If you want Barcelona by water, this is the easy button. You’ll sail out from Port Olímpic, snorkel in clear coastal water near Montgat, and enjoy an open bar of cava with snacks while you cruise.

I love the mix of snorkeling time and simple sightseeing. You get those shoreline views from the boat without grinding through beach crowds on foot. One practical tradeoff: this is weather-dependent and it’s only about an hour, so it’s best as a focused swim-and-sail break, not a long outing.

Key things to know before you board

• Private boat for your group so you’re not sharing the deck with strangers
• Snorkeling gear included with time in clear water near Montgat Beach
• Unlimited drinks and snacks, with an open bar of local cava
• Coastal sailing route that passes famous beaches from the water
• Bring what they don’t provide: towels and sunscreen are not included
• Weather matters since the tour requires good conditions to run

The “private boat” advantage along Barcelona’s coast

Barcelona looks great from land, but you really start to feel it from the water. This trip is designed as a private sailing experience, meaning your group sets the pace and you avoid that constant stop-start you get with crowded tours. Even though the total time is about 1 hour, the boat gives you a sense of space you simply can’t get from a promenade.

I also like the way the route is built around the coastline. You sail along the beach belt of Barcelona instead of doing a rigid sightseeing route full of waiting. That makes it a solid choice when you want something memorable but you don’t want to lose half your day.

The one thing to consider is the time window. An hour goes fast—especially once you start swimming—so plan this as a highlight slot, not as background entertainment.

What’s included on board: cava, snacks, and snorkel gear

This is the kind of tour where the “extras” are actually the point. You get:

• Use of snorkeling equipment
• An open bar of cava (plus alcoholic beverages)
• Sailing time along the coast
• Snacks and drinks as part of the experience (the overall experience is described as unlimited)

The snorkeling gear inclusion matters because it lowers the friction. You don’t need to shop, pack, or worry about whether you brought the right fit. Just show up ready to swim.

The drinks and snacks are also part of the vibe. With cava flowing and snacks on hand, the trip feels more like a relaxed coastal outing than a strict activity schedule. One person even described the food as unexpectedly very nice, which lines up with the way these trips often turn simple snacks into an actual onboard meal moment.

Practical note: towels and sunscreen aren’t included. If you forget them, you’ll feel it immediately after getting back on the boat.

Getting there: Port Olímpic departure and the Moll de Mestral meeting point

You’ll meet at Moll de Mestral, 41, Sant Martí, 08005 Barcelona. From there, the boat departs and you head out from Port Olímpic along the coast.

A couple details make this easier than it sounds:

• It’s near public transportation
• You get a mobile ticket
• It ends back at the meeting point, so you don’t get stranded far from your start

Plan to arrive a bit early so you can settle in, get your swim gear sorted, and don’t rush the moment you want to be in the water. If you’re using public transit, give yourself a small buffer for walking from the stop to the harbor area.

For what to bring, keep it simple:

• swimsuit (you’ll want it ready)
• sunscreen (not provided)
• a towel (not provided)
• a change of clothes for after
• something for sun protection if you burn easily (the tour runs on a boat, where glare can sneak up)

Sailing past Barcelona’s beaches: what each stretch feels like

This trip is a coastal loop with multiple sighting moments as the boat moves along different beachfront areas. Think of it as “views on the move,” with swim time as the payoff.

Barceloneta beach from the water

You’ll sail along Barceloneta beach, one of Barcelona’s best-known coastlines. From the boat, you see the beach without the dense foot-traffic feeling. It’s a quick way to orient yourself to where things sit—hotels, beachfront blocks, and the rhythm of the shore—without walking and stopping every few minutes.

A drawback to expect here is that you’re still in busy visual territory. Even if you’re bypassing the crowds physically, you’ll see why the area gets popular. If you’re hoping for totally quiet scenery the entire time, the other beach sections tend to feel a touch more open.

Nova Icària beach: a cleaner-feeling shoreline

Next, you sail near Nova Icària beach. This part of the coast tends to read as more relaxed from the water—less like a single “main strip” and more like a stretch of shoreline with open sky above it. It’s the kind of sailing that makes the trip feel like a proper coastal escape rather than just a sightseeing cruise.

This is also where your attention naturally shifts toward the water. As you get closer to the areas known for swimming, you’ll feel the trip moving from “look at Barcelona” to “get in the water.”

Bogatell beach: open space and steady cruising

You’ll continue near Bogatell beach. This segment is often where the boat rhythm helps. The shoreline acts like a moving frame, so you’re not stuck staring in one direction. Instead you get those quick changing angles that make photos look more interesting than a static postcard.

The main consideration here is timing. If you’re trying to maximize snorkeling time, keep an eye on when the crew signals you to get ready. With limited hours, the best moments can happen quickly.

Near Mar Bella beach: a fitting end to the loop

Finally, you’ll sail near Mar bella beach. It gives the trip a classic “Barcelona coast” finish as you head back. By this point, you’ve usually had your swim or snorkeling moment, and the rest of the sail becomes pure scenery and relaxation.

If you’re the type who gets cold fast after water time, you might want to plan your swap into dry clothes early—before the boat heads back in.

Snorkeling in Montgat’s clear water: how to maximize your hour

One of the strongest reasons to book this is the snorkeling focus. The experience highlights swimming and snorkeling in Montgat Beach’s clear waters, and the overall feel matches what you want from a short sailing trip: you’re not just cruising past water, you’re getting quality time in it.

A few tips from how these trips play out:

• Go in with your gear ready. Don’t wait until the last minute once the boat stops.
• Keep an eye on where the water looks clearer. The “clear blue” description people give is usually tied to when the light is right and the water is calm.
• Expect that getting on and off matters. One small wish shared was that a floating dock would be nice. Even without that, crews typically make it workable, but if you’re picky about the easiest re-entry, it’s worth knowing this kind of wish exists.

Also, if you’re nervous about snorkeling, don’t overthink it. The value here is that the water is described as clear and there’s an easy reason to try: you’re already there, with equipment provided, and the boat turns the moment into a short, doable adventure.

Drinks and snacks: why this onboard comfort changes the feel

On a lot of sailing trips, “drinks and snacks” are a small add-on. Here, it’s more central. An open bar of cava plus snacks makes the sail feel like a treat, not a task.

I like the psychological difference: you stop thinking about logistics and start enjoying the ride. When you’re not worrying about buying drinks or finding something quick after swimming, the trip stays light.

One review comment also hinted that the food felt surprisingly good. While you shouldn’t expect a formal meal style, it’s a good sign that the snacks aren’t just an afterthought.

Price and value: is $157.41 per person worth it?

At $157.41 per person for about 1 hour, this isn’t a budget play. But value in Barcelona isn’t only about saving money—it’s about buying time, access, and comfort.

Here’s where the price makes sense:

• Private setting for your group (less friction than shared boat tours)
• Snorkeling equipment included (so you’re not paying extra or figuring gear out)
• Unlimited drinks and snacks, with cava included
• Coastal route with multiple beach areas, so you’re not stuck watching one stretch

Where the price may feel steep:

• If you only want a quick photo stop and don’t care about swimming/snorkeling, you might get less out of it.
• If you’re looking for a long full-day outing, the hour will be over before you feel ready.

For best value, I’d treat this as your “pay for an experience” activity—something you book for a specific mood: clear-water time, a private boat feel, and an easy onboard comfort setup.

Weather, timing, and the one big practical tradeoff

This experience requires good weather. If conditions are poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s important because sailing is one of those activities where the sky isn’t just scenery—it’s the whole operation.

Plan smart:

• Don’t schedule this as your only plan on a fragile day with heavy rain forecasts.
• Check the day’s conditions and be ready to pivot if needed.

Time is the other tradeoff. About 1 hour means you’ll likely do one main swim/snorkel window and then enjoy the rest of the sail. If you love relaxing after swimming, bring dry clothes so you don’t spend the final minutes uncomfortable.

Who should book this private sailing trip (and who might not)

This tour fits best if you want:

• A private boat feel without committing to half a day
• Snorkeling with provided gear
• Unlimited onboard treats, including cava
• A way to see multiple Barcelona beach areas with less effort

It’s also a strong option if you’re traveling with friends or a couple and want an activity that feels like a break from constant walking.

You might skip it if:

• You prefer land-based sights only and won’t use the water time
• You need long, structured narration and museum-style pacing
• You dislike any weather dependency (since the trip can shift or refund)

Should you book it?

I’d book this when you want your Barcelona day to include clear water, real downtime, and an easy, private-feeling outing. The combination of snorkeling gear, unlimited snacks and drinks, and a route that passes major beachfront sections makes it a good value-for-experience choice, not a bargain, but a smart purchase.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to swap beach crowds for a boat deck and you’ll actually use the snorkeling time, this is one of the cleanest ways to do it in a short window.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the private sailing trip?

It lasts about 1 hour.

How much does the Barcelona private sailing trip cost?

It costs $157.41 per person.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s private, so only your group participates.

Where do you meet, and where does the sailing start?

You meet at Moll de Mestral, 41, Sant Martí, 08005 Barcelona, Spain. The boat departs from Port Olímpic.

What beaches does the boat sail near?

You’ll sail along Barceloneta beach and near Nova Icària beach, Bogatell beach, and Mar bella beach.

What’s included with the snorkeling?

Snorkeling equipment is included.

What drinks and snacks are included?

The experience includes alcoholic beverages with an open bar of cava, plus drinks and snacks.

What should I bring since towels and sunscreen aren’t included?

Bring your own towel and sunscreen.

What happens if the weather isn’t good?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.