Blanes to Tossa by boat: the best Costa Brava sea trip 2026

The crossing from Blanes to Tossa de Mar by boat is one of the most memorable visual experiences on the southern Costa Brava. It’s 8–9 nautical miles (around 15 km) hugging a stretch of coast with hidden coves, pine-clad cliffs, and at the end, the spectacle of seeing the medieval castle of Tossa from anchor offshore — the defining postcard of this part of the Mediterranean.

This guide covers the two real ways to do it: independently (with a no-licence boat hire) or on a guided trip with a skipper.

The crossing: what you’ll see

Blanes-Lloret-Tossa stretch, with optional stops:

1. Out of Blanes harbour, round Sa Palomera from the sea side
2. Heading north along the coast: Cala Sant Francesc, Sa Forcanera, Cala Bona, Cala Treumal
3. Past Lloret, with the Castell d’en Plaja seen from the water, Cala Sa Boadella, the northern coves
4. Arrival at Tossa, anchoring off the Vila Vella and medieval castle
5. Return along the same route or a slight variation

Total distance: 15–17 km one way (plus the return). With a 15 HP boat: 1 h to 1 h 15 each way + stops.

Option 1: independently with a no-licence boat

Self-service model: you hire the boat, plan your route, stop where you like.

• Boat: up to 5 m / 15 HP (no licence required)
• Typical price: 350–500 € for a full day (fuel included)
• Operators at Blanes harbour: no-licence boat hire in Blanes and competitors (EricBoats, Blanes Boats, RentaBoat). Full detail in the guide to no-licence boat hire.

Pros: total autonomy, stop where you like, your own pace, best value for couples or small groups.

Cons: you’re at the helm, watching fuel and timings, anchoring sensibly, and returning the boat at a fixed hour.

Option 2: guided trip on a larger boat

The guided sea trips out of Blanes can include a stop off Tossa on some longer itineraries. The best-known option is Atlantis Experience, a large skippered vessel with bilingual commentary and everything included.

Pros: zero thinking required, better for families and large groups, reliable outcome.

Cons: fixed pace, predefined stops, the route may or may not include Tossa on every departure.

Quick comparison

Aspect	Self-service hire	Guided trip
Price for 4 people	~100 €/pax full day	Varies, typically 35–60 €/pax half-day
Autonomy	Total	None
At the helm	Yes	No
Tossa guaranteed	Yes (if you decide so)	Depends on the itinerary
Good for families	Older kids	Any age

Key tips

1. Set off early. Mornings are always flatter. The westerly (Garbí) picks up from early afternoon and the return can get bumpy.

2. Plan fuel with a margin. With a 15 HP boat, the round trip to Tossa with stops uses a fair amount. Operators allow a margin, but don’t push it.

3. Anchor off the castle, not in Tossa beach. The swimming zone is buoy-marked — you can’t enter it. The castle view from 50–100 m offshore is the real shot.

4. Mind the wind on the way back. If the Garbí kicks in, the return is against it. Leave early enough to avoid the worst of it.

5. Consider the boat-one-way-bus-back combo. Not standard, but some visitors do it.

Frequently asked questions

Is it legal to anchor off Tossa? Yes, outside the marked swimming zone and respecting the protected posidonia seagrass meadows.

Can you step ashore at Tossa from your own boat? Not usually with a tender. You stay anchored and swim from the boat.

How long does the full round trip with stops take? 6–8 hours for a full day with several coves.

Is it a plan for kids? Yes, especially on the larger guided boat. With your own boat, older children (10+).

In short

Seeing Tossa from the sea is one of the defining images of the Costa Brava. If you’re a couple or small group and have a bit of confidence, hire a no-licence boat from Blanes and treat it as a full-day plan. If you’re a family with kids or a large group, a guided trip simplifies everything.

For more sea routes, follow on to what to do in Blanes from the sea.