Barcelona: Small Group Yacht Cruise with Drinks & Pinchos

Summary

Barcelona’s skyline from the sea, pinchos in hand, gentle music drifting

You’ll board a yacht at Marina Vela for a relaxed small group cruise along Barcelona’s coastline, with chef-made pinchos and an open bar setting the mood. A local skipper shares stories as you pass landmarks like Sagrada Família and Montjuïc Castle before heading onto open sea—where you can swim or just soak up the view with a drink in hand.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really know what to expect when we walked up to Marina Vela — all these glossy super yachts lined up like they were waiting for someone much fancier than me. Our skipper (I think his name was Jordi?) greeted us with this easy grin and handed out drinks while explaining the basics. I remember the faint smell of sunscreen and engine oil as we motored out past the big ships. The city looked different already — less noisy somehow, even though you could still hear the distant hum of Barcelona behind us.

There was a little plate of pinchos from their chef — honestly, I’m not sure what half of them were called but one had anchovy and pepper that surprised me in a good way. Someone put on music (not too loud), and the breeze picked up just enough to make my hair do its own thing. We passed Montjuïc Castle perched above everything, and Jordi pointed out Sagrada Família poking up in the haze — it almost glowed against the sky. He told us stories about the America’s Cup teams training nearby; I tried to sound like I knew something about boats but mostly just nodded along.

Once we got out onto the open Mediterranean, it felt bigger than I thought it would. You could see Port Olímpic’s twin towers and that huge bronze whale sculpture gleaming by the shore. Some people took a dip (I chickened out — maybe next time), but just being on deck with a cold drink was enough for me. There was this moment where everything went quiet except for water slapping against the hull. Kind of peaceful in a way I didn’t expect from a Barcelona boat tour.

I still think about that view back toward the city — all those colors stacked up against the hills, sun bouncing off glass buildings. It wasn’t flashy or anything; just honest and kind of calming. If you’re after something low-key but real, this two-hour small group cruise is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 2-hour small group yacht cruise

• Board boat at Marina Vela
• Attend short safety briefing
• Enjoy welcome drinks and Pinchos
• Motor out through large commercial harbour
• Pass by Montjuïc Castle and lighthouse
• View Sagrada Família from the sea
• Sail towards Port Olímpic twin towers
• Relax and enjoy open bar and snacks
• Help sail or swim in Mediterranean

Top questions

How long does this Barcelona yacht cruise last?

The yacht cruise lasts 2 hours from start to finish.

Are drinks included on this small group boat trip?

Yes, there’s an open bar with drinks provided during your cruise.

Where does the boat depart from in Barcelona?

The cruise departs from Marina Vela in Barcelona.

Is food served during the sailing tour?

Yes, chef-made pinchos and snacks are included onboard.

Can I swim during this Barcelona boat tour?

You can swim if weather conditions allow—bring swimwear and a towel.

Is this yacht cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces on board are wheelchair accessible.

Are children allowed on this sailing trip?

Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult; life jackets for under-6s available if requested ahead.

Do I need sailing experience to join?

No experience needed—the professional skipper handles everything; you can help sail if you want.

What’s included

Your two-hour outing includes hire of a modern Oceanis 41 yacht with fuel covered, guidance from a qualified professional skipper, chef-prepared pinchos and snacks, an open bar with drinks throughout your cruise, plus life jackets for all ages as needed—just remember your towel if you plan to swim before heading back to shore.