Valencia: Catamaran Cruise, Paella Lunch and Swim Stop

The best part of this outing is the combination of a proper Valencian paella lunch and open-water swimming. You are not just looking at the Mediterranean from shore. You are eating, listening to music, and stepping off the catamaran for a swim with the Valencian coast in view.

I like the relaxed boat setting and the simple meal, which includes salad, chicken paella, fruit, and one drink. I also like that the swimming stop gives the trip a clear purpose beyond sightseeing. The main consideration is timing: some departures allow a good swim, while others provide only one fairly short chance to get in the water, often soon after lunch.

What makes this catamaran trip worth considering

• Chicken paella served onboard: Expect a straightforward Valencian-style lunch with salad, rice, fruit, and one included drink.
• A swim stop near Port Saplaya: You can jump from the catamaran into the Mediterranean if conditions allow and you feel comfortable in open water.
• A pleasant boat size: One recent outing had roughly 30 people aboard a modern catamaran, enough for atmosphere without feeling packed.
• Friendly named crew: Javi, Álvaro, Marco, Pepe the captain, and Ulysses have all been singled out for warm, attentive service.
• Music without a party-club feel: Reports describe music at a comfortable volume, though musical taste varies.
• Good value at $41: Lunch, one drink, the boat ride, crew, fuel, and swimming are included, making this a reasonably priced half-day activity.

Leaving the shore for a Mediterranean lunch

This is a compact sea outing rather than a full-day sailing trip. The listed duration is 2.5 hours, while the main cruise itself is described as about two hours. That leaves you with a short, focused program: board the Boramar catamaran, enjoy the coast from the deck, eat lunch, stop for swimming, and return.

The boat gives you a different view of Valencia than a walking tour or beach afternoon. From the deck, you can feel the breeze and watch the coastline recede while the city becomes part of the wider coastal setting. The appeal is not a long list of monuments. It is the change of pace, the sea air, and the chance to spend a few hours outdoors without paying for an elaborate sailing charter.

The catamaran has been described as modern and comfortable, with about 30 people on one recent departure. That is useful context. You should expect a shared excursion with a social atmosphere, not a private boat and not a silent nature cruise. The size is large enough to provide stability and seating, while still keeping the trip fairly manageable.

You need to exchange your ticket at the BORAMAR ticket booth at the meeting point. There is no hotel pickup or hotel return, so you must make your own way there. Since starting times vary, check the available departure before booking and allow enough time to find the booth.

Paella, salad, fruit, and one drink

Lunch is the heart of the outing. The meal starts with salad, followed by chicken paella with rice and selected spices, and finishes with fresh fruit. Specific comments about the food have been particularly strong, with paella, watermelon, melon, and the general meal all receiving praise.

Do not expect a tasting menu or a choice of several main courses. This is a casual group lunch served at sea. The chicken paella gives the trip a clear Valencian connection, and it is more satisfying than a snack tray would be after time in the sun.

One drink is included. Depending on the service, your choice may include sangria, beer, or a soft drink. Extra drinks are available for purchase onboard, so you may want some spending money if you plan to stay hydrated during a warm afternoon.

The order matters. Lunch is generally served before the swimming stop. That works well if you want to eat first and then relax in the water, but it can also make you less eager to swim immediately after a full plate of paella. If swimming is your main reason for booking, keep your portion sensible and bring patience in case the stop is shorter than hoped.

A few practical points help here. Eat at a comfortable pace, drink water, and do not assume that the swimming period will be long enough to replace a beach afternoon. The meal is a major part of the value, while the swim is an enjoyable extra whose exact length depends on the schedule and sea conditions.

The Port Saplaya swim stop

The stop in the Mediterranean is the most active part of the trip. When conditions permit, you can get into the sea, sunbathe on deck, or simply watch others take the plunge. The boat provides the setting, so you do not need to walk to a beach or search for a suitable swimming area.

Several departures have included jumping directly from the catamaran, which adds a little excitement. You should only do this if you are comfortable with the height, the sea, and the instructions from the crew. The included activity is swimming, not a session with specialist water equipment. Diving equipment is not provided.

Here is the important catch: swimming time is not perfectly consistent in the descriptions of the outing. Some accounts describe a generous period in the water, while others say the group was allowed to jump in only once or had too little time. One of the clearest practical complaints is that the stop can feel too brief, especially because it follows lunch.

That does not make the stop un worthwhile. It simply means you should book this as a boat cruise with a swim, not as a dedicated swimming tour. If you want a long, flexible period in the water, a beach day will suit you better. If you want a refreshing dip as part of a meal-and-cruise outing, the stop can be a fine addition.

The sea itself is described as clear and inviting, but all excursions depend on weather conditions. Rough water, wind, or other safety concerns can affect the plan. The crew has the final say on swimming.

Views, breeze, and onboard atmosphere

The scenery is broad rather than packed with sights. You will look out over the Mediterranean and the Valencian coast, with the sea providing most of the visual interest. This is a good choice when you want a break from streets, museums, and scheduled sightseeing.

The deck is the place to enjoy the breeze and panoramic views. You can sit back during the cruise, watch the coastline, and use the open space for sunbathing when the weather is suitable. The experience is casual, with music adding some energy without necessarily turning the boat into a loud party.

Music quality is subjective, but the volume has generally been described as comfortable. One outing had music that was considered good for part of the trip and less appealing for the rest. I would treat the soundtrack as background atmosphere rather than a reason to book.

The group size also shapes the mood. With around 30 people on one departure, you may get friendly conversation and a little movement around the deck, but the boat should not feel like a mass excursion. Exact numbers can change, and the tour requires at least 15 participants to operate.

How the crew affects the day

The crew is an important part of a short excursion. There is not much time for the boat staff to make an impression, and several crew members have been praised by name. Javi, Álvaro, Marco, Pepe the captain, and Ulysses have been associated with friendly service and a welcoming approach.

The host or greeter can communicate in Spanish and English. That makes the basic meeting instructions, meal service, and safety guidance easier for English-speaking visitors. Do not expect a formal coastal lecture, though. One criticism is that the crew could explain more about the area.

That point is worth keeping in mind. This outing focuses on food, water, music, and relaxation, not guided interpretation. If you want detailed facts about Valencia’s shoreline, Port Saplaya, or local maritime history, you may need another tour. Here, the crew’s job is mainly to run the boat, serve lunch, and manage the swimming stop.

Is $41 a fair price?

At $41 per person, the package offers solid value for a 2.5-hour outing. You get the catamaran cruise, crew, fuel, salad, chicken paella, fruit, one drink, and the opportunity to swim. Buying those pieces separately would usually mean arranging your own boat trip and still paying for lunch.

The value is strongest if you want all three parts: a scenic boat ride, a proper meal, and a short swim. The price is less attractive if you care only about swimming, since the water stop may be brief, or if you want a private and quiet sailing trip.

The included drink helps keep the cost reasonable, but extra beverages cost more. You should also budget for getting to the meeting point because hotel transportation is not included.

For a couple, friends, or a family group looking for an easy half-day plan, the price makes sense. It gives you a defined schedule and removes the need to choose a restaurant, find a boat, and organize a safe swimming stop yourself.

Who will enjoy this outing most?

I would recommend it to people who want a relaxed activity with a little variety. You can eat, look at the coast, listen to music, and swim without committing an entire day.

It suits:

• Couples wanting a simple afternoon on the water
• Friends who enjoy casual food and swimming
• Families with members comfortable around a boat and open water
• Visitors looking for a break from Valencia’s city center
• Anyone who wants to try paella in a less formal setting

You should think twice if you have mobility impairments, since the activity is not suitable for people with mobility limitations. You should also consider your comfort with getting on and off a catamaran and swimming in the sea.

This is not the right choice for someone seeking a quiet sailing lesson, a private charter, a long swim, or a detailed guided tour of the coast. It is also not designed around specialist water sports. The appeal is easygoing recreation with lunch included.

Booking, weather, and small practical details

Advance booking is essential. The excursion operates with a minimum of 15 people, so a date can depend on enough participants. All departures are subject to weather conditions, which matters for both comfort and the swimming stop.

The cancellation policy is useful for uncertain plans: you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which gives you some flexibility while you organize a Valencia itinerary.

Costumes are not allowed. That is an unusual rule, but it is worth knowing if your group is planning a themed outing or celebration. Bring ordinary swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and a change of clothes if you plan to enter the sea. These items are practical suggestions for a swim stop, not tour-provided services.

The most important tip is to set the right priority. If food and a pleasant boat ride are your main goals, this trip has a lot going for it. If you mainly want extended time in the water, check the schedule carefully and be ready for a shorter stop.

Should you book the Boramar catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want good-value coastal time with paella, a drink, music, and the chance to swim. The boat is comfortable, the food receives strong praise, and the crew has made a favorable impression. At $41, it is a sensible way to add a few hours at sea to a Valencia visit.

Skip it if you need guaranteed long swimming time, hotel transportation, a private boat, or detailed commentary about the coast. The main weakness is the uncertain length of the water stop, especially after lunch.

My call: book it for the food-and-cruise combination, and treat swimming as a welcome bonus rather than the entire reason for going.

FAQ

How long is the Valencia catamaran cruise?

The activity lasts 2.5 hours. The main catamaran trip is also described as lasting about two 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 can be purchased onboard.

Can I swim from the catamaran?

Yes, the activity includes a swimming stop in the Mediterranean near Port Saplaya, subject to weather and crew decisions.

Is swimming equipment included?

No. Diving gear is not included.

Where do I exchange my ticket?

You must exchange your ticket at the BORAMAR ticket booth at the meeting point.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments.