What’s the best time of day to take a cruise?

Morning cruises are ideal for clear skies and a peaceful atmosphere, with cooler temperatures. Afternoon cruises provide more sunlight and warmth, great for those who enjoy soaking up the sun and sunset cruises are perfect for romantic or scenic views as the sun sets over the Mediterranean.

Do cruise timings vary on weekdays versus weekends?

No, there is no difference in cruise timings between weekdays and weekends.

Should I book a cruise in advance to secure my preferred time?

It’s always a good idea to book in advance, especially for sunset or weekend cruises, as these tend to sell out quickly!

Is there a best time of year for day cruises in Barcelona?

The best time to take a Barcelona day cruise is from April to October, when the weather is warm, and the sea is calm. For those seeking fewer crowds, the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) offer a balance of pleasant weather and fewer tourists.

Learn about the timings of Barcelona day & sunset cruises

Your Barcelona cruise timings guide

Check-in timings for Barcelona cruises vary according to the cruise chosen. Check-in starts 1 hour to 2 hours before departure and 1 hour before boarding!

Barcelona Sightseeing Cruise on an Eco-Catamaran: Tours from 10:15am onwards and the last day tour boat leaves at 5pm
Barcelona Sightseeing Cruise on a Wooden Gullet: Tours from 10am onwards and the last day tour boat leaves at 4pm
Barcelona Sightseeing Cruise on a Sailing Yacht: Tours at 11am and 1:30pm
Barcelona Las Golondrinas Sightseeing Cruise: Tours from 11am onwards and the last tour boat leaves at 6pm.

Barcelona Sightseeing Cruise on an Eco-Catamaran: Only one tour at 6:30 pm
Barcelona Sightseeing Cruise on a Wooden Gullet: Only one tour at 6 pm
Barcelona Sightseeing Cruise on a Sailing Yacht: Only one tour at 6 pm

What’s the best time to go on a Barcelona day cruise?

Peak Season vs Low Season

Peak Season: June-August

Low Season: November-February

Barcelona enjoys a Mediterranean climate, making boat cruises pleasant almost year-round. However, peak season has a more vibrant atmosphere with the chance to swim in the Mediterranean Sea. However, good weather also comes with larger crowds, longer wait times, and higher accommodation prices.

Low season has cooler weather and shorter daylight hours, which may limit daytime sightseeing opportunities. Due to extreme weather conditions, Barcelona day cruises may also have reduced hours or be closed altogether during this time.

Weekday vs Weekend

Weekend: Perfect for those looking for a lively, social atmosphere. Weekend cruises tend to have more passengers, which can create a lively, festive environment, especially on the sunset cruises. Weekends attract more locals as well as tourists.

Weekday: Weekday cruises, especially Monday to Thursday, will have fewer people on board. Popular sightseeing spots like the Barceloneta Beach and Port Olympic will also be less crowded - perfect for taking photos! Many people visit Barcelona on weekends, which can result in tickets selling out quickly, especially Barcelona sunset cruises.

How long does a Barcelona day cruise last?

That would depend on the ticket chosen. However, most Barcelona day cruises have flexible durations. You can stay on the boat as long as you wish during the day, till the Barcelona sunset cruise begins at 5:30pm onwards.

You can also choose an express Barcelona day cruise that is as short as 40 minutes and offers a more in-depth sightseeing experience that can last two hours.

Plan your Barcelona Cruise

Frequently asked questions about Barcelona day cruise timings

Yes, Barcelona sunset cruises are a very popular option! These cruises generally depart in the early evening, around 5pm, depending on the time of year. In the summer months (June to August), when the days are longer, sunset cruises might depart closer to 6:30pm.