Do you want to discover rare wildlife with Sea Barcelona ?
Do you want to discover rare wildlife with Sea Barcelona ?
With Sea Barcelona, we spend every day on the Mediterranean. We know the sea well, and sometimes we are lucky enough to share it with amazing wild visitors: playful dolphins, graceful turtles, and even, on rare occasions, a shark or a whale.
These encounters are never guaranteed, but they are part of what makes sailing off Barcelona so special. Every trip brings the chance of something unforgettable.
-Dolphins: Our Most Frequent Visitors
The most common wild animals we see from our boats are dolphins. The bottlenose dolphin is the star here. Strong, social, and curious, it sometimes comes close to our boats to ride the waves or follow schools of fish.
From time to time, we also see striped dolphins, which are slimmer and faster. These usually stay further offshore, but when they appear, they often travel in larger groups, which makes the sight even more spectacular.
In 2025, dolphins surprised everyone by entering Port Vell, right in the center of Barcelona. But most often, they are spotted a little further out, where the sea is calmer and they can play freely.
For our guests, seeing a dolphin jump out of the water is often the highlight of their trip.
-Whales Passing in Spring
Every spring, from February to June, fin whales—the second largest animals in the world—pass along the Catalan coast. They follow the krill and plankton that bloom in these waters.
Spotting a whale from one of our boats is rare, but it does happen. When it does, it is unforgettable: a tall spout of water in the distance, or the long back of the whale as it dives. These moments remind us that the sea near Barcelona is connected to the whole Mediterranean.
-Sharks: Rare and Harmless Sightings
Sharks live in the Mediterranean, but you almost never see them near Barcelona. On the very rare occasions when one does appear, it usually makes the news.
The two species sometimes spotted are:
Blue shark – A beautiful, slim shark that normally lives far offshore. Sometimes, a weak or curious one comes closer to the coast.
Basking shark – The second largest fish in the world, but completely harmless because it only eats plankton. Sightings are rare but very special.
We always remind our guests: swimming in Barcelona is safe. If sharks were common near beaches, we would see them all the time. Instead, these events are so unusual that they are celebrated as a sign of a healthy sea.
-Turtles: Gentle Ocean Neighbors
One of our favorite encounters at sea is the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta). This turtle is the most common in the Mediterranean. Sometimes we see one floating on the surface, resting, or searching for jellyfish to eat.
Very rarely, loggerhead turtles even come ashore to nest on Catalan beaches. When this happens, scientists and volunteers protect the nests, because turtles are endangered.
For our passengers, spotting a turtle is always a peaceful and memorable moment.
-Other Surprising Guests
Barcelona’s sea is full of surprises. On our trips, we sometimes also see:
Moonfish (Mola mola) – A huge, round fish that looks like it comes from another planet.
Flying fish – Small fish that jump and glide above the surface.
Seabirds – Gulls, shearwaters, and cormorants that often fly around our boats, especially when dolphins or tuna are nearby.
These smaller encounters add color and variety to every trip.
-Why Encounters Are Rare
Many of our guests ask: “Will we definitely see dolphins or whales?” The honest answer is no. These are wild animals, and their visits are rare and unpredictable.
There are three main reasons:
1. Distance – Most animals prefer deeper waters.
2. Food – They follow fish, krill, or plankton, which change with the seasons.
3. Chance – Even if dolphins are nearby, you need calm seas and a bit of luck to notice them.
That’s why every sighting feels like a gift. It cannot be planned, but when it happens, it’s unforgettable.
-How Our Guests React
When dolphins appear, everyone rushes to the side of the boat, laughing and pointing. Cameras and phones come out quickly, but many people also just enjoy watching quietly.
When a turtle is spotted, the mood becomes calm and respectful, as guests admire its slow, graceful movement.
And on the extremely rare occasion that a shark or whale is seen, the reaction is always amazement: a mix of excitement and respect for the wild side of the Mediterranean.
-Our Promise: Respect and Care
At our company, we believe that sharing the sea with these animals is a privilege. That’s why we always:
Keep a safe distance and let the animals choose if they want to come closer.
Slow down or stop the boat if wildlife is nearby.
Never feed or disturb marine life.
Share information with guests so they understand what they are seeing.
We want every encounter to be not only exciting but also safe for both people and animals.
-A Sea Full of Life
The coast of Catalonia is part of the Cetacean Migratory Corridor, a protected route for dolphins and whales.
For us, this means that every day on the water has potential. Most trips are about enjoying the sea breeze, the sun, and the skyline of Barcelona. But sometimes, nature surprises us with dolphins, turtles, or even something bigger.
These encounters are rare, but that is what makes them so magical.
Join Us to Discover Barcelona’s Wild Side
If you want to see the city from a different perspective and maybe share the sea with its wild neighbors, join us on one of our trips. We cannot promise dolphins or turtles, but we can promise fresh air, beautiful views, and the chance—big or small—of a truly unforgettable encounter.
Dolphin spotting Barcelona Sailing Boat