Costa Brava Snorkeling: Sail & Jump from the Rocks

A sailboat, a skipper who hands you the wheel, and water clear enough to spot octopus.

Private sailing and snorkeling activity on the Costa Brava for up to 9 people, with a licensed RYA skipper and English-speaking guide who teaches you to work the winch and trim the sails before taking you to protected snorkeling spots. Includes door-to-door pickup, all snorkeling gear, a 4-hour sailing experience, snacks and drinks on the boat, and a restaurant meal after the activity.

The Experience

The boat leaves your accommodation and heads to the water. Once aboard the classic sailboat, the skipper walks you through the basics—how to work the winch, trim the sails, how the wheel responds—then lets you take a turn at the helm while he guides you through the movements. You don't have to touch anything if you'd rather not; the option is there and the pace is yours. The guide knows the Costa Brava's coves and the marine life inside them, and he steers toward the protected areas where starfish, sea bream and octopus live in the shallows.

Snorkeling happens in clear water where you can see the bottom. The gear is provided and fitted before you go in. Between dives, the boat drifts in the coves or anchors near rock formations high enough to jump from—another optional moment, not a requirement. Snacks and drinks stay cold on board. The full day runs 10 hours from pickup to drop-off, which means there is time to move between spots without rushing and to sit still in the water without watching the clock.

After the sailing and snorkeling finish, the boat returns to shore and the group heads to a restaurant for a meal together. The skipper is RYA-licensed and the guide speaks English, so the instruction and the history of the area come through clearly. Insurance is included; life jackets are available if you want one. Transportation picks you up and drops you off at your accommodation, so the day starts and ends at your door.

What’s included

• Private transportation with pickup and drop-off at your accommodation.
• all snorkeling equipment.
• a 4-hour sailing experience with instruction from a licensed RYA skipper.
• snacks and drinks on the boat.
• a restaurant meal after the activity.
• accident insurance.
• life jacket if you need one.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Excursions Barcelona

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so the sailing instruction and the history of the coves come through clearly whether you are new to boats or comfortable on the water. The day suits anyone from school groups to solo travelers, and the optional moments—the wheel, the jump, the dive—mean you set the intensity yourself.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

34 verified traveler reviews

5 ★34

4 ★0

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What kind of marine life will I see when snorkeling in the Costa Brava?

The protected snorkeling areas hold starfish, sea bream, octopus and other species in clear shallow water where you can see them without diving deep.

Do I have to know how to sail to join this activity?

No sailing experience is needed. The skipper teaches you the basics—how to work the winch and trim the sails—and then lets you try if you want to; you can also watch and relax instead.

Is the cliff jumping mandatory?

Jumping from the rocks is optional. The boat stops at formations where you can jump if you choose to, but you can stay on board or in the water instead.

What is included in the restaurant meal after the activity?

A meal at a restaurant ashore is included after the snorkeling and sailing finish; the specific menu depends on the restaurant chosen that day.

How many people can fit on the boat?

The private boat holds up to 9 people, so the group stays small and the skipper can give attention to everyone.

Does the price include transportation from my hotel?

Yes, door-to-door pickup and drop-off at your accommodation are included in the activity.