Valencia: Catamaran Cruise, Paella Lunch and Swim Stop

Lunch tastes better at sea. This Boramar catamaran trip pairs a relaxed Mediterranean cruise with a proper Valencian meal, a drink, coastal views, and a chance to jump into the water. I especially like the freshly served paella lunch and the friendly crew, with Ulysses, Javi, Álvaro, Marco, and Captain Pepe earning repeated praise for their warm service. The swim stop is another strong point, though its length can vary and may feel too short for keen swimmers.

At $41 per person, the tour offers good value if you want several holiday pleasures in one outing: a boat ride, lunch, music, a drink, and sea time. I would think twice if you need a long swim, detailed commentary about Valencia, or easy access for someone with limited mobility. The boat is comfortable and modern, but the schedule puts swimming after lunch, which is not everyone’s preferred order.

Key points at a glance

• Chicken paella served on board: Lunch includes salad, Valencian-style chicken paella, bread, fruit, and one drink.
• A swim stop off Port Saplaya: You can jump from the catamaran into the Mediterranean, but the time in the water may feel brief.
• A modern catamaran for around 30 people: The boat has enough room to avoid feeling cramped on a typical departure.
• Friendly named crew: Ulysses, Javi, Álvaro, Marco, and Captain Pepe have all been praised for kind, attentive service.
• Music without a nightclub atmosphere: The music is generally kept at a comfortable level, though taste varies.
• Good value at $41: The price covers the cruise, lunch, one drink, swimming, crew, and fuel.

What the 2.5-hour outing feels like

This is a short, easygoing boat experience rather than a full-day sailing trip. The listed duration is 2.5 hours, with about two hours spent on the catamaran itself. That makes it simple to fit into a Valencia schedule alongside the old town, City of Arts and Sciences, or a beach afternoon.

You meet at the Boramar ticket booth and exchange your ticket there. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the meeting point. The exact starting time depends on availability, and advance booking is essential because departures require at least 15 people.

Once aboard, you get open-water views, a cooling breeze, and time to settle into the rhythm of the sea. The tone is casual. You are not signing up for a formal sailing lesson or a guided coastal lecture. It is more about sitting back, eating, listening to music, and enjoying the water.

The catamaran used on a typical trip can accommodate a group of roughly 30 people without feeling packed. That is a useful middle ground. You get enough company for a lively outing, but it is not the scale of a large ferry excursion.

Views from Valencia toward Port Saplaya

The first part of the cruise gives you a different angle on the Valencian coast. From the deck, the city and shoreline recede while the Mediterranean opens around you. The water and breeze do much of the work here. You do not need a long list of sights to enjoy the ride.

The experience is best suited to people who like a relaxed view rather than constant commentary. One point worth knowing is that the crew may not provide much information about the area. If you want detailed facts about Port Saplaya, Valencia’s coast, or local maritime life, this may feel light on explanation.

I would choose a seat with a clear view if photography matters to you, then move around once the boat is underway. The catamaran gives you more than one way to enjoy the outing: sit in the shade, take in the sea air, or find a sunnier spot before lunch.

Because the trip is subject to weather conditions, the feel of the cruise depends on the day. Calm weather should make the outing gentle and easy. Wind or rougher conditions could change the experience, especially for anyone prone to motion sickness. The information provided does not specify whether seasickness medication is available, so plan ahead if you know you are sensitive.

Salad, chicken paella, fruit, and one drink

The meal is the heart of this cruise. Lunch starts with salad, followed by Valencian chicken paella made with rice, chicken, and selected spices. Fresh fruit finishes the meal, with watermelon specifically mentioned as part of the spread on some departures.

The food receives some of the strongest praise. I like that the menu gives you a recognizable local dish rather than a generic sandwich or snack box. Paella also works well for a shared boat meal because it is filling, social, and closely tied to the region.

One drink is included. Depending on the departure, your choice may include sangria, beer, or a soft drink. Extra drinks are available for purchase, but they are not part of the base price. That detail matters if you expect a long afternoon of included beverages. This is a lunch cruise with a drinks service, not an open bar.

The timing deserves some thought. Lunch normally comes before the swim stop. That arrangement lets you enjoy the main meal early, but it can make you less eager to jump into the water immediately afterward. One useful improvement would be a longer gap between eating and swimming, or a chance to swim first. Still, if you treat the water stop as a refreshing dip rather than a full workout, the order works well enough.

The meal is casual, so do not expect a restaurant-style service or a long tasting menu. You are eating on a moving boat, with music and sea views as part of the setting. That is exactly why the food feels worthwhile at this price.

The swim stop: exciting, but not always long

The catamaran makes a stop in the Mediterranean near Port Saplaya so you can swim, sunbathe, and cool off. You can jump from the boat into the sea, which is the most memorable part of the outing for many people. The water stop gives the cruise a clear purpose beyond simply viewing the coast.

If you enjoy a quick splash and the thrill of jumping from a boat, you will probably be happy. The stop is especially appealing on a hot Valencian day, when even a short swim can reset your energy.

The main caution is timing. Some departures offer a satisfying stretch in the water, while others feel rushed. One account describes the swimming time as very long, while another found the group was allowed to jump in only once. Another found there was not much time in the water, especially because swimming followed lunch.

So I would not book this solely as a serious swimming excursion. Think of it as a cruise with a swim opportunity. Bring your swimsuit and towel, but keep your expectations flexible. Weather, group timing, and the captain’s schedule may affect how long you stay in the water.

There is no diving gear included. The available information also does not promise snorkeling equipment or organized water activities. You are paying for access to the sea from the catamaran, not a guided underwater session.

Music, crew, and the mood on deck

The crew is one of the best parts of the experience. Ulysses and the team have been praised for friendly hosting, while Javi, Álvaro, Marco, and Captain Pepe are singled out for making the day pleasant. That kind of service matters on a short trip because the staff shape the mood from the moment you board.

The music adds energy without necessarily turning the boat into a floating party. One particularly positive detail is that the volume was comfortable rather than overpowering. Another account found the music mixed, with some tracks working better than others. That is a fair description of what you should expect: a social soundtrack, not a carefully programmed concert.

Drinks are available on board, and additional drinks cost extra. The setting can feel festive, especially with sangria and paella, but it remains fairly relaxed. The boat is a good match for couples, groups of friends, and families with older children who want a little atmosphere without a loud club scene.

The catamaran itself is described as modern and comfortable. With around 30 people on board during one departure, there was still enough room to enjoy the boat. Group size can vary, since the tour needs a minimum of 15 people to run.

Is $41 a good price?

At $41, I consider this a strong package for a 2.5-hour activity. The price includes the catamaran cruise, crew, fuel, lunch, one drink, and the swim stop. Buying each element separately would likely cost more, and you would lose the convenience of having everything arranged in one outing.

The value is best if you want variety. You are not getting a long cruise, a full sightseeing program, and unlimited drinks for $41. You are getting a compact mix of food, scenery, music, and swimming.

The included lunch helps the price make sense. A serving of paella, salad, fruit, and a drink gives you a real meal rather than a token snack. The crew also handles the boat and fuel, so you can enjoy the water without arranging a private charter.

Extra drinks add to the final cost, and hotel transportation is not included. You should also allow time and money to reach the meeting point on your own. Still, these are normal limits for a low-priced boat outing, and the overall package remains appealing.

The free cancellation policy allows you to cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Valencia plans are still shifting.

Who should book this catamaran trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want a simple half-day-style break from city sightseeing without giving up lunch. It suits people who enjoy being on the water, like local food, and are happy with a flexible swim stop rather than a tightly scheduled beach session.

It is also a good choice for:

• Couples looking for an easy shared activity
• Friends who want food, music, and sea views in one outing
• Families with children who are comfortable around open water
• Visitors who want to try paella in a less formal setting
• Anyone who values a friendly crew and a modern boat

I would be cautious if you have mobility impairments, since the activity is specifically not considered suitable for people with limited mobility. I would also look elsewhere if your main goal is snorkeling, long-distance sailing, coastal history, or several hours of swimming.

You should pack swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and perhaps a light layer for the breeze. The provided details do not specify storage arrangements, changing facilities, or a shower, so pack simply and avoid bringing anything you would worry about near the water.

Practical details before you reserve

The tour is offered in Spanish and English, with a host or greeter available in those languages. You need to go to the meeting point and exchange your ticket at the Boramar ticket booth located there.

Advance booking is essential. The excursion runs only with a minimum of 15 people, and all departures depend on suitable weather. Check the available start times before booking, especially if you have timed plans for the same day.

Costumes are not allowed. The tour also does not include hotel pickup, hotel drop-off, or diving gear. There is a drinks service on board, but only one drink is included in the price.

I would avoid scheduling an important museum visit or train soon after the cruise. The listed duration is 2.5 hours, but getting to the meeting point and leaving afterward takes extra time. A little breathing room will keep a relaxed outing from becoming a race across Valencia.

Should you book the Boramar catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want good-value sea time with a real paella lunch. The friendly crew, comfortable catamaran, pleasant music, and chance to jump into the Mediterranean give the trip more substance than a basic sightseeing boat ride.

Skip it if you need a long swim, detailed commentary, or a fully accessible boat experience. The water stop can be short, and swimming directly after lunch will not suit everyone.

For most visitors, I see this as an enjoyable and fairly priced way to spend 2.5 hours near Valencia. Just treat the swim as a bonus rather than the main event, and you will be more likely to enjoy the outing for what it does best: paella, sea air, friendly service, and a brief taste of life offshore.

FAQ

How long is the Valencia catamaran cruise?

The full activity lasts 2.5 hours. The catamaran trip itself is described as lasting about two hours.

What food is included?

Lunch includes salad, Valencian chicken paella, and fresh fruit. Watermelon may be included with the fruit selection.

Is a drink included?

Yes. One drink is included with lunch. Additional drinks are available for purchase on board.

Can I swim from the catamaran?

Yes. The boat stops in the Mediterranean near Port Saplaya for swimming, and you can jump into the water from the catamaran.

Is diving gear included?

No. Diving gear is not included.

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?

No. You must make your own way to the meeting point, and hotel transportation is not included.

What languages are available?

The host or greeter speaks Spanish and English.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is not considered suitable for people with mobility impairments.