Different Types of Yacht Berths in Barcelona's Marinas

Barcelona is celebrated as an ideal spot for berthing your yacht thanks to its stunning coastline, clear waters, pleasant climate, excellent Mediterranean connectivity, and rich culinary traditions. Besides these, the city also boasts specialized services and facilities tailored for vessels and yachts. If you’re a yacht owner considering a berth in Barcelona, it’s crucial to ensure that the berth is both secure and suitable for your vessel’s specific needs. At Direct Berth, where we focus on the sale, rental, and acquisition of premium marina berths, we’re here to guide you through the various mooring options available in Barcelona.

Overview of Barcelona marinas

Barcelona stands out as a top destination for yachts, offering a variety of high-quality berthing options and hosting some of the finest marina locations. These marinas provide a wide array of services and facilities designed to cater to your yacht’s requirements. Before we delve into the different types of yacht berths available in Barcelona, let’s take a brief look at some of the city’s prominent marinas: Port Vell, Marina Vela, Port Olímpic, and Port Forum.

1. Port Vell

Located in the heart of Barcelona, the historic Port Vell is a luxury marina that provides world-class facilities and services for yachts up to 190 meters in length. Not only is it well-known within the yachting community for having excellent 70-meter superyacht berthings. Their prime location offers easy access to Barcelona’s major attractions, such as Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter. Yacht owners here can enjoy a range of high-end amenities, including an exclusive yacht club, fine dining options, an aquarium, a cinema, and luxury boutiques, all within a secure and private environment. Port Vell is a vibrant hub that hosts unique events, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a prestigious and convenient mooring spot in Barcelona.

Barcelona Marina Port Vell

Available moorings in Port Vell:

Are you interested in buying a mooring for your yacht in Port Vell? You can find here our available moorings for Port Vell, or specific listings below.

2. Marina Vela

Marina Vela is one of Barcelona’s most modern marinas, unveiled with their 50-meter berths which combine cutting-edge infrastructure with excellent city access, including berthing facilities for yachts up to 85 meters. Its proximity to the city center ensures excellent connectivity, making it a convenient option for yacht owners and their guests. The marina offers customized services to meet your yacht’s specific needs, including concierge assistance and technical support, all within a lively community that hosts sailing regattas and social events. With its commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices, Marina Vela appeals to environmentally conscious yacht owners seeking a premium berthing option in Barcelona.
Marina Vela Barcelona view from the sky

Available moorings in Marina Vela:

Are you interested in buying a mooring for your yacht in Marina Vela? For more info, see our available moorings for Marina Vela, or specific listings below.

3. Port Olímpic

Originally built for the 1992 Olympic Games, Port Olímpic has evolved into a dynamic marina that serves both locals and visitors alike. Nestled between the iconic Barceloneta and Nova Icaria beaches, it offers a lively atmosphere day and night. This marina accommodates yachts up to 30 meters, making it a great choice for small to mid-sized vessels. Despite its smaller berth sizes, the marina offers top-tier services, including round-the-clock security, comprehensive maintenance facilities, and easy access to the city’s key attractions. The ongoing redevelopment of Port Olímpic aims to further integrate the marina with the urban landscape, enhancing its appeal as a public space while maintaining its status as a premier berthing location. For yacht owners looking to enjoy the vibrant energy of Barcelona while benefiting from modern, well-maintained facilities, Port Olímpic is an excellent choice.

4. Port Forum

Located to the northeast of Barcelona’s bustling city center, Port Forum offers berthing facilities for yachts up to 80 meters in length. This marina is ideal for owners seeking a quieter mooring experience, with easy access to luxury hotels, dining options, and entertainment venues. Port Forum provides a full range of nautical services, 24/7 security, and high-end amenities tailored to meet the needs of your yacht. Its tranquil setting, coupled with convenient public transport links to central Barcelona, makes Port Forum a perfect choice for those who prefer relaxation while still being close to the city’s vibrant life.

Port forum aerial photo

Available moorings in Port Forum: (h4)

Are you interested in buying a mooring for your yacht in Marina Vela? Check out our available moorings for Port Forum for more information, or specific listings below.

50 meters (superyachts)

Different types of yacht berths available in Barcelona

Barcelona offers a diverse range of locations and options for berthing your yacht. Selecting the right type of berth is crucial to ensuring the safety and security of your vessel. It’s essential to understand not only the options available but also their suitability for your yacht specifically. Here, we provide an overview of some of the most popular berthing types available at the marinas mentioned earlier.

a. Mediterranean berths

The Mediterranean berth, commonly referred to as “med mooring,” is a distinctive technique for berthing a vessel perpendicular to the pier. This method is space efficient as the yacht is secured by its width rather than its length. Mediterranean berths can be utilized in two ways: either bow-to or stern-to the wharf, depending on your crew’s preference. Docking bow-to generally provides the pilot with better control, making the maneuver easier. However, in both bow-to and stern-to berthing, the anchor is set when there is only a boat-length gap between the bow or stern and the quay.

b. Alongside berths

An alongside berth, also known as alongside mooring, involves securing the vessel directly alongside the dock, which gave it its name. It allows for immediate access to the shore without the need of a tender. The space allocated or purchased for alongside berthing may be part of a marina, yacht harbor, or another facility. This type of mooring is versatile, suitable for yachts of various sizes, and offers the advantage of having the berth exclusively dedicated to your yacht.

c. Finger berths

Finger berths are a common feature in many marinas, especially in urban settings like Barcelona. These berths consist of narrow pontoons extending from the main dock, allowing boats to be berthed on either side. Typically used for smaller vessels, finger berths are highly efficient in terms of space utilization. One of the main advantages of finger berths is that they allow marinas to accommodate more vessels in a limited space. This setup also offers direct access to the dock from both sides of the boat, making it easy for owners and crew to board or disembark.

d. Superyacht berths

Superyacht berths are specifically designed to meet the unique requirements of luxury yachts, often exceeding 30 meters in length. These berths are usually found in high-end marinas like Port Vell and Marina Vela, which cater more to the superyacht community with their facilities and services.

Superyacht berths are also designed with the technical needs of large vessels in mind, such as deep-water access and heavy-duty mooring systems capable of securing yachts in various weather conditions. Whether for short-term visits or long-term stays, superyacht berths in Barcelona offer a perfect blend of luxury, convenience, and security, making the city a top destination for the world’s most luxurious yachts.

Factors to consider when choosing a berth in Barcelona

Your yacht is a significant investment, so ensuring its security, safety, and proper maintenance is paramount. At Direct Berth, we share our expertise on key factors to consider when selecting a mooring in Barcelona:

· Security and Safety

Ensure that the marina’s security and safety measures meet modern standards to keep you and your vessel secure and free from any danger.

· Accessibility and Location

Beyond the information provided about the mooring, it’s wise to check the accessibility of the location for you and your guests. Which saves you a lot of hassle in the long run.

· Facilities and Services

Make sure the marina offers adequate maintenance and care for your vessel when you’re not around. Check whether the facilities and services meet your standards and are aligned with your yacht’s needs.

Why is Barcelona an ideal berthing destination for yacht owners?

There are several reasons why Barcelona is a highly sought-after destination for superyacht owners. The city offers a combination of exceptional facilities, a strategic location, a rich cultural scene, and a vibrant lifestyle, making it an ideal place for both short-term and long-term mooring. Yacht owners can enjoy the convenience of modern amenities, state-of-the-art infrastructure, the beauty of historic sites, and the excitement of a lively city. With its array of iconic marinas, Barcelona has created a welcoming community and hosts events that attract yacht enthusiasts from around the world. Curious to learn more about the marinas? Explore more of Barcelona’s prime marinas: Marina Vela and Port Vell within this article.

Are you interested in other locations?

While Barcelona is undoubtedly a prime destination, Direct Berth’s expertise extends far beyond its captivating shores. We offer exceptional services across various stunning locations, each with its unique charm. Whether you’re drawn to the enchanting marinas of Barcelona, the sophistication of Italy, or the vibrant atmosphere of Ibiza, Direct Berth remains your trusted partner in finding the perfect berth for your vessel. For further inquiries, selling your berths, or assistance, our dedicated berth brokers are just one phone call away. It’s also possible to give us a visit at our Barcelona office.