Valencia: Catamaran Cruise, Paella Lunch and Swim Stop

The best part of this Valencia outing is its simple combination: paella served aboard a catamaran, followed by a swim from the boat in the Mediterranean. I like that the meal is part of the trip rather than an add-on, and that the swim stop gives you a chance to trade deck views for a dip in open water.

There is one timing wrinkle: the experience is listed as 2.5 hours, while its description calls the sailing portion two hours. The swim can also feel brief, and it usually comes after lunch, so this suits you better if you want a relaxed boat-and-meal outing than a long swim session.

Key points to know before you book

• Lunch is included: Expect salad, Valencian chicken paella, fresh fruit, and one drink.
• The swim comes after the meal: You can swim or sunbathe at the stop near Port Saplaya, but the time in the water may feel short.
• You see the coast from the water: The catamaran gives you a different view of Valencia and its shoreline, though the focus is leisure rather than a guided coastal tour.
• The boat has a casual feel: Music plays onboard, and the crew serves extra drinks for an additional cost.
• The price covers the essentials: At $41 per person, the fare includes the boat, crew, fuel, lunch, one drink, and the swim stop.
• Plan for weather and access: Trips depend on sea conditions, require at least 15 people, and are not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Paella first, then the Mediterranean

This is a compact outing built around two pleasures: a meal at sea and a chance to get into the water. You board a catamaran, take in views of the Valencian coast, and eat lunch before the boat stops for swimming. It is not a long sailing expedition or a formal food tour. Think of it as a laid-back half-day treat with the boat ride, meal, and swim bundled together.

The food is a central part of the appeal. Lunch includes salad, Valencian paella made with chicken, and fresh fruit. One drink is included, and the onboard drinks service offers extra options for purchase. On one outing, the available drinks included sangria, beer, and soft drinks, but the exact selection may vary.

I like the sense of occasion in eating paella on the water, especially if you want a taste of local cooking without arranging a separate restaurant meal. Just keep expectations sensible: this is a group meal served as part of a boat trip, not a cooking lesson or an in-depth introduction to Valencian cuisine.

Boarding at the Boramar ticket booth

You need to go to the meeting point and exchange your ticket at the Boramar ticket booth there. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so make your own way to the meeting point and leave enough time to find the booth before departure.

The tour is offered in Spanish and English, with a host or greeter. That language support is useful for basic instructions and the practical parts of the outing. But the experience is not described as a narrated sightseeing cruise, so do not book it expecting a detailed account of Valencia’s history or shoreline.

The group must reach a minimum of 15 people for the excursion to go ahead. That can help create a lively atmosphere, but it also means the outing is not a private sailing trip. One group described a modern, comfortable catamaran with around 30 people aboard. Your group size may differ, but expect company rather than a boat to yourself.

Coastal views without a sightseeing lecture

Once underway, the open deck is the main attraction. You can feel the breeze, watch the Valencian coast recede, and enjoy a broad view of the Mediterranean. The boat ride offers a welcome change of pace from the city, even if you are not spending the trip moving from one landmark to another.

Music adds to the relaxed mood. It has been described as audible without being too loud, though music is a matter of taste. If you prefer quiet, bear in mind that this is a social outing with onboard music and a drinks service, not a silent nature cruise.

The trip’s appeal is in the setting, not in a packed itinerary. You have time to sit, eat, look out at the water, and enjoy being on a boat. If you want facts about the coast or stops at several points of interest, this may feel light on content. If you simply want a breezy break from city sightseeing, that simplicity can be a plus.

A lunch of salad, chicken paella, and fruit

Lunch is served onboard, with salad first, then chicken paella, followed by fresh fruit. The meal is included in the ticket, along with one drink. That makes the $41 price easier to assess: you are paying for a short catamaran cruise, crew and fuel, lunch, a drink, and access to the swim stop, rather than for transport alone.

The paella and fruit have been particular highlights, and the service has also drawn praise. Crew members named on one outing included Javi, Álvaro, Marco, and captain Pepe, who were described as friendly hosts. Crew assignments can change, but a welcoming team matters on a small, informal trip where the meal and swim are the main events.

One practical point: the swim usually follows lunch. Some people are happy to eat and then get straight into the sea; others would rather swim first and eat afterward. If you are in the second camp, the sequence may feel less than ideal. The order is worth knowing before you book, especially if your main reason for going is time in the water.

Swimming near Port Saplaya

The boat makes a stop at sea near Port Saplaya, where you can take a swim, sunbathe, or stay aboard. The opportunity to jump from the boat is a highlight for people who want a more direct way into the water. You are not required to swim, and the stop gives the outing a more active moment after the meal.

The length of the stop is the main uncertainty. Some outings have allowed a relaxed swim, while others have felt too short, and one person found the single chance to jump in disappointing. The description does not promise a set number of minutes in the water, so I would not choose this trip if extended swimming is your top priority.

Bring what you need for a swim, but do not count on provided water gear. Diving gear is not included, and the information does not specify what other equipment is available. You can sunbathe on deck if you would rather keep dry, though the boat’s space and conditions will shape how comfortable that feels.

Is $41 good value for 2.5 hours?

At $41 per person, this is a reasonable package if you want a boat ride, a proper lunch, a drink, and a swim stop in one booking. The included meal matters: salad, paella, fruit, and one drink would otherwise be separate costs, while the catamaran, crew, and fuel are also part of the fare.

Value depends on what you want most. If you are seeking a long swim, a private boat, or extensive commentary, the short duration may not justify the price for you. If you like the idea of eating paella on the water and breaking up the day with a dip, the bundle offers a straightforward way to do both without planning a separate meal.

Extra drinks cost more, and hotel transfers are not part of the price. Keep those details in mind when comparing the total cost with other activities. There is no need to pay for a full-day excursion if all you want is a relaxed taste of the coast, but a longer sailing trip may suit you better if being at sea is the main event.

Who will enjoy this catamaran outing?

I would consider this for couples, friends, and families with people who can manage boarding and moving around the boat independently. The meal and music make it social, while swimming is optional. It is a good fit for a warm day when you want a low-effort break from museums, shops, and city streets.

It is less suitable if you have mobility impairments, since the activity is specifically not recommended for people with mobility impairments. It may also disappoint anyone expecting a long swim or a strongly educational tour. There is no hotel pickup, no diving gear, and no guarantee of a particular swim duration.

Book ahead: advance booking is essential, and the tour only runs with a minimum of 15 people. All departures are subject to weather conditions, so the sea and the day’s conditions can affect whether the excursion goes ahead. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available.

Should you book it?

Book this Boramar outing if paella, a catamaran ride, and a swim sound like a good use of a few hours. The strongest reasons to go are the included meal, the relaxed time on deck, and the chance to jump into the Mediterranean without arranging a separate boat trip.

Skip it if you want a long stretch of swimming, a private outing, or detailed commentary about the coast. For a casual sea-and-lunch experience at $41, it is a sensible choice, as long as you are comfortable with the after-lunch swim and the possibility that your time in the water will be brief.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran trip?

The experience is listed as 2.5 hours. Its description also refers to a two-hour catamaran trip, so check the available departure details when booking.

What food and drink are included?

Lunch includes salad, Valencian chicken paella, and fresh fruit. One drink is included, with extra drinks available for purchase onboard.

Where does the swim stop take place?

The outing includes a swim stop at sea near Port Saplaya. You can swim, sunbathe, or stay aboard.

Is swimming required?

No. Swimming is included as an opportunity, but you can choose not to get into the water.

Where do I meet the catamaran?

Go to the meeting point and exchange your ticket at the Boramar ticket booth there. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What languages are available?

The host or greeter speaks Spanish and English.

Can I book if I have mobility impairments?

The activity is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments.