Costa Brava: Scuba Diving Tour, Lunch and a Visit to Tossa de Mar

Costa Brava: Scuba Diving Tour, Lunch and a Visit to Tossa de Mar

Imagine a day where you get to explore the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean, enjoy a freshly prepared local seafood meal, and wander through the medieval streets of Tossa de Mar. This 10-hour guided adventure from Barcelona offers an authentic taste of Costa Brava’s natural beauty, history, and culture, all led by a PADI-certified instructor. The tour costs around $208 per person, with a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring an intimate, personalized experience.

What we particularly love about this trip is how accessible it is for beginners or those nervous about diving. The instructor takes the time to teach the basics and guide you safely in the water, making it perfect for first-timers. Plus, the small group size means more individual attention and a relaxed atmosphere. The round-trip transfer from Barcelona makes logistics simple, so you can focus on enjoying every moment.

One potential consideration is that the lunch does not include drinks, so you might want to bring water or purchase some at the restaurant. Also, since the tour is weather-dependent, poor conditions could lead to rescheduling or cancellations—a common aspect of outdoor sea activities.

This experience is best suited for adventurous travelers eager to try something new, those who appreciate authentic local environments, and families or groups who want a memorable, hands-on day out of the city. If you’re comfortable in the water and enjoy a mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation, this tour is a wonderful pick.

Key Points

• Beginner-friendly: No prior diving experience needed, with guidance from a certified instructor.
• Small group: Limited to 8 travelers for a more personalized experience.
• Full day of activities: Combines sea exploration, authentic cuisine, and cultural sightseeing.
• Hassle-free logistics: Includes round-trip transportation from Barcelona.
• Authentic experience: Dives showcase the marine life and stunning coastline of Costa Brava.
• Weather-dependent: Activity may be canceled or rescheduled if weather conditions aren’t suitable.

An In-Depth Look at the Costa Brava Scuba and Cultural Tour

From Barcelona to the Coast: The Journey Begins

The tour kicks off at 9:00 am from Carrer de Sancho de Ávila, 22, a straightforward meeting point in Barcelona. The journey to Costa Brava is made comfortable by an air-conditioned private van, which seats up to 8 people—ensuring a cozy ride and ample opportunity to chat with your guide.

Travelers often mention how “Matias,” the guide, makes the van ride engaging and lively, with one reviewer highlighting his ability to make the trip interactive and exciting from the start. The drive itself is a highlight, offering glimpses of Catalonia’s lush landscape and rugged coastlines, setting the tone for what’s to come.

Exploring Tossa de Mar: A Medieval Gem

After about an hour’s scenic drive, you’ll arrive at Tossa de Mar, a charming town renowned for its medieval walls and old-world charm. Many reviews praise the authentic ambiance of this walled enclosure, with one describing it as “gorgeous,” and another noting that it’s “a perfect backdrop to the day’s adventures.”

You’ll have free time after the dive to wander these narrow cobbled streets, browse local shops, or simply enjoy the beautiful seaside views. Tossa provides the perfect setting to relax, soak up some history, and get a true feel for coastal Catalan life.

The Highlight: The First-ever Underwater Experience

The core of the tour is the scuba activity led by a professional PADI-certified instructor. The guide walks you through basic instructions—which are essential if you’re new to diving—before heading into the crystal-clear Mediterranean waters.

The marine environment here is often described as breathtaking, filled with vivid marine life and impressive sea walls. One reviewer was particularly impressed with the “impressive Walls of Tossa de Mar,” which they admired from the water.

What makes this experience especially appealing is the small group setting. With only 8 participants, everyone gets focused attention, and the guide can tailor the experience to your comfort level. Reviewers consistently mention how “Mathias was a fun and helpful host,” and how the guidance made even nervous first-timers feel safe and confident.

Lunch with a View: Authentic Mediterranean Flavors

After your underwater adventure, you’ll return to a seaside restaurant in front of Tossa’s main beach. The included lunch features a starter, main course, and dessert, offering a delicious taste of local cuisine. Drinks are not included, so bringing water or purchasing something at the restaurant is recommended.

Guests have raved about the quality of the meal and the spectacular views, which add a special touch to the dining experience. One reviewer, Kristina, described it as “one of our favorite days,” emphasizing the delicious food and stunning setting.

Free Time and Cultural Exploration

Post-lunch, you’ll have free time to relax on the beach or further explore the medieval town. Many visitors enjoy wandering the walls for panoramic views or browsing local shops for souvenirs. This flexibility allows you to tailor the day to your interests—whether that’s soaking up the sun or delving into the town’s history and architecture.

Return to Barcelona: A Relaxed End to a Full Day

Around late afternoon, you’ll meet up again for the return trip back to Barcelona. The experience ends back at the original meeting point, leaving you with lasting memories of your coastal adventure.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The Guided Underwater Experience

Unlike typical sightseeing trips, this tour offers an accessible introduction to scuba diving. The fact that no prior experience is required is a huge plus for those curious about diving but hesitant to commit to a full certification. The safety instructions, combined with a professional guide, ensure a safe and enjoyable first-time experience.

Authentic Local Flavor and Cultural Touches

The combination of fresh Mediterranean cuisine and a visit to Tossa de Mar’s historic walls provides a well-rounded experience. You’re not just rushing from one activity to the next but enjoying local scenery and history, which adds depth to the trip.

Personalized, Intimate Atmosphere

With a limit of 8 travelers, the tour avoids feeling crowded. Many reviews mention the personal attention from guide Mathias, who seems genuinely passionate about sharing his knowledge and ensuring everyone’s comfort.

Exceptional Reviews and Consistent Praise

The overall rating of 5/5 from 38 reviews, with recurring comments about the knowledgeable guides, stunning views, and well-organized itinerary, speaks volumes about the trip’s quality. Travelers repeatedly highlight how “Mathias was an astounding guide,” and how the experience exceeded expectations.

Practicalities: What You Should Know

Pricing and Value

At approximately $208 per person, this tour offers a full day of diverse activities—from water exploration to cultural sightseeing—and includes transportation, scuba equipment, and lunch. Compared to booking these activities separately, it’s a convenient package that saves you time and hassle. The small group size adds to the value, ensuring more personalized guidance.

Booking and Cancellation

The tour is booked via Kairos Barcelona Tours and features a free cancellation policy if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. This flexibility is comforting, especially since outdoor activities depend on favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What to Bring

While all scuba gear is provided, you might want to bring sunscreen, a towel, and perhaps a hat for the beach time. Water and drinks are not included in the lunch, so carrying some is advisable.

The Sum Up

This Costa Brava tour provides a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation. For those who’ve ever wondered what it’s like to see the underwater world without diving certification, the guided scuba experience is the highlight, delivering stunning marine scenery in a safe and friendly environment.

The inclusion of authentic local cuisine and the opportunity to explore medieval Tossa de Mar make this a well-rounded day trip that’s more than just a snorkel or a quick excursion. It’s an ideal choice for families, first-time divers, or anyone craving a day outside the city with a mix of relaxation and adventure.

If you’re seeking a personalized, high-value experience that combines the natural beauty of Costa Brava with cultural discovery, this tour will likely meet and even exceed your expectations.

FAQ

Is prior scuba diving experience required?
No, this tour is open to anyone comfortable in the water, with no previous diving experience needed. The instructor provides all necessary guidance.

How many people are in the group?
The tour is limited to 8 travelers, ensuring a more intimate and attentive experience.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers round-trip transportation, scuba equipment use, lunch with a full Mediterranean menu, a professional guide and certified instructor, and insurance.

Are drinks included in the lunch?
No, drinks are not included, so it’s advisable to bring water or purchase beverages at the restaurant.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The activity is weather-dependent. If conditions are unsuitable, the tour might be canceled or rescheduled, with a full refund offered if canceled.

What should I bring with me?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and perhaps a towel. Since drinks aren’t included, carrying water or a snack is also recommended.

How long is the overall tour?
The entire experience lasts around 10 hours, from pickup at 9:00 am to return in the late afternoon.

Can I visit Tossa de Mar after diving?
Absolutely. The free time after lunch allows you to explore the medieval walls, relax on the beach, or browse local shops.

In essence, this tour offers a wonderful chance to see the best of Costa Brava’s underwater life, historic charm, and local cuisine, all while enjoying the comfort of a small group and expert guidance. Whether you’re a first-timer or simply looking for a memorable day outside Barcelona, it’s a trip worth considering.