Private boat tour Costa Brava: Roses to Cadaqués with swimming

Sail past 16th-century Trinity Castle, then anchor in coves where you swim and snorkel

A private boat tour of the Costa Brava departing from Roses aboard the Lyra, a traditional wooden llaüt that carries up to five passengers to hidden coves and coastal landmarks. The skipper navigates routes to Punta Falconera, Cap Norfeu, or Cadaqués, stopping for swimming and snorkeling at each bay. An appetizer and snorkeling equipment are included. Routes range from a two-hour sunset sail to a full-day excursion, and the skipper speaks English, Spanish or French.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sail and explore Roses Bay coastline

• Board traditional llaüt Lyra
• Sail past Trinity Castle
• Learn about castle's history
• Enjoy panoramic coastal views
• Take photos of landscape

The experience

Roses is the departure point for this private boat tour, where you board the Lyra and set out along the Costa Brava coastline. The route begins with a sail past Trinity Castle, a 16th-century fortress that once guarded Roses Bay. The skipper explains its role in coastal defense as you photograph it from the water. This opening stretch is a non-stop panoramic sail, giving you time to settle in before the boat reaches the first cove.

The stops depend on which route you choose. A sunset outing stays closer to Roses and focuses on the light and the castle views. A full-day excursion heads further out to Punta Falconera, Cap Norfeu, or Cadaqués, anchoring in each bay so you can swim and snorkel. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the skipper picks the stops based on conditions and your group's pace. An appetizer is served during the sail, and the boat carries up to five passengers, so the group stays small and the skipper can adjust the day to what your group wants.

The boat itself is a traditional wooden llaüt, the kind built for these waters, and the skipper is experienced in reading the coast and the sea. You'll need to be comfortable entering the water from the boat at each stop. The itinerary notes the tour suits all fitness levels, though swimming ability matters for snorkeling. Departures are from Roses, and public transportation options are available nearby if you're arriving without a car.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• appetizer.
• skipper's commentary in English, Spanish or French.
• all stops for swimming at the coves on your chosen route.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 18:00 and 20:00

Book up to4h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and French

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 16 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by aVela

Is this one for you?The boat departs from Roses and sails at the pace of the sea, so you're moving between stops rather than walking on land. Choose a route based on how far you want to go: a two-hour sunset sail stays close, while a full-day excursion reaches Cadaqués and includes several swimming stops.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

4 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and French.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Trinity Castle and why does the skipper point it out?

Trinity Castle is a 16th-century fortress that once defended Roses Bay from the sea. The skipper explains its strategic role as the boat sails past it, giving you the perspective of an approaching ship and a chance to photograph the fortress from the water.

Can I snorkel on every route, or only some?

Snorkeling stops are included on the routes that contemplate them: the full-day excursions to Punta Falconera, Cap Norfeu, or Cadaqués all anchor in coves for swimming and snorkeling. The sunset outing is a shorter sail focused on views and the castle. Snorkeling equipment is provided on all routes that include water stops.

How many people can fit on the Lyra?

The Lyra carries up to five passengers, so your group stays small and the skipper can tailor the day to what you want to do.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

No. Snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the tour, and an appetizer is served during the sail.