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

The best part of this Costa Brava catamaran trip is the long coastal ride to a quiet cove where you can swim straight from the boat. You’ll pass Sa Caleta, Cala Trons, Canyelles, Morisca, Llevadó, and other rocky inlets before lunch is served on board. The views are the main event, but the music and open bar give the return ride a party feel.

I like two things right away: the drinks are included, so you are not paying for every beer or glass of sangria, and the boat gives you a simple way to reach a secluded stretch of coast without arranging a car or water taxi. The crew also gets involved, with music, dancing, and announcements in English, French, and Spanish.

The main caution is the sea. Wind and rough water can make the first hour uncomfortable, and several people have needed motion-sickness medicine. Food opinions are mixed too, so think of the barbecue as convenient fuel rather than a reason to book the trip.

Key things to know before you book

• A beach boarding point: You step into the water from the shore, so wear shoes you can remove easily and expect wet feet.
• A scenic route toward Tossa: The catamaran passes a long chain of rocky coves, cliffs, and small inlets north of Lloret de Mar.
• One swimming stop: After about an hour, the boat anchors near the rocks in a sheltered cove for swimming, snorkeling, and lunch.
• Drinks included: Beer, sangria, and soft drinks are served as part of the experience.
• A social atmosphere: Music, singing, and dancing are common, especially on the return ride, with crew member Greg often helping start the party.
• A four-hour group outing: The boat can hold up to 95 people, so this is a shared cruise rather than a quiet private sailing.

Setting off from Lloret de Mar at 11 a.m.

The meeting point is Passeig d’Agustí Font, 5, in Lloret de Mar. The activity ends at the same place, which keeps the day simple if you are staying in town. The meeting point is near public transportation, and confirmation is provided when you book.

Pay close attention to the departure time. The scheduled start is 11 a.m., but one account describes the boat leaving closer to noon. That may have been a delay or a seasonal change, but I would arrive early and check the latest details before setting out.

Boarding takes place directly from the beach rather than from a dry pier. You will need to remove your shoes to get on board, so avoid complicated footwear. Sandals, flip-flops, or shoes that come off easily are more practical than sturdy walking shoes.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sun cream, hat, sunglasses, and warm clothing outside the hottest part of the season. Even a pleasant morning can feel cool once the catamaran is moving, and the open deck gives you little shelter from wind. Pets and companion animals are not permitted.

Sa Caleta and the rocky coves north of Lloret

Once underway, the catamaran heads north along the Costa Brava toward Tossa. The early part of the trip is about watching the coast change from a busy resort setting to a rougher line of rock, pine-covered slopes, and small bays.

Sa Caleta is one of the first notable sights, with its inlet and castle. After that come Cala Trons, Cala Gran, Sa Goita, Canyelles, Rajols, Morisca, Llorell, and Llevadó. You are not stopping at each one, so this is not a beach-hopping tour. Instead, you see them from the water, where the coves often look more enclosed and peaceful than they do from shore.

I like this part because it gives you a sense of how the Costa Brava is arranged. The road can take you to certain beaches, but a boat shows the gaps between them, the small rock shelves, and the places that are hard to reach on foot. Keep your camera ready, though spray and sun can make phone photography tricky.

The route lasts roughly an hour before the swimming stop. On a calm day, the ride is smooth enough for most people. On a windy day, it can be a different story. One account describes rain and rough water during the first half of the outing, with several people becoming seasick. That was not presented as a crew problem, but it is a real possibility on any open-water cruise.

If you are prone to motion sickness, take appropriate medicine before departure rather than waiting until you feel ill. Sit in a spot where you can look toward the horizon, keep some water nearby, and avoid overdoing the sangria early in the trip.

Anchoring in a sheltered cove

After about an hour of sailing, the catamaran anchors near the rocks in a cove sheltered from the wind. This is the heart of the excursion. You can swim from the boat, look for fish, and explore the water around the rocks. Snorkeling masks are available with a refundable cash deposit of €10.

The swimming area is described as clear, with fish visible below the boat. Jellyfish may also be present. One account calls them harmless, but you should still pay attention to conditions and follow the crew’s advice. The water can feel cold, particularly outside high summer, and wetsuits are not provided.

The length of the swimming stop can vary. Some descriptions indicate around an hour and a half in the cove, while other comments wish there had been more time in the water. The stated total duration is about four hours, and that includes the coastal ride, lunch, swimming, and return trip. If you want a full afternoon of snorkeling, this will feel short. If you want a refreshing swim built into a half-day cruise, it works well.

The catamaran has front nets and waterbeds where you can lie in the sun. These areas are especially appealing when the boat is moving, but you should use care if the sea is choppy. Families can enjoy the space, although young children need close supervision around the edges and in the water.

Barbecue lunch on the boat

Lunch is served as a buffet barbecue. The listed menu includes beef burgers, marinated gluten-free chicken cubes, pasta, salad, and fruit salad. Beer, sangria, and soft drinks are included with the meal.

This is a practical setup for a boat trip. You do not need to return to shore or carry a full picnic, and the food comes at the right point in the day, after the first hour on the water. The chicken is specifically described as gluten-free, though you should ask the crew about cross-contact if you have a serious allergy.

The food is the most uneven part of the experience. Some people find the barbecue tasty and filling enough, especially the meat. Others find the pasta sauce bland or the portions modest, and one account recommends bringing an extra snack. The supplied details do not say that outside food is prohibited, so a small backup snack is sensible if you are particular about lunch or have dietary needs.

I would set expectations at simple buffet food. You are paying for a combined day on the water, not a restaurant meal. The value comes from the route, swimming stop, drinks, and entertainment. If the quality of lunch matters more to you than the cruise itself, bring something extra if permitted and confirm any dietary requirements before boarding.

Music, dancing, and the return to Lloret

The mood changes as the day goes on. The crew plays music during the ride, and the return journey often turns into a casual dance party. Greg is singled out for getting people moving, while other crew members help keep the mood friendly and inclusive.

Music is played in several languages, and the crew can speak English, French, and Spanish. That matters on a mixed international boat, since instructions and announcements are easier to follow. You can join the dancing, stay on the sun nets, or simply watch the coast pass by. There is no requirement to take part in the social side.

This is not a silent sailing trip. If you want a peaceful boat ride with only the sound of the sea, the music may wear thin. If you are traveling with friends, celebrating, or hoping to meet people, the shared atmosphere is one of the strongest reasons to choose this outing.

The return takes you back to the original beach meeting point. Plan for wet feet when you leave the boat, and keep a dry towel and warm layer within reach. The final ride can feel cooler than expected after swimming.

Is $60.34 a fair price?

At $60.34 per person, the price is reasonable if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, lunch, drinks, and access to a swimming spot. Beer, sangria, soft drinks, the barbecue buffet, the coastal route, and the swimming stop are all bundled together.

The value is strongest for people who will use the full package. A group that wants music, drinks, and a lively shared outing can get a good half-day for the money. Families can also make good use of it, especially on the morning trip, which welcomes children.

The price is less compelling if you do not drink, dislike loud music, or mainly want quiet snorkeling time. In that case, you may be paying for entertainment and drinks you will barely use. The boat can carry up to 95 people, so even though the catamaran may feel spacious, you should expect a busy group setting rather than personal space.

The experience is typically booked about 20 days ahead. That suggests you should not leave it until the last minute during a popular Costa Brava stay, particularly if your schedule is tight.

Who will enjoy this catamaran cruise?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• Friends who want a social day with music and drinks
• Families looking for an easy coastal outing with a swimming break
• Solo visitors who are comfortable joining a mixed group
• Couples who want scenery, lunch, and a little entertainment
• Anyone staying in Lloret de Mar without a car

The trip suits a wide age range. A four-year-old was reported to have enjoyed walking around the catamaran and spending time on the front nets, while older children and adults can swim and snorkel. Still, this is an active boat environment, not a formal sightseeing cruise, and young children need supervision near the water.

It is a poor fit for anyone with severe motion sickness, anyone seeking a quiet sailing experience, or anyone expecting restaurant-quality food. Bad weather can also cancel the activity or make the ride uncomfortable.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Arrive with your swimsuit already underneath your clothes. Since boarding is from the beach, you will not have a dry pier or conventional terminal for changing before getting on.

Pack these items:

• Towel and swimsuit
• Sun cream, hat, and sunglasses
• A warm layer for the return
• Shoes that come off easily
• Motion-sickness medicine if you need it
• A small snack if you are unsure about the buffet

Bring cash if you want to use a snorkeling mask, since the €10 deposit is returnable and paid in cash. Protect your phone from spray, and do not assume the water will feel warm simply because the sun is strong.

Bad weather can lead to a new date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded, and the activity may also be canceled if too few people book.

Should you book the Costa Brava catamaran?

Book it if you want a cheerful, all-in-one half-day on the water. The route gives you beautiful views of the Costa Brava, the cove provides a welcome swim away from the crowded beaches, and the included drinks make the $60.34 price easier to justify. The crew’s friendly multilingual approach and the lively return ride add real character.

Think twice if you need calm seas, quiet surroundings, or a strong lunch. The boat is shared, the music can be lively, the water may be cold, and motion sickness is the biggest practical risk. For friends, families, and solo visitors who like a social outing, this is a good-value way to see the coast from a different angle.

FAQ

Where does the Costa Brava catamaran trip start?

It starts at Passeig d’Agustí Font, 5, 17310 Lloret de Mar, Girona, Spain.

What time does the activity start?

The scheduled start time is 11 a.m. One account describes a noon departure, so check the latest timing and arrive early.

How long does the catamaran trip last?

The activity lasts approximately four hours.

Does the tour include lunch?

Yes. Lunch is a buffet barbecue with beef burgers, marinated gluten-free chicken cubes, pasta, salad, and fruit salad.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Beer, sangria, and soft drinks are included.

Are snorkeling masks available?

Yes. Masks are available with a returnable cash deposit of €10.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Bad weather or insufficient bookings may also lead to a different date or a full refund.