Denia: Cova Tallada Catamaran Tour and Swimming Stop

Cova Tallada looks good from land, but it gets special from the sea. This 2-hour catamaran tour runs along the Denia coast toward Las Rotas and on to the Javea area, then you get close to the Natural Marine Reserve before a captain chooses the swimming spot.

I especially like how straightforward it feels. You get a coast-first sail with music and a drink on board, and you are not stuck on a long day tour.

One thing to consider: the swim stop is not guaranteed to be right at Cova Tallada, and the captain decides where you drop anchor based on weather and conditions.

What You’ll Like Most on This Catamaran Tour

The staff vibe comes through fast. One recent review notes the crew was super nice, and the trip felt manageable even with two small children on board.

I also like the format for people who want big scenery without logistics stress. In about two hours, you see dramatic cliffs and beaches along the way, then get a refreshing break with the included drink before heading back.

The catch is that Cova Tallada itself is inside a Natural Marine Reserve and cannot be accessed from the catamaran. You will see it as close as permitted, and the actual swimming location may end up elsewhere near the marina.

Key Things I’d Pin to My Map

• Denia harbor to Las Rotas and Javea-coast views on a motor catamaran route
• Cova Tallada from the sea, as close as regulations allow, not a land walk
• Music plus one included drink to make the sail more relaxed
• A swim stop in the sea, but the exact anchoring spot depends on conditions
• Not allowed: food and drinks on board, so plan around the included drink
• Weather-dependent sailing, meaning the captain may adjust what happens on the water

From Boramar Ticket Office, Then Out to the Coast

Your tour starts in Denia’s harbor at the Boramar ticket office. Expect a Spanish-speaking host or greeter. This is the kind of meeting point that keeps things simple. You show up, get checked in, and you are on your way.

Once you’re aboard, the day shifts gears from city pace to sea pace. You sail toward Las Rotas on a motor catamaran, then continue along the coast toward the Javea area. The route matters because it frames what you will see: cliffs, beaches, and the rugged coastline that makes Denia feel like it has its own little coastline superpowers.

This is also a good duration for a first taste of the region. Two hours is long enough to see the coast properly, short enough that it does not swallow your whole afternoon.

How the Sail Works: Las Rotas to Javea Views

The sailing portion is all about visual momentum. As you head out from Denia, you will take in the coastline with the Natural Marine Reserve setting the tone. The tour describes the route as passing magical beaches and cliffs, and that lines up with what people usually remember from this area.

You also get a more “comfortable” feel on board. There is relaxing music, and you get a drink as you go. That combination helps the tour stay light. You are not just sitting in sun and wind, you are actually enjoying the ride, even when the boat is rocking a little.

One practical note: sailing depends on weather conditions. In plain terms, if conditions are rough, you may not get the exact experience you hoped for. The good news is that this is exactly why the tour includes a swimming stop but also keeps the details flexible for the captain.

Getting Close to Cova Tallada (Without Expecting a Swim There)

Cova Tallada is the star name on this tour, and you do get time focused on it. The key detail is how you experience it. The tour says the cave is located in a Natural Marine Reserve, so it cannot be accessed from the catamaran. That means you cannot treat this like a “cave visit” where you swim inside or dock for a cave walk.

What you can do is look. You approach the area as close as permitted, so the cave and its dramatic coastal setting are visible from the water. This is a big value point because you are seeing something famous in its natural setting, without the kind of access that usually ruins the atmosphere.

Still, I think it’s smart to set expectations early. Several important clarifications are part of the tour description: you will see Cova Tallada as close as possible, but not directly access it. And even if Cova Tallada is the headline, the swimming stop can happen later at a different spot.

The Swimming Stop: Refreshing, But Not Guaranteed at the Same Place

This tour includes a sea swim stop, and that is the part that makes it feel like more than sightseeing. After admiring the cove area, the captain looks for a special place to stop. Then you can swim and refresh in the sea before heading back to the harbor.

Here’s where I’ll be extra honest, because this is where people’s experiences diverge. One set of reviews describes a scenario where the stop was near the harbor, and that did not feel as good as what they expected. Another review said they could not swim at Cova Tallada itself, and instead anchored at a location off the marina where they started.

So, how should you read that? Treat the swim stop as a bonus that depends on conditions and captain judgment, not a promise that you will swim exactly beside the cave. The captain decides the anchoring area, and a specific bath spot is not guaranteed.

If you mainly want a sea swim and you are flexible about where it happens, you will likely feel satisfied. If you have your heart set on swimming right by Cova Tallada, go in with your expectations adjusted. You can still get a swim, but the best view and the best swimming spot may not be the same exact point.

What’s Included, and Why It’s Good Value for Two Hours

Let’s talk value, because $21 per person for two hours is only “cheap” if you actually get enough. Here, you do. The tour includes:

• Boat trip plus a stop for swimming
• One drink on board (water, soft drink, or wine)

That matters because many short coastal cruises either charge more for drinks or skip the swim. Here, you get a drink built into the price, plus the reason you came out onto the water in the first place, the sea break.

Also, music and relaxation are part of the experience. That turns a quick ride into something that feels like an outing rather than transportation.

If you end up wanting extra drinks, those are not included. So if you like wine with sea air, plan for that upfront.

The Mood on Board: Friendly Crew, Quick Pace

From the reviews you provided, one theme comes through strongly: the crew is genuinely kind. One reviewer specifically praised the employees as super nice. Another mentioned the trip was interesting even with two small children on board.

That’s more than a feel-good comment. A good crew makes a short tour work better. You do not have a long time buffer, so the onboarding and the tone matter. When people feel comfortable, it turns “two hours on a boat” into a memory that doesn’t feel stressful.

One more thing: the tour is in Spanish. If you do not speak Spanish, you will still get the essential info, but having a basic willingness to go with the flow helps. The host or greeter will guide you where you need to be and when you need to be there.

Photos and Views: What to Focus On During the Sail

If you want to maximize what you capture, focus on movement. The route along the coast is where you win. Look for the cliffs and the beaches as the boat passes. You are traveling through a coastline that rewards watching rather than just posing.

Then, when you reach the Cova Tallada area, slow down your camera habits and look with your eyes. The cave setting is about shape and distance, not just one close framed photo. You are viewing it from the sea at the closest permitted distance, which is exactly why watching for a moment matters.

For the swim stop, your strategy is simple: bring what you need, then commit to the moment. If you get a chance to anchor somewhere calm and clear, you will have time to enjoy the water without constantly checking the sky.

Practical Tips So the Swim Stop Does Not Surprise You

The tour does not allow food or drinks on board, so come with that in mind. You still get one included drink, but you should not expect snacks to be available.

Because the swim stop location can vary, pack for a “sea swim, not a cave access” reality. Have swimwear ready and bring sun protection, since you will likely spend time in open air. If you are unsure how your body handles boat rides, choose calmer seating and take it slow once you get in.

Also keep the timing flexible in your head. This is weather-dependent. If conditions require adjustments, it is usually the kind of change you notice in the swim plan more than in the basic sailing.

Who This Catamaran Tour Fits Best

This tour is a good match if you want a quick coastal cruise with a payoff. Specifically:

• You want Denia coast views in a short amount of time
• You care about Cova Tallada views even if you understand you cannot access the cave from the boat
• You like the idea of a swim break with the captain choosing the safest, best available option
• You want music and one included drink instead of a bare-bones ride

It may be less ideal if swimming right at Cova Tallada is your top goal. Based on feedback you shared, the swim can happen near the marina depending on conditions. If your main goal is a specific exact spot, you will want to plan with flexibility.

Weather Reality Check: Why the Captain’s Call Matters

You cannot control weather. You can control how you plan around it. The tour explicitly notes that sailing depends on weather conditions, and it also notes that anchoring and swimming are at the captain’s discretion.

That is not “fine print.” It is the whole deal with small catamaran tours along a protected coastal reserve. The captain has to choose safe and appropriate water access points, and those can shift day to day.

If you are the type who gets disappointed when an itinerary changes slightly, this tour might test you. If you are happy to focus on the ride and enjoy the best available swim stop, you’ll probably have a smoother experience.

Should You Book This Denia, Cova Tallada Catamaran Tour?

If your ideal afternoon is a short catamaran sail, big coastal views, a look at Cova Tallada from the closest permitted distance, and a chance to cool off in the sea, then I think this is a strong value pick at $21 for two hours.

The biggest reason to book is the combo of scenery plus a swim stop plus an included drink, all in one tidy outing. The biggest reason to pause is expectation management: you cannot access Cova Tallada from the catamaran, and the swim spot might not be right beside the cave.

If you want a reliable “swim at the cave” experience, look for tours that explicitly promise that access. If you’re okay with a flexible swim stop and you primarily want the sea views, you are likely to feel happy you booked.

FAQ

How long is the Denia Cova Tallada catamaran tour?

The tour lasts 2 hours.

How much does it cost?

The price is $21 per person.

What is included in the tour price?

You get the boat trip plus a stop for a swim in the sea, and one drink on board (water, soft drink, or wine).

Is food and drinks allowed on board?

No. Food and drinks are not allowed on board.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at the Boramar ticket office.

Can you access Cova Tallada directly from the catamaran?

No. Cova Tallada is in a Natural Marine Reserve, so it cannot be accessed from the catamaran. You will see it as close as possible as allowed.

Is the swimming spot at Cova Tallada guaranteed?

No. The anchoring area for swimming is at the discretion of the captain, and a specific bath spot is not guaranteed.