Valencia: Catamaran Cruise, Paella Lunch and Swim Stop

A plate of Valencian paella at sea is the main event here, followed by a short but welcome swim in the Mediterranean near Port Saplaya. I like the pairing: you get a taste of local food and a simple coastal boat trip without giving up a full day. I also like the easygoing setting, with a comfortable catamaran, coastal views, and music kept at a manageable level.

The main thing to watch is the limited swim time. Some departures offer a good stretch in the water, while others feel brief, and the stop comes after lunch when you may not feel ready to jump in. If swimming is your top priority, this may feel more like a lunch cruise with a swim break than a dedicated water excursion.

Key points to know before you book

• Chicken paella is served onboard: Lunch includes salad, Valencian paella, fruit, and one drink.
• The swim stop is near Port Saplaya: You can jump from the catamaran, swim, or stay on deck and sunbathe.
• The full outing lasts 2.5 hours: The sailing and meal fit neatly into a Valencia sightseeing day.
• Recent crew members include Ulysses, Javi, Álvaro, Marco, and Captain Pepe: Service is a noticeable part of the experience.
• The group can be fairly social: One recent sailing had about 30 people aboard, though the minimum to operate is 15.
• You must exchange your ticket at the Boramar booth: Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Paella tastes better with the coast in view

This is a straightforward Valencia outing with a clear plan: board the catamaran, enjoy the coast, eat lunch, stop for a swim, then return. You are not signing up for a long sightseeing lecture or a serious sailing course. You are paying for a relaxed Mediterranean meal with a little time in the water.

The food gives the trip its local character. Lunch starts with a salad, followed by chicken paella made with tender rice and selected spices, then fresh fruit such as watermelon or melon. One drink is included, with choices reported to include sangria, beer, and soft drinks. Extra drinks can be purchased onboard.

I like that the meal is more substantial than the usual packet of snacks served on short cruises. Paella is closely linked with the Valencia region, so this gives the outing a stronger local connection than a generic sunset sail with prepackaged food. It is still a casual meal, not a restaurant tasting menu, and you should keep that distinction in mind.

The food is served before the swim stop. That makes the schedule easy to follow, but it also creates the trip’s biggest practical compromise. You may want to swim, yet feel less inclined to jump into the sea immediately after eating. One option is to take a shorter swim and enjoy the deck afterward. If you know you want plenty of water time, pace yourself at lunch.

Boarding at the Boramar ticket booth

You need to make your own way to the meeting point and exchange your ticket at the Boramar ticket booth. The booth is at the same meeting point, so there is no separate office to find elsewhere.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Build in enough time to reach the meeting point, especially if you are coming from another part of Valencia. The exact start time varies, so check the available departure when booking.

The tour runs with a minimum of 15 people. That means a departure may depend on sufficient bookings, and the feel of the outing can change with the group size. One recent sailing had about 30 people and was described as comfortable and modern rather than overcrowded.

The catamaran is the kind of boat that suits a social outing. You can sit for the meal, move to the deck for views, and find a place to sunbathe while the boat is underway. If you want a private, quiet charter, this is not the right product. If you like having other people around and a bit of music, the format works well.

The crew speaks Spanish and English. Recent sailings have featured Ulysses, Javi, Álvaro, Marco, and Captain Pepe. Names and crew assignments can change, but the available feedback points to a friendly, hands-on service style.

Coastal views from the Mediterranean deck

Once underway, the appeal is simple. You get a cooling breeze, open water, and broad views back toward the Valencian coast. The catamaran gives you a different angle on the shoreline than you get from city streets or a beach promenade.

Do not expect a detailed coastal commentary. The crew may not provide much information about the area, so this is better suited to people who want to look, relax, and take photographs than to anyone seeking a guided geography lesson. One useful improvement would be more explanation about the coastline and Port Saplaya, but the tour’s purpose is mainly leisure.

The music adds to the holiday mood. It has been described as lively without being painfully loud, though musical taste is personal and the selection may not suit everyone. You can expect a casual atmosphere rather than a silent sailing.

I would think of the outward cruise as part of the meal experience rather than a sightseeing tour with many named landmarks. The value lies in the combination: a boat ride, a local-style lunch, a drink, and time in the sea, all within two and a half hours.

The Port Saplaya swim stop

The catamaran makes a stop in the Mediterranean near Port Saplaya. You can swim, jump from the boat, or remain onboard to sunbathe and watch the activity from the deck.

For many people, this is the most memorable part of the trip. Jumping directly from a catamaran into open water feels more exciting than walking into the sea from a beach. The setting also gives you a proper break from Valencia’s streets and pavement.

The stop is not designed as a long water-sports session. Diving gear is not included, and the tour information does not promise snorkeling equipment or organized water activities. Bring a swimsuit if you want to enter the water, and remember that you can choose to stay dry.

Swim time can be inconsistent in how it feels. Some departures provide what feels like a generous period in the sea. Other passengers have found the stop too short, with only one chance to jump in. Since the advertised experience simply includes swimming rather than a fixed number of minutes or multiple water stops, you should book this for the overall cruise, not solely for extended swimming.

The timing after lunch matters. If you prefer to swim before eating, this schedule will not suit you. On the other hand, the post-lunch stop gives you a chance to cool off after sitting in the sun and eating. You can also skip the water and enjoy the view from the catamaran.

What lunch is really like onboard

The meal is practical and relaxed. You receive salad, chicken paella, fruit, and one drink. Fresh fruit makes a light finish, while the paella supplies the filling part of lunch.

The dish is intended to be enjoyed in a group setting, with the sea moving beneath you and the boat carrying on its schedule. If you are looking for a slow meal with a wide choice of dishes, this is not that. If you want to try paella without setting aside a separate restaurant meal, it is a useful way to combine dining and sightseeing.

Food quality has been one of the strongest parts of the experience. The paella and fruit have received particularly warm praise, and the drink options add to the holiday feel. Sangria, beer, and soft drinks have been available on recent outings, though extra drinks cost more.

The order of the meal is worth noting:

• Salad comes first.
• Chicken paella follows.
• Fresh fruit is served for dessert.
• One drink is included.
• Additional drinks are available for purchase onboard.

The meal also helps explain the price. At $41 per person, you are not paying only for transport across the water. You are getting a catamaran ride, crew, fuel, lunch, one drink, and access to the swim stop. For a half-day activity, that is a reasonable package, especially if you would otherwise pay separately for a paella lunch and a boat outing.

Music, space, and the group atmosphere

This catamaran trip has a social, informal character. Music plays during the outing, and recent departures have kept it at a level that still allows people to relax. The mood can suit couples, groups of friends, and families with older children who want more than a simple beach afternoon.

A larger group can be a plus or a drawback. With around 30 people aboard, the boat has enough company to create energy, but you may not have unlimited room or a completely peaceful seat. The catamaran has been described as modern and comfortable, which helps keep the group setting manageable.

The crew’s manner matters here. Ulysses, Javi, Álvaro, Marco, and Captain Pepe have all been praised for being friendly and attentive on recent trips. You should still expect a shared excursion, not a private host who can adjust the schedule around your wishes.

The outfit rule is unusual but simple: costumes are not allowed. Wear normal swimwear and comfortable clothing suitable for sun, wind, and a meal onboard. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, so consider the boat access and movement between seating, deck, and swimming areas before booking.

How this compares with a beach afternoon

A beach afternoon gives you more control. You can swim whenever you want, stay in the water longer, and eat at your own pace. This catamaran trip gives you less control but adds a meal on the open sea, a boat ride, and coastal views without requiring you to organize each part.

I would choose the catamaran if you want an easy package and like the idea of doing several things at once. It works particularly well during a short Valencia visit, when you want a taste of the Mediterranean but do not want to spend an entire day at the beach.

I would choose the beach instead if long swimming time is essential, if you dislike group outings, or if you want to decide exactly when and where you eat. The catamaran stop is a pleasant extra, but it is not a full water-sports program.

The experience also fits people who want a gentle introduction to the coast. You do not need to plan your own route, find a restaurant, or arrange a boat. The crew handles the sailing and meal, while you decide how much time to spend on the deck or in the water.

Who will get the most from the $41 price

At $41 per person, the value is strongest for anyone who wants both lunch and a boat outing. Buying paella, drinks, and a separate cruise could easily take more planning and may cost more, depending on where you eat and what kind of boat trip you choose.

The price is less compelling if you mainly want to swim. You may spend much of the 2.5 hours eating and sailing, with only one water stop. It is also less suitable if you want a private or highly educational experience.

I see this as a good midrange activity for:

• Couples wanting a relaxed coastal break
• Friends looking for food, music, and swimming
• Families who prefer a planned outing
• First-time visitors wanting to sample paella
• People with limited time in Valencia
• Anyone who enjoys a social catamaran setting

I would be cautious if you have mobility limitations, need a quiet boat, want detailed commentary, or expect repeated swim stops. The experience is casual and fixed in shape, so its value depends on liking the whole package.

Advance booking is essential. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later, which helps if your Valencia plans are still shifting. All departures depend on weather conditions, so keep that in mind when planning your day.

Should you book the Boramar catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a paella lunch, a Mediterranean boat ride, and a chance to jump into the sea in one compact outing. The food, friendly crew, comfortable catamaran, and sensible $41 price make it an appealing choice for a relaxed Valencia day.

Do not book it expecting a long swim, a private charter, or a guided coastal lecture. Treat the water stop as a bonus rather than the whole purpose. If you can accept that balance, this is a pleasant way to enjoy Valencia from the water and add a local dish to the experience.

FAQ

How long does the Valencia catamaran experience last?

The full activity lasts 2.5 hours.

What food is included?

Lunch includes salad, Valencian chicken paella, and fresh fruit.

Is a drink included?

Yes. One drink is included with lunch. Extra drinks are available for purchase onboard.

Where does the swimming take place?

The catamaran makes a swimming stop in the Mediterranean near Port Saplaya.

Can I jump from the catamaran into the sea?

Yes. The swimming stop allows you to jump from the boat and swim if you choose.

Is swimming required?

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

Is swimming equipment included?

No diving gear is included.

What languages are available?

The host or greeter can speak Spanish and English.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You must travel to the meeting point yourself and exchange your ticket at the Boramar ticket booth located there.

Is the activity suitable for people with mobility impairments?

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

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. All excursions are subject to weather conditions.

How far in advance can I cancel?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund.