3h Sailing & Swim & Tapas: Gastronomic Esperience Barcelona

Thinking about adding a sailing trip to your Barcelona itinerary? We’ve come across this 3-hour sailing experience that offers a mix of gorgeous views, local tapas, and a bit of sea fun. While we haven’t done it ourselves, the reviews and details make it sound like a solid choice for travelers seeking relaxation and a taste of the Mediterranean lifestyle.

What we really like about this tour? First, the spectacular views of Barcelona’s skyline from the sea—nothing beats seeing the city’s famous landmarks from a boat. Second, the included local tapas and drinks are a nice touch, offering a relaxed way to sample some Spanish flavors without leaving the water. A potential downside? The duration and timing might be a bit tight for those who want a more extensive sailing adventure or a fully immersive experience.

This experience seems best suited for those who want a short, scenic escape with good food, drinks, and the chance to cool off in the sea. It’s a great pick for couples, groups, or even colleagues looking for something different, but it may not satisfy those craving a longer boat trip or more extensive activities.

Key Points

• Stunning views of Barcelona from the water, including landmarks like La Sagrada Familia and the W Hotel.
• Inclusive local tapas and drinks, making the trip more leisurely and tasty.
• Opportunity to swim and paddle board, if conditions permit.
• Relaxed ambiance with music and comfortable decking areas, perfect for unwinding.
• Family-friendly and accessible, with wheelchair access and a friendly crew.
• Affordable price point, offering good value for a scenic boat experience with food and drinks included.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Is This Sailing Experience All About?

This 3-hour trip kicks off from Port Olímpic, a breezy 15-minute walk from central Barcelona or just five minutes from the Villa Olímpica metro station. The tour offers an exclusive sailing experience aboard a catamaran, traveling along the coast and giving you a fresh perspective on the city’s most iconic sights.

The boat is crewed by a skipper and crew members who take care of everything, including fuel, insurance, and safety. It’s a small-group setting, with departures scheduled to accommodate groups of fewer than nine on a sailboat, or larger groups on the catamaran, which makes for a more intimate and relaxed trip.

The Itinerary & Highlights

Start Point & Setting Sail

The adventure begins outside the Pati Vela, where you’ll spot the boat’s flags and get ready to set sail. Once aboard, the crew quickly gets you underway, heading towards Olympic Port. This first leg takes about 15 minutes, giving everyone a chance to settle in and enjoy the sea breeze.

La Barceloneta & City Views

Next, you’ll cruise past La Barceloneta, the lively beach neighborhood, offering fantastic views of the coast and the city skyline. The boat passes by the W Hotel, a modern icon sitting right at the water’s edge, making for some picture-worthy moments.

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Swimming & Paddle Boarding

One of the most liked parts of this trip is the chance to stop for a swim, provided the sea conditions are suitable. If the water’s calm, you can hop into the sea to cool off or try out paddleboarding—an enjoyable perk that adds some active fun to the trip. Several reviews mention how refreshing it is to take a break from the boat and actually get into the water.

Scenic Drive & Sunset

As the tour continues, the boat ventures back into the city’s waters, giving you excellent views of Barcelona’s monuments and skyline. If timing allows, you might catch the sunset, which enhances the experience and is perfect for photos. The crew also offers some local tapas—like gazpacho, Spanish omelet, cheese, and olives—served during the trip. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy two drinks per person, choosing from local wine, cava, beer, or soft drinks.

Relaxing Atmosphere & Music

The onboard music system, connected via Bluetooth, plays relaxing tunes, making it easy to unwind and soak in the scenery. Several reviews mention how the overall vibe is mellow and friendly, ideal for casual conversations and simply enjoying the moment.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

The tour’s price of $76 per person seems reasonable when you consider everything included: two drinks, local tapas, swimming opportunities, WiFi, and a knowledgeable crew. The food offerings are simple but authentic, and the drinks encompass a good range—wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks.

Extras like additional drinks are available for purchase, and the bar is well-stocked. However, it’s worth noting that transportation to and from your hotel is not included, so plan accordingly.

The experience is wheelchair accessible, and the crew emphasizes safety and customer satisfaction, promising to advise or cancel if weather conditions aren’t suitable—something that’s reassuring when booking a sea trip.

The Experience: Pros and Cons

What travelers love is the blend of stunning views and relaxing atmosphere. Several reviews praise the crew’s friendliness and knowledge, highlighting how they make the trip enjoyable and smooth. The drinks and tapas are appreciated as a nice touch that elevates the experience without feeling overly commercial.

On the flip side, some mention that the trip can feel a bit rushed, especially if you’re hoping for a longer cruise or more time to swim. Also, the duration of three hours might not be enough for those wanting a full-day adventure; it’s more of a quick escape with scenic highlights and light activities.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re after a relaxed, scenic sail with good food and drinks, this experience is a fantastic choice. It suits couples, small groups, or even colleagues looking for something different to do in Barcelona. It’s also suitable for those with mobility considerations, given the wheelchair accessibility.

However, if you’re someone who craves longer sailing adventures or multiple swimming stops, this might feel limited. Likewise, if you’re traveling with very young children or seeking an all-day outing, check if the quick pace fits your plans.

Final Thoughts

This 3-hour sailing, swimming, and tapas tour offers a relaxed yet scenic way to see Barcelona from a different angle. You’ll get to enjoy breathtaking views of the city, delicious local food, and a chance to cool off in the sea—all in a friendly, laid-back atmosphere.

The included drinks and music create a cozy vibe, perfect for unwinding after a busy day exploring the city. It’s an experience that balances sightseeing with leisure, making it ideal for those wanting a short but memorable sea escape.

While it may not be the longest or most activity-packed boat trip you’ll find, it hits the right notes for comfort, scenery, and authenticity. If you’re looking for a casual, enjoyable way to soak in Barcelona’s coastline with some tasty bites and relaxing moments, this tour could be just what you need.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for families with children?
Yes, it’s generally suitable, especially because it’s a relaxed trip with opportunities to swim and paddleboard, but always check the local notes about age restrictions or safety considerations.

How do I get to the meeting point?
The meeting point is outside the Pati Vela, near the beach, with a small door next to the beach to access the dock. It’s about 15 minutes walk from the city center or 5 minutes from the Villa Olímpica metro station (L4).

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a towel, sunscreen, comfortable outdoor clothing, and a T-shirt. No food or drinks are allowed on your own, and you’ll want to be prepared for sun and sea.

Can I buy extra drinks onboard?
Yes, there’s a bar onboard where you can purchase more drinks beyond the two included per person.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, it is wheelchair accessible, which is great for travelers with mobility needs.

What happens if the weather isn’t good?
The company emphasizes safety and satisfaction. They’ll inform you 48 hours ahead if the weather looks unsuitable and advise you to reschedule or cancel for a full refund.

How long is the sailing route?
The overall trip lasts about 3 hours, passing through Olympic Port, La Barceloneta, and the city skyline, with a mix of sailing, swimming, and scenic stops.

Are there any hidden costs?
No hidden costs are noted. The tour price covers the drinks, tapas, crew, fuel, and insurance. Extra drinks can be purchased onboard.

What languages are available for the commentary?
The tour is offered in English, Spanish, French, and Catalan.

Is this tour environmentally friendly?
The trip includes petrol, and the company emphasizes safety and comfort, but no specific eco-friendly practices are highlighted. Use your judgment and follow local guidelines for responsible tourism.

If you’re looking for a short, scenic, and tasty escape in Barcelona, this sailing trip offers a good balance of comfort, views, and flavor. Just remember to set your expectations about the time and activities—it’s more about relaxing and enjoying the moment than hitting every possible highlight.

You can check availability for your dates here: