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're travelling in spring or summer and you're looking for things to see and do in the Catalan capital, a boat trip is highly recommended.

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

Much of Barcelona's appeal lies in its nightlife, yet you don't have to wait for dusk to get your partying fix. Party boats are an option to take into account 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 lunch with grilled meat, cold meats, pasta salads and fresh fruit. Drinks usually include two alcoholic drinks - beer and sangria - and an open bar of non-alcoholic drinks.

If you're travelling to Barcelona in August, July or other high season periods, you'll need to 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 Gaudi's modernist residences, there's nothing better than ending the day at sea. You'll enjoy a pleasant evening in a chill-out atmosphere while an artist plays the saxophone live. It's an ideal plan to do with your partner.

At sunset, the sun sets behind the Collserola massif, painting the Mediterranean and the city's buildings red. It's a romantic sight that will leave you speechless.

If you're travelling by catamaran, once you're away from the coast, the engines are switched off and the boat is rocked 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 sailing boat
• 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 you contemplate the best views of Barcelona. You'll be able to cruise along the coast of the Catalan capital for an hour on board an ecological boat with guaranteed fast access, so you won't have to wait in queues.

What's more, choosing this type of boat is not a bad idea for those who suffer from vertigo, as the wider structure of catamarans makes it much more comfortable to sail on deck without getting dizzy.

The catamaran trip, which costs around 12 euros, gives you the option of buying an audio guide on board so that you don't miss any of the monuments around you.

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

A Barcelona landmark. They have been crossing the coastline since 1888, the year of the Universal Exhibition. The Golondrinas have their wharf near the Mirador de Colón, at Portal de la Pau s/n. You can buy tickets on the Hellotickets website or at the ticket office at the Moll de les Drassaens, at the foot of the Columbus monument.

The boats make short trips along the coast; you can choose from different routes and some include admission 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 love a beautiful sunset? In Barcelona there is no shortage of options at sunset; every neighbourhood 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 different 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's even more enjoyable from the water. 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 go for a dip, so don't forget to bring a towel.

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

This is the cheapest version, but it's still very charming. 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 it is a recommended activity for children.

• Boat: sailing boat
• 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've practiced it, you know very well that it's a great fun. And if you've never been on a board before, you have nothing to worry about: it's easy to learn and doesn't require too much effort. Paddling in an upright position helps to tone your body, improve your reflexes and relax your nerves- there's no shortage of reasons to try it!

The boats leave from a central point in the city, such as Barceloneta or the Olympic Port. After a stroll along the coastline, the boat stops at a quiet spot and you start paddling. With a bit of 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 travelling in a small group (about 10 people) you will be able to enjoy the cruise without crowds. If you are travelling to Barcelona in summer I recommend booking in advance.

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

This excursion will take you to the Alella wine-growing area just a few kilometres from Barcelona. You will arrive at the fishing port of El Masnou and then visit a wine cellar. You' ll stroll through the vineyards and discover how the grapes are made.

The experience ends with a wine tasting accompanied by cold meats, cheeses and other snacks. After the aperitif, you'll head back to the coast for the return journey.

Vine cultivation in Alella dates back to Roman times and today 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. Garnacha negra and Garnacha blanca are also grown, 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: sailing boat
• Duration: between 2 and 3 hours
• Price: between 100 € and 120 €.

As these activities take place at sea, spring and summer are the best times of the year. However, winter in Barcelona is usually mild and if the weather permits, boat trips can be done without any 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 range of excursions on offer is more limited, there is no shortage of options when it comes to sailing to nearby towns. For example, half-day tours to the Costa Brava are very popular. These routes usually reach the town of Tossa de Mar.

It is one of the most beautiful towns on 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 Ebro Delta Natural Park (Tarragona), Cadaqués (Girona) or other destinations in the autonomous community.

Bear in mind that in most cases you will travel by bus and the boat trip will take place once you arrive. Being longer, these day tours are more expensive and less frequent than the boat trips along the Barcelona coastline.