Valencia: Catamaran Cruise, Paella Lunch and Swim Stop

The best part of this Valencia catamaran trip is the simple combination: a proper plate of paella at sea, followed by a jump into the Mediterranean. You get coastal views, a breeze, music, lunch, and a swim without paying for a full-day cruise.

I like the generous meal, which includes salad, chicken paella, fruit, and one drink. I also like the relaxed feel of the modern catamaran, with enough room for a group of about 30 people and a crew that has included Ulysses, Javi, Álvaro, Marco, and Captain Pepe.

The main catch is the swim stop. It can feel short, and the timing comes after lunch, when you may not feel ready to swim hard. The boat stops once for jumping and swimming, so this is best seen as a scenic lunch cruise with a swim, not a dedicated water-sports outing.

Key points to know before you book

• Paella is served onboard: Expect salad first, chicken paella with rice and spices, then fresh fruit such as watermelon or melon.
• The swim stop comes after lunch: You can jump from the catamaran and swim in the open sea, but the time in the water may feel brief.
• A drink is included: The included choice may be sangria, beer, or a soft drink. Extra drinks cost more.
• The catamaran is modern and comfortable: The boat suits a social group of roughly 30 people, with deck space for coastal views and sunbathing.
• Port Saplaya is part of the setting: The cruise gives you a different view of Valencia’s coast, away from city streets and beach crowds.
• Weather controls the day: All sailings depend on sea and weather conditions, and the tour needs at least 15 people to operate.

A paella lunch with the Mediterranean under your feet

Many boat trips are mainly about the ride, with food treated as an afterthought. This one reverses the order. You spend part of the cruise enjoying a Valencian meal, so the catamaran becomes both restaurant and lookout point.

The meal begins with a salad, followed by chicken paella. The rice is the center of the lunch, seasoned with carefully selected spices and served in the Valencian style. Fresh fruit comes afterward, with watermelon or melon appearing in the food experience described by previous participants.

That menu gives you a real meal rather than a small snack. At $41 per person, this matters. You are paying for the boat, crew, fuel, lunch, one drink, and the swim stop, so the cost compares well with a basic harbor cruise that charges separately for food.

You should still set your expectations correctly. This is not a chef-led food tour, and the meal is not a lesson in paella. You will not be taken through Valencia’s culinary traditions in detail. Instead, you get a straightforward local dish in a memorable setting, with the sea moving beneath you.

The included drink may be sangria, beer, or a soft drink. Extra drinks are available onboard for an additional charge. If you want more than one drink, keep a little spending money handy.

Boarding the Boramar catamaran

You need to reach the meeting point yourself and exchange your ticket at the Boramar ticket booth. The booth is at the same meeting point, which keeps the process simple, but there is no hotel pickup or drop-off.

Advance booking is important. The sailing operates with a minimum of 15 people, and the schedule depends on availability and weather. I would book before your day in Valencia fills up, especially during the warmer months when boat trips can be in demand.

The total activity lasts about 2.5 hours. The sailing itself is described as roughly two hours, with the remaining time covering boarding, lunch, the swimming stop, and the general movement of the cruise. Check the available departure time when you book, because starting times can vary.

The crew speaks Spanish and English. Names connected with the boat experience include Ulysses, Javi, Álvaro, Marco, and Captain Pepe. The crew has been praised for friendly service, which is useful on a short cruise where the atmosphere depends heavily on the people running it.

A modern catamaran gives you more room than a small motorboat. You can sit, eat, watch the coast, or move around the deck when conditions allow. The vessel has also been described as comfortable and not overly crowded on some departures, though the exact group size can change.

Coastal views from the deck

Once the boat leaves, the attraction is the change of viewpoint. Valencia’s coast looks different from the water. Instead of walking along the shore, you see the city and coastline from a broad Mediterranean horizon.

The cruise offers panoramic views from the deck, with the cooling breeze doing much of the work. This is a good way to place a beach day inside a short sightseeing schedule. You are not visiting a long list of landmarks, but you are getting a calm break from pavement, traffic, and indoor attractions.

The music adds to the casual mood. Previous experiences describe music at a comfortable volume, with some people enjoying the selection more than others. You should expect a social boat atmosphere rather than silence. It is suitable for sitting with a drink and watching the water, but it is not designed as a quiet nature cruise.

The boat gives you room to sunbathe, although shade availability is not specified. If you burn easily, bring sun protection and use the parts of the deck that work best for you. The Mediterranean sun can feel mild when the wind is blowing, even when it is strong.

One thing you should not expect is a detailed coastal commentary. The activity focuses on sailing, food, swimming, and music. If you want facts about every part of Valencia’s shoreline, you may find the cruise light on explanation.

The lunch timing shapes the whole experience

The usual rhythm places lunch before the swimming stop. You eat salad and paella, have fruit, and then the boat stops so you can enter the sea.

That order makes practical sense for a lunch cruise, but it also creates the main weakness. Some people do not want to swim immediately after a full meal, and others may only want a short dip. Several experiences describe the swim as too brief, while another found the time in the water long and relaxed.

In other words, the length can depend on the day, the group, and the sailing conditions. You should treat the swim as a refreshing bonus, not the central promise of the trip.

The stop takes place out in the Mediterranean near Port Saplaya. You may jump directly from the boat, swim around it, or stay onboard and sunbathe. The open-water setting is more exciting than stepping into a swimming pool, but it also means this option suits people who are comfortable in the sea.

The boat allows jumping during the swimming stop, which is one of the most enjoyable details for confident swimmers. You should still judge the conditions for yourself and follow the crew’s instructions. The experience does not include underwater equipment, so bring only what you actually need for a basic swim.

If swimming matters most to you, ask at the start how much time is planned for the stop. That will help you decide whether to eat quickly, stay near the exit point, or simply enjoy the water for a short time before returning to the deck.

What $41 buys you

At $41, this cruise offers a solid bundle of inclusions:

• Catamaran sailing
• Crew and fuel
• Salad
• Chicken Valencian paella
• Fresh fruit
• One drink
• Swimming stop

That is good value if you want a meal and a boat ride in one booking. A restaurant meal, a separate coastal cruise, and a beach visit could easily take more time and cost more once drinks are added.

The value is strongest for couples, friends, and families who want an easy half-day activity. You do not have to plan a restaurant after the cruise, and you get a setting that makes an ordinary lunch feel special.

The value is weaker if you want a long swim, a guided coastal tour, or a private boat. Extra drinks are not included, and the cruise does not cover transport to or from your hotel. You also need to make your own way to the meeting point and exchange your ticket at the Boramar booth.

The reserve-now, pay-later option adds useful flexibility. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. Even so, weather can affect the sailing, so check the provider’s communication before setting out.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want three things in one outing: a relaxed boat ride, a generous lunch, and a chance to swim. It suits visitors who prefer an easy activity over a tightly scheduled sightseeing tour.

It is also a good choice if you want to try paella without giving up a beach day. The meal is served at sea, and the boat ride gives you a break from Valencia’s streets without taking an entire day.

Families with older children may enjoy the jump from the catamaran, provided everyone is comfortable in open water. Friends may appreciate the music, drinks, and social setting. Couples can use it as a casual coastal outing rather than a formal meal.

You may want another activity if your priority is serious swimming. The stop is not guaranteed to feel long, and there is only one main opportunity to enter the water. Likewise, anyone looking for a quiet, educational cruise may find the music and informal atmosphere less suitable.

The experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. The boat, meeting point, boarding process, and swimming access may require movement that is not practical for everyone.

Practical tips for a better day

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a way to protect your phone from splashes. You may also want a light layer for the boat ride, since the wind can feel cooler once the catamaran is moving.

If you want to swim, keep your essentials organized before lunch. The stop may be short, and you will not want to search through a bag while others are heading into the water.

Eat at a comfortable pace. The swim follows lunch, so there is no need to rush into a full meal and then expect to spend a long time jumping around. Enjoy the paella, take in the views, and enter the water only if you feel ready.

Arrive with enough time to find the Boramar booth and exchange your ticket. Since there is no hotel pickup, allow for your own transport and do not assume the boat will wait for late arrivals.

Finally, keep your schedule flexible. Weather conditions control the cruise, and the sailing requires at least 15 participants. This is a poor choice for the one activity you must fit into a rigid timetable, but an excellent option on a day when you can allow some breathing room.

Should you book the Valencia catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a good-value coastal outing with real lunch, a drink, and a refreshing swim. The friendly crew, comfortable catamaran, tasty paella, and open-water setting give the trip plenty of appeal for $41.

Do not book it expecting a long swimming session, detailed sightseeing commentary, or a silent cruise. The swim comes after lunch and may be brief, while the music and casual group setting shape the mood.

For most visitors, I would choose this as a relaxed Valencia half-day activity, especially in warm weather. Eat the paella, take the coastal views seriously, and see the swim as a welcome extra rather than the entire reason to go.

FAQ

Where does the Valencia catamaran cruise take place?

The activity takes place along Valencia’s Mediterranean coast in the Valencian Community, with the swimming stop near Port Saplaya.

How long does the cruise last?

The full activity lasts about 2.5 hours. The sailing portion is described as approximately two hours.

What food is included?

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

Is a drink included?

Yes. One drink is included with lunch. Choices may include sangria, beer, or a soft drink. Extra drinks are not included.

Can I swim during the cruise?

Yes. The catamaran makes a stop in the Mediterranean where you can swim and jump from the boat, depending on conditions and crew instructions.

Is swimming equipment included?

No. Diving gear is not included. The activity provides the swimming stop but does not include underwater equipment.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You must make your own way to the meeting point. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Where do I exchange my ticket?

Exchange your ticket at the Boramar ticket booth, located at the same meeting point where you board.

What languages are available?

The host or greeter and crew support Spanish and English.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.