Dénia & Jávea: Portixol Sailing Catamaran Excursion with BBQ

Sun, salt air, and a long swim break. I love the spacious catamaran and how the crew keeps the day feeling simple, from boarding to lunch. You also get real time soaking in the coastline of Dénia, with steep cliffs, small coves, and that calm-water swim stop far from packed beaches.

One thing to keep in mind: the day can shift. BBQ can change depending on conditions and operations, and rougher seas can affect which cove you reach. Net seating is fun, but it can cook in direct sun, so plan a shaded backup spot if you burn easily.

Key points before you go

• A catamaran day built around swimming: You’ll drop anchor in an idyllic cove and get real water time, not just a quick dip.
• Net seats mean wrist bands and sun exposure: Some areas are reserved and very exposed to the sun, so bring sunscreen and sunglasses.
• Lunch and one drink are included: You get a full onboard meal plus a choice of sangria, soft drink, or water.
• More than one way to enjoy the water: You can jump from the boat, use stairs, snorkel, and even slide if it’s available that day.
• The vibe is music-forward: Expect good playlist energy and even dancing on the way back for some departures.
• Coves and plans depend on sea conditions: If the sea is rough, you may not go to the exact spot you pictured.

Dénia and Jávea by sea: the easy way to see the good parts

This trip is made for people who want the coast without the stress of driving, parking, or bouncing between viewpoints. From the water, the Dénia stretch looks dramatic fast: steep cliff lines, tiny inlets, and coves that are hard to reach by land. The catamaran format helps too, because you get plenty of deck space plus an onboard setup designed for relaxing.

I like that this isn’t a sightseeing-only cruise. It’s built around a long, practical chunk of time where you can actually get wet and enjoy the sea. The itinerary timing also feels right for a vacation day, roughly 3.5 to 5 hours depending on the departure option.

How your morning turns into an anchored swim break

Most days start with sailing in the morning from the port in Dénia. From there, you cruise along the coastline and pass a string of coves and lookout-worthy cliff views. The crew keeps it moving, but not rushed, so you can watch the shoreline roll by without feeling locked to a schedule.

Then comes the best part: the boat drops anchor in an area that feels made for a swim stop. This is where you get the clearer water and the quieter feel, the kind of spot that’s relaxing compared with crowded beaches on land. Expect time to swim directly from the catamaran, with options that can include ladders and jumps, depending on how the boat is set up that day.

A useful practical note: at the cove stop, you may need to stay close to the catamaran rather than wandering off to faraway beaches or caves. If you’re dreaming of a separate land excursion, adjust your expectations. Think of it as a boat-centered swim and snorkel break.

The onboard lunch is where the value really shows

At $65 per person, you’re not just paying for a ride. You’re buying time, food, and a drink, all while you’re already out on the water. The lunch package is hearty and specific: vegetable salad, barbecued chicken breast, pork fillet, bread, and fruit.

You also get one drink included. Your choice is sangria, soft drinks, or water. That matters more than it sounds because it keeps the day from turning into a money spiral once you’re on board.

One more reality check: the menu can vary. A past departure was reported as a swap away from BBQ, with paella mentioned instead. That doesn’t mean the meal is bad, it just means you should treat lunch as part of the onboard experience, not as a guaranteed exact menu item every single day.

Seating and shade: net seats, central tables, and the sun math

On this catamaran, not all seats are equal. Some areas are set up for sun lovers, including net-style seating. In some departures, those net spots are reserved and tied to wrist bands, so you can’t just claim any open space.

Here’s the practical tradeoff: net seating can be very exposed to sun. If you hate heat, that’s your cue to look for the central deck area where there are tables and spots that offer more shelter from the sun. Even on a sunny day, shade becomes your best friend after lunch.

My advice: show up ready to manage sun like it’s part of the itinerary. Bring a hat, wear sunglasses, and plan where you’ll go when the heat ramps up. This trip is popular, and you’ll enjoy it more if you don’t spend the afternoon searching for shade.

Swimming, snorkelling, and what to expect in the water

This cruise is built for water time. You can jump from different parts of the boat, including the front and sides, and there are stairs for getting in and out. Some boats and departures may also feature a slide, which can be a hit for kids if it’s available that day.

If you like seeing fish, this is one of those places where snorkeling can feel unexpectedly rewarding. One person described seeing many fish and enjoying snorkeling from the water around the boat. If you’ve got your own snorkel, I’d pack it. You might also want to bring your own buoyancy aids for children if you’re not confident about swimming strength yet, since you can’t assume the support gear fits every kid.

Jellyfish can be a question, and it’s smart to check with the crew before you go all-in. One departure had some jellyfish present, but they were reported as non-stinging kinds. Still, don’t ignore the warning signs. If you see them near the swim area, keep an eye on your own comfort level.

When sea conditions change the plan (and why that’s okay)

Coastal touring is weather dependent. This is especially true for the exact cove you reach and how the boat runs. A past trip was reported as switching from a sailing boat setup to motor, and another point that came up is that the planned cove may change when the sea is rough.

So what should you do with that information? Don’t build your day around a single perfect image of a specific cave or beach. Instead, think in terms of a strong core experience: sailing along the coast, then swimming from an anchored cove, then eating lunch and relaxing.

When conditions are rough, the tradeoff is usually smaller access to distant spots, not a loss of the overall cruise value. You’ll still get the catamaran feel, the open water views, and the onboard time.

Crew energy, music, and the onboard mood

If you care about atmosphere, this trip delivers. The crew focus tends to be on keeping things organized and friendly, with updates and a positive tone throughout the cruise. Some departures are described as upbeat with music, and there are reports of dancing on the return to port.

A few small friction points can happen on any party-leaning cruise. One person noted that a no-smoking sign was up but that smoking still happened onboard. That’s not something you can fully control, but it’s a reminder to bring a little flexibility. If you’re sensitive to smoke, choose your seating thoughtfully and talk with crew early.

Another small note: at least one departure didn’t include the kind of safety briefing a guest expected, and they also didn’t clearly see life jackets. You don’t need to panic, but I do recommend a quick scan for safety gear and asking crew if you want a fast, clear walkthrough before your first swim.

Price, timing, and who this fits best

This is a solid option if you want a half-day to late-afternoon coastal experience with real downtime built in. The duration is listed as 3.5 to 5 hours, so you can match it to your other plans in Dénia or Jávea.

It’s especially well suited for:

• Families who want a boat day with swimming time and fun options like jumping and possibly a slide
• People who prefer relaxation over constant museum-style sightseeing
• Anyone who wants lunch included without searching for it onshore

It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. If mobility is a factor for you, you’ll want to choose something that clearly matches your needs, since catamarans and onboard movement can be tricky.

What to pack (so you don’t end up buying it later)

Do a quick pack check before you head to the port. The essentials are clear:

• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Biodegradable sunscreen

I also suggest practical extras based on how the day tends to feel. Bring sunglasses and a dry bag if you have camera gear you care about. If you snorkel, having your own snorkel can save time and makes it easier to get comfortable in the water. If you’re traveling with kids who aren’t strong swimmers, pack buoyancy aids you trust.

And yes, bring that sunscreen even if you think you’ll just be on a boat. Sun hits harder than you expect when you’re reflected off water and moving along the coast.

Should you book the Portixol catamaran BBQ excursion from Dénia?

I think you should book this if your ideal day looks like cruising the coast, relaxing on deck, and then spending a meaningful chunk of time in the water. The included lunch plus one drink makes it good value for a half-day outing, and the overall vibe tends to be friendly and fun.

Skip it or at least temper expectations if you’re mainly hunting for a specific cave or a single fixed plan, because the cove and even the menu can change with conditions. Also, if you’re heat-sensitive, plan your seating strategy early so you’re not stuck in the sun.

If you want a boat day that blends views, swimming, and food without a lot of logistics, this one fits the bill. Just go in with flexible expectations, and you’ll enjoy the day much more.

FAQ

What’s included in the lunch on this catamaran excursion?

Lunch onboard includes vegetable salad, barbecued chicken breast, pork fillet, bread, and fruit. You also get 1 drink included, with options listed as sangria, soft drinks, or water.

Is there a vegetarian lunch option?

Yes. A vegetarian lunch option is available, and you should advise the local partner when booking.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is listed as 3.5 to 5 hours. Starting times can vary by the option you choose, so check availability for your preferred time.

Where do you meet for the excursion?

The meeting point may vary depending on the option booked, so use the specific meeting details shown for your selected option.

What should I bring with me?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and biodegradable sunscreen.

Is this trip suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments?

No. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.