REVIEW · BENIDORM
A day at sea from Dénia or Jávea with Barbecue aboard the Catamaran
Book on Viator →Operated by Mundo Marino · Bookable on Viator
Coastline views with lunch and a swim break. This 5-hour day at sea runs along Jávea’s coast, passing toward Cabo de la Nao after skirting the Cape of San Antonio, then pausing at Cala de Portixol for a cooling-off swim.
I like two things most: the included lunch (bread, salad, fruit, plus a drink) and the built-in time to get in the water during the stop at Portixol. You also get a restroom on board, which matters more than you’d think when you’re out for half a day.
The main drawback to plan for is comfort if the weather shifts. There’s limited or no shelter on many outings, and if you’re hoping for constant narration, you may feel like the vibe is more music-and-sea than guided history.
In This Review
- Quick hits before you go
- The route: San Antonio, the Jávea coast, and Cabo de la Nao
- Cala de Portixol: where the day turns into swimming
- Lunch and BBQ on board: what’s included, and what you should verify
- Boat comfort and crowd reality: nets, shade, and group size
- Music, crew, and the level of interaction you should expect
- Who this day at sea suits best (and who should skip it)
- Price and value: is $66.26 a good deal?
- Practical tips: how to get the best day (without stress)
- Should you book this catamaran BBQ day at sea?
- FAQ
- How long is the catamaran day at sea?
- Where does the cruise start?
- Is lunch included, and what does it include?
- Are alcoholic drinks included?
- Do you stop to swim?
- Is the tour offered in English?
Quick hits before you go
- San Antonio to Jávea to Cabo de la Nao: A route built around famous headlands and long coastline views.
- Cala de Portixol swim-and-lunch stop (1h 30m): You’re not just sailing past the water; you get time to cool off.
- BBQ lunch is included (bread, salad, fruit, drink): Enough food for a relaxing day, with no need to find a restaurant.
- No outside alcoholic drinks: There’s a bar on board, but you can’t bring your own.
- Bow nets can be limited: If you want that front-row lounging, try to reserve early.
- Weather-dependent: If conditions are poor, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.
The route: San Antonio, the Jávea coast, and Cabo de la Nao
This cruise is set up as a coastal “mini cruise,” not a port-hopping tour. You’ll head out from Dénia or Jávea, then the catamaran skirts the Cape of San Antonio before working its way toward Jávea’s coast.
From there, you pass in front of the entire Jávea shoreline, heading toward the Cabo de la Nao area. That’s the part of the Costa Blanca many people come for: long views, rocky coastline edges, and the feeling that the sea is right next to you the whole time.
Why this route works: you get wide sightlines without having to keep track of buses, tickets, and tight schedules. It’s also a good match for mixed ages because the “activity” is basically: sail, look, swim, eat, repeat.
One practical consideration: the experience is about the sea and the stop, not about deep commentary. If you want constant local stories and explanations, you should expect that the onboard atmosphere may be more music-led than lecture-led.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Benidorm
Cala de Portixol: where the day turns into swimming
The big moment is the stop at Cala de Portixol, where the plan is 1 hour 30 minutes. This is when you cool off, and it’s the longest stretch of “do something” time, rather than just watching from the deck.
The water time is the highlight for a lot of people because you’re not just getting a quick dip. You can swim, relax, and settle into the pace of a relaxed beach-day—only you’re doing it from the boat.
Bring a plan for the unexpected. One thing you might run into is jellyfish (medusas) in the swimming area, and conditions can vary. If you’re easily surprised by that kind of thing, consider quick-entry swim habits and ask the crew what it looks like that day.
Also note that some outings feel more “party-mode” than “quiet pool.” If you want the calmest water time, timing and where you sit matters—choose the deck spot that feels right to you before the music ramps up.
Lunch and BBQ on board: what’s included, and what you should verify
Lunch is included, and it’s described as a barbecue menu with bread, salad, fruit, and a drink. You’ll also have a restroom on board, which helps you time your day without stressing about facilities.
Here’s my value take: at $66.26 for about 5 hours, the included lunch turns this from a “just sailing” activity into something closer to a half-day meal + experience deal. You’re paying for time on the water plus food, and that’s a fair combo if your main goal is relaxing and swimming.
Still, I’d use one smart strategy: if BBQ is the reason you booked, confirm what you’ll actually get on your departure date. A few people felt the meal didn’t match the BBQ expectation or felt it was not served at the best temperature or quality. That doesn’t mean every sailing is like that, but it’s enough reason to ask before you go, especially if you’re picky about food.
Simple tip for eating: take your queue seriously. If you end up at the end of the serving line, you may find less bread, salad, or extras depending on how service flows that day. Plan to eat promptly once it starts.
Boat comfort and crowd reality: nets, shade, and group size
This is a boat outing with a real range in how it can feel. The maximum group size is listed at 105 travelers, but many days don’t feel that large, especially if you’re on a smaller load.
What you can control: choose your position on board. If you care about lounging areas, remember the bow nets have limited capacity, and you may need to contact the company to book a spot. If that’s part of your fantasy picture of the day, don’t leave it to chance.
Shade is another big factor. Some boats and days have plenty of open deck, but if the weather turns, you can feel it because there may be limited shelter. If you burn easily or get chilled, pack sun protection and a light layer you can handle fast.
Also, the “catamaran vibe” matters. A few people reported that their boat felt different than what they expected, which changed the atmosphere. My advice: if you’re specifically booking for a true catamaran experience (layout, deck setup, and overall feel), ask the operator what vessel you’ll sail on that day.
Music, crew, and the level of interaction you should expect
The onboard tone seems to vary a lot from one departure to another. On some days, the music is fun and the energy is upbeat; on other days, it can feel loud and constant, with less room for conversation.
Crew behavior also ranges. Some people describe the crew as attentive and friendly, while others felt the crew was less talkative or less warm. That doesn’t have to ruin your day if your goal is sea time, but it matters if you’re expecting a guided experience with stories and answers.
If you’re the type who likes interaction, I’d take a proactive approach. Ask quick questions when you’re moving through interesting spots (Cape San Antonio, Jávea coast, Cabo de la Nao). You’ll get more value out of the day even if the narration isn’t constant.
One more practical note: some excursions include activity zones and gear use. If there are kayaks or other water toys on a given sailing, treat safety instructions as real—not optional.
Who this day at sea suits best (and who should skip it)
This is a strong pick if you want a straightforward half-day on the water with an easy meal. It’s ideal for couples, friends, and families who just want time to swim, relax, and enjoy Costa Blanca views without arranging anything.
It’s also a decent choice if you’re staying around Benidorm, Dénia, or Jávea. The tour description specifically ties into that region, and you can reach the experience near public transportation.
I’d think twice if you want a deeply narrated coast-hopping tour. Some people felt the day was too long and boring because there wasn’t enough explanation about what they were seeing. If you’re a “tell me the story” traveler, you may want to pair this with a separate inland stop where someone explains history and local culture.
Finally, if you get motion sickness, treat this as something to plan for. One participant said it wasn’t recommended for those who are sensitive, while another said it felt fun for them. If you’re prone to nausea, bring what usually works for you.
Price and value: is $66.26 a good deal?
At $66.26 per person for about 5 hours with lunch included, the value depends on your priorities.
If your main goal is:
- time on the sea,
- a proper swim stop, and
- a meal without thinking about restaurants,
then you’re probably getting solid value.
If your priority is:
- gourmet BBQ,
- a guaranteed catamaran-style experience every time, and
- lots of onboard storytelling,
then this price might feel fair only if the sailing you book matches your expectations. Since there are occasional reports of mismatches between advertised BBQ and what’s served, I’d treat it as a “sea + lunch” deal, not a guarantee of chef-level BBQ.
A practical way to judge value before you pay: decide whether you’re okay with the day being mostly visual and swim-based. If yes, this is a good use of time.
Practical tips: how to get the best day (without stress)
First, show up early if you’re sailing from Dénia. One helpful tip that comes up is that getting on early helps you secure a better spot, especially when departure is prompt and there’s limited seating control.
Second, plan your swim routine. Wear suit-ready gear, bring a towel, and keep water shoes if you’re used to rocky bottoms. And again: watch for jellyfish if conditions aren’t clear.
Third, pack for changing weather. You’re out for most of the half day, and shelter may be limited. Sunscreen, a hat, and a light layer cost less than the regret.
Fourth, if you want the bow nets, treat it like a reservation item. They’re limited capacity, and contacting the company ahead of time is the sensible move.
Lastly, bring your appetite early. Lunch starts during the Portixol stop window, and service timing can affect who gets what first.
Should you book this catamaran BBQ day at sea?
Book it if you want an easy half-day on the Costa Blanca: cruising scenic headlands, stopping at Cala de Portixol for a real swim window, and eating an included meal without hassle. For the price, it’s hard to beat when your goal is rest plus sea views.
Skip it or rethink if you’re highly sensitive to onboard comfort, you expect a highly narrated tour, or you’re strict about the food matching BBQ expectations. In that case, do a quick confirmation with the operator about what you’ll eat and what boat you’ll ride that day.
If you’re flexible and you mainly want sun, water, and a simple lunch plan, this can be a fun day. Just go in expecting a vibe of sea-and-music, not a guided lecture.
FAQ
How long is the catamaran day at sea?
It’s about 5 hours.
Where does the cruise start?
You can sail from Dénia or Jávea.
Is lunch included, and what does it include?
Yes. Lunch is included and includes bread, salad, fruit, and a drink as part of the BBQ menu.
Are alcoholic drinks included?
No. Alcoholic beverages are not included, and there is a bar on board. You’re not allowed to introduce drinks.
Do you stop to swim?
Yes. There’s a stop at Cala de Portixol with about 1 hour 30 minutes for swimming and cooling off.
Is the tour offered in English?
Yes, the tour is offered in English.
