Cambrils: Catamaran Day Cruise with BBQ and Drinks

A catamaran day cruise with drinks and a real floating beach vibe is hard to beat. From Cambrils, this Cat Aventure setup puts you on a stylish catamaran with balinese daybeds, two swimming stops in pretty calas, and a full-on BBQ and bar service. The big upside is the daybed life plus the sea time, and the potential snag is that a few details can vary, especially around what exactly you consider BBQ.

I especially like the way the crew and captain are talked about by name, including Captain Marcos and staff such as Mario and Enrique, because that usually means you get hands-on attention on the water. You also get a proper drinks menu mixed into the experience, with cava, prosecco, vermut, Aperol, and wine listed. My one caution for your planning is that communication and food expectations are not perfectly consistent, so if BBQ is the main event for you, go in with a flexible mindset.

Key points before you go

• Assigned balinese bed pick-up at the red ticket office in front of the catamaran
• Two swimming stops in calas, with snorkel chances (but depth can limit visibility)
• Drinks are part of the day, with a bar serving cava, prosecco, vermut, Aperol, and wine
• Food is included, and at least one vegetarian meal request was handled quickly on board
• Music ramps up from background to more party energy later in the cruise
• In July and August, plan transport early, since taxis in nearby Salou can be tricky

Cat Aventure feels like a beach club at sea in Cambrils

Cat Aventure is built around one idea: make the sea day feel like a beach club, not a stiff sightseeing boat. You’re on a larger, stylish catamaran with a bar setup, music, and comfortable daybeds designed for lounging. That matters because the “best” part of the day is often the hours between swims, not a single photo moment.

Most of your comfort comes from the balinese bed setup, and you’re not meant to wander around hunting for space. Before you board, you’ll need to collect your bed number from the red ticket office placed in front of the catamaran. If you show up late and skip that step, you can end up stressed, even if the boat is not.

Your 6-hour cruise schedule and what it means in real time

This is a 6-hour sailing experience along the coast, with the day structured around sea time and breaks. The itinerary is described as starting from one of two pickup points, then cruising for long stretches before returning to the same area for drop-off. In practice, that usually means you’ll settle in early, then repeat the rhythm of lounge, drink, music, swim, and more lounge.

Expect two swim moments at calas, spread through the trip. You’re not going to be on a strict “tour guide script” every minute, so you can actually enjoy the water and the boat itself.

One useful reality check: the experience is not marketed as a silent luxury cruise. Music is included, and at least one account describes it as ambience at the start and more of a disco-style feel later. If you’re the kind of person who wants full quiet, you might want to choose your bed location smartly, and keep ear sensitivity in mind.

Cala swimming and snorkel: where it’s great, where it can disappoint

The big promise here is the swimming. You get two stops for swimming, and the bays are the point. If you like saltwater time, float around, and grab a snorkel mask when conditions look good, you’re likely to have a fun day.

Now the practical part: snorkel results depend on how and where the boat anchors. One account notes that the boat went to fairly deep waters, around 12 meters, which can reduce what you see even if the water looks gorgeous. Another mentions snorkel being a nice option, so you might get clear, fishy conditions, or you might just get a decent swim.

One more water warning from feedback: a jellyfish swarm showed up during at least one swim stop, and it didn’t stop the schedule. I would not spiral into worry, but I would treat it as a reminder to check what’s visible before you go in, and avoid doing a full panic plunge the second the anchor drops.

BBQ lunch and drinks: the value is real, but food expectations can vary

Your lunch is included, and the day centers on BBQ and drinks. The drinks list is a strong selling point for value, because you’ll see a menu featuring cava, prosecco, vermut, Aperol, and wine. That’s a lot of variety for a day cruise price, and it’s also what makes the long sea hours feel like more than just time on a boat.

For food, included means you should plan to eat on board during the cruise. Feedback is mostly positive about BBQ and lunch quality, including specific mentions of Enrique producing a delicious lunch. There’s also at least one harsh note claiming the BBQ was not real BBQ and seemed like leftover food from a prior night.

Here’s how I’d handle that as a traveler: treat it as an included lunch with BBQ-style expectation, not as a grill master destination. If you have dietary needs, you’re in a better position than you might think. One vegetarian request was handled quickly with a vegetarian pizza made for the person on board. If you’re vegetarian or have restrictions, tell staff early, and don’t wait until the moment you see the menu.

Daybed comfort, crowding, and the small annoyances that matter

The balinese beds are the headline comfort. Comfort does show up in feedback, including notes that the beds are comfortable and that you should bring a towel. That towel tip is not fancy, it’s just smart. Catamarans and salt air can make everything feel damp, and you’ll be happier if you’re not lying on damp fabric.

Crowding is the next factor. One account describes the boat as having many yellow daybeds and being quite full, though the person still had a decent time. So even if your bed is assigned, you may find it lively. If your ideal day is calm and spaced out, go early in the booking window if you can, and aim to get a location you like.

A few practical annoyances came up too:

• Some smokers may gather near the steps, which can be awkward if you have to pass through.
• There’s mention of being asked to remove shoes and that shoes are set aside when disembarking, so leave your nicest pair at home.
• One account says an upper deck bed area felt neglected for the whole trip, while another says upper deck beds can be quieter than the main deck. Translation: choose your bed area thoughtfully if you have preferences.

Guides, music, and onboard energy from early chill to later party mood

A live tour guide is listed, with languages including English, Catalan, French, Dutch, and Spanish. That’s good on paper, and it can make the day smoother when you want simple explanations about the route or swim stops.

But there is at least one note that no tour guide was effectively available in English, despite the listing. To protect your day, I’d plan to enjoy this as an activity-first cruise. You won’t be missing a big “must-know” narrative, because the main event is the sea, the lounge setup, and the drinks.

On the fun side, music is included, and the vibe can shift. One account notes ambience music at departure, then a more discothèque feel later. If you want lively energy, that’s a plus. If you want conversation, bring patience or choose a bed farther from the noise zone.

Price and value: is $77 a smart deal in Catalonia?

At $77 per person for a 6-hour catamaran day cruise, the value depends on what you care about most. What you get on paper is a lot for the money: the cruise itself, BBQ lunch, drinks, a balinese bed, music, and two swimming stops. That bundle matters because drinks and a proper meal are often the biggest ticket items on boat days.

The best value part is the drinks menu. Seeing cava, prosecco, vermut, Aperol, and wine included means you can actually settle in for hours without constantly reaching for your wallet. And the daybed is not a tiny upgrade, it’s central to how you’ll enjoy the cruise.

If your top priority is a flawless, high-end BBQ experience, you might consider this as “included beach-club catering” rather than a guaranteed gourmet barbecue standard. The cost is fair for a day on the water, but food quality can be the one variable.

Where you should book from: Salou to Cambrils timing tips

This cruise is based around Cambrils, but many people stay in Salou. During July and August, taxis can be hard to find in Salou, so plan early. The advice given is to hire a taxi about two hours before departure, and if you want a budget-friendly move, use public transport.

You can take a bus from Salou to Cambrils every 20 minutes, and it drops you about 300 meters from the boarding place. That last detail is important, because on a boat day you want the final walk to be short.

Pickup and drop-off can vary depending on the option booked, with two starting points listed. In other words, double-check your exact meeting area so you don’t arrive at the wrong entrance.

Who this catamaran day trip suits best

This is a great fit if you want:

• A social day with friends or family, plus drinks and a meal included
• Comfortable lounging on a daybed, not wrestling for deck space
• Two swim breaks in calas, with a chance to snorkel when conditions look promising
• A Catalonia coastal outing that feels like a beach club

It is not a good match if you have a cold, based on the stated suitability. If you’re sensitive to smoke near the steps, choose your bed location with that in mind. And if you need guaranteed quiet, remember that onboard music can ramp up later.

Should you book Cat Aventure from Cambrils?

I’d book it if you want an easy, value-heavy sea day with daybed comfort, two swim stops, and drinks that make the hours fly. The included drinks list and the balinese bed concept are strong reasons the $77 price can make sense, especially for groups.

I’d think twice if BBQ is your make-or-break requirement and you expect a restaurant-style grill experience every single time. Food quality can be the one weak link, and the snorkel experience can vary with depth and anchoring.

If you do book, do these three things:

1. Collect your assigned bed number at the red ticket office before you board.
2. Bring a towel, and pack shoes you can handle removing easily.
3. If you have dietary needs, communicate early so the crew can help.

If you match that mindset, Cat Aventure reads like a fun, practical way to spend a day on the Costa Daurada, with the kind of onboard comfort that turns a simple cruise into an actual beach-day alternative.

FAQ

How long is the Cat Aventure catamaran day cruise?

The duration is listed as 6 hours.

What is included in the price?

Included items are BBQ, lunch, drinks, the catamaran cruise, balinese bed, 2 swimming stops, music, and aperitifs.

Are drinks included or do I need cash?

The activity information states that drinks are included, and it also notes that there is no need to carry money for payments.

Where do I meet for the tour?

The meeting point may vary depending on the option you book, and two starting locations are listed: Passeig de les Palmeres or Saba Aparcamientos, S.A.

Do I get a specific daybed on board?

Yes. Before embarking, you need to go through the point of sale (red ticket office) in front of the catamaran to collect the number of your assigned balinese bed.

How many swimming stops are there?

There are 2 stops for swimming during the cruise.