Every beach on the Costa Brava has a place to rent the basics: kayaks, canoes, pedalos, snorkels. Most also have a place to rent and learn windsurfing. When that’s not enough, try these.

FISHING: In Empuriabrava we rented a small boat to go fishing, via the website of DPESCA. They have boats in various harbours, the website shows a map. We got up at the crack of dawn, drove through the countryside as the sun rose, had a quick breakfast at the quayside and off we went. We spent a happy morning at sea, catching mostly mackerel. Well, I caught one and Jamie caught 13. He still talks about it today. It was great fun, a small boat that we shared with a few others. We ate mackerel for days. Reservations essential. (By the way Empuriabrava is worth seeing. A property developer’s dream gone a bit mad, it’s a vast grid of salt water canals lined with private holiday homes, not always in the best possible taste).

We have heard good reports about NAUTAL.com for boat rentals, from 300 Euros per day in summer. They have luxury yacht rentals as well as simple boat trips on the Costa Brava, zodiacs for rent, half day boat rentals, etc.

In l’Estartit, 40 minutes from Villa CP, is la Sirena where you can rent scuba gear and snorkel, learn to sail, surf, etc. They have a good website with lots of information. Reservations are essential (reserve online here)

10__1_catYou can rent a sailing yacht or motor boat at Renteleo nearby, in Sant Feliu de Guixols, a small harbour and beach town about half an hour from Villa CP. Depending on the type of boat, where you want to go, etc, you might need a licence. They also offer sailing lessons. Their phone number is 649493082.

For stand-up-Paddle, kayak, crazy banana or ringo ride, head for Funtastic school in l’Escala.

In Blanes, a little further down the coast, is Blanes Boats. They do it all: rent a boat, go fishing on a boat, take a snorkel or scuba tour … telñ 690222118.

At Port de la Selva there’s Windiscovery. This part of the coast is windy so it’s ideal for windsurfing, kite surfing, everything that needs wind and water.

Fancy a day or two sailing to Mallorca and back? You can charter a yacht with or without captain at Vela Nomada in Palamós.

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