A short sail, big Barcelona views. This two-hour outing is built around a proper open-sea swim and a relaxed cruise on a Sun Odyssey 34 departing from Port Olímpic. You get unlimited drinks, tapas after swimming, and sea views that are hard to re-create any other way in the city.

I like the unlimited beer and wine most—it turns the trip into an easy, party-lounge mood without feeling complicated. I also like how you spot major landmarks from the water, including Sagrada Família, the W Hotel, and the Agbar Tower, while your guide points things out. The one drawback to consider is the open-water element: if you struggle with motion sickness or open-water swimming, this isn’t a good fit.

You’ll meet at gate number 12 at the Olympic Harbor and stay on board with a small group of up to 6 people. The live guide speaks English and Spanish, and your captain (Captain Alan is mentioned in one highlight for keeping things friendly and professional) helps keep the atmosphere fun. You’ll also have paddle boards and floats available, so you can choose how active you want to be during the swim stop.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group (max 6) means more personal attention and an easier vibe on board
• Unlimited drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) keep the mood steady for the full 2 hours
• Open-sea swim stop in deep water off Barcelona is the main event
• Views of Sagrada Família, W Hotel, and Agbar Tower from the water beat street-level photos
• Paddle board and floats included so you can relax or play, depending on your comfort
• Tapas on board after swimming gives you an easy landing back into food and drinks

From Gate 12 at Port Olímpic to Sun Odyssey 34

This starts in a place that makes sense: Port Olímpic is the marina that puts you close to where Barcelona feels modern, sporty, and easy to access. You meet at gate number 12, board a Sun Odyssey 34, and then you’re off.

The best part is that you’re not wasting time. In two hours, the plan is simple: set sail, enjoy the coastline from sea level, take a swim stop, then eat and drink on the return stretch. It’s short enough that you can fit it on a busy day, but long enough that it actually feels like an experience, not just a quick boat ride.

Your group stays small (up to 6), which matters more than it sounds. On boats, crowding affects everything: noise, space, and how easily you can move around before the swim stop. A smaller group also makes it easier for the guide to check in and keep the timing smooth.

Sailing the Barcelona Coast From the Water

Once you’re underway, the trip becomes a moving viewpoint. You’ll see the coastline of Barcelona from the sea and get views of big “you’ve definitely seen this in photos” landmarks from angles you can’t get from the sidewalk.

Sagrada Família is the standout for most people, but it’s not alone. From the water you can also spot the W Hotel and the Agbar Tower, which look totally different when viewed from a moving boat. It’s one of those moments where your brain says, wait, that’s the same city—but it’s laid out like a coast poster.

This tour also includes sailing navigation, which you’ll feel in how the captain runs the outing. Even if you’re not looking for sailing trivia, it helps keep the boat handling confident and the timing on track for the swim stop and the food afterward.

Practical note: you may feel sea breeze and spray even if the weather is pleasant. If you’re the type who gets chilly easily, bring a light layer. If you’re the type who gets sunburn fast, you still need to plan for sun exposure—sunscreen isn’t included.

The Open-Sea Swim Stop: Deep Water, Floats, and Paddle Boards

The main event here is the swim stop in deep water off the coast. That means this isn’t a quick paddle near the dock. It’s the real deal, and it’s exactly why people book this tour.

What I like about how it’s set up is that you’re not thrown in alone. You’ll have floats and a paddle board available, so you can choose your comfort level. If you want to swim, you can. If you want to float, you can. If you want to do a little of both, you still get that open-water feeling without having to overdo it.

At the same time, respect what deep water means. You’re in open water off Barcelona, and that can feel intimidating if you’re not comfortable in the sea. Also, the activity isn’t suitable for people with motion sickness, and towels aren’t included. If you know you’re prone to nausea, don’t gamble. And if you hate the idea of drying off in wind, plan your timing and clothing when you get back on board.

Bring beachwear. That’s your main packing win here, because the rest (like towels) isn’t provided. And if you’re going to do the swim, you’ll want to be ready to jump in when the boat stops—no long prep.

Tapas and Unlimited Drinks After Swimming

Here’s where the mood turns from active to relaxed. After the swim stop, you’ll have time for tapas and you’ll keep the drinks flowing. The plan includes unlimited beverages—beer and wine plus non-alcoholic options—so you’re not stuck calculating whether you can afford another glass.

The food is tapas on board, and you’ll also see it described as lunch on board. In practice, that means you can expect a satisfying post-swim meal without needing to leave the boat and find a restaurant immediately. It’s a smart setup for people who want their evening free or their day to keep moving.

One thing that stood out from the onboard vibe is that it can include music as part of the atmosphere. That helps make the return portion feel like a proper hangout rather than a quiet transit back to shore. For groups celebrating something—like a bachelorette plan—it’s the kind of setting that makes people instantly cheerful.

Alcohol, Non-Alcohol, and the On-Board Pace

This tour includes both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and that’s a practical quality. Not everyone wants wine or beer during a sea outing, and you shouldn’t have to swap plans because of it. You can keep the social rhythm going either way.

The pacing stays easy. Two hours is tight, so there isn’t time for a long lecture or extra stops. Instead, you get a focused experience: sail out, take in the coast, swim, then tap back into food and drinks.

If you’re sensitive to motion or you’re someone who feels uneasy on boats, you should take the “not suitable for motion sickness” note seriously. It’s not just a technicality. On-water nausea can ruin the whole evening, and there’s no motion sickness pill provided—so you can’t rely on the operator to fix that problem.

What You’re Really Paying For: Value at $31

At about $31 per person for a 2-hour sail with unlimited drinks, tapas, and an open-water swim stop, the value is the combination. Most Barcelona boat activities either focus on a scenic cruise or on a party vibe with drinks. This one stacks the two—views plus swimming plus onboard food.

The price becomes more reasonable when you compare it to the cost of a normal day out that includes:

• a marina-based activity
• a true swim stop in open water (not a dockside splash)
• unlimited drinks for a set window of time
• tapas without you having to search for a restaurant afterward

You’re also getting the benefit of the small-group format. A “big crowd on a boat” is a different experience than a handful of people with room to move and talk. The tour leans into that comfort, which is part of why the vibe can feel celebratory without being chaotic.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Should Skip It)

This is ideal if you want Barcelona views with a real sea moment. If you like boats, swimming in the ocean, and you’re comfortable around open water, you’ll probably love the setup. The small group also fits people who want something friendlier than a mass tour.

It’s not suitable for: children under 15, pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, people with epilepsy, people over 287 lbs (130 kg), and people over 70. It also isn’t suitable for people with motion sickness. If any of those apply, it’s best to choose another sailing option that fits your needs.

Be honest with yourself about the swim stop. Deep water swimming is the whole point, so if you’re looking for “boat ride only,” this may feel like the wrong activity.

Practical Tips: What to Bring and What to Watch For

You don’t need much. The key item is beachwear. But make sure your plan includes what the boat doesn’t provide.

• Towels are not included, so plan how you’ll dry off after swimming.
• Sunscreen isn’t included, so bring it if sun protection matters to you.
• A motion sickness pill isn’t included, so if you know you’re prone to nausea, handle it before you come.
• Wear gear that you can swim in without stress, and think about how you’ll change after.

Also, since the tour is in open water, the sea breeze can affect how you feel. Even when the sun is strong, wind can trick you into thinking you’re cool. Then you realize you’re getting sun anyway.

Finally, timing matters. Meet at gate number 12 so you can board without rushing. Boats hate late starts. And a two-hour plan leaves little margin for delays.

The Captain and Guide Experience: Friendly, Professional Energy

The tour runs with a live guide in English and Spanish. That language coverage matters because you’ll want to understand what you’re seeing as landmarks pass by the boat. It also helps for questions—like where you’re heading during sailing or what to expect during the swim stop.

On the captain side, you may be lucky enough to meet Captain Alan, who has been described as super friendly and professional, keeping guests entertained throughout. That personality piece matters on a boat tour. A good host keeps the atmosphere relaxed and makes the timing feel easy, especially around the swim stop.

Should You Book This Barcelona Sailing and Tapas Tour?

Book it if you want a short, high-reward outing: unlimited drinks, tapas, and a real open-water swim with skyline views from the sea. It’s great for couples, small friend groups, and anyone celebrating something who wants a fun, social setup without spending all night planning dinner.

Skip it if you don’t handle open water well, if motion sickness is a frequent issue, or if you want a boat day that’s purely sightseeing with no deep-water swim component. Also be sure you can comfortably meet the fit requirements for age and mobility notes.

If your priority is seeing Barcelona’s big icons from the water while still getting the kind of experience you can’t mimic on a land tour, this one is a strong choice for the money.

FAQ

How long is the sailing and tapas tour?

It lasts 2 hours.

Where do I meet the group?

You meet at gate number 12 of the Olympic Harbor (Port Olímpic). The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What drinks are included?

Unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are included on board.

Is there food included?

Yes. You’ll have tapas on board, and it’s also described as lunch on board.

Do we swim during the tour?

Yes. There are swimming stops in the open sea, plus paddle board and floats are included.

What should I bring?

Bring beachwear. Towels and sunscreen are not included, and there is also no motion sickness pill included.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

It’s not suitable for children under 15, pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, people with epilepsy, people over 287 lbs (130 kg), people over 70 years, and people with motion sickness.