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

The Costa Brava is best seen from the water. This four-hour catamaran trip from Lloret de Mar follows a handsome stretch of coast toward Tossa, then pauses in a quiet cove for swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and drinks. I especially like the all-inclusive setup, with barbecue food, beer, sangria, and soft drinks covered in the $60.34 price.

I also like the easy holiday mood: music, dancing, friendly multilingual crew, and room to stretch out on the nets or waterbeds. The main caution is the sea. Rough weather can make the first part uncomfortable, and the food receives mixed marks, so bring motion-sickness medicine and keep your expectations closer to a casual boat buffet than a restaurant meal.

• A full Costa Brava route: Sail past Sa Caleta, Cala Trons, Canyelles, Morisca, Llorell, Llevadó, and other coves on the way toward Tossa.
• A sheltered swimming stop: After about an hour, the catamaran anchors near rocks in a natural cove for swimming and snorkeling.
• Food and drinks included: Expect burgers, marinated gluten-free chicken, pasta, salad, fruit salad, beer, sangria, and soft drinks.
• A social boat atmosphere: Music, dancing, and lively hosting make this more of a floating party than a quiet sailing trip.
• Family-friendly morning departure: Children are welcome, and families report enjoying the swimming stop and open deck.
• Useful packing detail: Wear shoes that are easy to remove, and bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and a warm layer off-season.

Setting Out From Lloret de Mar at 11:00

The meeting point is at Passeig d’Agustí Font, 5, in Lloret de Mar. The boat leaves from the beach shore itself, so you should wear footwear that comes off easily. Getting on board is not a standard marina procedure, and nobody wants to wrestle with laces while standing at the water’s edge.

The scheduled departure is 11:00 am. One important practical wrinkle is that a passenger reported the boat leaving closer to noon on one occasion. I would arrive early, confirm the departure time locally, and use the extra minutes to find the meeting point rather than cutting it close.

The catamaran can carry up to 95 people. That is a sizable group, but the layout helps. You can usually move between seating areas, open deck space, the front nets, and the waterbeds. The boat may look crowded as people gather, yet the available space feels less cramped once everyone spreads out.

This is not a hushed sailing lesson. Music and conversation begin early, and the crew works to get people involved. English, French, and Spanish are used, which helps mixed-language groups feel included. The tone is cheerful and social, not formal or instructional.

Sailing Past the Costa Brava Coves

The first hour is the scenic portion of the trip. The route heads north toward Tossa, passing a long chain of rocky inlets and small coastal bays. Sa Caleta and its castle appear early, followed by Cala Trons, Cala Gran, Sa Goita, Canyelles, Rajols, Morisca, Llorell, and Llevadó.

You will see the coast from a better angle than from a road or crowded beach. Cliffs, rock shelves, small coves, and clear water unfold from the deck, with the boat giving you time to watch rather than rushing from one viewpoint to the next.

I would spend the outward journey moving around. The front nets are useful when you want the full sensation of being over the water, while the sides offer better views of the coves. Bring sunglasses and a hat, but secure them well. Sun, wind, and spray can arrive together.

The smoothness of this section depends heavily on the sea. On a calm day, the ride can feel easy and pleasant. In rough weather, the same crossing may become bouncy enough to cause seasickness. One passenger described rain and wind through the first half of the trip, while another specifically advised taking motion-sickness medicine before departure.

This is also the point where you should decide how much you want to eat and drink. Unlimited beverages sound carefree, but alcohol and rough water are a poor combination. If the sea looks unsettled, start with water or a soft drink and save the sangria for the cove.

The Swimming Stop Near Tossa

After roughly an hour of sailing, the catamaran anchors near the rocks in a sheltered cove. This is the heart of the excursion. You get time to swim, look for fish, explore the water near the rocks, and enjoy a break from the busy beaches of Lloret de Mar.

The exact cove can depend on conditions, so I would not treat the stop as a guaranteed single beach destination. The aim is a protected natural area with clear water and some shelter from the wind. Several passengers described the water as clear enough to see fish, and some noticed harmless jellyfish. That is a reminder to look carefully before jumping in.

The boat provides snorkeling masks for a returnable cash deposit of €10. That is useful if you want to inspect the water but do not have your own equipment. You still need to bring your own swimsuit and towel, and a warm layer is sensible if the weather is cool or the wind rises after swimming.

The catamaran has a front sun net and waterbeds, giving you more than one way to enjoy the stop. You can swim, sit in the sun, or simply watch others enjoy the water. The swimming period appears to vary in feel: some people found they had around an hour and a half, while others wanted more time in the cove.

There is no strong reason to expect a guided snorkeling session. This is independent water time from the boat, so you should be comfortable judging your own swimming ability and following crew instructions. Families can enjoy it, but younger children will need close supervision around the deck and water.

What Lunch Is Really Like on Board

The included meal is a buffet barbecue. The stated menu includes beef burgers, marinated gluten-free chicken cubes, pasta, salad, and fruit salad. It is designed to feed a large group efficiently, not to deliver a carefully prepared dining experience.

The barbecue meat receives the strongest praise. I would expect the burgers and chicken to be the safest choices if you want a filling plate. Pasta and salad add some variety, while fruit salad gives you a lighter finish.

Food quality is the most uneven part of the experience. Some people found the meal tasty and satisfying. Others thought the pasta sauce was bland, the portions were limited, or the overall standard was below expectations. One person recommended bringing extra snacks, which is sensible if you are particular about food or expect to be hungry after swimming.

The $60.34 price makes more sense when you count the full package: four hours on the coast, a barbecue meal, beer, sangria, soft drinks, a swimming stop, and entertainment. The food does not need to be exceptional for the day to feel worthwhile. Still, I would not book this mainly for lunch. Book it for the boat ride and swimming, with the meal as a useful bonus.

Dietary information is limited beyond the listed gluten-free marinated chicken. If you have a serious allergy or a strict diet, confirm what can be provided before booking. Do not assume the buffet will cover every need.

Music, Dancing, and the Floating Party Mood

The return journey often shifts the mood from sightseeing to celebration. Music plays, the host encourages dancing, and the deck can turn into a small party. The crew receives especially warm praise for being friendly, active, and inclusive.

Greg is singled out in several comments for getting people dancing and helping create the party atmosphere. Another lively host or announcer was praised for infectious energy, though no name was given. The crew also uses music in several languages, which suits an international crowd.

You should choose this trip partly by deciding what sort of boat day you want. If you want quiet sailing, long stretches of silence, or a small private vessel, this may feel too loud and busy. If you enjoy meeting people, singing along, and having a drink while the coast passes by, the energy is a major part of the value.

Solo visitors are not automatically out of place. The social format gives you plenty of chances to chat, although the experience is especially easy for couples, groups of friends, families, and workmates. Several groups treated the boat as the highlight of their holiday, while families with children also found the atmosphere welcoming.

How the Price Works for Families and Groups

At $60.34 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the Costa Brava, but it bundles several costs into one fare. A separate boat ride, lunch, drinks, and access to a swimming stop could add up quickly, especially for a group.

The value depends on how much of the package you will use. I think the price is fair for someone who plans to spend most of the four hours on board, eat lunch, enjoy the included drinks, and swim. It is less attractive if you do not drink, dislike group entertainment, or prefer to spend the day on shore.

Families should pay attention to the morning format. Children are welcome on the morning trip, and the combination of open space, water, food, and music can work well for a family day. The boat is not a private family outing, though, so expect a shared atmosphere and a large group.

The experience is booked about 20 days ahead on average. That suggests planning ahead during busy periods, particularly if you have only a few days in Lloret de Mar. Confirmation is provided at booking, and the activity is near public transportation.

Pets and companion animals are not allowed. Most people can participate, but the information does not promise special access arrangements, so anyone with mobility concerns should confirm the boarding details before paying.

Weather, Seasickness, and What to Pack

This trip depends on good weather. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same options apply if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

I would pack lightly but deliberately:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
• Shoes that are easy to remove
• A warm layer outside the main summer season
• Motion-sickness medicine if you are prone to queasiness
• A small snack if you are selective about buffet food

The shoes matter because boarding begins from the beach shore. The warm layer matters because a sunny afternoon can still feel cool after swimming or when the catamaran picks up speed.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made later are not accepted for a refund. I would avoid making this your only fixed plan if the forecast looks uncertain.

Who Will Enjoy This Catamaran Most?

I would recommend this trip to anyone who wants a simple, social way to see several Costa Brava coves without arranging transport between them. It works particularly well for friends, couples who enjoy lively group outings, families on the morning departure, and solo visitors who like meeting people.

You will get the most from it if you enjoy swimming, music, casual food, and a relaxed holiday setting. The strong points are the coastline, the clear-water stop, the friendly crew, the included drinks, and the easy party mood.

I would hesitate if you want a quiet luxury cruise, gourmet food, guaranteed calm water, or a long guided snorkeling session. The boat can be crowded, the weather can change the feel of the trip, and lunch is serviceable rather than special.

Should You Book the Lloret de Mar Catamaran?

I would book it for the full combination of scenery, swimming, barbecue, drinks, and music. The best days seem to be genuinely fun, with the crew turning the return trip into a dance party and the cove offering a welcome break from Lloret de Mar’s busy shore.

Before booking, check the departure time, watch the forecast, and prepare for a group outing rather than a quiet cruise. Bring a snack if food matters to you, take seasickness medicine if needed, and arrive early at the beach meeting point.

For about four hours and $60.34, this is a good-value Costa Brava day when the sea is calm and you want fun more than refinement.

FAQ

How long does the Costa Brava catamaran trip last?

The experience lasts approximately four hours, including the coastal sailing, swimming stop, barbecue lunch, drinks, and return to Lloret de Mar.

Where does the catamaran depart?

It departs from Passeig d’Agustí Font, 5, 17310 Lloret de Mar, Girona, Spain, with boarding from the beach shore.

What time does the trip start?

The scheduled start time is 11:00 am. Since one departure was reported as closer to noon, arrive early and confirm the local departure time.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The included buffet barbecue features beef burgers, marinated gluten-free chicken cubes, pasta, salad, and fruit salad.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Beer, sangria, and soft drinks are included in the price.

Can children join the trip?

Yes. Families with children are welcome on the morning departure.

Are snorkeling masks provided?

Snorkeling masks are available with a returnable cash deposit of €10.

Are pets allowed on board?

No. Pets and companion animals are not allowed.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You can choose another date or receive a full refund if poor weather causes the experience to be canceled.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You must cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time to receive a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted.