Catamaran Sailing Cruise in Barcelona

Travelers looking to see Barcelona from a different perspective will find this catamaran sailing cruise offers a peaceful, scenic escape along the coast. It’s a simple, eco-conscious way to enjoy the city’s iconic skyline, yachts, and lively harbor areas—all in just about an hour.

What we love about this experience is its affordable price point, the chance to sail on a solar-powered vessel, and the stunning coastal views that make for memorable photos. The onboard bar with refreshments, wine, beer, and champagne (available for purchase) adds a touch of luxury, even if food isn’t included.

A potential consideration is that the tour is quite brief—an hour can feel short when you’re soaking in scenery and relaxing on the water. It’s best suited for those seeking a laid-back, scenic experience rather than a full-day sightseeing trip.

This cruise is ideal for couples, small groups, or families wanting a calm, picturesque outing. It’s particularly appealing if you’re interested in eco-friendly travel, as the vessel is solar-powered and contributes to environmental efforts like sea clean-up and coral planting.

Good To Know

• Eco-friendly sailing on a solar-powered catamaran offers a guilt-free way to explore Barcelona’s coast.
• Affordable price makes it a good value for a scenic, relaxing activity.
• Stunning coastal and skyline views from the water create perfect photo opportunities.
• Onboard bar provides opportunities to buy wine, beer, or champagne, adding a touch of celebration.
• Suitable for all ages, small groups, and those wanting a peaceful break from busy city touring.
• Weather-dependent experience means cancellations happen in poor conditions with options to reschedule or get a refund.

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Overall Atmosphere

The cruise departs from Port Vell, the historic old port area of Barcelona, renowned for its luxury yachts and bustling marina. The meeting point at Moll de les Drassanes is easy to access via public transportation, making it convenient for most travelers. Many reviews mention the friendly crew and the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere onboard. One reviewer, Kristi, noted that it was a “great experience for a group of 26 American students,” highlighting its appeal for larger groups as well as smaller parties.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Moll de Barcelona
The tour kicks off with a gentle cruise along the coast, propelled by solar panels on the eco-friendly vessel. The 10-minute initial segment offers a quick introduction to the surrounding area, setting the tone for a tranquil hour. Reviewers like Gabrielle appreciated the “beautiful views”, but also mentioned that seasickness could be an issue—bumpy rides might require some to take motion sickness tablets in advance.

Stop 2: Port Vell
Here, you see some of Barcelona’s most impressive yachts and the World Trade Center. The 10-minute stop provides ample time to take photos of the luxurious boats and get a feel for the maritime energy of the city. One reviewer felt the experience was “just a boat trip,” with staff not particularly engaging, which suggests that the focus is more on the scenery than onboard entertainment or narration.

Stop 3: Puerto Olímpico
This area commemorates the 1992 Olympics and features iconic architecture and a lively atmosphere. A 10-minute stop allows for photos of the port, with some reviews indicating that this section offers a view of the port’s history through the boats and modern skyline. It’s a great spot for those interested in Olympic history or urban scenery.

Stop 4: La Barceloneta
The final stretch brings you along the coast to La Barceloneta, famed for its sandy beaches. Expect 30 minutes of cruising here, with chill-out music creating a relaxing vibe. Reviewers like Laure appreciated the “sound of the sea” and found it a “great value” for the experience, though some noted it was “a little short.” It’s the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the city’s coastal beauty.

What You Get and What You Don’t

Included in the €15.43 per person fare are the coastal sailing experience and contributions to environmental efforts like coral planting and sea clean-up. There’s a bar on board where you can purchase drinks, but food and drinks are not included unless specified.

Reviewers have praised the knowledgeable crew and the relaxing ambiance, though some pointed out that beverages could be more diverse. The kids corner makes it family-friendly, and the group size limit of 150 keeps the experience intimate enough to feel personal.

The Environment and Sustainability

One of the most attractive aspects of this tour is its focus on eco-friendly sailing. The vessel runs solely on solar power, which appeals to environmentally conscious travelers. Plus, your contribution helps fund sea cleaning and coral planting projects—making your leisure activity contribute to broader ecological efforts.

Practical Details

• Duration: Approximately 1 hour, which suits travelers wanting a quick but scenic escape.
• Price: At just over $15, the cruise offers exceptional value considering the views and environmental aspect.
• Group Size: Max 150 travelers, but reviews suggest it’s often a smaller, more relaxed crowd.
• Meeting Point: Easy access at Moll de les Drassanes, near public transit.
• Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, providing flexibility for weather issues or schedule changes.
• Weather Dependency: Experience is subject to good weather; cancellations are handled with rescheduling or refunds.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

Many reviews highlight the beauty of the scenery—Gabrielle described it as “absolutely beautiful”—but some pointed out the short duration and the lack of onboard entertainment. One reviewer expressed disappointment with staff attitudes, calling them “not very welcoming”, which underscores the importance of managing expectations about the focus on scenery over service.

Conversely, families and large groups have praised the comfortable space and the value for money. Kristi, for example, said she’d “do it again in July” because of the beautiful views and the relaxing atmosphere. The chill music and golden city vistas really resonated with those seeking a peaceful break from busy city streets.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This cruise is particularly well-suited for those seeking a peaceful, scenic experience rather than high-energy entertainment. If you enjoy photography, the views of Barcelona’s skyline, port, and beaches from the water are impressive. It’s perfect for couples looking for a romantic outing, families wanting a gentle activity, or small groups wanting to enjoy quality time together.

Travelers interested in eco-friendly travel will appreciate the vessel’s solar power, as well as the environmental contributions. However, if you’re after a full-day adventure or dining onboard, you might want to explore additional options.

The Sum Up

This catamaran sailing cruise offers a peaceful, eco-conscious way to take in Barcelona’s coast. It’s an affordable experience, providing a beautiful backdrop of the city’s skyline, historic ports, and beaches—all from the comfort of a solar-powered vessel. The tour’s short duration makes it a perfect addition to a busy sightseeing itinerary or a relaxing break in your day.

While it may lack elaborate onboard entertainment or included food, the stunning views, knowledgeable crew, and environmental focus elevate this trip beyond a simple boat ride. It’s especially suitable for travelers who value sustainability, scenic beauty, and a laid-back atmosphere.

If you’re after a quick, memorable glimpse of Barcelona from the water—paired with a contribution to ecological efforts—this cruise is definitely worth considering.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour features a kids corner and is suitable for all ages, making it a good choice for families.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers the coastal sailing experience and the contribution to environmental projects. Drinks can be purchased onboard, but food is generally not included unless specified.

How long is the tour?
The cruise lasts approximately 1 hour, making it an easy addition to your day without taking up too much time.

Is it wheelchair accessible?
The provided information does not specify accessibility features, so it’s best to contact the provider directly for details.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The experience is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor conditions, you can reschedule or get a full refund.

Where do I meet for the tour?
The start point is Moll de les Drassanes at Port Vell, accessible via public transportation, with clear directions provided.

In essence, this eco-friendly catamaran cruise in Barcelona offers a peaceful, budget-friendly way to see the city’s coast from the water, with a sustainable twist that many modern travelers will appreciate. Whether you’re after stunning views, a relaxing vibe, or contributing to marine ecology, it’s worth considering as part of your Barcelona adventure.