Catamaran ride -Costa Brava with barbecue and drinks. Familiar.

A catamaran day can fix a whole vacation. This one pairs onboard barbecue and drinks with a proper Costa Brava swim stop in a sheltered cove, plus the boat ride itself is the fun part. One thing to plan for: if weather kicks up early, the ride can feel rough, and seasickness is on the table.

You’ll sail from the Lloret de Mar shore past multiple coves and viewpoints, then anchor for bathing near the rocks. It’s a family-friendly morning trip, and the vibe is upbeat on board, helped by friendly, multilingual crew energy. Just bring layers and be ready for cold water, because wetsuits are not provided.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Four hours on the water with a full lunch-style BBQ stop and time to swim
• Sangria, beer, and soft drinks included, so you are not hunting for drinks mid-cruise
• A sheltered cove anchoring stop designed for a relaxing swim and photo moments
• Snorkeling masks available with a returnable €10 cash deposit
• Entertainment level is real, with music and dancing on the boat (including Greg’s hype)
• Weather matters, since the experience depends on good conditions

Why This Costa Brava Catamaran Feels Like a Mini Beach Party

If you want a day on the water that mixes scenery with real downtime, this catamaran hits the mark. The sail out is short enough to stay fun, and the stop is long enough that swimming is not just a quick dip. This is the kind of trip where you can spend your time doing basically two things: watching the coast slide by and then jumping in when the boat anchors.

I like that it keeps things straightforward. You get an all-inclusive style lunch on board, and you get a swim cove that is protected from wind. The best part is the overall tone: music, good humor, and a crew that clearly enjoys getting people involved.

The only caution is the sea itself. Multiple people noted a rougher start with rain and wind, and that can make some passengers feel seasick. If you get queasy on boats, plan ahead.

From Passeig d’Agustí Font to Sa Caleta: The Sail-Out Route

You start at Passeig d’Agustí Font, 5, 17310 Lloret de Mar, Girona, Spain. The meeting point is near public transportation, which matters because you do not want your vacation start to turn into a parking headache. The cruise generally runs about 4 hours, and the listed start time is 11:00 am.

Heads up on timing. One common theme was that the departure time can shift, with some people experiencing a later start than expected. To avoid stress, I would aim to arrive early and treat the first part of the trip like “settle in and get ready,” not like a strict timetable that must be met to the minute.

Once you’re on board, the catamaran heads north along the Costa Brava passing by named spots like:

• Sa Caleta inlet and the Castle (good for classic coastal views)
• Cala Trons, Cala Gran, Sa Goita
• Canyelles, Rajols, Morisca
• Llorell, Llevadó
• Then direction Tossa

What you’re really getting here is perspective. These coves are the kind of places you would struggle to reach easily on your own. From the boat, you see them in sequence, with changing light and angles. It’s not a hiking tour where you cover ground on foot, so the payoff is the ride itself and the views.

One drawback to know: because you’re sailing past rather than stopping for each listed spot, you should not expect to get out and explore every named cove. This trip is about one real swim and snack break, not a multi-stop land-and-boat route.

The Main Stop: Anchoring by the Rocks for Swimming and BBQ

About one hour into the cruise, the boat anchors in a cove near the rocks. This is the big moment, and it’s set up for exactly what you want on a Costa Brava day: swimming close to the natural edges of the coastline, with some shelter from wind.

This anchoring stop is also why the catamaran format works. On a small boat, you might feel the swell more. On a larger catamaran, the ride is often smoother, and once you’re anchored, you can focus on the water.

From what you can expect on board, the swimming time is the heart of the experience. People described clear water, lots of fish, and even the fun of jumping off the front. There were also mentions of harmless jellyfish around the area, which is one of those “be aware” nature notes rather than a reason to cancel plans.

If you are doing snorkeling, you can use masks provided by the operator with the returnable €10 cash deposit. Just know that snorkel time is not the same as a dedicated snorkeling tour with guided spots. It’s more like, you get a good cove, you look around, and you decide how long to stay in.

Drawback to plan for: cold water can be an issue. At least one review specifically called out that wetsuits should be provided because the water was cold. If you run cold, bring your own solution if you have one (or consider a thermal layer for swim comfort). Even if the day is sunny, the sea can still feel chilly.

What’s Included: Buffet BBQ Lunch, Beer, Sangria, and Soft Drinks

This is the most practical part of the day: food and drinks are handled on board. You’re looking at a buffet-style spread with items like:

• Pasta and salad
• BBQ with beef burgers
• Marinated gluten-free chicken cubes
• Fruit salad

On the drink side, the included options include beer, sangria, and soft drinks. This matters because it changes the vibe of the whole cruise. You are not timing your day around finding a bar. You can eat when you’re hungry and then go back to the water without worrying about extra costs.

A balanced note: the food is described as decent and a good match for a few hours at sea. But not everyone loved everything equally. One person found the food quality lacking, while another felt the pasta sauce was bland even though the meat was delicious. Another mentioned food quantity could feel limited.

So here’s my practical take: come hungry, but also pack a small personal snack if you are picky, because it’s cheap insurance. That aligns with what multiple people suggested, and it’s especially helpful if you want something sweet or salty that the buffet does not cover.

Also, plan for typical eating at sea. Buffet lines can move slower when everyone is hungry, and some people may be dealing with the motion. If you get motion sick, keep your meal lighter at first and see how your stomach handles it.

On-Board Vibes, Music, and the Crew Energy

This cruise leans into fun. Several people highlighted music playing during the ride back, with dancing and a party-like atmosphere. The crew were described as friendly and interactive, and at least one review specifically called out that the host and crew were engaging, even to the point of dancing and singing with passengers.

One name that came up more than once: Greg. People said he helped get the party started, and that the entertainment made the whole day feel like more than just a sightseeing cruise.

Another big plus was language. The crew was described as able to work across English, French, and Spanish, which makes it easier if your Spanish is rusty or you just want instructions without guessing.

And the boat itself is built for lounging. People mentioned features like a sun net and waterbeds, which are ideal if you want to soak up sun and not just “sit while holding a towel.” If the sea is calm, this is where the trip turns into pure relaxation.

If the sea gets rough early, the energy can still be good, but your experience depends on your tolerance for motion. That brings us to the most important prep for comfort.

What to Pack for Comfort When the Sea Turns Choppy

The operator gives you clear guidance on clothing and gear needs, and the reviews back it up with real-life notes. Start with comfortable shoes, since you’re told to remove them to get on board. Then pack like you’re going to a day at the beach plus a boat ride.

Here’s my go-to packing list for this specific cruise:

• Swimsuit and a towel (you are going in)
• Sun cream, hat, and sunglasses
• Warm layer or light jacket for off-season days or breezy weather
• Water shoes or easy sandals you can manage quickly on and off
• Motion sickness medicine if you get queasy, especially if you know the sea can be rough at first

That last item is not dramatic. One review said to take medication before departure so the trip is not ruined. Another described people getting sick due to rough waters, and that experience is exactly what you can avoid with simple prep.

Snorkeling gear is mostly handled for you. You can use snorkeling masks provided by the operator, but you’ll need the €10 cash deposit. If you already have your own mask, bring it anyway for comfort and fit, but it’s not required if you’re okay using the provided option.

Finally, bring patience for weather variability. This is a sea trip, so a rainy, windy first stretch can happen. The good news is that people also said conditions improved once the weather turned better.

Price and Value for a 4-Hour Costa Brava Catamaran Cruise

The price is $60.34 per person, and this is a trip people often book a few weeks ahead, with an average booking window of 20 days in advance. For that cost, you’re getting something close to “pay once and relax,” because:

• Lunch is included on board via a buffet BBQ
• Drinks are included (beer, sangria, soft drinks)
• You’re not spending time transferring between sights
• You get a sheltered cove stop designed for swimming

Compared to paying for individual meals and a separate boat entry, this usually works out well if you drink a bit and plan to swim. If you barely eat and you skip drinks, it’s still a good deal for the sea time and cove access, but your value perception may depend on how much you enjoy the onboard atmosphere.

Group size is listed with a maximum of 95 travelers. That number sounds big, but catamarans can feel roomy. Reviews described plenty of space and a catamaran size that can be deceiving in a good way. Translation: you’re not fighting for a deck spot the whole time.

If you’re going for a peaceful, quiet private-villa vibe, this may not be your ideal match. The cruise has music and dancing energy. But if you want a social, sun-and-swim day with a included BBQ, it is a strong value.

Who This Trip Suits Best (and Who Might Want Another Option)

This fits best if you want a short, low-stress boat day that includes food and drinks, plus a real swim stop. It’s also family-friendly, since families with children are welcome on the morning trip.

It’s a solid option for:

• Couples who want views plus relaxation
• Friends and groups who like music and a party-leaning atmosphere
• Solo travelers who do not want a quiet, solitary day
• Anyone who wants to see multiple coastal viewpoints without organizing a car plan

I would think twice if:

• You are highly sensitive to motion and you forget to take preventative steps
• You run very cold in the water and you do not plan for warmth
• You need a quiet, no-music environment

Should You Book the Catamaran Sensation Costa Brava?

I’d book it if you want a fun, practical Costa Brava day with included BBQ lunch, beer and sangria, and a proper swim cove. The biggest reason is simple: the cruise is designed around a single anchored bathing experience, so your time in the water is not sacrificed to constant cruising.

Go for it especially if you like onboard energy, because the crew interaction and music are clearly part of the deal. If you are worried about rough water, you can still make this work by taking motion sickness prevention and bringing warm layers for the first part.

If cold water and food quality variability are your top concerns, adjust your strategy. Bring a light thermal for comfort if you can, and consider packing a small snack so you’re never stuck hoping the buffet matches your taste.

If you land on a good weather day, this is exactly the kind of experience that turns into a vacation memory for the right reasons: coast views, water time, and a low-effort lunch that keeps you out of lines and back in the sun.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The duration is about 4 hours.

Where does the tour start in Lloret de Mar?

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

What time does it depart?

The start time is listed as 11:00 am.

What food and drinks are included?

A buffet-style BBQ lunch is included, along with beer, sangria, and soft drinks.

Are snorkeling masks provided?

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

What happens if the weather is poor?

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