Barcelona looks different when you view it from water level. I love how fast you get out to open sea from Port Olímpic, and how the tour rolls up the best hits of the skyline without wasting time. The captain, Alan, keeps things friendly and organized, with a steady rhythm that makes the whole trip feel easy.

I also like the mix of unlimited drinks and tapas that happen after the swim. It turns a sightseeing sail into an actually fun plan. One thing to weigh: this is not for everyone—there’s no towel provided, and the experience is specifically not suitable for people with motion sickness.

The best part: the sea swim and the views

The big payoff is the swim stop in deeper Mediterranean water off the coast. You get a chance to cool off when the sun is doing its thing, plus you’ll have paddle board and floats available. And from the boat, you see standout Barcelona landmarks along the shoreline—Sagrada Familia, the W Hotel, and the Agbar Tower among others.

One practical consideration before you go

Think about how you handle boats and sun. You should come ready with beachwear and plan on sun care you bring yourself, since towels and sunscreen aren’t included. If you get seasick easily or you’re not comfortable with open-water swimming, this tour is probably the wrong fit.

Key highlights at a glance

• Open-sea swim time off the Barcelona coast, not just a quick splash
• Unlimited beer and wine plus non-alcoholic drinks on board
• Sail along the coastline with landmark views from the water
• Tapas and onboard snacks after swimming, with music on board
• Small group (up to 6) for a more personal feel
• Paddle board and floats to use during the water time

Where you start: Port Olímpic and the “right side of Barcelona”

This tour launches from the marina area of Port Olimpic, and you meet at gate number 12 of the Olympic Harbor. That matters more than it sounds. Port Olimpic is set up for boats, so you spend less time figuring out logistics and more time out on the water—where Barcelona does its best work for views.

If you’re building a short itinerary, this is also an easier decision because the trip is only 2 hours. You’re not signing up for an all-day commitment, and it fits well between other plans in the city. You’ll get the feeling of being away from traffic and crowds without the day-long travel headache.

Boarding the Sun Odyssey 34 with a small crew

You board the Sun Odyssey 34 and head out with a live tour guide (English and Spanish). The group is limited to just 6 participants, which changes the vibe. On a small boat, you’re not lost in the background—you’re part of the day’s pacing. You’ll get the captain’s attention when it counts, and you don’t feel like you’re herded.

The captain you’ll be with is a key part of why people enjoy this sailing so much. In one case, Alan is specifically mentioned as friendly and professional, and that matches what you should look for in a short coastal sail: clear guidance, relaxed energy, and no awkward pauses.

The sailing route: seeing Barcelona’s skyline from the waterline

Once you set sail toward open water off the coast of Barcelona, the experience shifts from city-watching to shoreline-reading. You get to see the entire coastline from the sea, and that’s where the big-name landmarks come in.

From the water, you can spot places like:

• Sagrada Familia
• W Hotel
• Agbar Tower

What I like about this approach is that you don’t just see the buildings—you see how they relate to the waterfront. From the sea, you also get more perspective on the shape of the bay and the coastline. It feels like your eyes are finally getting the full map, not just street-level fragments.

And because it’s only 2 hours, you’re seeing a lot without overthinking the route. You get the visual payoff and then you move to the part most people actually come for: swimming.

Drinks and tapas: the part that turns a sail into a party

On board, you’ll have unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. That’s not a “sip a drink and that’s it” setup. You can keep the mood going while you watch the coastline roll by.

Then you get tapas on board after swimming. The format is casual—think onboard snacks and tapas rather than a formal plated meal—and it’s timed so your energy matches what you did in the water. In at least one account, there’s also mention of music on board, which helps a lot on a short trip. It keeps the atmosphere light, especially if you’re on a celebration.

A small note: because drinks are unlimited, it’s smart to pace yourself. The sun and salt air can sneak up fast, and the boat is moving. Have fun, but don’t treat it like a nonstop party.

Deep-water swim stops: what to expect and how to get ready

The tour includes swimming stops in the open sea. That’s the headline for a reason. You’re not just standing in shallow water near the marina—you’re out off the coast in deeper conditions where the water actually feels refreshing.

You’ll have paddle board and floats available too. That gives you options, especially if you want time in the water without committing to a long swim.

Practical prep matters here:

• Bring beachwear. You’ll want to be ready to go straight into the water time.
• Bring your own towel and sunscreen. Those aren’t included.
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, seriously consider skipping. This activity isn’t suitable for people with motion sickness, and that’s exactly the type of risk that ruins a boat day.

Also, if you’re going to be a little nervous about open water, go in with a plan. Start slow, use the floats if that makes you comfortable, and treat the first minutes as a warm-up instead of a test.

Pacing and timing: why 2 hours works so well here

This is one of those tours where the time limit is a benefit, not a drawback. 2 hours gives you:

• a stretch of sailing along the coastline
• a swim stop
• drinks and tapas afterward

It’s enough to feel like an experience, but not so long that you’re trapped on the boat waiting for the right moment. For many people, this kind of timing is perfect for an evening plan—especially when you want a water-based highlight without committing your whole day.

You’ll also want to check starting times based on availability. The duration stays the same, but departure time will affect what the light looks like on the skyline and how the sea feels.

Price and value: is $31 a fair deal?

At $31 per person, this tour is positioned for value. And the value isn’t just the boat ride. You’re getting a bundle:

• unlimited drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
• tapas on board
• open-sea swimming stops
• paddle board and floats
• a live guide in English and Spanish
• and a small group setup limited to 6

When you compare that to typical Barcelona boating costs, the deal comes down to one main question: are you the kind of person who will use the extras? If you plan to swim, enjoy drinks, and want the skyline views, then the price becomes easy to justify.

If you’re only interested in being a passive observer—no swimming, no drinks—then the value shrinks. But most people booking this kind of sail are there for exactly the combo of sea views plus water time.

Who should book this sailing tour

This tour is a strong fit if you:

• want a short, fun sailing experience without a full-day schedule
• care about landmarks from the sea, especially Sagrada Familia and the waterfront skyline
• will actually use unlimited drinks and enjoy tapas as part of the plan
• like small groups and want a more personal feel

It’s also been a hit for celebrations like a bachelorette party, which makes sense. A small boat + music + drinks + views is basically the recipe for a memorable group moment.

Who should skip (or choose something else)

There are several clear limits built into the experience. It’s not suitable for:

• children under 15
• pregnant women
• people with mobility impairments
• people with epilepsy
• people over 287 lbs (130 kg)
• people with motion sickness
• people over 70 years

I’d treat these as non-negotiable. With swimming stops in open sea and a boat setting, it’s better to match the tour to your comfort level from the start.

What to pack (and what’s missing on purpose)

Don’t overpack, but don’t forget the basics.

Bring:

• beachwear

Plan on bringing yourself:

• towels (not included)
• sunscreen (not included)
• a way to handle sun and comfort, since you won’t be provided those items

Also, skip it entirely if you’re motion-sickness prone. The tour specifically isn’t suitable for that.

The overall vibe: a friendly coastal reset

What makes this sail feel special is that it doesn’t try to be a complicated production. You board at Port Olimpic, set off along the coast to see the big skyline hits, then you get your water time and your food/drinks afterward. That order is smart.

The sea swim gives you a real break from the city. The landmark views give you the Barcelona postcard effect. And the unlimited drinks + tapas keep it from feeling like a chore. In a two-hour window, you leave with stories, photos, and that calm, sun-warmed feeling that’s hard to recreate on land.

Should you book this Port Olímpic sailing tour with tapas and swimming?

Yes, if you want a value-packed, small-group sailing outing that includes real open-sea swimming, unlimited drinks, and tapas after. The combination of coastline landmark views plus water time is exactly what a short Barcelona trip needs.

Skip it if open-water swimming doesn’t sound like your thing, if you get seasick, or if you want towels and sunscreen provided. Also, be honest about mobility and comfort—this is a boat experience with movement and water stops.

If you match the tour to your comfort level, this is the kind of Barcelona activity you’ll remember as more than a sightseeing line item.

FAQ

What time does this 2-hour sailing tour start?

The experience lasts 2 hours, but starting times depend on availability. Check available times before you book.

Where do I meet for the boat tour?

You meet at gate number 12 of the Olympic Harbor (Port Olimpic).

What is included in the price?

The tour includes unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages on board, tapas, a swim stop in open sea, and paddle board and floats.

Are non-alcoholic drinks included?

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

Will there be swimming?

Yes. The tour includes swimming stops in the open sea.

Is paddle boarding available?

Yes. Paddle board and floats are included for use during the water time.

What language is the guide in?

The live tour guide is available in English and Spanish.

Is this tour suitable for children?

No. It is not suitable for children under 15.

What should I bring?

You should bring beachwear. Towels and sunscreen are not included, so you’ll want to bring them if you need them.

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