Barcelona Cruises and Boat Tours

The Mediterranean is a fundamental element of Barcelona. The maritime trades brought wealth to the city and helped shape the city as we know it today. If you are traveling in spring or summer and are looking for what to see and do in the Catalan capital, a boat trip is highly recommended.

The Catalan coastline is an inescapable attraction and there are different excursions that allow you to sail its waters, from short trips to more complete cruises. Read on, this article reveals the best options.

Much of Barcelona's appeal lies in its nightlife, yet you don't have to wait for dusk to satisfy your party cravings. Party boats are an option to consider as they provide a different plan at an affordable price. They usually leave from Port Olímpic and sail for about an hour until they reach the open sea.

You can swim, have fun with the inflatables, dance or just sunbathe. The price includes a lunch with grilled meat, cold meats, pasta salads and fresh fruit. As for drinks, two alcoholic beverages are generally included - beer and sangria - and an open bar of non-alcoholic beverages.

If you are traveling to Barcelona in August, July or other high season periods you should book well in advance - tickets fly!

• Boat: catamaran
• Duration: 3 hours
• Price: between 40 € and 50 €.

After a day of visiting the old town, the interior of the Sagrada Familia or the modernist residences of Gaudi, there is nothing better than ending the day at sea. You will enjoy a pleasant evening with a chill out atmosphere while an artist plays the saxophone live. It is an ideal plan to do with your partner.

At sunset, the sun hides behind the Collserola massif, painting the Mediterranean and the buildings of the city red. It is a romantic picture that will leave you speechless.

In case you travel by catamaran, once away from the coast the engines are turned off and the boat is cradled by the waves. Don't worry, the boats are stable and don't tend to sway too much. An aperitif and a drink are also served during the trip.

• Boat: catamaran or sailboat
• Duration: between 1 and 2 hours
• Price: around 20 €.

Another highly recommended boat trip to do on your trip to Barcelona is the one that allows you to sail comfortably on a catamaran while contemplating the best views of Barcelona. You can travel for 1 hour along the coast of the Catalan capital aboard an ecological boat with guaranteed fast access, so you do not have to wait in line.

In addition, the fact of choosing this type of boat is not trivial for those who suffer from vertigo, since the wider structure of the catamarans makes it much more comfortable to navigate on deck without getting dizzy.

The catamaran ride, which costs about 12 euros, gives you the option to buy an audio guide on board so as not to miss any detail of the monuments you will see around you.

• Boat: catamaran
• Duration: 1 hour
• Price: about 12 €.

One of Barcelona's historic boats. They have been crossing the coastline since 1888, the year of the Universal Exposition. The Golondrinas have their pier near the Mirador de Colón, in the Portal de la Pau s/n. You can buy tickets on the Hellotickets website or at the Muelle de les Drassaens ticket office, at the foot of the Columbus monument.

The boats make short trips along the coast; you can choose between different routes and some of them include the entrance to the Barcelona Aquarium or the Wax Museum.

• Boat: the traditional boats are wooden, double-decker and open-top. There are also more modern versions such as the Antina G monohull and the Trimar and Omnibus catamarans.
• Duration: between 40 minutes and 1 hour
• Price: around 20 €.

Who doesn't like a beautiful sunset? In Barcelona there is no shortage of options at sunset; every neighborhood has at least one panoramic viewpoint overlooking the coast or the Collserrola mountain range. Still, nothing can match the view from the sea.

It is a distinct perspective that embraces the entire urban stretch of the coast, from the W Hotel to the Three Chimneys of Badalona.

Unfortunately the twilight doesn't last long but it's a magical moment that is even more enjoyable from the waters. These excursions usually include a refreshment - a glass of cava or a beer, for example - and a small snack to kill your appetite. You can also take the opportunity to take a dip, so don't forget to bring a towel.

• Boat: sailboat
• Duration: between 2 and 3 hours
• Price: between 300 € and 400 €.

This is the cheapest version and yet it has a lot of charm. You'll set sail from the old port (port vell) and sail away to enjoy the Barcelona skyline from the Mediterranean.

Most excursions include breakfast or a snack, depending on the time of day. As it involves a maximum number of 11 people, this activity is recommended for children.

• Boat: sailboat
• Duration: between an hour and a half and 2 hours.
• Price: around 40 €.

Stand Up Paddle, SUP or Paddle Surfing is a sport that has gained a lot of popularity. If you have practiced it, you know very well that it hooks. And if you have never been on a board, you have nothing to worry about: it is easy to learn and does not require too much effort. Paddling in an upright position helps to tone the body, improve reflexes and relax the nerves, there is no shortage of reasons to try it!

The boats leave from a central point of the city such as Barceloneta or the Olympic Port. After a stroll along the coastline, the boat stops at a quiet spot and there you start paddling. With a little luck you will see the dolphins that live in this stretch of sea.

The experience includes a glass of cava and a small snack. By traveling in a small group (more or less 10 people) you will be able to enjoy the cruise without crowds. If you are traveling to Barcelona in summer I recommend booking in advance.

• Boat: sailboat
• Duration: 2 hours
• Price: between 50 € and 70 €.

This excursion will take you to the wine region of Alella which is located a few kilometers from Barcelona. You will arrive at the fishing port of El Masnou and then visit a wine cellar. You will walk in the vineyards and discover the method of elaboration of the grapes.

The experience concludes with a wine tasting accompanied by cold meats, cheeses and other snacks. After the aperitif you will return to the coast to start your way back.

In Alella the cultivation of vines dates back to Roman times and nowadays white grapes of the Pansa variety are harvested. The clusters benefit from the Mediterranean climate and produce a fruity wine with notes of peach, apple and pear. Black and white Grenache are also planted, especially in the inland area.

The particularity of the local varieties is hidden underground. The predominant soil is sauló, a granitic sand that improves the capacity to retain heat.

• Boat: sailboat
• Duration: between 2 and 3 hours
• Price: between 100 € and 120 €.

Being some activities that take place at sea, spring and summer are the most recommended times. However, winter in Barcelona is usually mild and if the weather permits, boat trips can be done without problems.

Please note that if an activity is cancelled due to bad weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund of the amount paid. With a bit of luck you will be able to set sail the next day.

Of course you can. Although the offer of excursions is more limited, there is no lack of options when it comes to sailing to nearby towns. For example, half-day tours to the Costa Brava are very popular. Usually, these routes reach the town of Tossa de Mar.

It is one of the most beautiful villages of this stretch of coastline and is known for its crystal clear coves and medieval old town. Other day trips will take you to L'Escala (Girona), the Natural Park of the Ebro Delta (Tarragona), Cadaqués (Girona) or other destinations in the autonomous community.

Please note that the vast majority of the trips are done by bus and the boat trip is done once you arrive. Being longer, these day tours have a higher cost and are less frequent compared to the boat trips that take place on the coast of Barcelona.