Barcelona: Sailing tour with open bar and aperitive

Imagine gliding along Barcelona’s shimmering coastline on a sleek, luxury sailboat, feeling the warm Mediterranean breeze, with a glass of cava in your hand and stunning cityscapes overhead. That’s exactly what this two-hour sailing experience promises—and largely delivers. We’ve looked into this tour to see if it’s worth setting aside a couple of hours for, especially if you’re craving a relaxed, scenic escape that combines comfort, good drinks, and beautiful views.

What we love about this experience? First, the laid-back atmosphere makes it perfect for unwinding without any prior sailing experience. Second, the spectacular skyline views of Barcelona from the water are genuinely breathtaking. Third, the well-curated open bar and snacks add a touch of luxury and indulgence. On the flip side, a potential drawback is that it doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off, so you’ll need to plan your transportation to the meeting point.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want to enjoy Barcelona from a different perspective—on the water, with a drink in hand, and a relaxed vibe. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a peaceful escape from the busy city streets, this sailing trip offers a neat blend of comfort, scenery, and authentic maritime charm.

Good To Know

• Relaxed, no sailing experience required: The skilled skipper handles everything so you can just enjoy.
• Stunning city views and coastline: Perfect for photography and soaking in Barcelona’s iconic skyline.
• Open bar and snacks: Includes drinks like cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks, plus a variety of tasty snacks.
• Includes swimming stop: A 30-minute break to take a dip in the Mediterranean.
• Two-hour duration: An ideal length for a quick, yet immersive sea experience.
• Meeting point at BDA Sailing Experience: Easy to locate with clear signage.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Setting the Scene: What to Expect on Your Sailing Adventure

This tour is designed to be a relaxed yet scenic cruise along Barcelona’s coast, aimed at giving you a taste of sailing without the need for prior skills. From the moment you check in at the designated meeting point—marked by the bright blue and orange tent at BDA Sailing Experience—you’ll get a brief safety and orientation talk. The crew is friendly and professional, giving you confidence that you’re in good hands.

Once aboard the luxury sailboat, you’ll immediately notice how spacious and well-maintained it is. The boat’s sleek design and comfortable seating make it an inviting space to unwind. As the boat sets sail, the skipper takes charge, guiding you smoothly along the coastline. The crew, which includes an experienced skipper, is attentive and ready to share insights about the sights, adding a personal touch that many travelers appreciate.

The Sailing Itinerary in Detail

The journey is divided into two main sailing segments, separated by a swim stop. The first 45-minute sail takes you from the marina out into the Mediterranean, offering panoramic views of Barcelona’s skyline. Expect to see landmarks like the Sagrada Família and the towering hotel complexes from a fresh, sea-level perspective. The gentle movement of the boat, combined with the warm sea breezes, makes for a calming experience—perfect for relaxing and snapping photos.

After the first sail, the boat anchors for approximately 30 minutes for a swimming break. The calm, clear waters of the Mediterranean invite you to take a dip, whether you want to cool off or just float and enjoy the view. Reviewers have noted how refreshing and enjoyable this stop is—some even mention how the crew is accommodating, helping guests who want to dip in or just relax on deck.

Following the swim, the boat continues for another 45-minute sail back towards the starting point. This segment often feels more laid-back, with guests savoring drinks, snacks, and the scenic vistas. Many find this part particularly memorable because of the uninterrupted views of Barcelona’s coast and the Mediterranean horizon.

Drinks, Snacks, and the Luxurious Touch

The open bar is a star feature, offering a well-selected range of drinks including water, soft drinks, beers, cava, and wine. According to reviews, the selection is curated to satisfy most tastes, and the friendly crew often keeps glasses topped up without being intrusive. One guest mentioned, “Great captain, plenty of snacks and drinks, and a relaxing dip,” highlighting how the drinks and snacks elevate the overall experience.

Snacks are similarly thoughtfully chosen—salty biscuits, grapes with raisins and dried apricots, nuts, pork loin, sausage, and cheese. These savory bites complement the drinks and are served in a relaxed, buffet-style manner, allowing passengers to graze at their leisure while enjoying the views.

Why the Snacks Matter

Having a variety of snacks helps balance the alcohol and keeps everyone comfortable, especially if you’re spending the full two hours on deck. It’s a thoughtful addition that makes the experience feel more indulgent and luxurious, turning a simple boat ride into an enjoyable mini feast.

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Swimming Break: A Highlight for Many

The 30-minute swimming stop is often highlighted as a favorite part of the tour. The calm, inviting waters of the Mediterranean make it an ideal spot for a quick dip. Reviewers have praised how accessible the crew makes it for guests to jump in, and some even mention that the crew is attentive to safety and comfort.

Being in the water with Barcelona’s skyline as a backdrop is a memorable experience, especially for those who enjoy a bit of sea time during their city trip. For travelers who prefer to relax on deck, the area around the boat is also a great place to lounge and soak up the sunshine.

Authenticity and Comfort: The Skipper and Crew

One of the opinions shared in reviews is the high regard for the knowledgeable skipper, who adds to the experience with interesting facts about Barcelona and the Mediterranean. The crew’s friendly, professional attitude ensures everyone feels comfortable, whether they’re seasoned sailors or first-timers.

The boat itself is described as a luxury vessel, with ample space and comfort. This isn’t a cramped tourist boat but rather a well-maintained yacht that amplifies the feeling of a special, upscale outing.

Practical Details and Considerations

Since the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off, you’ll need to plan your transportation to the BDA Sailing Experience meeting point. It’s straightforward to reach by public transport or taxi, and the designated meeting spot is easy to find thanks to clear signage.

The experience lasts two hours, which is a perfect duration to enjoy a scenic cruise without feeling rushed. The tour offers multilingual guides (English, Spanish, Catalan), ensuring clear communication, and private group options are available if you’re booking for a special celebration or just want a more exclusive experience.

The price of $52 per person is generally considered good value given the inclusions—especially the drinks, snacks, and the scenic nature of the tour. Compared to other water-based activities in Barcelona, this sailing trip offers a relaxed and luxurious vibe without the hefty price tag.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This sailing tour is ideal if you’re looking for a relaxing, scenic escape from the busy city streets. The combination of luxury boat comfort, stunning views, and a good selection of drinks and snacks makes it feel like a mini luxury getaway. The swimming stop adds a refreshing element, and the professional crew ensures a smooth, safe ride.

Travelers love the knowledgeable guides and the beautiful vistas, making it a memorable way to see Barcelona from the water. It’s perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone wanting a taste of maritime leisure without the complexities of sailing themselves.

While it doesn’t include transportation to the meeting point, this is a small consideration compared to the overall experience. If you’re seeking a luxurious, laid-back cruise with excellent views and good drinks, this tour ticks all the boxes.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for people without sailing experience?
Absolutely. The crew handles all the sailing, so you just relax and enjoy. No prior experience is needed.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID card. Luggage or large bags are not allowed onboard, so pack light.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
No, it doesn’t. You need to make your own way to the meeting point at BDA Sailing Experience.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about two hours, including sailing and swimming stops.

Is there an option for private groups?
Yes, private group options are available if you want a more exclusive experience.

What drinks are included?
The courtesy bar offers water, soft drinks, beers, cava, and wine—perfect for relaxing and socializing.

Can I swim during the tour?
Yes, there is a 30-minute swimming stop in the calm waters of the Mediterranean.

What are the main highlights?
Enjoying Barcelona’s skyline from the sea, sipping drinks with snacks, and swimming in the Mediterranean are key moments.

Is this experience good value for money?
Given the inclusions, scenery, and comfort, most find the €52 price tag reasonable and worth the relaxing two hours.

This sailing experience offers a delightful mix of scenic beauty, comfort, and leisure, making it a wonderful addition to any Barcelona itinerary. Whether you’re celebrating, seeking tranquility, or simply want a different view of the city, this cruise will leave you with memorable images and a relaxed smile.

You can check if your dates are available here: