Dénia & Jávea: Portixol Sailing Catamaran Excursion with BBQ

The sea is the main attraction here. This relaxed catamaran trip follows the coast from Dénia or Jávea toward the Portixol area, where you can swim off the boat, eat a cooked lunch, and spend several easy hours outdoors. I especially like the crystal-clear coves and steep cliffs, plus the rare chance to enjoy a proper hot meal without leaving the water. The main thing to consider is that the boat may change its route, food, or even its sailing setup when sea conditions or local operations require it.

I also like the amount of room on board. You can sit at tables in the shade, stretch out in the sun, or pay extra for reserved net seating on some departures. The friendly crew, music, swimming stop, and generous portions make this good value at about $65 per person, though the boat can feel busy and the swimming area remains close to the catamaran rather than beside a beach or cave.

Key points to know before booking

• The departure point can vary: Choose carefully between the Dénia and Jávea options, since the meeting place and duration may differ.
• The swimming stop is from the boat: You can use ladders, side access, or jump from approved points, but you do not swim ashore to a cave or beach.
• Lunch is substantial: Expect salad, bread, fruit, barbecued chicken breast, and pork fillet, with a vegetarian meal available if requested in advance.
• Net seats may require an upgrade: On at least some Jávea departures, the front net area is reserved for passengers with the correct wristbands.
• The trip lasts 3.5 to 5 hours: The shorter Jávea version and longer Dénia option can offer different pacing.
• Sea conditions control the route: A planned cove may be replaced, and one recent departure changed from a sailing boat and BBQ to a motorboat and paella.

Setting out from Dénia or Jávea

This is a morning-to-afternoon outing built around time on the water rather than a packed sightseeing schedule. You meet at the port selected during booking, then settle onto a large catamaran with a Spanish and English-speaking crew.

The port choice matters. Dénia departures are described as lasting up to five hours, while the Jávea version can run for about 3.5 hours. Check the exact option before paying, since the shorter trip may suit you better if you have evening plans, while the longer cruise gives you more time for lunch, swimming, and sitting on deck.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You need to make your own way to the port, and the meeting point may vary by option. Allow time to find the correct boarding area, especially if you are unfamiliar with the marina.

Once under way, the pace is intentionally slow. This is not a fast sightseeing boat rushing from one landmark to the next. You get broad views of the Dénia coastline, rocky coves, clear water, and high cliffs, with time to take photographs or simply sit back.

The catamaran is much larger than some first-time passengers expect. That brings welcome stability and plenty of seating, though popular summer departures can still feel crowded. Tables and shaded areas are available, while the open nets are best for sun lovers.

Cruising beside the Costa Blanca cliffs

The coast near Dénia and Jávea is best appreciated from offshore. From the water, the coves have a different character than they do from a road or beach. Cliffs rise above small inlets, and the clear water gives you a good look at the changing shades around the rocks.

I would treat the coastal viewing as a pleasant backdrop rather than a guided geology lesson. The crew speaks Spanish and English, but the supplied information does not promise a detailed commentary at every point. The pleasure comes from the setting, the breeze, and the chance to see parts of the shoreline that are difficult to reach on foot.

Music is part of the atmosphere. The mood can shift from quiet sunbathing to a livelier return trip, with dancing reported on some sailings. That will suit you if you want a social boat outing. If you are hoping for silence, bring realistic expectations and choose a shaded table away from the main music area when possible.

The crew receives strong praise for being friendly and well organized. They also explain changes when the route needs to be adjusted. That matters here because the sea, not a fixed timetable, decides which cove is safe.

The Portixol swimming stop

The main event is the stop in a sheltered cove near Portixol or another suitable location along the coast. The catamaran anchors away from the busiest beaches, and you have roughly an hour to an hour and a half for swimming and relaxing, depending on the departure.

You stay near the boat rather than swimming to shore. This is an important distinction. If you pictured reaching a cave, exploring a beach, or walking on land, this trip will not provide that. It is better suited to floating, snorkelling, jumping from the boat, and cooling off in open water.

Access to the sea can be flexible. You may use stairs, ladders, or approved jump points from the side and front. A slide is also available on at least some boats. Families appreciated having several ways into the water, although you should bring your own buoyancy aid for a child if needed. The supplied details do not confirm that suitable flotation equipment will be provided for every child.

The water can be excellent for a quick look beneath the surface. Fish have been seen around the catamaran, and snorkelling adds interest to what could otherwise be a simple swim. Bring your own snorkel if you want to make the most of the stop, since one is not listed as included.

Jellyfish may appear. Some passengers have noticed non-stinging types, but conditions can change, so keep an eye on children and follow the crew’s advice. The swimming area also depends on the sea state. Rough water may force the crew to skip the planned cove and choose another location.

Pack a towel, swimwear, a sun hat, and biodegradable sunscreen. The front nets get strong sun, and even the shaded seating may not protect you all day. A cover-up is sensible for lunch and the return trip.

BBQ lunch on the catamaran

Lunch gives this cruise more value than a simple boat ride. The standard meal includes vegetable salad, bread, fruit, barbecued chicken breast, pork fillet, and one drink. The drink can be sangria, a soft drink, or water.

Portions appear generous on many departures, with enough meat for some people to take an extra serving. Food is served during the longer anchor stop, so you can combine lunch with swimming rather than losing a separate block of sightseeing time.

The meal is informal and practical. You eat at tables on board, with shade available if you do not want to sit in full sun. Some passengers found the barbecue tasty and well prepared, while an older departure had a more limited meal. That variation is worth noting, particularly if the food is a major reason you are booking.

A vegetarian option is available, but you need to tell the local operator when booking. Do not assume that asking on the boat will be enough. Additional drinks can be bought on board, but they are not included in the $65 price.

The food plan can also change. One recent trip changed from a BBQ to paella, along with a change from a sailing boat to a motorized vessel. The crew handled the alteration, but the advertised meal and boat type are not absolute guarantees.

Seating, shade, and the extra-cost nets

The catamaran’s seating setup affects how much you enjoy the trip. Central tables and seats provide shelter from the sun and are the sensible choice if you burn easily, have young children, or want to eat comfortably.

The front nets offer the classic catamaran experience. You can lie close to the water, feel the movement of the boat, and get a more open view. They are also exposed to the sun, with little protection during the brightest part of the day.

On at least one Jávea departure, the net area was reserved for passengers with wristbands who had paid extra. If the nets matter to you, check the exact seating option before booking. Do not assume that every passenger can claim a place there simply by boarding early.

The boat provides space, but summer capacity can still affect comfort. A much older departure was described as overcrowded, while later trips were praised for having plenty of room and shade. I would expect the busiest conditions in July and August, particularly on the most popular departure times.

Smoking is another practical issue. Despite a no-smoking sign, smoking was reported on one cruise. If you are sensitive to smoke, ask the crew where smoking is permitted and choose your seat with that in mind.

Is $65 a fair price?

At around $65 per person, the price is fair if you value the full package: several hours on a large catamaran, a cooked lunch, one drink, a swimming stop, and coastal views. A basic boat trip without food can cost less, but you would then need to pay for lunch separately and spend more time arranging your day.

The value is strongest for people who want an easy half-day with very little planning once they reach the port. You do not need to find a beach restaurant, rent a boat, or work out how to reach a quiet cove. The crew handles the route, anchoring, meal service, and return.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a quiet sailing experience or a private excursion. This is a shared catamaran, and music, crowds, route changes, and other passengers are part of the deal. You are paying for access to the coast and the boat facilities, not personal service.

The included drink helps, but additional drinks cost extra. Pickup is not included, so add local transport and parking costs to your day’s budget. The price also does not automatically include premium net seating.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to couples, families with confident swimmers, and groups wanting a social day at sea. The swim stop, food, music, and wide seating make it more varied than a short harbor cruise.

It is also a good choice if you are staying in Dénia or Jávea and want to see the coastline without committing to a full-day boat trip. The shorter Jávea option may work especially well for families who want a swim and lunch but do not want to spend five hours on board.

Children can enjoy the slide, the swimming access, and the chance to spot fish. Parents should bring suitable flotation equipment if their children are not strong sea swimmers. The boat’s access points offer choice, but open-water swimming still requires close supervision.

This is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. The information provided also does not promise a safety briefing before departure. One passenger was surprised not to see one and did not notice life jackets, so if safety instructions are important to you, ask the crew about procedures as you board.

Timing, weather, and route changes

The sea decides how the day unfolds. A rough surface can make a planned cove unsafe, so the captain may choose another anchorage. That can mean a different view or a shorter swim, but it is the correct trade-off for a safe trip.

The advertised duration ranges from 3.5 to 5 hours, and available start times change by date. Confirm the exact length when you select your option. The morning departure usually leaves the afternoon open, but delays or weather-related changes could affect your plans.

Pack for exposure. Sun hat, swimwear, towel, and biodegradable sunscreen are specifically recommended. You may also want a dry bag for phones and a light layer for the ride back, though those extra items are not required by the operator.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That flexibility is useful when your Costa Blanca plans depend on weather, but it does not remove the need to check the meeting point and start time for your selected version.

Final verdict: should you book it?

Book this Portixol catamaran cruise if you want a friendly, good-value half-day with clear coastal water, a proper lunch, and time to swim from the boat. The crew, food, music, and spacious catamaran receive the strongest praise, and the price covers more than transport along the coast.

Skip it if you need a quiet boat, a private setting, beach access, or a fixed promise of sailing and BBQ. The route and meal can change, summer departures may feel busy, and the boat’s swimming stop keeps you near the catamaran.

My practical choice would be the option with the timing and departure port that best fit your plans, plus reserved net seating only if lying at the front is important to you. Bring a snorkel, sun protection, and realistic expectations about the cove. With those details settled, this is an enjoyable way to spend a morning and lunch on the Costa Blanca.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart?

The cruise departs from a port in Dénia or Jávea, depending on the option you book. The exact meeting point may vary, so check the details for your selected departure.

How long does the experience last?

The duration ranges from 3.5 to 5 hours. The exact length depends on the option and date, so check the available times before booking.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes vegetable salad, barbecued chicken breast, pork fillet, bread, and fruit. A vegetarian option is available if you advise the local partner when booking.

What drink is included?

One drink is included. You can choose sangria, a soft drink, or water. Additional drinks are available to purchase on board.

Can I swim during the cruise?

Yes. The catamaran anchors in a suitable coastal cove for swimming. You stay near the boat rather than swimming to a beach or cave.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and biodegradable sunscreen. A snorkel may also be useful, but it is not listed as included.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.