South Route · The Golden Coast · No Experience Required

Costa Dorada

The Golden Coast · Barcelona South · 7 Days · 6 Nights · Monohull

Barcelona → flexible southern route · captain’s call based on wind, weather,and crew experience

Monohull · ASA 101+103+104

Check the schedule for upcoming Costa Daurada dates.

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The Golden Coast

Sun-washed towns, ancient ruins, and the best seafood on earth.

South of Barcelona the coast turns golden – not metaphorically. The Costa Dauradatakes its name from the long stretches of fine, pale sand that run from the Garraf massif all the way to the Ebro Delta.

Just outside Barcelona, the limestone cliffs of Garraf drop into the sea with Gaudí’s Celler Güell perched above – a hunting lodge turned wine cellar most people never see from the land side. A few miles further Sitges opens up: modernista mansions along the seafront, whitewashed lanes, terraces packed until midnight – Barcelona’s glamorous neighbour, best arrived at by sea. Vilanova i la Geltrú is the working port next door – fishing fleet, Sunday mariscos, and real Catalan Carnival in the winter.

The coast runs on. The Romans founded Tarraco in 218 BC and made it the capital of Hispania Citerior; you walk the UNESCO amphitheatre built facing the sea so condemned prisoners could hear the waves before the lions were released. Dinner up there among the ruins lit at night is the kind of meal you describe for years. In Cambrils – arguably the finest seafood port in Spain, where Spanish chefs come tobuy their fish – the auction on the dock happens at sunset and your dinner comes off the same boats. Further south the Delta de l’Ebre spreads flat and strange,flamingos wading in rice-paddy wetlands.

Depending on the week’s weather, your crew’s readiness, and the captain’s call, we push further south – the ports below give the full range from Garraf to L’Ametlla de Mar.

7 Days on the Water · 6 Nights Aboard · Weather-Dependent SouthernRouting · Possible destinations include Sitges, Tarragona, Cambrils, L’Ametlla de Mar

Possible Ports of Call

 

Group destinations by distance from Barcelona.

The captain picks each day based onweather, crew experience, and the forecast.

 

Close to home

Easier passages, flexible for mixed experience or weather, or days when the forecast won’t support longer runs south:

Garraf, Port Ginesta, Sitges,Vilanova i la Geltrú

 

Mid-range

Standard Dorada week with a stable forecast:

Comarruga, Segur de Calafell, Torredembarra (Tamarit Castle), Altafulla, Tarragona (UNESCO Roman ruins)

 

Far South

For experienced crews with a stable high-pressure week; the captain pushes further south depending on crew, weather, and the forecast:

Salou, Cambrils (seafood port), L’Hospitalet de l’Infant, L’Ampolla (Ebro Delta approach), L’Ametlla deMar

 

Want this trip without the certification?
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Everything Included

35–45 Ft Yacht · Full Week

Fuel, marina fees & all on-water costs included

 

 

6 Nights Liveaboard

Your own berth aboard from Day 1 through final morning · Private cabin upgrade available

 

Breakfast & Light Lunches

Daily breakfast and light lunches prepared aboard · One dinner served at anchor under the stars · Additional dinners ashore at your own pace

Logbooks & Cert Fees

ASA logbooks and all certification fees included · Reference copies of textbooks available aboard and in the office — students should purchase their own before arrival

All Certification Fees

ASA 101, 103 & 104 submitted digitally

 

 

Professional Instructor

ASA-certified, English-speaking, living aboard

 

 

Cabins & Accommodation

2–3 Student Cabins

Each with its own berths, storage, and ventilation. One cabin is reserved for the instructor.

Minimum 2 cabins to run. Contact us to check availability.

 

Questions?

Not sure which option suits you? Drop us a message – we’ll walk you through the group and find the right fit.

Price does not include flights, travel insurance, or dinners ashore (except one included onboard dinner). ASA textbooks not included – reference copies on the boat and in the office; students should purchase their own before arrival. Min. 2 cabins to run; maximum 6. Contact us to check availability or reserve your spot with a deposit.

IPC

After Your Week — You’re Eligible for Your International Proficiency Certificate (IPC)

 

The IPC is required to charter in Greece, Croatia, Italy, France, Spain, Portugal and Turkey. We walk you through the application the moment your ASA 104 is signed off.

 

Most students receive their IPC within two weeks. Bring a passport-style photo on your phone — it’s the one thing people forget.

Sailing Resume

Your Professional Sailing Resume — Included

 

At the end of your course we generate your professional sailing resume — the document charter companies require alongside your certifications.

 

It lists your ASA certifications, courses completed with dates, vessel types sailed, nautical miles logged, and waters sailed. A clean, professional PDF you can present to any charter company in the world on the day you finish your course.

Textbook Recommendation

Before You Arrive — Highly Recommended

 

Before you arrive we strongly recommend purchasing your ASA textbook and reading it before your course begins. Students who arrive having read it pass their written exam first time. Textbooks are not included in the course fee.

 

ASA 101 – Sailing Made Easy
ASA 103 — Coastal Cruising Made Easy
ASA 104 — Bareboat Cruising Made Easy

 

Save 20% on a bundle

 

Digital versions of all textbooks are available instantly on Apple Books and Google Play.

We also recommend completing the free ASA Online Intro to Sailing course (30 minutes) before arriving.

Want this trip without the certification?
See Sailing Vacations →