Valencia: Catamaran Cruise, Paella Lunch and Swim Stop

One swim stop makes this catamaran special. On this Boramar sailing, I love the Valencian paella lunch and the chance to jump off in open water. The main tradeoff is timing, the swim break tends to come pretty soon after you eat, so you may not want to stay in the water as long.

You get a relaxed 2.5-hour coastal outing on a modern catamaran, with views from the deck and a simple meal onboard. If you want sun, sea, and no planning stress, this is one of those easy-value Valencia experiences.

Key things to know before you go

• Valencian paella onboard, typically chicken with tender rice and well-chosen spices
• Port Saplaya swim stop, with real jump-in time from the boat
• A group-friendly catamaran size, often around 30 people, so it feels lively but not chaotic
• Lunch includes salad and fresh fruit, not just a snack
• Onboard drink service with 1 drink included, and you can usually choose options like sangria, beer, or soda
• Weather can change the plan, so keep expectations flexible on windier or rougher days

Why This Valencia Catamaran Feels Like a Coastal Day Off

This tour mixes two things Valencia does well: coastal life and food worth slowing down for. You spend a couple hours out on the water, then you get a planned swim stop where the sea is the main event.

I like the format because it stays simple. You do not need to study a map, catch multiple buses, or plan a long day. You just show up, trade your ticket at the BORAMAR booth, and enjoy the ride.

The catamaran setup also helps. It tends to feel comfortable and social, with enough room to spread out on deck while still staying close to the food and crew.

Meeting Boramar and Getting Onboard Without Stress

You do need to make it to the meeting point yourself. There is no hotel pickup, so build in time to get there, find the correct line, and swap your voucher at the BORAMAR ticket booth.

Once you’re checked in, the crew handles the rest. The tour runs with a minimum group size (minimum 15 people), so it is designed to operate as a group sailing, not a private experience.

Tip for your comfort: if you’re prone to getting sunburned, treat the first part of the cruise as your “on-deck time.” The breeze helps, but it does not always protect you from strong Mediterranean sun.

Lunch on the Water: Salad, Chicken Paella, and Fresh Fruit

The lunch is not an afterthought. It is the centerpiece of the onboard meal, and the paella is a big reason people book this specific cruise.

You start with a salad, then move into Valencian paella, described as chicken paella with rice cooked until tender and seasoned with carefully chosen spices. Dessert is fresh fruit, typically watermelon shows up, and that sweet finish cools you down after time in the sun.

What I like is that this is a proper lunch format. You get enough food to feel satisfied, and you do not have to worry about hunting down a restaurant after your swim.

One practical note: since the swim happens after lunch, I suggest keeping your first plate realistic. If you stuff yourself, jumping into the water soon after can feel less fun. If you eat at a comfortable pace, the meal supports you rather than holding you back.

Sailing Views First, Then Port Saplaya Swim Time

The tour centers on a short sail along the Valencia coast, with panoramic views from the deck. That part matters, because the best photos usually come while you are moving and the light is changing.

Then you reach the swim stop. The plan calls for a strategic stop in the middle of the Mediterranean to enjoy a refreshing dip and some sun time.

The standout detail is Port Saplaya. This is where you get a chance to jump off the boat into open water. For many people, it becomes the highlight because it feels active and a little adrenaline-friendly, not just a passive cruise.

How long do you get? You’ll typically feel there is enough time to do a few jumps, enjoy the water, and then get back to the boat. Still, a couple of planning considerations come up naturally: if you want a long swim session before eating, the order here might feel a bit quick. And if you only want one quick jump, this timing can actually feel perfect.

Getting the Most From Your Swim Stop

This is the moment to pay attention to your body and your comfort level. Jumping in right after lunch means you’ll want to take it easy at first, especially if the water is cool or the boat has a bit of movement.

I also recommend you choose your “water style” early. If you love jumping off and swimming around, go a bit sooner so you catch the energy while everyone is fresh. If you prefer drifting and sunbathing, then keep your time in the water shorter and use the rest of the stop to relax.

From what I’ve seen people enjoy most, you want to be on deck when the crew signals the swim. Getting your spot early also helps you manage towels and belongings (even if you keep it minimal). The boat setup supports quick access, but being ready saves time and helps the stop feel smooth.

Drinks, Music, and the Onboard Vibe

The tour includes 1 drink with your lunch. Beyond that, there is drinks service onboard, so you can usually buy additional drinks during the ride.

What tends to make the onboard vibe work is that it stays relaxed. The music volume is often described as a good level, not overpowering, which makes the sail feel social without turning into a loud party.

You may see options like sangria, beer, and soda on board. Since the included drink counts, you can treat your first drink as the “starter,” then decide if you want anything else after the swim.

For me, this balance matters. A cruise can feel either too formal or too rowdy. Here, the tone feels casual, and the meal and swim give you natural breaks to enjoy the day.

The Crew Makes It Feel Friendly, Not Rigid

This tour wins points for hosting. The names that come up are the kind you remember because they interact with people and keep things moving.

You might hear from hosts such as Ulysses, along with the team that includes Javi, Álvaro, Marco, and Pepe, who is referred to as the captain in some notes. That personal touch helps the experience feel less like a checklist and more like a well-run day out.

The crew also helps with pacing, especially around lunch and the swim stop. When that flow is smooth, you feel like the timing is a feature, not a problem.

What You Really Pay for, and Why It Can Be Good Value

At $41 per person for about 2.5 hours, you’re not just buying a “seat on a boat.” You’re buying the catamaran ride, lunch (salad, paella, fruit), swimming access, crew time, and fuel, plus one included drink.

Boat tours in popular coastal cities can get expensive fast, especially when they include food and a water activity. Here, the value comes from bundling. You get a full meal and the highlight swim stop in a single ticket.

So who benefits most from the price? If you would otherwise pay separately for lunch plus a boat activity, this often looks like a smarter deal. If you only want scenery and you don’t care about the swim or the paella, it might feel less efficient.

Also, this isn’t a private charter. It runs with a real group, and that is part of the cost logic. For many people, the group energy adds to the fun rather than subtracting from it.

Small Cautions That Help You Pick the Right Day

A few details are worth thinking through before you book.

First, the schedule depends on weather. If conditions are rough, the tour may change or be affected. If you’re visiting Valencia on a tight itinerary, keep one flexible block for this type of sea activity.

Second, the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. The boat environment and swim stop access can be difficult, even if the crew tries to be helpful.

Third, costume is not allowed. If you’re thinking of dressing up for fun, you’ll need to skip that idea for this particular cruise.

Who This Catamaran Cruise Is Best For

I think this tour fits best when you want a simple day with clear payoffs: good food, a real swim moment, and coast views without major effort.

It works well for couples who want a low-stress activity and a meal they can enjoy outdoors. It also suits groups of friends, because the onboard setup encourages chatting and sharing the swim experience.

If you’re traveling with kids, this can be attractive because there’s a clear swim moment and lunch included, though you’ll still need to manage swim safety yourself.

If you’re the type who hates being in the water right after eating, adjust your expectations. You might still enjoy the overall value, but you’ll want to eat light and treat the swim stop as a shorter break rather than a long swim session.

Practical Tips for a Smooth 2.5 Hours

Bring what you need for the sea day, because the tour itself centers on swimming but does not mention equipment like diving gear. You should plan to dress for a quick on and off the water day.

Sunscreen is a must. The breeze feels nice, and that can make you underestimate sun exposure while you’re on deck.

Also, keep a bit of mental flexibility. Even when everything goes right, the swim stop timing and how long it feels can depend on group flow and conditions.

Finally, remember that there is a drink service. If you plan to add extra drinks, pace yourself. Heat plus sun plus salt water can sneak up faster than you expect.

Should You Book This Valencia Tour?

Book it if you want an easy, good-value mix of catamaran sailing, a real Valencian paella lunch, and a swim stop at Port Saplaya. This is the kind of tour that turns into a highlight because it’s active and food-focused, not just scenic.

Skip or reconsider if your top goal is a long swim before you eat, or if mobility access is a concern for your group. In those cases, you may be happier with a different format that better matches your timing and needs.

If you’re visiting Valencia and you like the idea of spending a couple hours out on the Mediterranean with lunch included, this is a strong bet.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The duration is listed as 2.5 hours.

What is included in the lunch?

Lunch includes salad, Valencian paella, and fresh fruit.

Is swimming included?

Yes, swimming is included as part of the tour.

Is hotel pickup provided?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You must go to the meeting point and exchange your tickets at the BORAMAR ticket booth, which is at the same meeting point.

Are drinks included?

One drink is included, and there is also a drinks service onboard for additional purchases.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No, it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Can I wear a costume on this tour?

No, wearing a costume is not allowed.