Sailing in Barcelona with Kids: A Practical Guide for Families

Is a sailing trip in Barcelona suitable for children?

For us, the answer is yes. Our three children have grown up around boats, and we have seen how sailing can be both calming and exciting for children of very different ages.

Some children are fascinated by the sails, the ropes and the changing view of the coastline. Others simply enjoy sitting with their family and watching the water, while babies and very young children will sometimes fall asleep with the gentle movement of the boat.

And then there are those who are so excited by this new environment that they want to explore every corner, moving between the cockpit and the cabin and asking questions about everything they see. That is perfectly natural too. With clear rules, a properly fitted life jacket and close adult supervision, they can discover the boat safely without taking away from their sense of adventure.

Some children may also feel a little unsure when they first step aboard. A boat is an unfamiliar environment: it moves, makes new sounds and feels very different from being on land. In our experience, most children gradually relax as they become familiar with the space and understand what is happening around them. Giving them time, explaining things calmly and involving them in simple ways can help them feel increasingly safe and confident.

Every child is different, however, and parents know their children best. Wind, sunshine and changing temperatures can have a greater effect on babies and very young children, so thoughtful preparation is important.

Is there a minimum age?

We are often asked whether there is a minimum age for joining a sailing trip. The honest answer is that there is not one here. We have welcomed babies who sleep through the whole trip and teenagers who want to learn the ropes, and everything in between.

Our youngest first came sailing when she was barely one. Before long, the boat had become such a familiar place that she almost learned to walk on deck. Admittedly, choosing a moving sailboat for her first steps did not exactly make things easier for her — but she handled the extra challenge surprisingly well!

That does not mean every baby will feel the same, but it shows that very small children can feel at home on a sailboat when the conditions are right.

The decision to bring a baby or very young child belongs to the parents. Consider your child's routine, sensitivity to wind and sun, and how comfortable you feel spending time together on a sailboat. Choosing suitable weather and bringing the right protection from the sun and wind will make the experience more comfortable.

What happens during the sailing trip?

After a warm welcome and a short safety briefing, we leave the harbour and begin sailing along the Barcelona coastline. Families can settle into the cockpit or enjoy the view from the deck, within the safe areas explained by Jean.

Children usually find their own way to enjoy the boat. Some want to know what every rope does, watch the sails and ask Jean plenty of questions. Others prefer a quieter moment: they can look through one of the children’s books or play with the toys we keep aboard especially for them. And sometimes, simply watching the water is more than enough. The sea and the boat tend to provide plenty of entertainment on their own.

When the weather and sea conditions allow, we stop for a swim and bring out the paddleboard and inflatable buoy — often the moment the children have been waiting for. Ours certainly do!

For the more adventurous ones, Jean can even tow the buoy gently behind the boat. A sailboat does not exactly race across the water, so it is more of a fun little ride than a high-speed thrill — but our children never seem to tire of it.

The swimming stop and equipment are included in the experience, not offered as paid extras. As always, the skipper makes the final decision according to the conditions and everyone’s safety.

Once everyone is back aboard, we enjoy a little more time on the water before sailing back to the harbour.

Is the sailboat safe for children?

The sailboat is prepared to welcome families, and guests receive clear safety information before departure.

Life jackets are available on board. Children can wear one throughout the trip for additional reassurance, even when they know how to swim. Our youngest still wears hers, while for older children we adapt the precautions according to their age, the conditions and the skipper’s instructions.

Adults remain responsible for supervising their children and should follow the skipper's instructions, particularly when children move around the boat.

Do we need sailing experience?

Not at all.

Guests do not need to understand sailing, handle the boat or know any nautical terminology. The skipper manages the trip, so families can simply relax and enjoy the experience.

Curious children and adults are welcome to ask questions about the sailboat and how sailing works.

Do children need to know how to swim?

Knowing how to swim is not required to join the sailing trip.

When a swimming stop is possible, non-swimmers may enter the water with a life jacket when the skipper considers the conditions appropriate. Children must always remain closely supervised by their parents or responsible adults.

Nobody is required to swim. Guests who prefer to stay on board can continue relaxing on the sailboat.

Is a swimming stop always included?

A swimming stop is offered on every trip whenever the weather, water temperature and sea conditions allow it to be done safely.

It is a normal part of the experience when conditions are suitable. It cannot be guaranteed when the skipper considers that entering the water would be unsafe.

How long does the trip last?

Most Sail Away Barcelona trips last approximately two hours.

For many families, two hours is an ideal length: long enough to enjoy the sailing experience, see the coastline and have a swimming stop when conditions allow, without becoming too tiring for younger children.

Private experiences can be arranged for longer periods upon request.

Can children get seasick?

Yes, seasickness can happen, particularly when the sea is more active. It is not limited to children, and even adults who usually feel comfortable on boats can occasionally experience it.

Our two older children are both prone to seasickness, so this is something we know first-hand. Over time, they have learned to recognise the early signs and understand what helps them. Fresh air, looking towards the horizon and lying down for a while can make a real difference.

A few simple precautions may help:

• Do not arrive with a completely empty stomach.
• Choose a light meal before departure.
• Stay outside in the fresh air whenever possible.
• Look towards the horizon or another stable, distant point.
• Lie down and rest if nausea begins.
• Tell the skipper or crew early so we can help.

If you already know that your child is prone to motion sickness, there are age-appropriate medicines that can be taken before departure. Ask your pharmacist for advice.

What should families bring?

What you need will depend on the season and the weather forecast, but the following items are usually helpful:

• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable clothing
• A light layer or windproof jacket
• Swimwear
• A towel
• A sun hat for children
• Water and any personal essentials needed for a baby or young child

Even on a warm day, it can feel cooler once the boat is moving. Bringing an extra layer is often a good idea.

Small comforts for younger sailors

A family trip does not have to feel formal.

Children often experience the boat in their own way. Some want to watch everything happening on deck, while others prefer a quieter moment with one of the books or toys we keep aboard. These small comforts can be especially useful during quieter moments, while a younger sibling is resting or when a child wants a short break from watching the sea.

Parents are also welcome to bring a familiar small toy, book or comfort item from home.

A different way to experience Barcelona together

Sailing gives families a chance to step away from packed itineraries and spend genuine time together.

There is no sailing knowledge to learn in advance and no pressure to swim. Some children will want to discover every detail of the boat, while others may curl up, read a book or fall asleep to the gentle movement of the sea.

Sailing with children is not always perfectly calm or perfectly organised — and that is part of the experience. After many trips with our own three children, we have learned that a little preparation, flexibility and reassurance go a long way. If you are visiting Barcelona and would like to experience the coast together as a family, we would be delighted to welcome you aboard.

Frequently asked questions