A day at sea from Dénia or Jávea with Barbecue aboard the Catamaran

A catamaran day that feels like a mini escape. You sail past the San Antonio cape and along the whole coast toward the Cabo de la Nao area, then anchor for a swim and lunch stop at Cala de Portixol. It’s a simple plan, but it delivers real sea time, sun, and coastline views in just about half a day.

I especially like the included lunch on board, with bread, salad, fruit, and a drink. I also like the swim time built into the route, when you cool off right from the boat at the main stop.

One drawback to plan around: don’t expect a deep, story-filled guided tour of the coast, and the onboard mood can vary, including music volume. If you want quiet and lots of commentary, this may feel more like a relaxed party cruise than a sightseeing lecture.

Key things to know before you go

• 5 hours on the water with a main stop for swimming and eating
• Cala de Portixol stop (about 1 hour 30 minutes) is where the fun happens
• Lunch is included, but alcohol is not (there is a bar onboard)
• Bow nets have limited capacity, so ask ahead if that matters to you
• Group size can feel different depending on the day, even though the cap is 105
• Good weather helps a lot, since there is limited shelter if conditions turn

A half-day catamaran that hits Jávea’s best coastline stretches

This is a classic “get out on the water” trip. You spend about 5 hours cruising along the coastline in a catamaran, then spend the most time during the stop at Cala de Portixol, where the boat anchors and you can actually swim. It’s a practical option if you want sea views without committing to a full day excursion.

The route also has a nice rhythm. You start by skirting the cape of San Antonio, then you pass in front of the entire coast of Jávea. From there, you head toward the Cabo de la Nao area, where the coastline already feels more dramatic and open.

A key point for planning: this isn’t set up as a long, stop-and-go land tour. It’s all about the boat time, the swim break, and a meal onboard.

Your route, stop by stop (what the timing really means)

The itinerary is straightforward, and that’s part of the appeal. After departure, the catamaran skirts the cape of San Antonio and heads toward the coast of Jávea. Then you continue along the Jávea coastline heading toward Cabo de la Nao.

The main highlight is the scheduled stop at Cala de Portixol. That’s where you’ll cool off, and it’s also where you eat onboard. The stop is listed at 1 hour 30 minutes, which is enough time to rinse off, swim, and then have a relaxed meal without feeling rushed the whole day.

If you’re the type who wants lots of bathroom stops or multiple swim chances, you may wish for more than one anchored break. Still, having one dedicated swim-and-lunch window is often what keeps the trip smooth and prevents constant boarding and disembarking.

Cala de Portixol swimming: claim your comfort early

Cala de Portixol is where you go from “watching the water” to being in it. The boat anchors, you cool down, and you swim right from the catamaran. Based on onboard experiences people share, this stop tends to be the part everyone remembers.

One practical thing: bow nets have limited capacity. If you want a spot up on those nets, don’t wait until the last minute. It’s worth asking the company ahead of time if there’s any way to secure a place, because once the boat is full, prime spots can disappear fast.

Also think about water comfort. The day can include swimming time even if you only planned to dip your toes. If you’re sensitive to currents or feel uneasy in open water, you’ll want to bring a mindset of “quick swim, then back to deck time,” not a long swim marathon.

One more detail to keep in mind: jellyfish (medusas) can be present in the area at times. If you see them, treat it seriously, stick to the safest zones, and let the crew guide you.

Lunch on board: the value is real, but manage expectations

Lunch is included, and that’s a big part of why this trip feels like good value. The menu is listed as barbecue-style and includes bread, salad, fruit, and a drink. You also have a restroom onboard, which makes the meal portion less stressful.

Still, I’d go in with slightly flexible expectations about exactly what the meal looks like at the serving table. Some people report that the food quality and style can vary from what they expected, including comments about paella-like meals and container presentation. That doesn’t mean every departure is like that, but it is enough to justify one simple move: when you book, confirm what is being served for the barbecue lunch that day.

If food allergies matter, do not assume. One person described celiac-friendly handling with separate bread, which suggests attention can happen, but you should still contact the operator to understand how they reduce cross-contact. This is especially important if your situation is more than a mild preference.

Alcohol and the bar

Alcoholic beverages are not included. There is a bar onboard, but you’re not allowed to bring outside drinks. So if you want beer or sangria, plan on buying onboard.

The onboard vibe: big views, mixed energy

The coastline and sea views are clearly the main attraction. Passengers love the scenery, and lots of people treat the day like a mini cruise rather than a structured tour. You’ll be watching the cape area near San Antonio, then the long run along Jávea, then the approach toward Cabo de la Nao.

What can vary is how much the crew narrates or chats. Some experiences feel like they focus on operating the day, not giving a lot of local history or detailed sight explanations. If you enjoy a commentary-led cruise, keep your expectations modest.

Music is another factor. A common theme in the mixed feedback is that music can be loud for long stretches. If you want to relax and actually hear the sea, bring something simple like earplugs.

On the positive side, you’ll also find plenty of reports praising the captain and staff for being friendly and attentive. Some departures can be noticeably smaller, which changes the whole feel of the day. When you get fewer people, it’s easier to find space on deck and settle into a calmer rhythm.

Group size and the “how crowded will it feel” question

The official max is 105 travelers, so the day can be anything from comfortable to busy. In real-world terms, the number onboard matters because it affects three things: space to move, how fast the swim areas get used, and how long the lunch line feels.

Some trips have been described as having around 70 people, and others as much smaller, closer to a few dozen. That difference is huge. If you’re sensitive to crowds, choose your time and day wisely if you can, and arrive early so you can pick a good viewing spot.

Lunch timing can also create small bottlenecks. If you’re near the end of the line, you might not get the same experience people get right at the front, including access to bread or certain salad portions. That’s not something you can fully control, but you can reduce the odds by eating right away when they announce it.

Weather and motion sickness: the practical reality of sea days

This experience requires good weather. That matters because the deck can be exposed, and you may not have a lot of sheltered space if conditions get windy or choppy. If you’re planning a day in shoulder season or during changeable days, keep an eye on the forecast.

Also, the sea can move the boat. If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider preparing. One common note from people is that some passengers felt unwell, and the trip may not feel comfortable for everyone. Simple moves help: sit where the boat motion feels least (often more central), avoid heavy meals right before boarding, and bring any meds you normally use.

If the weather is great, the same trip feels far better. Several positive notes mention that great weather made the experience enjoyable even for people who were a bit unsure going in.

Price and value: what 66.26 buys you (and what it doesn’t)

At $66.26 per person for roughly 5 hours, this sits in the midrange for a boat lunch day. What makes it feel like value is that it includes lunch with bread, salad, fruit, and a drink, plus restroom access onboard. In other words, you’re paying for sea time plus a meal, not just a sightseeing cruise.

What it does not include is alcohol. You’ll need to use the onboard bar if you want drinks beyond the included non-alcohol beverage. Also, if your top priority is a guided, narration-heavy itinerary, you might feel the price is harder to justify, because some departures offer more scenery than stories.

One more value point: this is booked fairly ahead of time on average (around 12 days). That suggests it’s popular, and it’s smart to reserve early if you can.

Who should book this catamaran barbecue day?

This works best for people who want three things more than anything else: time on the water, a swim break, and a simple onboard meal. If you’re traveling with kids, the setup can be fun, especially when families find comfortable spots on deck.

It may be a weaker fit if you:

• want lots of local commentary and structured sightseeing
• hate loud onboard music
• need a fully sheltered boat in windy weather
• are very sensitive to sea motion

If you fall into the first group, you’ll probably appreciate how easy it is. It’s basically a half-day “coast sailing plus swim plus lunch” plan, and those are usually the hardest to beat for convenience.

Should you book this Dénia or Jávea day at sea?

I’d book it if your goal is uncomplicated time on the Mediterranean with Jávea coastal views and a real swim stop at Cala de Portixol, plus lunch included. The price makes sense for what’s bundled, and on the best days it feels like exactly the kind of mini escape you want between beach time and dinner plans.

I wouldn’t book it as your top choice if you specifically want a quiet, guided, history-heavy cruise or if you’re expecting a perfectly consistent BBQ experience every single departure. If you do decide to go, do one smart thing: ask ahead what lunch will look like that day, and plan to arrive early to get a comfortable spot.

If you want, tell me what month you’re going and whether you’re starting from Dénia or Jávea, and I’ll suggest the best mindset and prep list for that weather and time of day.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran trip?

The trip is about 5 hours.

Where does the catamaran sail during the day?

The route goes from the San Antonio cape toward Jávea, passes along the entire Jávea coast, and continues toward the Cabo de la Nao area.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included with bread, salad, fruit, and a drink. It is served as a barbecue menu.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included. There is a bar onboard, and you are not allowed to bring outside drinks.

How long is the stop at Cala de Portixol?

The stop at Cala de Portixol is about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Is there a restroom onboard?

Yes, there is a restroom onboard.

What about bow nets?

Bow nets have limited capacity. You should contact the company to book the bow net area.

What if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.