Sailing the Costa Brava feels easy and fun. You get a barbecue lunch on board plus all-in drinks, then you spend real time in a wind-sheltered cove for swimming, often with great visibility. For me, the best part is how the day mixes classic coast views with downtime that feels away from the crowds.

I also like the onboard energy. The crew keeps things moving with music, dancing at times, and easy multilingual hosting (English, French, and Spanish are used), and the vibe is high without feeling forced. One drawback to plan for: the first stretch can be rainy or choppy, and a few people can feel rough sea conditions even though the crew can’t control the weather.

If you’re prone to motion sickness or you hate cold water, bring a game plan. Otherwise, this is a solid, good-value way to see a remote-feeling corner of the Costa Brava in about 4 hours.

Key Highlights at a Glance

• BBQ lunch on board with pasta/salad, burgers, fruit salad, and gluten-free chicken cubes
• Unlimited drinks included: beer, sangria, and soft drinks
• A real swim stop in a sheltered cove near the rocks, usually for about an hour
• Snorkeling masks available for a returnable €10 cash deposit
• Music and party atmosphere on deck at times, with dancing encouraged
• Up to 95 people, so it stays lively but not chaotic

A Catamaran Cruise That Mixes Views, Food, and a Swim Stop

This is the kind of trip I like for a short Spain getaway: it’s not just sitting on a boat. You cruise along the Costa Brava, then you anchor in a cove that feels calmer and more “in nature,” so you can actually get in the water and enjoy the coast up close.

You’ll see a stretch of shoreline that’s famous for coves and cliff-lined views. Then you get an onboard break with lunch and drinks, which matters because it keeps the day from turning into a snack hunt and a long wait.

Where You Start in Lloret de Mar (and How to Time It Right)

The meeting point is Passeig d’Agustí Font, 5, 17310 Lloret de Mar. It’s listed as near public transportation, which helps if you’re staying without a car.

The scheduled start is 11:00 am, but real-world timing can run a bit later. On at least one departure, the cruise started closer to noon, so plan to arrive early enough that you’re not rushing when the group boards. If you’re trying to fit this around a beach morning, keep some buffer time.

Also note the basic onboard rules: pets aren’t allowed, and confirmation is sent at booking. The boat holds a maximum of 95 travelers, so you should expect a mix of ages and a social atmosphere.

Cruising the Costa Brava Toward Tossa: What You’ll Pass

Once you’re on board, the route focuses on the Costa Brava’s “coves and character” coastline. You start right from shore and sail north with views along the way, including spots like:

• Sa Caleta inlet and the Castle
• Cala Trons
• Cala Gran
• Sa Goita
• Canyelles
• Rajols
• Morisca
• Llorell
• Llevadó

The general direction is toward Tossa, and that travel time matters because the scenery is the payoff. Even if you don’t plan to snorkel, this part gives you that postcard coastline perspective, but from the water where the angles are better.

One practical note: you’ll board just from the same shoreline beach, so wear comfortable shoes that work on uneven sand. In most cases you’ll want something you can deal with during boarding, because you’re not stepping from a dock like a polished marina scene.

The Cove Stop: Swimming Where the Wind Drops Away

After about an hour of navigation, you anchor in a cove near the rocks. The key detail is the setting: it’s described as sheltered from the wind, which is a big reason people enjoy this stop. Calm water makes jumping in feel less risky and more relaxing.

This is the main block of water time. You’ll typically have around an hour to swim, and there’s plenty of space on board for people who want to lounge while others go in.

What to expect in the water:

• It’s close to rocky edges, so shoe-less entry might feel different than sandy beaches.
• Water can be cold, even when the air is warm, especially outside peak season. One reviewer specifically wished wet suits were provided because the water felt very cold.

If you’re bringing snorkeling gear, you might still want a mask from the boat. Snorkeling masks are available with a returnable cash deposit of €10, which is handy if you forgot yours.

BBQ Lunch on Board: What’s Included and What It Really Tastes Like

This part is straightforward and usually satisfying: the lunch is a buffet-barbecue on board. On the menu you can expect items like:

• pasta and salad
• beef burgers
• marinated gluten-free chicken cubes
• fruit salad
• beer, sangria, soft drinks

I like that it’s all handled for you on the water. You don’t need to guess where you’ll eat, and you don’t need to decide between lunch and a swim. Drinks being included is the big win here, because it turns the meal into a true break rather than a budgeting moment.

Now, the honest part. The quality is “good enough” for a cruise meal, but it’s not gourmet. One group found the meat delicious but said the pasta sauce was bland, and a separate comment flagged food as not great quality, also connecting it to what you can expect at this price point.

If you’re picky about sauces or you want something more substantial than buffet BBQ, bring a small backup snack. It’s allowed to bring your own food unless your operator says otherwise, and many people recommend having an extra option.

Drinks and the On-Deck Vibe: Sangria, Beer, and Music

This trip really leans into a social mood. You’ll get beer, sangria, and soft drinks included, and you’re not just offered one drink and waved off. Music is part of the experience, and the vibe can turn into dancing on the return trip.

One review even named a crew member, Greg, as a key part of getting people moving. Another highlight: the crew interacts and uses multiple languages for hosting, so the party doesn’t become a one-language-only experience.

For me, that matters because the day includes downtime at anchor. Having music and a friendly crew makes that idle time feel like part of the activity, not waiting for the next instruction.

If you prefer quiet travel, you might not love the busier moments. But you can usually step away a bit—there’s a difference between being included and being forced into the dance floor.

Seasickness, Weather, and What to Pack for a Better Day

This is where you should be honest with yourself before you book.

The tour runs only when weather cooperates, and the experience is clearly weather-dependent. One departure was described as rainy and windy for the first half, with some people getting seasick due to rough waters. That’s not a crew failure; it’s just the reality of being on open water.

If you’re even mildly sensitive, pack for it:

• Consider motion-sickness medicine ahead of time (one review strongly advised this).
• Bring a light layer for wind on the return.

Also pack for the water and sun:

• swimsuit and towel
• sun cream, hat, and sunglasses
• warm clothes for off-season days (yes, you may need them)

One more practical point: you’ll want to arrive ready to change into water mode quickly. Since you board from the beach area, the less time you spend messing around with bags and clothing, the better your swim time will feel.

Who Should Book This Catamaran Sensation Costa Brava Trip?

This is a good fit for people who want:

• a short cruise day
• a guaranteed meal
• included drinks
• a real swim stop (not just a slow sail past the coast)

It also works for families, at least on the morning timing like this one. The trip is described as welcoming families with children, and there were mentions of kids enjoying the day, including a 4-year-old who had fun walking around and spending time on the catamaran’s nets.

Couples and friend groups also fit well. The social vibe, music, and shared swim stop make it easy to meet people, especially if you don’t mind a lively mood.

If you’re traveling solo, this can still work. One solo traveler said they didn’t get bored and enjoyed the day with plenty of space and activities.

Price and Value: Is $60.34 Worth It?

At about $60.34 per person, the value comes from bundles, not from luxury.

You’re getting:

• a 4-hour catamaran experience
• a coordinated swim stop in a sheltered cove
• BBQ-style buffet lunch
• beer, sangria, and soft drinks included
• snorkeling masks available for a small cash deposit

That’s the trade. You’re not paying for a high-end seafood menu, and you shouldn’t expect restaurant-level food. But you are paying for convenience, included drinks, and access to a cove that’s not just a quick stop beside a beach.

If you’ll drink at least a couple of drinks and you want lunch handled, the math usually works in your favor. If you don’t drink alcohol and you’re a “food first, party last” person, you may still enjoy the swim and scenery, but you should keep expectations realistic and consider bringing a snack.

A Quick Reality Check: Best-Case vs Weather-Gray Days

Best-case day:

• smoother sailing
• warm sun
• calm enough for people to enjoy swimming without rushing

Weather-gray day:

• first part can feel rainy, windy, and rough
• seasickness can hit some people
• everyone’s energy depends on how quickly the water steadies

The good news is that the experience focuses on creating a strong payoff once anchored. Even if the ride out feels unpleasant, the cove stop and lunch are designed to keep the day moving.

Should You Book This Catamaran BBQ and Drinks Trip?

I’d book it if you want a fun, straightforward Costa Brava day with BBQ lunch, included drinks, and a proper swim stop. It’s especially appealing if you’re traveling with friends, want music onboard, and you’re fine with a buffet-style meal.

I wouldn’t prioritize it if:

• you’re strongly sensitive to sea conditions and you’re not willing to plan for it
• you need consistently top-tier food quality
• you want a totally quiet, off-the-grid experience with no party energy

If you’re in the middle—okay with lively vibes, prepared for the water temperature, and excited about a scenic coastal sail—this is a solid way to spend half a day without the stress.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran ride?

The duration is about 4 hours.

Where do I meet the tour?

The meeting point is Passeig d’Agustí Font, 5, 17310 Lloret de Mar, Girona, Spain.

What time does it start?

Start time is listed as 11:00 am, though departures may run later.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch is a buffet-barbecue on board, with options such as pasta, salad, beef burgers, marinated gluten-free chicken cubes, and fruit salad. Beer, sangria, and soft drinks are included.

Is snorkeling available?

Yes. Snorkeling masks are available with a returnable €10 cash deposit.

Is the trip good for families?

Yes. Families with children are welcome on the morning trip.

What’s the passenger limit on the boat?

The tour lists a maximum of 95 travelers.