes of sailing. You can book the experience right here (find a 5% discount code below!), or email us on info@barcelona-life.com if you have any questions.

17. Barcelona Helicopter, Land & Sea

This 4-hour, small-group tour starts on land: at the top of the stunning Passeig de Gracia, home of two of Gaudi’s mind-blowing mansions. Your expert guide will reveal the secrets of Casa Mila and Casa Batllo, as well as the medieval legends of the Gothic Quarter, before you’re driven to Barcelona’s heli-port for an unforgettable helicopter flight over the Catalan capital. You’ll finish with a 1 hr boat cruise from the Port Vell. Great value at just €134.99 per person, all included. Book via Get Your Guide. (If you don’t fancy the walking tour, a good alternative is this helicopter ride and optional sailing trip).

Yacht Charter Companies

There are a number of yacht charter companies in Barcelona, from whom you can hire you a variety of boats, including sailing yachts, motorboats and catamarans. If you’re a qualified sailor you can leave a deposit and rent a yacht bareboat, ie. without a skipper/crew, and get going. However, most companies provide the option of hiring a professional captain to make sure your sailing holiday doesn’t end in you shipwrecking yourself on a desert island and being forced to grow a Tom Hanks-style beard.

Barcelona Yacht Charter

This leading private charter company, directly affiliated with Barcelona Life, has an enviable array of vessels to choose from – from 1 to 12 berth sailing yachts, top notch motor yachts, three catamarans and several historical yachts. You’ll definitely be the envy of the Costa Brava swanning along the Mediterranean in the Llaüt “Sant Ramon” from 1904. Virtually all of their vessels are available both for bareboat rental or with a skipper and/or crew and hostess. They can also arrange sailing day trips, boat parties and luxury cruises for large corporate groups. Whatever you need, email us on info@barcelona-life.com and we’ll get back to you with a price quote.

Sailing Holidays

Barcelona is one of the best bases in the world for sailing holidays, with its clement weather, modern marinas and the wealth of picturesque coastal towns along the Costa Brava.

Qualified sailors can charter a yacht from Barcelona and take a leisurely (or not so leisurely) cruise around the Mediterranean, heading up to France or further down to Spain’s southern resort towns like Marbella.

Those with a week or so to spend at sea might also note the city’s proximity to the magical Balearic islands, Majorca, Menorca and Ibiza.

Meanwhile, aspiring Buccaneers might choose to spend a week or two in Barcelona learning the ropes (quite literally) on an RYA accredited sailing course that will have you hoisting, tacking and reefing up and down the rugged coastline of the Costa Brava.

Obviously, for the casual tourist, there are plenty of sailing activities on offer in the Catalan capital, which can be enjoyed in a single afternoon, or less, thus allowing more time for all the other fun things to do in the city! Just scroll up the page to read about them!

Learn How To Sail

We’re currently researching the best providers of sailing lessons and courses in and around Barcelona and the Costa Brava, where you can study for your RYA sailing certificate, and become a qualified seafarer. We’ll be back to update this page shortly with this information.

Corporate Sailing Events

If you’re on this page looking for sailing activity for a corporate team building event then you’ve just struck gold. This sailing regatta allows up 400 people to take part, racing against each other on boats of up to 8 people. It’s a tonne of fun, and a great way to challenge your colleagues and also see them work together in a new way. Maybe that’s why Pepsi, Mars, Zurich, Unilever, DHL and Swarovski have all booked it for their staff in recent years. We work direct with the provider, with no mark up on the price, so just drop us an email on info@barcelona-life.com with dates, group size, etc and you’ll hear back within 1 working day.