Illustration by Anna Baxter
1. Flyboarding
For those unfamiliar with this lesser-known watersport, imagine a futuristic jetpack that attaches to your feet. A flyboard is roughly the size of a skateboard and is connected to a jet ski by a long hose. The water pressure created by the jet ski is redirected through the hose, which splits into two nozzles right beneath your feet, causing you to rise from the water’s surface and fly into the air. Flyboarders can reach a maximum height of 12 metres—which feels more like 25—before arching over and diving back into the sea like a dolphin. It’s an exhilarating ride, but be warned: it can take a little while to get the hang of! At Jet Scoot in Port Fòrum, prices start at €75 for 15 minutes.
2. Adventure park
For those who have the courage but not the cash, adventure parks are the most affordable, accessible option for daredevils in the city. Situated north-east of the city centre in Diagonal Mar, Bosc Urba is Barcelona’s very own adventure park with more than 50 tummy-turning attractions, from €9 per person. Suitable for all ages, Bosc Urba offers three different circuits featuring high ropes, zip lines, tightropes, bungee jumps and punching bags. Zip Line Barcelona has an equally hair-raising ropes course and zip line, in both its urban location in the city centre and its forest location, for those who wish to go the extra mile.
3. Skydiving
Nothing gets the heart racing quite like jumping from an aeroplane and hurtling towards the ground at terminal velocity (200km/h). During the 60-second free fall, neurotransmitters secrete dopamine and adrenaline, flooding the nervous system to produce a ‘rush’ like no other. Once the parachute is inflated, take a moment to catch your breath and enjoy unparalleled views of Montserrat, the Barcelona skyline and the Mediterranean as you drift slowly back to Earth. Tandem jumps require no prior experience and are open to most ages. Strapped to the back of an experienced instructor—who will take care of all the technicalities—you are free to relax, as best you can, and enjoy the ride. With Saltamos, based in Sant Fruitós de Bages, prices start at €229.
4. Super car cruising
If revving a powerful, luxury car gets your blood pumping, try one of Drive Me Barcelona’s thrilling experiences. Get behind the wheel of one of its supercars—a Ferrari California, Lamborghini Huracán, Ferrari 458 Spider, Porsche 911 Coupe, Nissan GT-R, Maserati GranCabrio or an Audi R8 Spyder—and explore the sights of Barcelona like never before. The company has four city tours that let you ride in style, from Port Vell to Tibidabo, as well as three country road trips. Prices start from €88 for 20 minutes.
5. Shark cage diving
Sharks are one of the most feared predators on the planet, and swimming with them is a sure-fire way to plunge outside your comfort zone. At Barcelona’s aquarium in Port Vell, not only will you learn the basics of scuba diving, but you’ll also have the opportunity to cage dive in the aquarium’s main tank, known as the Oceanarium, where you’ll be surrounded by sharks (sand tiger and sandbar), rays, moray eels and thousands of fish. Qualified scuba divers can push their luck further and dive with nothing between them and the fierce marine creatures. From €150.