Cambrils: Catamaran Cruise with Drinks and BBQ Lunch Option

A day on the water starts easy. This Cambrils catamaran tour pairs a reserved Balinese bed with included drinks and a proper onboard BBQ option, so you can focus on sun, sea, and swimming without budgeting every hour. One thing to plan for: if conditions are rough, the operator may adjust or limit swim time.

I like how straightforward the pacing feels, with a first anchor stop off Cap Salou and La Pineda for swimming and snorkeling, then more coastline cruising afterward. I also like the drink mix, which goes beyond the usual beer and cava with options like vermouth and Aperol. The main drawback is that it is not wheelchair-friendly, and if you run cold easily, being out on the open water may not feel great.

You’re looking at about 2 to 3 hours total, small-group energy, and a vibe that leans relaxed rather than party. If you want a low-effort way to see the turquoise coast between Salou and beyond, this is a strong pick.

Key things to know before you go

• Reserved Balinese beds so you do not end up searching for a spot once onboard
• Swim and snorkeling stops with the chance to see what’s under the surface near Cap Salou
• Drinks included including cava, beer, wine, vermouth, soft drinks, and Aperol
• BBQ lunch option alongside snacks, with halal-friendly choices reported (sausages and kebabs)
• Small-group feel with fewer bodies onboard than the typical big-boat day
• Weather-dependent water time, meaning swimming can be reduced when currents are strong

Private Balinese beds, drinks, and BBQ lunch that feel like real value

This cruise sells a simple promise: you get on a catamaran, you get a bed, you get fed, and you get time in the water. In practice, that matters because your day is already planned. You are not trying to find lunch, then chasing a beach taxi, then negotiating your way back to the coast.

The Balinese bed is the centerpiece. You collect your assigned bed number before boarding, and once you’re out on deck, you can actually relax instead of playing musical-chair with strangers. From what I’ve learned from past participants, some beds are in the sun and some have more shade, so it helps to think about what you want before you grab your number.

The food and drink setup is what makes the price easier to swallow. Snacks and multiple drink types are included, including cava plus a spread of alcoholic options like beer, wine, vermouth, and Aperol. And if you opt for the BBQ lunch, you are getting something that reads like a real meal instead of a snack plate.

The one caution is conditions. If there’s a storm, or the current is too strong, they may skip swimming for safety. That does not ruin the day, but it changes the highlight you came for.

Getting to the Cat Aventure boarding area in Cambrils (and handling Salou taxi stress)

This trip is based out of Cambrils, but depending on where you start, your meeting point can vary. What’s consistent is that you will pick up your bed assignment at the point of sale located in front of the catamaran.

If you are staying around Salou, timing can get tricky in peak summer. During July and August, taxis can be hard to find, so try to arrange one well in advance, about 2 hours before departure. A practical alternative is the bus from Salou to Cambrils, which runs about every 20 minutes and drops you roughly 300 meters from the boarding area.

I recommend you plan for a little extra buffer time to collect your bed number. This is one of those tours where being on time matters because boarding is part of the show.

Where you sail: Cambrils coast, then anchor between Cap Salou and La Pineda

After departing Cambrils, the boat cruises for about 1 hour before anchoring for swimming time. That anchoring zone is between Cap Salou and La Pineda, which is a sweet spot for a day focused on water access. You will be close enough to see the seabed when conditions are clear, which is a nice detail because it makes snorkeling feel less like guesswork.

From there, the route can shift with the wind. Depending on conditions, the catamaran may head south toward the Montroig area, where the water is sometimes an intense blue. This part is all about geography plus weather. You cannot control the sea, but the operator positions the boat to take advantage of what you get that day.

In plain terms, the sailing time is short enough that you still feel like you “did something,” not just rode around looking at the shoreline. And the anchor time is long enough that you can do more than one swim or jump if you want.

Swim and snorkeling time: easy water access in turquoise conditions

This is not a dry sightseeing cruise. The core of the day is swimming and snorkeling in clear water off the coast.

Once anchored, you can hop in and out with relative ease. Life jackets are available for anyone who feels nervous about getting in the water. The deck setup includes steps for getting back onboard, which makes it much less stressful than climbing back up ladders in choppy conditions.

If you use snorkeling gear, you have a good chance of seeing what’s below, especially around Cap Salou when visibility is good. The water color can look almost unbelievable when the sun hits it right, but the most useful thing is that the operator is focused on giving you real time in the water, not just a quick dip.

One more safety note: if currents are strong, swimming may be limited. On stormy days, some departures still run, but swim time can be adjusted. If your main goal is sea time, keep an eye on the day’s conditions and be flexible.

BBQ lunch and snacks at sea: more than just bread and beer

Food happens onboard, and it is timed to keep the day moving without turning it into a long waiting game. You will have snacks plus drinks during the cruise, and if you select the BBQ option, you’ll eat on board as you enjoy the anchored portion of the trip.

The snack-and-drink spread includes cava and soft drinks, plus beer, vermouth, wine, and Aperol. That list matters because it covers different tastes. You can go “casual and refreshing” or you can treat it like a proper drinks cruise, depending on your mood.

The BBQ details are a key reason this trip gets strong feedback. One reported menu included halal sausages and chicken kebabs, which is a helpful sign if your group needs options beyond standard pork-heavy grilling. If you have dietary needs, it’s smart to check in ahead of time with the operator, but the fact that halal items were available on at least one BBQ run suggests they take inclusivity seriously.

Food quality is never perfect on the sea, because you are cooking on a moving platform in a warm climate. Still, the consistent point here is that people do not feel shortchanged. You are not just nibbling while everyone else eats.

The onboard vibe: sun and shade, chill music, and not feeling packed

A catamaran can feel cramped if you treat it like a public ferry. This one tries to avoid that through the assigned bed system. When each person has their own spot, the deck is calmer. You are not stuck competing for floor space every time someone wants to go back to the bar area.

Music is part of the experience too, with chilled dance anthems reported on past days. That keeps the mood light, especially during the hours when you are mostly floating, chatting, and switching between sunbathing and water time.

Sun versus shade is also real. Some bed locations are more exposed, some are cooler. A simple strategy: when you collect your bed number, think about your comfort needs. If you burn easily, prioritize shade. If you want full tan time, aim for sun.

Also, there are usually a good number of ways to be comfortable: relaxing on your bed, hanging out on the wide deck area, and using the water access when you want a reset.

Price and value: why $35 can work for a drinks-and-boat day

At $35 per person for roughly 2 to 3 hours, the value comes from the fact that the day is bundled. You are paying once, and that covers the catamaran ride, a reserved bed, food, and a full range of drinks.

Most “cheap boat days” only include one drink tier, or they give you a token snack. Here, the list includes multiple alcohol options: beer, vermouth, wine, and Aperol, not just cava. The BBQ option also turns the day into something you can plan your meals around.

So the value equation is simple. If you would otherwise buy lunch and at least a couple drinks while hopping between beaches, the included setup saves you both money and time. The cruise is doing the heavy lifting.

The only way the price feels less worth it is if weather ruins the water portion. Even then, you still get a guided coastal cruise with the onboard food and drinks, but the “main event” becomes more like a relaxing floating day.

Who should book this cruise, and who should skip it

This trip is a great fit if you want:

• A coastline cruise without long bus rides or complex ticket juggling
• Your own bed and a calmer deck feel
• A real chance to swim or snorkel in clear water
• Included drinks that go beyond the basics
• A BBQ lunch option that can work for groups with halal needs (based on reported BBQ menus)

It may not be for you if:

• You need wheelchair access, since it is not suitable for wheelchair users
• You run cold easily, since you are out on open water for a few hours and wind can change how the deck feels

It also fits families and friend groups who want a shared activity that still gives everyone downtime. The small-group setup helps keep things from feeling like a stampede.

Should you book the Cambrils catamaran cruise?

I would book this if your idea of a great Catalonia day is simple: get out on the water, have a reserved place to relax, eat something satisfying, and spend real time in the sea. The Balinese bed plus the wide drink menu plus the onboard BBQ option is a strong combo for the time you get.

I would think twice if your schedule is tight and you cannot handle the possibility of reduced swimming due to currents or weather. Bring a towel, plan to be at the meeting area early enough to collect your bed number, and be ready to enjoy the cruise even if the water portion needs to change.

If you want an authentic, low-effort way to experience the coast between Cap Salou, La Pineda, and potentially toward Montroig, this is one of those trips that makes the day feel longer than it is, in a good way.

FAQ

How long is the Cambrils catamaran cruise?

The duration is listed as 2 to 3 hours. You’ll want to check availability to see the specific starting times.

What’s included in the price?

Food and drinks are included, along with the Balinese bed and the catamaran cruise.

Where does the cruise anchor for swimming?

The catamaran sails for about 1 hour and then anchors between Cap Salou and La Pineda for swimming.

What drinks are served onboard?

The drinks list includes cava, soft drinks, beer, vermouth, wine, and Aperol.

What should I bring with me?

Bring a towel.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

No. It is not suitable for wheelchair users.