Any adventurers should to take the dive and embark on a kayaking and snorkeling trip with Excursions Barcelona.
While it’s fun to do the usual shopping, food tasting, and sight seeing in a big city, the best travel experiences are often made away from the commotion and flood of tourists. One of the most foolproof ways to enjoy a place is to venture into the great outdoors and revel in the beauty that is nature. Especially in a place like Spain, where the weather is right and the beach is always good, the outdoors is prime real estate for fun. During some pre-travel prep, I stumbled upon Excursions Barcelona, known best for their kayaking and snorkeling tour.
Their popular package includes transportation to and from the tranquil beach town of Costa Brava, breakfast, lunch, snorkeling and kayaking equipment, and top notch instruction—all for 60 euros. I signed up with a handful of local friends/fellow snorkeling rookies and before long, we were off.
Our meeting place was at 10am in La Rambla district in Barcelona, which was our pickup and drop off point. When we arrived, we met Stevie and JB, both co-owners and guides for the excursions. Both were welcoming and down to earth (beach vibes a plenty), and JB would be our group’s guide for the day. When the whole group was present, we made our way to Costa Brava.
Upon arriving, it was clear it would be a perfect day: low 80’s, sun out, and an overall great feeling about the adventure to come. Most of us had never snorkeled before, and some had never kayaked. JB and Dave, a quirky and upbeat instructor who met us onsite, gave us the basics on how to maneuver in the water. Kayaking, it turns out, is a mighty workout. With two seats per kayak, this adventure makes for an exciting date or fun outing with a group of friends. JB led the group to our first stop a few ways into the sea and around some large ocean rocks, where we would set out and begin our underwater adventures.
Snorkeling can be a little awkward at first, since taking breaths underwater is supremely counterintuitive. Luckily, JB helped get us get comfortable in the water, and a few tries later, we were exploring the waters of the Mediterranean. Costa Brava boasts an extremely beautiful and clear blue sea, through which we found a bright orange starfish, and “ooh”-ed and “ahh”-ed at a hiding octopus. Before long, it was back to the kayaks to explore the caves of Costa Brava. JB led us up close to the naturally formed and fascinating caves, some of which only one kayak could fit through at a time. After hours had passed us by, it was time to paddle back.
Our appetites were fierce by the time we made it to shore, and JB and Dave prepared us a typical Barcelonian lunch of bocadillos (sandwiches made with baguette bread) and fresh fruit. After filling our bellies and some lounging in the sun, it was back to Barcelona. The ride back is a pleasantly short one, since close to everyone is put to sleep from the day’s dose of Vitamin D.
A big thanks again to JB and Excursions Barcelona for the unforgettable trip. All I can think about now is that next time I can go snorkeling again and would suggest any adventurers going to Barcelona to take the dive and embark on a kayaking and snorkeling trip with Excursions Barcelona.
In addition to its infamous Costa Brava tour, Excursions Barcelona also does bike tours around Barcelona so you can learn about the city in an active and interesting way. To join the adventure, email info@excursionsbarcelona. You can also visit their website or FB page for awesome footage of past trips.
