Standing opposite the Vila Olímpica neighbourhood, it was built in 1990 during the redevelopment of this area of Barcelona. The marina was designed by the architects Oriol Bohigas, Josep Martorell, David Mackay and Albert Puigdomènech. The city needed a sports marina which would meet exacting standards, and it was the site of the sailing competitions during the 1992 Olympic Games. The marina has 756 berths for yachts and its entrance is visible from anywhere in Barcelona.

The two skyscrapers on either side are the Mapfre Tower and the Hotel Arts, with Frank Gehry's spectacular goldfish sculpture at its base, and nearby, the Gran Casino de Barcelona. Lovers of water sports can go yachting or practise other types of sailing techniques here, and in the summertime, the beaches on either side of the marina – Somorrostro and Nova Icària – are the perfect place for sunbathing or for a cooling dip in the sea.

Since 2020, the Olympic Marina has been working to become a space that is committed to the local community. Its transformation focuses on the maritime economy, sailing, water sports and food as the main drivers of the city's economic and social activities.