Barcelona Waterfront Activities

For those who are done bronzing and want to do something active, there are several options around Port Vell and Vila Olímpica, both on water and land. Boating and beach sports abound, and there’s a coastal bike path (4km).

Las Golondrinas (☎934 42 31 06; www.lasgolondrinas.com), on Portal de la Pau. Drassanes, L3. At the foot of the Monument a Colom, in Port Vell. double-decker ferries chug around the entire Port Vell, as far as Montjuïc and back. (35min., €6, ages 4-10 €2.60). A longer excursion includes a tour of Port Olímpic. (1½hr.; €13, seniors and students €10, ages 4-10 €5). Ticket office open daily July-Sept. 10am-9pm, Oct.-Mar. 11am-6pm, Apr.-June 10am-7pm. Closed from Dec. 15 to Jan. 3. MC/V.
Catamarán Orsom (☎934 41 05 37, fax 934 41 21 14; www.barcelona-orsom.com), right next to Las Golondrinas on Portal de la Pau in Port Vell. Drassanes, L3. This 75 ft. catamaran will take you on a more upscale, relaxing sail around the Barcelona with full bar service. The afternoon rides feature live Jazz. 1½hr. cruises at noon (€13, ages 11-18 and seniors €9.50, ages 4-10 €6.50, under 4 free). Jazz cruises at 3:30 and 6pm (€15, ages 11-18 and seniors €13, ages 4-10 €6.50, under 4 free). Cash only.

Watersport Rentals

Base Náutica de Mar Bella (☎932 21 04 32; www.basenautica.org), on Platja de la Mar Bella. The Mar Bella nautical base offers classes in windsurfing (€185 per 10hr.), catamaran sailing (€216 per 12hr.), kayaking (€124 per 10hr.), and diving and navigation. The base also rents kayaks (€14 per hr.), windsurfing boards (€23 per hr.), and leads group trips. Summer camps offered for children (5-day €105, 10-day €212). Membership (€183 per year) brings a 10-30% discount off all courses and rentals. Open daily May-Aug. 10am-8pm, Sept.-Oct. and Apr. 10am-7pm, Nov.-Mar. 10am-5:30pm.
Centre Municipal de Vela (☎932 25 79 40; www.velabarcelona.com), at Moll de Gregal Port Olímpic, in the left corner of the port as you walk toward the water, lower level. Like the nautical base, the municipal sailing center offers lessons in windsurfing, sailing, and navigation as well as member services including saunas and massages. This posh workout palace is a more expensive, elite option than the nautical base, with a plethora of offerings; check the website or pick up an informational newsletter at the front desk. Membership is €201 annually, ages 15-20 €160, under 15 €125. Family rates available. Open daily May-Aug. 9am-9pm, Mar.-Apr. and Sept.-Oct. 9am-8pm, Nov.-Feb. 9am-6pm.