Sunset from the sea beats the beach. This Barcelona catamaran sails out from Marina Vela by Barceloneta, and I love how the boat’s forward nets make it easy to sunbathe and soak up the breeze. You get music onboard and a 360-degree feel for the coast.
Two things I also like a lot: the included tapa is a real taste of Mediterranean Spain, and your complimentary drink lets you start the cruise in a relaxed, local way. In recent trips, the crew has often been praised by name, including people like Cristian and Albert, which hints at how friendly and hands-on the onboard team can be.
One consideration: don’t treat the tapa like a full meal. The portion can be modest, so I suggest you eat beforehand. And if wind or weather makes it unsafe to go far out, you may get less time away from the harbor and less open-water swimming.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- Marina Vela meeting point: easy access near Barceloneta and the W Hotel
- The catamaran itself: stable, spacious, and made for lounging
- Your first stop is the welcome: tapa and a complimentary drink
- The 2-hour coast cruise: what the skyline looks like from the sea
- Day cruise option: the swim stop and how inflatables fit in
- Sunset option: watching the Barcelona skyline change color
- What the crew does well: safety, energy, and keeping the group together
- Price and value: why $32 feels fair for what you get
- Who this cruise suits best (and who should skip it)
- Quick packing list that actually helps
- Should you book this Barcelona catamaran with tapa & drink?
- FAQ
- Where is the meeting point?
- How long is the cruise?
- What’s included in the price?
- Is there a swim during the day cruise?
- What happens on the sunset option?
- Do I need to bring anything?
- Are there additional drinks for sale?
- Is hotel pickup included?
- Are pets allowed on the boat?
- What if weather cancels the cruise?
Key things to know before you go
- Marina Vela start point: right by Barceloneta and next to the W Hotel area, so the cruise feels connected to the city.
- Forward netting for sunbathing: you can lounge facing the sea and still enjoy the view without fighting for space.
- Two cruise styles: daytime includes a 30-minute swim with inflatables; sunset focuses on skyline views.
- Included tapa + free drink: a simple start that fits the price, not a full-on food tour.
- Built for comfort: a stable catamaran layout with space for about 30 people plus the captain and sailor.
Marina Vela meeting point: easy access near Barceloneta and the W Hotel
This cruise is set up for a quick, no-fuss start. You meet at the This Is MED office at Port Marina Vela, which sits right by Barceloneta. In practice, that’s great because you can grab a meal or a coffee on land, then walk or short taxi over and be on the water fast.
There’s no hotel pickup. I like that because it keeps things flexible, but it also means you should plan to be at the meeting point a few minutes early. If you miss check-in time, you may lose your spot.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Barcelona
The catamaran itself: stable, spacious, and made for lounging
The boat is a spacious catamaran that’s designed for comfort. With room for about 30 people (plus the captain and sailor), it rarely feels cramped. That matters because you’ll want places to sit, stand, and move around as the coast changes.
Here’s what you should expect onboard:
- Bow netting: this is the star for sunbathing and that classic sea-splash feeling when the waves hit the hull.
- Sun and shade areas: you can switch based on how strong the sun is.
- Music onboard: it keeps the mood light, especially on a first evening out in Barcelona.
If you’re sensitive to cold wind on open water, bring a light layer. Even when the day is warm on shore, the sea breeze can feel sharp once you’re moving.
Your first stop is the welcome: tapa and a complimentary drink
Before you really get going, the crew welcomes you onboard with music, a complimentary drink, and a typical local tapa to start in Mediterranean style. The exact tapa can vary, but several meals described in the experience include tortilla-style options (like potato omelette).
The drink is also included, but you’ll order your choice onboard. After that, there’s additional bar service, and extra drinks are available for purchase. I think that structure is smart at this price point: you’re not paying extra just to have something to sip while the city slides by.
My practical advice: if you want a bigger food payoff, eat a real meal before you sail. The tapa is there for taste and vibe, not to replace lunch or dinner.
The 2-hour coast cruise: what the skyline looks like from the sea
The main experience is simple: a 2-hour sail along the coast of Barcelona. What makes it worth doing is the angle. From the water, the skyline feels bigger and more layered, and you get real 360-degree sight lines instead of being stuck behind railings or crowds on land.
You also feel the pace of the sea. The boat moves smoothly, and the catamaran shape helps it stay stable—even when there’s a bit of chop. That stability is a big deal for comfort if you’re not used to boats.
This is also one of those activities where the journey matters as much as the destination. You’ll get wide coastal views, good photo angles, and a break from the walking you’ve likely already done in central Barcelona.
Day cruise option: the swim stop and how inflatables fit in
If you pick the daytime option, you get a stop for about 30 minutes to swim. You’ll use inflatables and jump in from the boat in the Mediterranean.
This part is where most people smile the biggest, because Barcelona looks cool from shore but feels totally different once you’re in the water. If you’re doing this with friends or family, it also becomes the shared moment: people take turns jumping, lounging on the nets, and laughing when the water hits at just the wrong time.
A few practical tips:
- Wear swimwear under your clothes if you can, because it saves time.
- Comfortable shoes matter, because you’ll walk on the dock area to board.
- Bring sunscreen. Even when it looks calm, you can still burn faster than you think out on the water.
- If you’re unsure about swimming in open water, the boat setup still lets you enjoy the sea without going far.
You can also read our reviews of more evening experiences in Barcelona
Sunset option: watching the Barcelona skyline change color
The sunset version keeps the same overall format—catamaran, music, 360-degree coast views—but the mood shifts. Instead of focusing on the swim stop, you spend the time admiring the sunset over the Barcelona skyline.
This is a great choice if you want a calmer, more atmospheric outing—especially if it’s your first day in town or you’re planning a romantic or group evening.
Important reality check: sunset depends on the sky. If it’s overcast, you may not get the full dramatic orange-and-purple show. Still, you can often get beautiful lighting and a cooler feel on deck.
Also, plan for wind. Many people find it can get chilly once you’re out on the water, even in months that feel warm in the city. Bring something light you can put on quickly.
What the crew does well: safety, energy, and keeping the group together
A big part of the value here is how the crew runs the boat. The onboard team has been praised for being professional and friendly, and many experiences mention the crew staying attentive—helping people settle in, guiding you toward the best spots, and making sure the boat stays safe and organized.
Names that show up in praise include Cristian and Albert, and others like Talo also come up in comments. You may not get the same exact people every time, but the pattern is clear: the experience tends to be guided and managed well, not just a free-for-all on a party boat.
If you’re traveling with a group (hen dos and friend groups show up often in the feedback), you’ll appreciate how the crew helps keep things smooth so you don’t lose people during boarding or when it’s time to swim.
Price and value: why $32 feels fair for what you get
At around $32 per person for a 2-hour catamaran, the price looks competitive because the basics are included:
- the boat ride (2 hours)
- a typical local tapa
- a complimentary drink
- a professional captain
Then there’s the added value of what you’re not paying for separately: the sea time, the skyline views, and the option to swim with inflatables on daytime departures.
Is it the best option if you want a long luxury dining experience? No. The food part is a taste, not a feast. But if you want one of the simplest “Barcelona from the water” activities that doesn’t force you into an all-day plan, this one is easy to justify.
Who this cruise suits best (and who should skip it)
This catamaran is a great match if you want:
- a short break from the city hustle
- skyline views without battling crowds
- a fun onboard vibe with music and time to relax
- the option to swim in the Mediterranean during the day
It may not be ideal if you:
- want a big gourmet meal (the tapa is modest)
- need hotel pickup or door-to-door transport
- hate any chance of weather disruption (winds can change how far out you go)
Quick packing list that actually helps
You don’t need much, but the essentials matter:
- Swimwear
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Comfortable shoes (dock walking is real)
- Comfortable clothes you can switch out of quickly
- A light layer for sunset departures (the sea breeze can surprise you)
No pets are allowed, so plan accordingly if you’re traveling with animals.
Should you book this Barcelona catamaran with tapa & drink?
If you’re choosing between another boat option and something short, simple, and good-value, I’d lean toward booking this. The combination of Marina Vela’s easy location, a stable catamaran feel, and that practical mix of lounging plus sea time makes it a strong use of a couple hours.
Book it if you want the classic Barcelona skyline view from water, and especially if the idea of the swim stop (daytime) or sunset deck time (sunset) fits your pace. Skip it only if you’re expecting a full meal or you need guaranteed open-water time no matter the weather.
If your goal is one memorable, low-stress experience that feels authentically coastal, this is a solid choice.
FAQ
Where is the meeting point?
You meet your guide at the This Is MED office at Port Marina Vela.
How long is the cruise?
The catamaran trip lasts 2 hours.
What’s included in the price?
The cruise includes the 2-hour catamaran trip, typical local tapa, a complimentary drink, and a professional captain. There is also additional bar service onboard for drinks you purchase.
Is there a swim during the day cruise?
Yes. If you choose the daytime option, the boat stops for 30 minutes for a swim with inflatables.
What happens on the sunset option?
On the sunset option, you spend the cruise admiring the sunset over the Barcelona skyline.
Do I need to bring anything?
Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, swimwear, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes.
Are there additional drinks for sale?
Yes. Additional drinks are available for purchase at the bar onboard.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
Are pets allowed on the boat?
No, pets are not allowed.
What if weather cancels the cruise?
If cancellation happens due to weather conditions, you’ll be offered an option to reschedule for an alternative day. If that isn’t possible, you receive a full refund.
