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

The best part of this four-hour Costa Brava catamaran ride is the change of scene. You leave Lloret de Mar’s busy beachfront, pass a string of rocky coves, then stop in a quiet inlet where you can swim from the boat, eat lunch, and enjoy the open water. The included drinks and barbecue make the $60.34 price easy to understand, especially if you plan to spend a half-day at sea anyway.

I like the friendly, lively crew, with music, dancing, and plenty of interaction on the return journey. I also like the practical mix of activity and downtime: you get coastal views, a sheltered swimming stop, snorkeling opportunities, and a meal without having to arrange each part yourself. The main concern is the sea. Wind and rough water can cause motion sickness, and the food receives mixed marks, so bring seasickness medicine and consider carrying a snack.

Key points to know before you book

• Boarding starts from the beach: Wear shoes you can remove easily, since you board directly from the shore.
• The route heads toward Tossa: You pass Sa Caleta, Cala Trons, Canyelles, and several smaller coves before anchoring.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Expect burgers, marinated gluten-free chicken, pasta, salad, fruit salad, beer, sangria, and soft drinks.
• The swimming stop is the heart of the trip: The boat anchors near rocks in a sheltered cove, with time for swimming and snorkeling.
• The mood is social: Music, singing, and dancing are part of the experience, particularly on the way back.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund, and rough seas can make the ride uncomfortable.

Leaving Lloret de Mar from the beach

The meeting point is at Passeig d’Agustí Font 5 in Lloret de Mar, with departure scheduled for 11:00 a.m. The catamaran leaves from the beach itself, not from a conventional pier. That sounds simple, but it affects what you wear: you need shoes that come off quickly and clothing that can handle a little sand or water.

I would arrive with time to spare. The departure area sits in a popular part of Lloret, near public transportation, and the shore can feel busy. The large catamaran may also look crowded before boarding. The stated maximum is 95 people, yet the vessel has enough room for passengers to spread out between seating areas, the front nets, and the main deck.

Bring your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and a warm layer outside the hottest summer days. The sea breeze can feel cool even when the beach is warm. You should also pack motion-sickness medicine if you are at all prone to nausea. One particularly rough outing left several people ill, and the first half of the ride can be windy when conditions change.

Sailing past Sa Caleta and the Costa Brava coves

The route heads north from Lloret toward Tossa. From the water, you see Sa Caleta inlet and its castle, then continue past Cala Trons, Cala Gran, Sa Goita, Canyelles, Rajols, Morisca, Llorell, and Llevadó. These names matter less than the overall effect: the crowded resort gives way to rocky shoreline, small inlets, and stretches of coast best seen from offshore.

This is a scenic ride rather than a guided history tour. The value comes from the changing views and the chance to see coves that are difficult to appreciate from a road or a town beach. The boat gives you a broad view of the coast, and the open deck is the place to watch the shoreline pass.

The first hour is mainly sailing. If you want quiet sightseeing, claim a comfortable spot early and watch the coast. If you prefer a party atmosphere, stay near the main deck, where music and crew interaction become more noticeable. The mood can shift depending on the group and the weather. Some departures feel like a relaxed boat outing, while others turn into a dance party on the return.

The sheltered cove and the swimming stop

After roughly an hour, the catamaran anchors in a cove near the rocks. The location is chosen for shelter from the wind, which makes it more comfortable for swimming and lunch. This is the point where the trip becomes more than a sightseeing cruise.

You can jump from the front of the catamaran into the sea, swim around the boat, or stay on deck and enjoy the sun. The water has been described as clear, with fish visible near the rocks. Snorkeling masks are available for a returnable cash deposit of €10, so you do not need to bring your own equipment if you are happy to leave the deposit.

The cove is a strong reason to choose this trip over simply spending the day on Lloret’s beach. You get access to water away from the busiest shore, and the boat gives you a comfortable base for swimming. Some people have explored nearby caves from the water, though conditions and access can vary.

Do not expect warm Mediterranean water every day. Even in good weather, the sea can feel cold, and wetsuits are not provided. If you are sensitive to cold water, swimming time may be shorter than you expect. The amount of time at anchor also varies in how it feels: some people find it generous, while others wish they had more time in the water.

What lunch is like on board

Lunch is served as a buffet barbecue. The menu includes beef burgers, marinated gluten-free chicken pieces, pasta, salad, and fruit salad. Beer, sangria, and soft drinks are included, so you do not pay separately each time you want something to drink.

I see the meal as convenient rather than gourmet. The grilled meat receives the most consistent praise, while the pasta sauce and overall food quality receive more mixed comments. Portions have also felt limited for some people. If you have a large appetite, bring a small snack if permitted and sensible for the boat, particularly if you expect to swim a lot.

The barbecue works well because it keeps the stop simple. You do not need to leave the cove, find a restaurant, or interrupt the day with a complicated meal. You queue, collect food, and return to the deck. For the price, the meal and unlimited included drinks add real value, even if you should not book this trip mainly for the food.

The menu also offers some useful variety. There is salad, pasta, fruit, beef, and gluten-free marinated chicken. That will not cover every dietary need, but it gives you more choice than a meal built around a single sandwich or snack.

Music, dancing, and the social side

This is not a quiet sailing trip. Music plays a major role, especially on the journey back to Lloret. The crew encourages singing and dancing, and the entertainment may include songs in several languages. Greg is singled out by name for getting the party started, while other crew members are praised for speaking English, French, and Spanish.

That makes the trip a good match for friends, families with older children, couples who enjoy a social setting, and solo visitors who do not want to spend the day alone. One solo passenger found the atmosphere welcoming, while groups celebrated the chance to sing and dance with people from other countries.

Families are welcome on the morning trip, and young children can enjoy the open deck and the novelty of a catamaran. A four-year-old had a good time walking around and spending time on the front nets. Still, you should keep a close eye on children near the railings, stairs, nets, and water. The party mood may also suit adults better later in the day, depending on the departure.

If you want a peaceful, low-key sailing experience with a naturalist guide, this may not be your best choice. The catamaran is designed for fun and social energy, not silence. Music, drinks, and group participation are central to the experience.

Is the $60.34 price good value?

At $60.34 per person, the cost covers about four hours on the water, the coastal route, a buffet barbecue, beer, sangria, soft drinks, and use of the catamaran’s swimming stop. I consider that fair value for a Costa Brava half-day, especially if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, lunch, and drinks.

The value rises when you use the swimming stop fully. If you stay dry, skip lunch, and prefer quiet sightseeing, you may find the price less appealing. The trip is built around several parts working together: transport along the coast, a social boat setting, a meal, and access to a secluded cove.

It is also worth comparing the price with what you would spend at a beach restaurant and a separate excursion. Here, your spending is more predictable because the main food and drinks are included. The trade-off is the large group and the fixed schedule.

How to prepare for a better day

A few small choices can make a big difference:

• Take motion-sickness medicine before departure if rough water affects you. Waiting until you feel sick is often too late.
• Wear a swimsuit under your clothes so you can use the swimming stop without changing.
• Bring a towel and warm layer. The wind can feel sharp after swimming or outside the main summer season.
• Use strong sunscreen and wear a hat. You spend several hours exposed to sun and reflected glare from the water.
• Bring €10 cash if you want to borrow a snorkeling mask, since the deposit is refundable.
• Wear removable shoes for beach boarding.
• Arrive ready for music and group activity. This is not a silent cruise.

Weather can affect the schedule. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. A minimum number of participants is also required, and if that condition is not met, you are offered another option or a refund.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not refunded, so check the local departure time carefully.

Who should book this catamaran trip?

I would choose this outing if you want an easy half-day built around sun, swimming, drinks, and music. It works especially well for groups of friends, families looking for something beyond a town beach, and couples who like a lively setting.

You will get the most from it if you enjoy variety. The day moves from coastal sightseeing to lunch, then swimming and snorkeling, followed by music on the way home. You do not need to organize separate transport to a remote cove or find somewhere to eat.

I would hesitate if you suffer badly from seasickness, want a quiet boat ride, or care deeply about a high-quality meal. The boat can feel rough in poor conditions, the water may be cold, and the food is practical rather than special. A calm-weather departure can be a very different experience from a windy one.

Should you book it?

Book this Costa Brava catamaran ride if your ideal day includes clear water, a barbecue, included drinks, music, and a little dancing. The best features are the route toward Tossa, the sheltered cove, and the easy all-in-one format.

Skip it if you want a small private boat, a quiet nature trip, or a carefully prepared lunch. For everyone else, the price is reasonable, the setting is memorable, and the crew’s energy gives the ride its character. Check the weather, prepare for motion sickness, and bring a warm layer. Those simple precautions give you the best chance of enjoying the day.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip start?

The meeting point is Passeig d’Agustí Font 5, 17310 Lloret de Mar, Girona, Spain. The catamaran boards from the beach shore.

What time does the trip start?

The scheduled start time is 11:00 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The trip lasts approximately four hours and ends back at the original meeting point.

What food is included?

The buffet barbecue includes beef burgers, marinated gluten-free chicken pieces, pasta, salad, and fruit salad.

Are drinks included?

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

Can children join the catamaran ride?

Yes. Families with children are welcome on the morning trip, and most people can participate.

Are snorkeling masks provided?

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

Are pets allowed?

No. Pets and companion animals are not allowed.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the experience is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered another date or a full refund.