A Day on a Sailing Boat with Barbecue on the Costa Brava: An Unforgettable Experience
Imagine the gentle rocking of a sailing boat, the salty scent of the Mediterranean and the sun warming your skin as you cruise through the turquoise waters of the Costa Brava. A day on a sailing boat with a barbecue on the Costa Brava is more than just a trip; it’s a chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Catalan coastline, pause and disconnect from everyday life, and savour open-air moments. From the deck, the coast reveals itself from a unique perspective, with hidden coves and cliffs plunging into the sea.
This experience combines the tranquillity of sailing with the joy of sharing a freshly cooked meal in an idyllic setting. Get ready to discover seascapes, take a dip in crystal-clear waters and enjoy an onboard barbecue that everyone will love. We’ll tell you everything you need to know to plan your adventure.
What to Expect from a Day on a Sailing Boat with Barbecue on the Costa Brava
A day on a sailing boat along the Costa Brava offers a full day of relaxation and adventure. Itineraries usually start mid-morning, setting sail from one of the local ports, such as Port Marina Palamós, to explore the beauty of the coastline. During the sail, you can enjoy panoramic views of the coast, with its rock formations and Mediterranean vegetation, while feeling the sea breeze.
The trips include strategic stops in quiet coves, where the sailing boat drops anchor so passengers can enjoy a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters. It’s a chance to swim, relax in the sun or even try snorkelling and explore the marine life. The crew, often including expert guides, makes sure everything runs smoothly, answering questions and sharing interesting facts about the area.
The highlight of the day is the onboard barbecue, prepared while the sailing boat is at anchor. It’s a relaxed, sociable experience, where the aroma of freshly cooked food mingles with the sea air. A day like this lets you appreciate the Costa Brava from a different perspective, combining sailing with leisure and gastronomy. For those looking for a full-day experience, some options run from 10am to 6pm, giving you plenty of time to enjoy every moment.
If you’re after a full day at sea, exploring the coast and enjoying a delicious meal, there are some very complete options worth considering for your trip.
Routes and Points of Interest: Coves and Landscapes You’ll Discover
Sailing routes along the Costa Brava are designed to showcase the best of this stretch of coastline. Departing from ports such as Port Marina Palamós or Blanes, the sailing boats head towards coves and points of interest that are only accessible from the sea, or that look especially stunning from a distance. Along the way, you can admire spots like s’Agulla, Santa Cristina beach, Cala de Fenals and the iconic Castell den Plaja in Lloret de Mar, standing majestically on the cliff.
Other regular stops include Cala Tortuga and Cala Canyelles, known for their transparent waters and natural surroundings. The expert guides on board often share stories and interesting facts about these areas, enriching the experience. The sound of water against the hull of the sailing boat and the sight of sun-drenched cliffs create an atmosphere of calm and wonder.
The catamaran sails for an hour to a secluded cove, where it anchors for two hours, giving you time to swim and snorkel. Meanwhile, the crew prepares a barbecue on board, making the meal a highly anticipated and delicious moment. It’s a wonderful way to explore the natural beauty of the coast, from its beaches to its sea caves, with the convenience of having everything organised for you.
The Onboard Barbecue: Menu and Drinks Included
The onboard barbecue is one of the biggest highlights of these sailing trips, turning mealtime into a memorable experience out at sea. The menu is usually varied and designed to suit all tastes, with a free-flow buffet-style meal that lets everyone help themselves. Typically, pasta with fresh salad or tomato sauce is included — just the thing after a good swim.
For the main course, beef burgers and marinated chicken chunks are usually served, freshly grilled on board. They come with bread and a selection of sauces to complement them. To finish the meal on a sweet, refreshing note, there’s fruit salad for dessert — perfect for the Mediterranean climate.
As for drinks, most trips include water throughout the journey. In addition, five drinks are usually included — beer, sangria or soft drinks — so you can toast and soak up the atmosphere. In some cases, the captain may allow you to buy extra drinks at a reasonable price, giving you flexibility if you fancy something else. Everything is designed to make the dining experience as enjoyable as the sailing trip itself.
To make sure you get the best food-and-drink package, it’s a good idea to compare the different options available. That way, you’ll find the one that best suits your preferences for this experience.
Departure Options: From Lloret de Mar and Other Nearby Ports
The Costa Brava offers multiple departure points for these sailing trips, making it easy to find a convenient option no matter where you’re staying. From Lloret de Mar, although there isn’t a large marina for big sailing boats, nautical activities are often coordinated from nearby points or with transfers to board at larger ports.
Ports like Port Marina Palamós are a popular departure point for full-day activities running from 10am to 6pm. Blanes is also a key spot, offering departures on motor and sailing catamarans. Another option is Tossa de Mar, where sailing boats with barbecue depart to explore its coastline.
Further north, L’Estartit offers sailing boat rentals and is an excellent base for exploring the Medes Islands. Finally, Calella de Palafrugell is another important port for sailing and snorkelling trips, visiting iconic spots on the Costa Brava. The choice of port will depend on where you’re staying and the specific route you want to take, as each one provides access to different stretches of the coast.
Practical Tips for Your Sailing Trip
To make the most of your day on a sailing boat, it’s important to come prepared. First and foremost, bring high-factor sunscreen, a hat or cap and sunglasses, as sun exposure is stronger out at sea. Swimwear and a towel are essential for the swimming stops in the coves. Even though the barbecue is included, bringing an extra bottle of water never hurts, especially on the hottest days.
The duration of these activities can vary. There are shorter trips of around 3.5 hours that include barbecue and drinks (water, beer, sangria or soft drinks), as well as stops for swimming if conditions allow. There are also full-day experiences, such as the 10am–6pm departures from Port Marina Palamós, which offer a deeper immersion in sailing and leisure. It’s important to check the duration when booking so you can choose the one that best fits your plans.
The best time to go on a sailing trip along the Costa Brava is during the high season, from June to September. During these months, the weather is warmer and sea conditions are usually more favourable for sailing and swimming. Outside this season, some companies may operate with reduced schedules or depending on demand. It’s advisable to book in advance, especially if you’re travelling in summer, to secure your spot. Some trips, when tide and wind conditions are suitable, include the use of floating platforms and water mats for swimming — a great extra that adds fun to your dip.
Planning ahead and keeping these details in mind will help you make the most of your time at sea.
Additional Activities: Snorkelling and Floating Platforms
A day on a sailing boat along the Costa Brava isn’t just about sailing; it’s also a chance to connect with the sea in other ways. Many trips include stops in quiet, secluded coves that are perfect for swimming. Snorkelling is a very popular activity here, letting participants dive in and observe the marine life in the transparent Mediterranean waters. Bringing your own snorkel gear, or asking whether it’s provided on board, can enhance the experience.
In addition to swimming and snorkelling, some boats offer extra amenities for enjoying the water. If tide and wind conditions are right, the sailing boat may have floating platforms and water mats. These let you relax on the water, sunbathe or simply float comfortably. These extras add a playful touch to the day, making time at anchor just as fun as the sailing itself.
It’s an excellent way to make the most of the stops in the coves, especially if you enjoy water activities. The feeling of floating in the sea while listening to the gentle sound of the waves is an experience that perfectly complements the sailing.
Why Choose Apartamento Remo for Your Stay in Lloret de Mar
If you’re planning your nautical adventure on the Costa Brava and looking for practical, well-located accommodation in Lloret de Mar, Apartamento Remo is an option worth considering. Its location is ideal for combining beach relaxation with easy access to the town’s activities. The apartment is just 800 metres from Lloret beach, which translates into a pleasant 15-minute walk.
In addition to being close to the coast, the centre of Lloret de Mar is also about a 15-minute walk away, making it easy to explore restaurants, shops and nightlife without needing a car. After an intense day on a sailing boat, enjoying the barbecue and swimming in the sea, having a comfortable place to rest is essential. Apartamento Remo offers a cosy base from which to plan your trips, with prices from €100 per night and a cleaning fee of €45.
If you’re organising your visit, this selection of activities usually fits well with this plan.
A day on a sailing boat with a barbecue along the Costa Brava is a complete experience that combines the beauty of the seascape with the fun of water activities and a delicious meal. It’s a different way to explore hidden coves and enjoy the Mediterranean essence, especially during the summer months. From the panoramic views to the dips in crystal-clear waters, every moment is designed for enjoyment.
For those looking for a getaway to the Costa Brava who want to combine nautical trips with the comfort of great accommodation, Apartamento Remo in Lloret de Mar is an ideal base. Its proximity to the beaches — just 800 metres away — and to the centre, a 15-minute walk, lets you organise your days flexibly and without hassle, whether it’s for a day on a sailing boat or exploring the town.