Valencia: Catamaran Cruise, Paella Lunch and Swim Stop

Valencia’s best-known rice dish tastes better with sea air, and this catamaran lunch cruise pairs chicken paella with a swim stop off Port Saplaya. You get coastal views, a salad, fruit, and one included drink while the crew handles the sailing.

I like the straightforward value: at $41 per person, you get a boat trip, lunch, swimming, crew, and fuel in one package. I also like the relaxed setup, with a modern catamaran, music at a generally comfortable volume, and friendly crew members such as Ulysses, Javi, Álvaro, Marco, and Pepe el Capitán.

The main catch is the short swim period, which may come soon after lunch. Some departures allow a satisfying swim, while others feel rushed, so book this for a pleasant boat outing with a dip, not for a full afternoon in the water.

Key points to know before you book

• Chicken paella is served onboard: Lunch includes salad, Valencian-style chicken paella, fruit, and one drink.
• The swim stop is offshore: You can get into the Mediterranean from the catamaran, but the amount of water time can vary.
• Port Saplaya is the setting: The cruise gives you open-water and Valencian coast views without requiring a full-day excursion.
• The catamaran is comfortably sized: One recent departure carried about 30 people on a modern boat.
• Extra drinks cost more: Sangria, beer, and soft drinks are available onboard, but only one drink is included.
• Weather controls the schedule: The cruise requires at least 15 participants and can change or be canceled because of sea conditions.

What the Valencia catamaran cruise is really like

This is a simple half-day-style outing built around three pleasures: sailing, eating, and swimming. The advertised duration is 2.5 hours, while the sailing portion is described as about two hours, so you should allow roughly two and a half hours from the meeting point through the return.

You meet at the Boramar ticket booth at the stated meeting point and exchange your ticket there. There is no hotel pickup, so you need to make your own way to the port area. The host service is available in Spanish and English.

Once aboard, the boat heads out along the Valencian coast. The appeal is not a packed sightseeing program or a long list of historical explanations. It is the feeling of getting away from the city for a while, with the Mediterranean opening around you and the shoreline viewed from the deck.

I would choose this trip when you want an easy activity that fills part of a Valencia day without demanding much planning. It is also a good break from museums, old-town streets, and city heat. If you want a serious sailing lesson, a quiet nature trip, or a long swim session, this is probably too casual and too brief.

Starting from Port Saplaya

Port Saplaya provides the launch point for the cruise and the reference point for the swim stop. From the catamaran, you see the Valencian coast from a different angle than you do on land. The views are the main sightseeing element, so take a seat where you can enjoy the open water and keep your phone ready for coastal photos.

The boat itself receives consistent praise for comfort and size. A group of around 30 people found enough room aboard a modern catamaran, and another earlier departure was described as uncrowded. Group numbers can vary, since the excursion runs with a minimum of 15 people, but this is not presented as a tiny private sailing.

The atmosphere is casual rather than formal. Music plays during the trip, and the volume has generally been described as manageable. That matters because the music adds a holiday mood without necessarily turning the cruise into a loud party boat. Still, your experience will depend on the day’s group and the playlist.

The crew is an important part of the outing. Names connected with especially well-liked departures include Ulysses, Javi, Álvaro, Marco, and Pepe el Capitán. You should expect a friendly onboard team, but the main service is food, sailing, and access to the water rather than a guided talk about every feature along the coast.

Lunch first: salad, chicken paella, and fruit

The meal begins with salad, followed by chicken paella and fresh fruit. The paella is the center of the experience, and the menu keeps things uncomplicated. You are not choosing from a long restaurant menu. Instead, the crew serves a set meal designed to work for a moving boat and a mixed group.

The chicken paella includes tender rice and selected spices, according to the tour description. The meal has also been served with bread and watermelon on some departures. The exact fruit selection can vary, but the overall pattern is clear: a light starter, a filling rice dish, and something fresh to finish.

I like this arrangement because it makes the $41 price easier to justify. A boat trip alone might feel expensive if you are only getting a short ride, while lunch alone would not make the outing special. Combining the two gives you a full experience in a compact block of time.

The first drink is included. You may choose from options such as sangria, beer, or soft drinks, based on the selections available onboard. Additional drinks cost extra, and there is a drinks service on the catamaran. If you plan to spend the whole cruise with a drink in hand, budget beyond the advertised price.

One practical point deserves attention: the swimming comes after lunch on at least some departures. That is convenient for the schedule, but it may not be ideal for everyone. You might prefer to wait before getting into the water after a generous serving of paella. If your priority is swimming, keep this meal timing in mind.

The Mediterranean swim stop

The cruise makes a stop in open water near Port Saplaya for swimming and sunbathing. The memorable part is the chance to jump directly from the catamaran into the Mediterranean rather than walking down a beach or using a crowded pool.

The water stop has been a clear highlight for many people. The boat allows you to jump from the deck, and the setting gives you a refreshing break from the heat. You can swim, remain on deck, or simply watch others take the plunge.

The amount of time in the water is the less certain part. One departure offered a long, relaxed swim, while others allowed only one jump or a short period in the sea. A few people found the stop too quick, especially because it followed lunch. The honest way to view this feature is as a refreshing bonus, not as the main purpose of the booking.

You should also note that the tour does not include diving equipment. Bring only what you need for a simple swim, and do not expect a full water-sports session. The provided information does not promise snorkeling, paddleboards, or other equipment.

If you do not want to swim, the stop still gives you time to sunbathe and enjoy the boat at rest. The deck becomes the place to dry off, take pictures, and look back toward the coast. Swimmers should be comfortable entering the sea from the catamaran, since this is not a shallow beach entry.

How much value do you get for $41?

At $41 per person, this is good value if you would otherwise pay separately for a meal, a boat ride, and a waterfront activity. The package includes the catamaran, crew, fuel, lunch, one drink, and swimming. That is a useful bundle for a short holiday outing.

The value is strongest for couples, families with older children, and small groups of friends who want a shared activity without committing to a full-day cruise. The included paella gives the trip a clear Valencian character, while the swim stop adds something you cannot get from a standard restaurant lunch.

The value is weaker if you mainly want extended swimming time. The 2.5-hour schedule has to fit sailing, serving lunch, eating, and returning to port. Since the water stop can feel brief, you should not compare this with a dedicated beach day or a longer sailing charter.

The price also does not cover transportation to the meeting point or extra drinks. Those costs are easy to manage, but they should be part of your mental budget. You need to collect or exchange your ticket at the Boramar booth, and the tour does not come to your hotel.

Who will enjoy this outing most?

I would recommend it to you if you want three things in one booking: a view of the coast, a local-style meal, and a chance to cool off in the sea. It suits a sunny day when you want something more active than lunch but less demanding than a full excursion.

Food-focused visitors should enjoy the paella, though you should remember that this is an onboard group meal rather than a specialist paella restaurant. The boat setting is the point. If you want a carefully paced culinary experience, look elsewhere. If you want to eat rice while sailing, this hits the mark.

The trip also works well for people who like a social setting. The catamaran may carry around 30 people or more, and music creates a relaxed holiday mood. It is less suitable if you want silence or complete privacy.

People with mobility impairments should not book this activity. The experience involves boarding a catamaran and using the boat for a swim stop, and it is specifically not suitable for people with mobility limitations.

You should also avoid booking if your plans cannot handle weather changes. All departures depend on sea conditions, and the excursion runs only with a minimum of 15 participants. Advance booking is essential, especially during the warmer months.

Small details that make the trip better

Wear something comfortable for a boat deck and bring what you need for swimming. The supplied information does not list a detailed packing list, but a swimsuit and a way to manage wet clothing are practical choices for anyone planning to enter the sea.

Do not count on changing the swim order. The usual pattern places lunch before the water stop, so you may want to keep your meal moderate if you know you will want to swim soon afterward.

Choose your drink with lunch, then ask about the onboard drinks service if you want something else. Sangria, beer, and soft drinks have been available, but only one drink is part of the package.

Keep your expectations realistic about commentary. The crew provides service in Spanish and English, but the experience is centered on sailing, food, music, and swimming. If you want detailed information about the coast, you may find the narration limited.

Finally, do not arrive assuming the cruise is a costume party. Wearing a costume is not allowed. That is an unusual rule, but it is worth knowing if you are planning a themed celebration.

Booking and cancellation basics

You must go to the meeting point yourself and exchange your ticket at the Boramar ticket booth located there. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Valencia plans are still shifting. Check the available start times when booking, since the cruise does not run at one universal time.

The host or greeter can assist in Spanish and English. The minimum group size is 15 people, and weather conditions can affect every departure.

Should you book the Boramar catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a well-priced coastal outing with a proper meal and a refreshing swim. The paella, friendly crew, modern catamaran, and relaxed music give the trip more character than a basic harbor ride.

I would be cautious only if your main goal is a long time in the water. The swim stop varies in length and may happen soon after lunch, so it can feel short. For everyone else, $41 buys a pleasant slice of Valencia: rice, sea air, a drink, and a jump into the Mediterranean.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran cruise last?

The activity lasts 2.5 hours. The sailing portion is described as approximately two hours, so allow about two and a half hours for the full outing.

What food is included?

Lunch includes salad, Valencian chicken paella, and fresh fruit. Bread and watermelon have also been served on some departures.

Is a drink included?

Yes. One drink is included with the meal. Extra drinks are not included, though drinks are available for purchase onboard.

Can I swim from the catamaran?

Yes. The cruise includes a stop in the Mediterranean where you can swim and jump from the boat.

Is swimming mandatory?

No. You can choose to remain onboard, sunbathe, and enjoy the sea views instead.

Is diving equipment included?

No. Underwater equipment is not included in the activity price.

Where do I exchange my ticket?

You must exchange your ticket at the Boramar ticket booth at the same meeting point where the tour begins.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You must make your own way to the meeting point. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What languages are available?

The host or greeter service is available in Spanish and English.

Can the cruise be affected by weather?

Yes. All excursions are subject to weather conditions. The tour also requires a minimum of 15 participants to operate.