Barcelona Day Trip is the place to go if you are looking for an all-day excursion to the beautiful coastline of Costa Brava, a city just north of Barcelona. On this four-hour guided kayaking trip, you will get the opportunity to snorkel, cliff jump and explore the beautiful shores. Lunch and free pictures are also included.
Get going
Once you have secured your spot on a Barcelona Day Trip kayaking excursion you will meet your tour guide and the rest of your group near the Arc de Triomf. After a brief introduction you will load up in a transport van and begin the hour-long drive northward to Costa Brava.
Upon arrival at the cozy beach town the group has time to get a refreshment or snack before heading out on the water. If the water was cold, you would be able to suit up in a wetsuit. Luckly for our trip the water was warm enough, so wet suits were not necessary.
After putting on life jackets, your tour guide will show you the proper way to paddle and maneuver the kayak. Once that is done, you will be all set to begin your tour.
Crystal clear coastlines
As soon as you get on the water you will be amazed by the beauty of the area. The massive rock face cliffs that jet out of the bright blue water is a view that never gets old. On a sunny day you will be able to clearly see wildlife swimming all around you as you paddle.
On my trip, our tour guide was very good at pointing out the wildlife around us and was very knowledgeable about the ecology of the area. He even found a sea urchin which he let us hold after he showed us how to properly handle it.
Coves and caves
As you paddled down the coast you will enter many coves and caves that each have their own interesting backstory. Our tour guide told us tales about pirates, giant whales, and runaway politicians who have all used the coves and caves for different reasons.
At one stop you will even be able to dock your kayak on the shore and enter one of the caves that a pirate running away from the Spanish government was said to have hidden in for over three months. This part of the trip was unique because you are able to learn some of the history and folklore of the area.
“Telling the stories of the area is important to me,” tour guide Tim said. “I want people to gain an understanding of the stories the locals tell and what this place means to them.”
Lunch with a view
As you can imagine, after being out on the water and in the sun for a few hours, you will get very hungry. Barcelona Day Trip has got you covered with that one as lunch is included in the purchase of your ticket.
Once your group finds a nice spot on the shore or a flat spot on a cliff you will settle down for lunch. The lunch they provide is everything you need halfway through your kayaking trip to reenergize you. It consists of a delicious sandwich, fresh fruit and water. They even have a vegetarian option if you let them know you want it when you purchase your ticket.
While eating, you will be able to sit back, relax, and just take in the beauty of everything surrounding you.
“I’ve never had lunch with a better view,” kayaker Bridget Mchugh said. “It was so cool getting to sit on the rocks and take in the view while enjoying the food with my friends.”
Snorkel session
After lunch, you will kayak over to another cove or beach area and dock your kayak. Here you will get a chance to strap on your snorkel and explore the world that lies beneath your kayak. The snorkel rental is also included with the purchase of your ticket so you will not have to worry about buying one.
As your tour guide follows you in their kayak, you are able to swim out in the open water around the rocks and look at all the different animals and fish that inhabit the waters that line the coast of Costa Brava. It was amazing to see various schools of fish and other creatures in their natural habitat.
“This is definitely my favorite part of the tours,” Tim said. “I love getting to show people what lives in the Mediterranean and watch their excitement as they look at everything going on below the surface.”
Jump for joy
The last stop of the kayaking trip is arguably the most exhilarating. As you near back to the initial launch point there is a set of cliffs that are safe to climb – and jump off.
Cliff jumping is not for everyone, but for those who can build up courage to take the plunge, it is an amazing experience. The tour guide was very helpful and comforting as we climbed up to the top of the cliff. Once at the top he explained the proper way to jump and then stood next to us as each one of us jumped.
This is definitely the part if the trip that will push some people out of their comfort zones but trust me it is worth it. It is the perfect way to end the trip before heading back to the shore and returning the kayaks.
Free photos... and beer
Barcelona Day Trips also wants to make sure that you are able to capture your memories even if you do not want to take your phone out on the water. Your tour guide will come equipped with a GoPro camera that they can take pictures of you with. They also let you take the camera anytime you would like so you can take your own photos.
The pictures and videos were uploaded and sent to us the same day so we could download and post them the same day. Your family and friends will definitely enjoy seeing you snorkeling and driving into the Mediterranean Sea.
Once back on shore the group will head to the beach bar adjacent to the kayak shop and if you are of age, your guide will purchase a beer or sangria for you to finish off your trip. Barcelona Day Trip’s kayaking tour is definitely a must try if you are planning an excursion to Costa Brava or just want to get away from the city for a day.
Comments