Four hours on a private Costa Brava sailboat. I love the hands-on sailing time with skipper Santi and the calm, protected cove stop for snorkel and paddleboard. One thing to plan for, the day depends on good weather, and your included food is basically just what you keep in the fridge.

This is a private outing for up to 9 people plus the skipper on a 10.5-meter sailboat named Havana. You’ll head north or south from the Port of Playa de Aro based on conditions, so you get the best shot at comfortable sailing.

Key Highlights You Should Know

• Private group for up to 9 plus the skipper on a 10.5 m sailboat
• Snorkeling gear and a paddle surf board are included for the cove stop
• A fridge, music, and a fresh-water shower help the trip feel easy and relaxed
• Santi teaches basic sailing concepts and lets you help with maneuvers
• North or south Costa Brava routing based on weather for a smoother ride

Where It Starts: Santi’s Boat Meeting on Platja d’Aro Beach

Your sail day begins at the sailing school facilities on the beach next to the port in Platja d’Aro. The official meeting point is Avinguda de Verona Terol, 25, 17250 Platja d’Aro, Girona, Spain. You’ll meet the skipper of the sailing boat Havana waiting there, then walk over together to the boat.

I like this style of start. It keeps the day from feeling rushed or chaotic. And since the activity ends back at the same meeting point, you’re not dealing with mid-trip logistics.

Quick practical tip: plan to arrive a little early so you can settle in, meet Santi, and get your bearings before boarding. Even on the water, that first 10 minutes matters.

The Havana Experience: What Private Time Changes

This is a private tour, meaning only your group is on board. With capacity for up to 9 passengers plus the skipper on a 10.5-meter sailboat, you should feel like you have space to move around without being cramped.

A private setup also changes how the sailing lesson feels. Instead of watching a demo, you can participate in real maneuvers with guidance from Santi. If you’re curious, you’ll likely get answers, not just instructions.

Comfort details are part of the value here. You can bring your favorite music on board, and there’s a fridge to store drinks. After your swim stop, the fresh water shower is the kind of included touch that makes the rest of the day feel clean and comfortable.

How the Skipper Chooses Your Side of the Costa Brava

You will sail from the Port of Playa de Aro and then head north or south depending on the weather. The goal is simple: find the best corner of the Costa Brava that’s protected from the sea and the wind.

This matters more than most people think. Coastlines can look close on a map, but the “feel” of the water can be totally different mile to mile. By routing based on conditions, you’re more likely to get that steady, relaxed sail rather than a rougher ride.

Because the tour requires good weather, don’t plan this as a last-second “maybe” on your schedule. Build it in with some slack time around it. If conditions are poor, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

The First Segment Around Platja d’Aro: Getting Comfortable Before the Cove

The plan includes Stop 1: Platja d’Aro. In practice, what that usually means for your experience is a smooth start where you settle into the day and begin sailing with a clear sense of where you are.

During the navigation, you’ll have a chance to introduce yourself to basic sailing concepts. If you’ve never sailed before, this is one of the best parts to lean into. Santi can show what you’re seeing, like how the wind affects direction and how maneuvers change what you feel on deck.

You’ll also have the option to collaborate in maneuvers. That’s not “sit back and hope.” It’s more like, you can help with small tasks when it makes sense, so you learn while you enjoy.

A small note for your expectations: this is a 4-hour outing. So you don’t want to treat it like a long multi-stop cruise. It’s built around quality time on the water and one main cove stop.

The Main Event: Your Swim, Snorkel, and Paddleboard Cove

The highlight is the cove stop for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboard time. The plan includes a bath, snorkeling, and rowing with the paddle surf board. Snorkeling equipment and the paddle surf board are included, so you don’t need to rent or hunt gear nearby.

This is where the Costa Brava stops being a coastline you look at, and becomes a place you actually spend time in. A sheltered cove is the difference between “I saw a swim area” and “I had fun in the water.”

Here’s how I’d think about it:

• Snorkeling gear included means you can go in without extra steps.
• The paddle surf board included means you’re not limited to one activity.
• Fresh water shower included means you can rinse off after, which makes the return sail more pleasant.

Consideration: bring a realistic mindset for water time. You’ll likely be in and out depending on sea conditions and your comfort level. If you’re prone to getting cold, consider how you’ll handle a swim in open water. The tour provides shower access, but it doesn’t include any mention of towels or warm-up time.

Sailing as a Team Sport: Basic Concepts and Real Maneuvers

One of the most valued parts of this trip is the interaction with the skipper. During the navigation, you’ll learn basic concepts of sailing and you can collaborate in all the maneuvers. That’s the difference between a sightseeing sail and a guided sailing experience.

For me, this is where private really shines. With fewer people, Santi can explain at a pace that fits your group. If someone in your party is new to sailing, you’re not stuck listening to a generic talk. If you’re more confident, you’ll probably get more chances to help.

And because it’s on a 10.5-meter sailboat, you get a real sailing feel, not just a tour that uses sails as decoration. You’ll still be relaxing, but you’ll also notice how your actions and the wind affect what happens.

If you like a mix of learning and fun, this is a strong fit. If you want zero participation and only views, you might still enjoy it, but you should tell Santi you prefer more observing.

Drinks, Music, and Practical Comfort on Deck

Small onboard comforts add up on a half-day sail. You can listen to your favorite music, and there’s a fridge to store drinks on board. There’s also a fresh water shower available after your swim.

That fridge detail is genuinely useful. It helps you avoid the scramble of bringing everything in small amounts. You can bring beverages and keep them cold, so the sail feels like a day out rather than a water-based workout.

Now, what’s not included: bottled water, lunch, and snacks. So if your group wants to eat or drink comfortably throughout the 4 hours, plan ahead. If you do nothing else, make sure you have enough water with you, or at least budget for it before the meeting.

Morning or Afternoon: Choosing the Schedule That Fits You

The tour offers two schedules: morning or afternoon. The exact departure times aren’t listed here, but the choice is still important.

Morning trips often feel calmer and set up the rest of your day back on land. Afternoon trips can work well if you want a late start and a slower morning. In both cases, remember the skipper will head north or south depending on weather, so your “best corner” can shift.

My practical advice: pick the schedule that best matches your energy. This is a 4-hour sail, and once you’re on the boat, you’re there. If you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys early plans, go morning. If you prefer not to rush, afternoon can be a better fit.

Price and Value: $541.32 Per Group, Up to 9 People

The price is listed as $541.32 per group, with a group size up to 9 people plus the skipper. That pricing is important because it changes the math depending on how full your boat is.

If you fill the group to 9 people, you’re looking at about $60 per person for a private 4-hour sailing experience with snorkeling equipment, a paddle surf board, and extra comforts like a fridge, shower access, and music. If your group is smaller, the per-person cost rises, but you’re still paying for a private boat and a skipper guiding the day.

Another value point: this sail is typically booked around 20 days in advance. That suggests it’s popular enough that you should not wait until the last minute if your dates are firm.

The best way to judge value for yourself is to compare it to what you’d spend for a shared sailing trip plus separate snorkeling gear and water activities. Here, those core activities come as part of the package.

Who This Half-Day Sailboat Trip Suits Best

This tour is a good match if you want a private experience on the Costa Brava without the hassle of crowded boats. It also fits well if your group likes hands-on time, because you can participate in maneuvers and learn basic sailing concepts.

It’s offered in English, which makes planning easier if that’s your group’s comfort language. The tour also notes that most people can participate, and service animals are allowed.

If you’re traveling as a family or a small group of friends, this kind of setup is often ideal because the day becomes personal. You’re not just sharing space, you’re sharing the experience with your own people on board.

Small Things to Plan, Since Food and Water Are Not Included

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, paddle surf board use, a fridge, music, and a fresh water shower. What it does not include is bottled water, lunch, and snacks.

So I’d handle it like this:

• Bring or plan for water on board since bottled water is not included.
• If you need a snack or lunch, pack it or arrange it before you meet.
• Expect a swim and time in the water, so bring swimwear and gear you’re comfortable with.

Because the tour includes a fridge, you can also bring drinks and store them cold. That’s a smart move if your group likes to have something ready once you’re out on the water.

Should You Book This Private Girona Sail?

If your idea of a great day is simple, water-focused, and guided, I think this is a strong book. The mix of sailing time, a protected cove stop, and included snorkeling plus paddleboard time is exactly the kind of half-day value that works in a busy travel schedule.

Book it if:

• You want private time on a sailboat with up to 9 people plus the skipper.
• You care about real activity, not only viewing from deck.
• Your group will use the included snorkeling equipment and paddle surf board.

Think twice if:

• Your travel dates are extremely flexible around weather, because the experience requires good conditions.
• You’re expecting lunch to be included or want bottled water supplied on board.

If you’re aiming for a calmer, more personal way to enjoy the Costa Brava from Girona, this one makes sense.

FAQ

How long is the sailing experience?

The experience lasts about 4 hours.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s private, and only your group participates.

How many people can be on the boat?

The sailboat has capacity for up to 9 people plus the skipper.

What language is the tour offered in?

The experience is offered in English.

What’s included for snorkeling and swimming?

You get snorkeling equipment, plus use of the paddle surf board. There’s also time for a bath and snorkeling during the cove stop.

Are bottled water, lunch, or snacks included?

No. Bottled water, lunch, and snacks are not included.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You meet at Avinguda de Verona Terol, 25, 17250 Platja d’Aro, Girona, Spain. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What if weather is poor or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.