Plan a catamaran or sailboat cruise in Barcelona

Custom Sailboat and Catamaran Cruises in Barcelona

Would you like to spend your holidays in a different and totally unique way? Have you ever seen Barcelona from the sea? How about an epic Barcelona cruise in a catamaran or sailboat? Sail along the Maresme coast and discover its impressive skyline. On a cruise in Barcelona, you will feel at home without being tied to just one destination. Take the chance to see one of Catalunya’s best cities from a whole new perspective. Set sail for a truly unforgettable experience.

Make some memories with family and friends during your cruise in Barcelona

Whether with family or friends, you can certainly create unforgettable memories sailing along the Barcelona coast. A boating holiday gives you the chance to really spend some quality time with the ones you love the most aboard luxurious sailboats and catamarans. In such boats, there is space to accommodate groups of all sizes. The boats are equipped with all the necessary security measures and services so that you want for nothing during your voyage, resulting in an enjoyable trip for everyone. You will be able to discover places together from an unparalleled perspective and have many exciting experiences, full of activities you’ve always wanted to try. The little ones can have fun with the inflatable doughnut while the older ones plough through the wondrous Mediterranean waves on a paddle surfboard.

Book your Barcelona cruise in a sailboat or catamaran with a skipper and crew for the ultimate relaxation

If you do not have experience as a sailor, you may be nervous to book a holiday on a boat. However, you can book your cruise in Barcelona with a skipper and even a crew. The skipper will be able to take you to the best destinations on the Barcelona coast and, even if you have a lot of sailing experience, he will be able to teach you the best tricks and guide you to all of Barcelona’s best-kept secrets. Keep in mind that even if you have the appropriate licence, if you want to sail from Barcelona to the Balearic Islands, you will need the PER, a licence specifically for sailing in Spain. If you want to sail without a skipper, and you have the appropriate licence, it is best to go on a cruise in a sailboat as they are easier to handle in adverse conditions and the owners are usually more flexible. There is also the option of sailing without a skipper but still hiring a chef or crew service.

When you make a reservation with a skipper and crew, there is the possibility of paying an APA. This is a provision of funds that is usually up to 35% of the price of the reservation, which the captain will manage to cover any extra expenses you might incur during the trip. This allows you to relax throughout the trip without any financial worries.

Is it better to go on a Barcelona cruise in a catamaran or sailboat?

Catamarans and sailboats are different boats, both suitable for boating holidays but each one is more appropriate for different types of nautical adventures. Although you can find both types of boat in Barcelona, we only recommend the catamaran to sail around Barcelona or the Costa del Maresme or the Costa Dorada closest to Barcelona. If you want to sail to the Balearic Islands from Barcelona, we recommend a cruise in a sailboat.

Sailboats are single-hulled sailing vessels and are specially designed for a fast and furious voyage. They have all the necessary spaces to comfortably spend several days on board, including sleeping cabins, bathrooms, a kitchen, a living area and, of course, storage space for luggage. On the deck, you will find the wheel(s) from which the boat is governed, but you can also relax on the bow. You can travel long distances taking advantage of the wind, without the need for fuel, which greatly reduces costs. With a sailboat, you can also feel the sea more and navigate to the rhythm of the waves. While this provides a much more authentic sailing experience, those who are more prone to seasickness should beware!

The catamaran, unlike the sailboat, has a double hull structure. This has some advantages for your voyage compared to a sailboat. First of all, the double hull guarantees more space onboard, meaning that a cruise in a catamaran is likely to be more comfortable. In the two hulls are the cabins and in the bridge, there is usually a seating area and the kitchen. Outside, on the deck, is the wheel or rudder, with a comfortable space for the skipper to sit. There is also usually a solarium in the bow consisting of nets where you can lie down to sunbathe as you watch the sea go by underneath. Another advantage is that the boat is usually much more stable on the waves. This stability reduces the risk of seasickness. Sailing on a catamaran requires special skill in rough seas, however, so they are usually booked with a skipper. You should keep in mind that they also require more docking space than sailboats and also more fuel, making them generally more expensive.

Which experiences can you have during your cruise in a sailboat or catamaran?

Due to the Mediterranean climate, you can book a cruise in Barcelona throughout the year, although the best months to sail are from May to September and some years also in October. The winds that most affect this region are the Tramuntana and Llevant winds in winter, and the Garbí and Poniente winds in summer. In October and especially November is when there are usually more storms and stronger winds.

When you set sail on a cruise in Barcelona, it is because you want a calm and pleasant experience at the same time as having a memorable adventure that will stay with you for years. For this reason, we would like to give you some examples of activities that you can do while sailing in Barcelona.

Firstly, you will have the opportunity to view some of the most iconic buildings of Barcelona from the sea. The old port of Barcelona is home to some centuries-old buildings. Regardless of the destination, you are heading to, from the water you can get away from the shore and observe the W hotel, the Sagrada Familia or the Mapfre towers. Depending on where you're headed, a boat can also take you to points of interest inaccessible by land, such as beautiful bays, hidden coves, or winding rivers.

During your sailing vacation, don't forget to stop at the picturesque towns and old fishing ports or enjoy a refreshing drink on a downtown terrace. Immerse yourself in the local culture of the destination you want to discover and be sure to sample the local cuisine, which is usually made up of very tasty fresh products.

Of course, you can also take the opportunity to practise your favourite water sports. Take a refreshing dip in the sea, or grab your snorkel or scuba gear to check out the underwater world. There are often optional extras that you can include and add to your sailing vacation, such as jet skis, paddleboards, dinghies and much more.

Where can you sail during your cruise in Barcelona?

You can take boat trips from Barcelona to the coves of the Costa Brava to bathe in the transparent blue-green waters. Calella de Palafrugell, Tossa de Mar or Cadaqués are all very charming towns and perfect destinations for your trip. If you don't want to go that far, though, one option is to sail along the Maresme coast. Some cities with maritime importance near Barcelona are Badalona, Montgat, Vilassar de Mar, Mataró and Arenys de Mar. They all have a history related to fishing or navigation and you will be able to moor in their ports without any problem. Towards the south, there are other towns and cities such as Sitges, Calafell, Tarragona or L'Ametlla de Mar.

Another very popular option is to sail to the Balearic Islands. The closest islands are Mallorca and Menorca. It can take from 12 to 24 hours to get to the Balearic Islands from Barcelona, depending on the weather conditions and the wind. Once there you can take the opportunity to spend a week sailing around the island, before making the 12-24 hours trip back to Barcelona. The distance between islands in the Balearics is greater than it seems, so you must choose one of them or reserve more than a week for your cruise in a catamaran or sailboat.

How much does a cruise in a sailboat or catamaran cost?

The cost of such a trip typically depends on several factors. Firstly, the price varies according to the type and size of the boat. A cruise in a catamaran is usually more expensive as there is usually less availability. In addition to the boat itself, the sailing season and the duration of your trip will also influence the price. Some boats can only be rented for a week or longer, an ideal time for your voyage. If your final destination is the Balearic Islands or the Costa Brava, starting your cruise in Barcelona will allow you to find lower prices. The price for a cruise in a sailboat in Barcelona is €1,800 per week and a week-long cruise in a catamaran will usually cost around €5,000.

The fuel costs for both types of boat aren’t usually very expensive compared to a motor boat (about €150 per week). Some catamarans have air conditioning or a generator, and that can double the price of fuel, so you should check with the owner about this before booking.

Except when clarified in the APA, food and drinks are not usually included in the price either. For this, you will have 3 options:

• You can make the purchase online in a supermarket that the owner suggests.

• You can make the purchase at a nearby supermarket and have it delivered.

• You can pay extra and get the owner to take care of it for you.

It will be the owner’s choice if the drinks should be brought by the clients or ordered in advance from the skipper. There are no restrictions for alcoholic beverages onboard in Spain.

Consult with the owners and our advisors who will be happy to answer any questions you might have before going.