If you’re the kind of person who would rather be riding the waves than catching the rays, then you’ll be pleased to know that there are loads of great aquatic sports you can enjoy in Barcelona. Whether you’re looking to try something out for the first time, or you’re already a pro, there are plenty of great clubs and schools that can sort you out with just what you need in the Catalan capital.
Windsurfing
Not for the faint-hearted, windsurfing requires strength, stamina, and a fair dose of courage, but it is one of the best aquatic sports for adrenaline junkies. Here in Barcelona, one of the best places to check out for classes and equipment rental is the municipal Nautical Base along the Mar Bella beach. Renting a windsurfer costs from just €20 an hour, or you can book a class with a qualified instructor from €70 for two hours.
Also known as SUP (stand-up paddle) or paddle surfing, this is one of the latest water-sport crazes to hit the Catalan capital, and there are a growing number of schools offering classes. While it’s not as fast-paced as some other aquatic sports, it’s an excellent workout for your core muscles, and there’s a growing trend for doing yoga classes on paddle boards. Located by Port Olympic, the Stand-Up Surf School offers training at a range of levels as well as board rentals and even SUP Yoga.
While the Mediterranean might not have the biggest waves in the world, it’s a great place to learn to surf and can be good fun even for pros on a good day. A family-run business which was originally set up in the Basque Country, Pukas Surf School is one of the city’s best places to rent kit and take surf classes, either as a beginner or to polish your skills if they’ve gotten a little rusty. They’re located at the very tip of the Barceloneta, just across from the iconic W Hotel, so you don’t have to worry about carrying your board very far.
Perhaps the simplest of ways to enjoy the open seas, renting a boat in Barcelona is great fun for families or groups of friends. At the top end, and for those who have a license, Charter & Dreams offer a range of boats starting from medium-sized yachts all the way up to luxury super-yachts. However, if you’re looking for something more budget-friendly and without the need for a license, you’ll be pleased to hear that the local tourism board rents license-free boats from just €60 an hour.
If you’re a fan of high speeds and adrenaline, then Barcelona’s jet skis will have you whizzing with delight. At Barcelona Jet Skis, located just by the Port Forum, you can rent a jet ski for 30 minutes to a couple of hours and go and have some fun on the waves. Alternatively, you can book an excursion to the Costa Brava or Garraf for the chance to discover the local coastline a little differently.
Not one for those who are afraid of heights, parasailing is a fun way to get to know the city from a different angle and can be very relaxing for those who ease into it. At Water Sports Barcelona, you can book an individual 15-minute experience, or up to an hour for a group of four, with a professional on hand at all times to make the experience as safe and enjoyable as possible. Climb to 85 meters above sea level and relax as you’re guided across Barcelona’s skyline.
If these last two sports sound like something out of the future, it’s because they pretty much are. Feel yourself propelled into the air thanks to powerful water jets which are attached either to a pair of special boots (flyboarding) or board you strap to your feet (hoverboarding). Have fun making back-flips and other figures in the air thanks to these quirky pieces of equipment which you can rent in the center of Barcelona at Aventura Nautica BCN.
