Rent a boat in Barcelona with or without a licence

Discover Barcelona by boat

Barcelona, situated on Spain's northeastern coast, is renowned for its vibrant culture, captivating architecture, and delectable Mediterranean cuisine, making it a top European destination. Wander along the famed Las Ramblas, delve into historic neighbourhoods like the Gothic Quarter and El Born, and marvel at Antoni Gaudí's masterpieces. Relax on picturesque beaches like Barceloneta and Nova Icaria, or opt for nearby gems like Sitges and Castelldefels. To truly soak in Barcelona's charm, consider a boat rental, which is a great way to explore the city and its surroundings. Whether celebrating a special occasion or seeking aquatic adventures like swimming and snorkelling, Barcelona's rich sailing heritage and plethora of water activities cater to all.

What type of boat is best for Barcelona?

With such a large Barcelona choice, it can be hard to choose the right boat for you. It is important to think about the type of sailing holiday that you’re looking in order to have in order to make the right decision for your Barcelona yacht charter. For a shorter holiday, we recommend a daily rental such as a motorboat or RIB. If you’re planning a longer getaway, we recommend a boat with a bit more space, such as a sailboat or a catamaran.

Here's a breakdown for each type of boat:

Motorboat:

• Capacity: 2 to 12 passengers.
• Cabins: 1 to 3 cabins.

RIB:

• Capacity: 4 to 12 passengers.
• Cabins: Usually none.

Boat without licence:

• Capacity: 2 to 6 passengers.
• Cabins: Typically none.

Motor Yacht:

• Capacity: 2 to 20+ passengers.
• Cabins: 1 to 10+ cabins.

Sailboat:

• Capacity: 2 to 12 passengers.
• Cabins: 1 to 4 cabins.

Catamaran:

• Capacity: 4 to 12 passengers.
• Cabins: 2 to 6 cabins.

Gulet:

• Capacity: 6 to 20+ passengers.
• Cabins: 4 to 12+ cabins.

Always verify specific details with the charter provider before booking.

How much does it cost to rent a boat in Barcelona?

The price of a Barcelona yacht charter is different depending on the size and type of vessel, the time of year and how many people are on board. Of course, if you choose a yacht which has more amenities or a vessel with a skipper, this will come at a higher cost. Below are some average prices of a Barcelona boat rental by boat type.

Here are some average prices by boat type, per day:

Motorboat

Starting from an average of €300/day in low season and €350/day high season.

RIB

Starting from an average of €300/day in low season and €400/day high season.

Boat without licence

Starting from an average of €150/day in low season and €250/day in high season.

Motor Yacht

Starting from an average of €1,700/day in low season and €1,900/day in high season.

Sailboat

Starting from an average of €350/day in low season and €490/day in high season.

Catamaran

Starting from an average of €1,000/day in low season and €1,500/day in high season.

Gulet

Starting from an average of €1,200/day in low season and €1,600/day in high season.

What is included in the cost?

The cost of renting a boat typically includes fuel, and depending on the type of boat, may also include a skipper or crew, water sports equipment, insurance, and amenities. Also, it is important to confirm with the owner if it is specifically included in the boat rental cost before booking.

What season is the best to charter a boat in Barcelona?

The best time for a Barcelona yacht rental is from May to October, when the weather is warm and sunny and there is little to no rainfall. Of course, you’ll have the hottest weather in the summer months, with average high temperatures of 27°C and water temperatures up to 28°C!

However, it’s important to note that the summer months are the high tourist season in Barcelona, which means that the city will be more crowded and the prices of a yacht charter will be higher. For better deals on boats, fewer crowds and temperate weather, we recommend visiting at the tail ends of the high season, in either May or September.

Where to charter a boat in Barcelona?

There are several ports and marinas to charter a boat in Barcelona. Some of the most popular ports include Port Olímpic, Port Vell, and Port Forum.

• Port Olímpic is the closest to the city centre and offers a wide range of amenities, including restaurants, bars, and shopping.
• Port Vell is located at the heart of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter and has a number of facilities, including showers and laundry facilities.
• Port Forum is a modern marina with excellent facilities and easy access to the beaches.

Where to sail in Barcelona?

There’s so much to see and do with a yacht charter in Barcelona. You will want to make the most out of the time you have to explore the city and its surrounding areas. Here is a list of some of our must-do activities.

Learn about modernist architecture and the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí by seeing some of his most iconic buildings such as the Sagrada Família, Casa Batllo, La Pedrera and the various buildings in Parc Güell.

See the works of the famous artist Pablo Picasso at the Picasso Museum.

Explore the coastline and visit the many beautiful beaches, such as Barceloneta and Ocata Beach.

Hike up the mountains of Tibidabo and Montjuic to see stunning views of the city and sea.

Sail to nearby places like the beautiful beachside town of Sitges, which has some of the best beaches in Catalonia where you can practise watersports like snorkelling, scuba diving, surfing and wakeboarding.

Take a mini sailing trip to Tarragona and view the ancient ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When you’re done, you can soak up the sun on various Blue Flag Beaches.

If you are looking for a longer sailing adventure, Barcelona's location on the Mediterranean coast makes it an ideal base for exploring nearby coastal regions. A popular destination is the nearby islands of Mallorca, Ibiza, and Menorca, which offer clear waters, stunning scenery, and a relaxed atmosphere. Additionally, the Costa Brava region offers some of the most picturesque and unspoiled beaches in the Mediterranean Sea.

Renting a boat with or without a skipper?

Many of our Barcelona yacht hire come with the option of renting a skipper and/or crew. Although this may come at an extra price, having a skipper on board will ensure that you have an even more enjoyable experience.

• Safety is a top priority, if you want a boat rental with a skipper, he will ensure that all safety measures are taken care of, making your sailing experience stress-free. Moreover, a skipper is an expert in the area, and can take you to the best spots, ensuring you get the most out of your time on the water. A skipper can also offer local knowledge, and make recommendations for dining, entertainment, and other activities in Barcelona. That is why we highly recommend you a skipper.
• For those who prefer to rent a boat without a skipper, there are some conditions and requirements that must be met. Renters must have a valid boating licence, and must demonstrate their knowledge and experience in handling the specific type of boat they wish to rent. Alternatively, for those wanting a bareboat charter who don’t have a boating licence, opt for a licence free boat.