Barcelona Badalona : Sailboat Tour, Snacks, Drinks, Swimming

Imagine gliding along the coast of Catalonia aboard a charming French sailboat, with the city’s bustling skyline shimmering in the distance and the gentle movement of the sea beneath you. That’s exactly what Sail Away Barcelona offers with their 2-hour shared sailboat tour from Badalona. This experience isn’t just about sailing — it’s a chance to see Barcelona from a different perspective, enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, and indulge in some memorable snacks and drinks.

What I find appealing about this adventure is how flexible and personalized it can be — whether you’re celebrating a birthday, proposing, or just looking for a tranquil afternoon, the crew is eager to customize the experience. Two features that truly stand out are the opportunity to try paddleboarding in calm waters and the stunning skyline views that you can enjoy with binoculars provided on board. The only possible consideration? The experience lasts just two hours, so if you’re craving a longer cruise, you might need to look elsewhere or book multiple sessions. Still, for a quick escape, it hits the sweet spot.

Key points / Takeaways

• Unique French Sailboat: One of only 46 in the world, providing an authentic and rare sailing vessel crafted in Brittany, France.
• Personalized Experience: The crew can tailor the trip for special occasions like birthdays or proposals, making it more than just a boat ride.
• Stunning Views and Sightseeing: Use binoculars to catch Barcelona’s landmarks from the sea, a highlight for fans of cityscapes and coastlines.
• Activities for All: Paddleboarding, swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing on deck, suitable for families and adventure lovers alike.
• Excellent Value: At $46 per person, the experience offers a lot of fun, scenic beauty, and relaxation for a reasonable price.
• Highly Praised Guides: The crew, often credited with being friendly, knowledgeable, and accommodating, elevates the trip.

Starting Point and Logistics: The tour begins at the port in Badalona, right in front of the TELA MARINERA restaurant. It’s a straightforward meeting, with the captain ready to welcome you aboard. The activity lasts 2 hours, with flexible starting times depending on availability. No need for transport arrangements if you’re nearby, but note that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

The Sailboat: The boat itself is a 36-foot French vessel, crafted by a small shipyard in Brittany. It’s a rare find — only 46 of these models exist worldwide — and lends an elegant, classic charm that immediately sets a special tone. Many reviews highlight the boat’s comfort and spaciousness, making it suitable for families, couples, or small groups.

Onboard Atmosphere and Activities: Once aboard, the crew sets a relaxed vibe with music and offers an array of activities. You’ll have binoculars to scan the Barcelona skyline, which includes famous landmarks like the Sagrada Família and the Montjuïc hill. For those who enjoy physical activity, paddleboarding is available in the calm waters, a fun way to explore and cool off. During nice weather, swimming in the crystal-clear sea is an option, though some reviews mention that choppy or cold conditions might keep you on deck instead.

Snacks and Drinks: One feature that gets consistent praise is the complimentary snacks and drinks — from soft drinks and cava to beer and vermouth. Many reviewers mention how much they appreciated relaxing with a glass of cava while taking in the scenery. The host, often described as passionate and friendly, serves these with a personal touch, making the experience feel more like a private gathering than a generic tour.

Guides and Personal Touches: Guides like Jean or Joan often speak multiple languages (English, French, Spanish), which helps create a welcoming atmosphere for international visitors. Several reviews lauded guides for their warmth, humor, and knowledge, with one reviewer noting that Jean even took photos during the trip, adding a personal and memorable touch.

Family Friendly and Customization: The tour is very kid-friendly, with life jackets for children, games, and entertainment. If you’re celebrating a special day or event, the crew is happy to customize the experience, adding candles, decorations, or special stops, making it ideal for private parties or romantic surprises.

Departure and Orientation: Upon arrival, the skipper greets you with warmth and efficiency. You’ll get a brief safety briefing and orientation, after which the boat departs into the calm waters of Badalona and the Mediterranean.

Sailing and Skyline Viewing: As you gently sail along, you’ll enjoy the sights of Barcelona’s horizon. The binoculars come in handy to spot iconic landmarks, giving you a feeling of floating above the city rather than being confined to streets and museums. The guides share stories and anecdotes, often highlighting local history or maritime trivia, making the experience educational as well as scenic.

Activities During the Trip: Paddleboarding in the peaceful waters is a definite highlight — many reviewers mention how easy it is to try, regardless of skill level. The paddleboard allows you to explore the coast up close and gives a sense of adventure. If swimming is your thing, weather conditions will influence whether you take a dip, but the option is there, and many find it refreshing.

Snacks and Relaxation: The highlight for many is relaxing on the deck with a drink and snacks. Many rave about the selection — from cava and beer to vermouth and finger foods. One reviewer noted, “I spent my birthday on the boat, and it couldn’t have started better.” The calm atmosphere, combined with good company and great views, makes for a memorable experience.

Sunset and Evening Options: Some tours are offered in the late afternoon or evening, allowing you to watch the sunset over Barcelona. These moments are often called “magical” in reviews, with the city lights flickering on as the sky transitions from blue to gold.

Families with children will appreciate the safety features, games, and relaxed pace. The boat is spacious enough for kids to move around, and the crew’s friendly attitude makes it easy for families to feel comfortable.

Couples and small groups seeking a romantic or intimate adventure will find the sunset sails especially charming. The ability to customize the tour adds a special romantic touch, perfect for proposals or celebrations.

Anyone interested in scenic views and a laid-back atmosphere will enjoy the calm sailing and the opportunity to see Barcelona from the water. The professional guides and high ratings suggest an experience that’s both fun and well-organized.

Budget-conscious travelers will find the price of $46 per person highly reasonable, given the included activities, snacks, and scenic value. For the cost, you get a unique perspective of Barcelona that’s hard to match with land-based tours.

For $46, you get two hours of sailing, snacks, drinks, paddleboarding, and the chance to swim — all with a small group of up to nine people. Considering the personalized service, exclusive French sailboat, and the scenic wonders, this offers excellent value for money. You won’t find many experiences that combine relaxation, adventure, and cultural sightseeing so seamlessly in such an intimate setting.

Keep in mind that the activity doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off, so plan to meet directly at the port. The convenient meeting point in Badalona makes it accessible if you’re staying nearby or exploring the area.

This sailboat trip is ideal for travelers wanting a relaxing, scenic escape from the busy streets of Barcelona. It’s perfect for those who enjoy small group outings, personalized service, and a mix of activities — swimming, paddleboarding, or simply soaking up the sun with a drink in hand. Families with kids will find it safe and entertaining, while couples can tailor it for romantic moments.

The knowledgeable and friendly guides, combined with the exclusivity of the French sailboat, make it a memorable way to see Barcelona from a new angle. At a fair price, it’s a solid choice for anyone eager to experience the Catalan coast in style and comfort.

What is the meeting point for the tour? The tour starts in front of the port’s pontoon door, specifically near the TELA MARINERA restaurant in Badalona.

How long is the sailboat experience? The activity lasts exactly 2 hours, with flexible starting times based on availability.

Is the tour suitable for children? Yes, the experience is kid-friendly. Life jackets for children and entertainment are provided to ensure a safe and fun outing for families.

What drinks and snacks are included? Expect seasonal snacks along with soft drinks, cava, beer, and vermouth, served in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Can I customize the experience? Absolutely. The crew can tailor the tour for special occasions like birthdays, proposals, or stag parties.

Is paddleboarding included? Yes, paddleboarding is part of the experience and suitable for all levels.

Do I need to bring anything? Just remember to pack sunscreen! Everything else, including safety gear and binoculars, is provided.

Are there any weather considerations? Yes, swimming depends on the weather. If conditions are choppy or cold, swimming might be limited, but the other activities still make for a great trip.

All in all, this sailboat tour from Badalona provides a charming, intimate, and scenic way to experience Barcelona’s coastline. Whether you’re after a peaceful afternoon, a fun family outing, or a romantic sunset cruise, it offers excellent value and authentic charm that few land-based experiences can match.