Barcelona Sailing Cruise: Yacht, Swim & Open Bar Snacks

4.87

(871 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the boat—literally. My phone map spun me in circles around Marina Port Vell, and by the time I spotted the white yacht bobbing between all those polished hulls, my hair was already doing its own Mediterranean thing. The skipper, Jordi, just grinned and waved me over like he’d seen it all before. There were only six of us, so it felt more like joining friends than a tour group. Someone dropped their sunglasses right away (not me this time), which broke the ice fast.

Once we set off, Barcelona’s city noise faded behind us—just low voices and the clink of cava glasses now. Jordi pointed out Montjuïc and Sagrada Família poking above the skyline; his accent made “Sagrada” sound softer somehow. He handed around little plates of olives and pan con tomate. I tried to ask for more in Catalan—pretty sure I butchered it because he laughed and topped up my glass anyway. The sea breeze was warm but not heavy, just enough to ruffle napkins and make you squint at the sun reflecting off the water.

About halfway through our Barcelona sailing cruise, Jordi asked if anyone wanted to swim. I hesitated (the water looked colder than expected), but two people jumped right in with that sharp intake of breath you only get when it’s actually freezing. Their laughter carried back over the waves—kind of contagious. I ended up dipping my feet in instead; salt on skin always surprises me, no matter how many times I travel near the sea. On the way back, someone stretched out for a siesta under a towel while others took photos of each other against that hazy city outline. It felt relaxed in a way tours rarely do—you know?