A catamaran lunch stop beats another beach day. This Costa Brava ride pairs an easy sail along the cliffs with a real swim break in a sheltered cove, then wraps it up with a barbecue and included drinks. I love the simple, included food and the way the cruise feels more laid-back than a typical bus tour. One possible drawback: if the sea is rough at the start, motion sickness can hit (it did for some people).

You’ll start right in Lloret de Mar, head north along the coast toward Tossa, and after about an hour you’ll drop anchor in a calm cove for swimming and barbecue onboard. The vibe ranges from family-friendly on the morning trip to full dance-party energy on the way back—so pick your expectations and pack accordingly.

Key Points Before You Go

• Included BBQ and drinks: beer, sangria, and soft drinks come with the meal
• A sheltered swim cove: anchored near rocks, usually better protected from wind
• Coastline viewing without the crowds: you get cliff views without fighting for beach space
• Snorkeling masks available: rental masks are available with a €10 returnable deposit
• Music and crew energy: expect upbeat music, dancing, and a friendly host style
• Bring motion-sickness backup: early rough water can make some people feel rough

Why This Catamaran Trip Works on the Costa Brava

This is a good-value, low-effort day at sea. For around four hours, you’re not just getting a ride—you’re getting sailing time, a swimming stop, and an onboard BBQ lunch with included drinks.

What I like most is that it feels like it was built for real vacation mode. No complicated schedule. No “you must see everything” pressure. You just follow the day’s rhythm: sail, anchor, swim, eat, drink, and then cruise back with music.

The tradeoff is weather and sea conditions. On calmer days it’s smooth sailing and easy fun. On days with rain or wind early on, the first stretch can be choppy enough to bother sensitive stomachs.

From Lloret de Mar to Tossa: The Sail You Actually Want

Your day starts at Passeig d’Agustí Font, 5 in Lloret de Mar (11:00am listed). The meeting point is near public transportation, which matters if you’re not planning to drive.

Once onboard, you’ll head north along Costa Brava’s dramatic coastline—passing in view places like Sa Caleta inlet and the Castle, then moving through coves such as Cala Trons and Cala Gran, along with areas like Sa Goita, Canyelles, Rajols, Morisca, and Llevadó. You won’t be doing any hiking. You’re just watching the cliffs, coves, and shoreline angles drift by.

The practical value here is time and comfort. Instead of trying to hop between viewpoints by car (and dealing with parking), you get continuous scenery while you’re already seated.

The Cove Swim Stop: Anchored Near Rocks, Built for Cooling Off

After about an hour of navigation, the boat anchors in a cove near the rocks. This is the part that turns a “nice cruise” into a memorable coast moment.

This anchoring spot is chosen for comfort: it’s usually sheltered from wind, which helps make the water break feel less chaotic. Then you get a chunk of time to swim, relax on the sun areas, and soak up the fact that you’re in the middle of the coast—not stuck watching it from land.

You may also find snorkeling masks onboard for rent. Masks require a €10 returnable cash deposit. If you’re the type who wants to check out what’s in the water without bringing gear, this is a handy included-access option.

A couple of notes from real-world conditions: the water can be cold. Some folks said wetsuits should be provided because the temperature catches you off guard. If you run cold easily, think of this as a “bring a plan” situation, not a casual dip.

BBQ Lunch and Drinks: What’s Included, and What to Expect

The lunch is a buffet-style BBQ onboard. Think pasta and salad first, then the BBQ items—beef burgers plus marinated gluten-free chicken cubes are part of the menu, and there’s fruit salad too.

Drinks are part of the deal: beer, sangria, and soft drinks are included. The drinks also shape the vibe. On many departures the music rises, people get more social, and the boat starts to feel like a floating beach club.

Now, the balanced part: food quality varies with expectations. Most people describe the BBQ lunch as decent and satisfying for a boat outing. A few mentioned the food wasn’t great or that portions or sauces weren’t as flavorful as they hoped. My advice: treat it as included meal comfort, not fine-dining lunch.

Also, if you tend to get hungry between snacks and lunch (or if you’re picky), bring a small extra snack. Several people specifically recommended it, and it’s smart since you’re on the water with limited options.

Crew Energy, Dancing, and the Family-Friendly Side

The crew is a big reason this trip gets such strong ratings. People consistently talk about staff who are friendly and interactive, and a host-led atmosphere where dancing can happen right on the sail back.

If you like upbeat music, this is the kind of boat day that actually plays music the whole way. One name that comes up in feedback is Greg, often credited for keeping energy high and getting passengers moving.

Good news for families: it’s welcome for children on the morning trip. Some parents noted their kids had fun—walking around the boat areas and enjoying the water time. If you’re traveling with kids, this is usually easier than trying to keep a child entertained in a hot beach crowd.

The only caution is this: if your main goal is quiet, you may want to adjust expectations. This is not a silent, sightseeing-only catamaran. It’s a social boat day.

What to Pack: Shoes On, Sunscreen On, and Warm Layers

This is a boat, so your checklist matters more than you think.

Start with comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking on a beach shoreline just to get onboard, so slip-resistant footwear helps. Then pack the usual swim day basics: swimsuit, towel, sun cream, hat, and sunglasses. Bring warm clothes for off-season days because wind on the water cools fast.

If you’re planning to snorkel or swim a lot, keep in mind the temperature. Some people wished for wetsuits. Even without one provided, you can still make it easier by bringing a quick-dry layer or rash guard if you have one.

Motion sickness is the other major packing item, especially if the sea feels rough at the start. Several people advised taking medicine before departure. If you’re even slightly prone to nausea in boats, do not “wait and see.”

Price and Value: Is $60.34 Worth It?

At $60.34 per person for about four hours, the value comes from what you get together. You’re paying for:

• Transportation by catamaran along the coast
• A dedicated anchoring swim stop
• A buffet BBQ lunch
• Drinks included (beer, sangria, soft drinks)
• Optional snorkeling masks with a small deposit

If you compare that to buying food and drinks separately, the price starts to make sense—especially in a coastal area where it’s easy to rack up costs quickly.

Where value can feel different is when expectations don’t match the format. If you’re expecting gourmet BBQ or a pristine snorkel reef, you might feel underwhelmed. But if you want a fun coast outing that mixes views, swimming time, and an easy included meal, this price is hard to beat.

Also, it’s popular. The average booking timing is about 20 days in advance, which suggests you should lock in dates early if you’re traveling during peak weeks.

Who Should Book This, and Who Might Skip It

This trip fits best if you want a fun, social day outdoors without complicated planning. It’s especially good if you like combining views plus time in the water, and you don’t want to pay for food and drinks separately.

You’ll probably enjoy it most if:

• You travel with friends who like music and a lively atmosphere
• You’re okay with a buffet lunch style meal
• You want a sheltered swim break instead of fighting for a crowded beach

You might want to think twice if:

• You get seasick easily and you don’t plan to take prevention
• You want a quiet, low-energy sightseeing experience
• You expect wetsuits or a guaranteed warm-water swim

Should You Book Catamaran Sensation Costa Brava?

My call: book it if you want a straightforward Costa Brava day that blends sailing + swimming + included BBQ in one ticket.

It’s also a smart choice for first-timers in the Lloret de Mar area. You get the coast views with far less hassle than trying to time multiple stops on your own. The max group size of 95 helps keep it from feeling endless.

Just do two things before you go: pack motion-sickness support if you’re sensitive, and be realistic about BBQ quality and water temperature. If you show up ready for fun and sun time, this is the kind of excursion that tends to leave people smiling and planning a return.

FAQ

What time does the catamaran leave?

The listed departure time is 11:00am from Passeig d’Agustí Font, 5, 17310 Lloret de Mar. Some departures may run later than listed on certain days, so it’s smart to arrive early.

How long is the experience?

It lasts about 4 hours.

What’s included for lunch and drinks?

A buffet-style BBQ lunch is included, along with beer, sangria, and soft drinks.

Is snorkeling available, and are masks provided?

Snorkeling masks are available for use with a returnable cash deposit of €10. You may want to bring your own if you prefer a specific fit.

What should I bring for the day on the water?

Bring comfortable shoes for getting onboard, plus a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses. Also pack warm clothes for off-season days.

Are pets allowed on this tour?

No. Pets and companion animals are not allowed.

What happens if weather is bad or I need to cancel?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. For cancellations, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.