Lloret de Mar: Catamaran Sailing Cruise with BBQ and Drinks

The Costa Brava looks best from the water. I like the mix of clear-water swimming and coastal views, and the floating mats, trampoline, BBQ, and music give the four-hour trip plenty to do. The main drawback is the large-group feel: this is a lively boat outing, not a quiet private sailing trip.

I also like the choice of departures. Morning sailings suit families, while afternoon and Saturday options bring a stronger party mood for adults. Food is simple rather than gourmet, and drink choices focus on beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water, so you may miss having wine or cocktails.

Key points at a glance

• Swim after about an hour of sailing: The catamaran anchors for roughly two hours near a quiet coastal spot, giving you real time in the sea.
• The boat can carry a big crowd: Reports describe sailings with close to 94 people, but the open deck and wide net area help spread everyone out.
• Choose your departure carefully: Morning trips are family-friendly, afternoon trips are for adults over 18, and Saturday celebration sailings are adult-only.
• The BBQ is filling but basic: Expect beef hamburgers, marinated chicken, pasta, salad, and fruit cocktail served onboard.
• Bring your own snorkel: Masks are available with a refundable €10 cash deposit, but the equipment may not include snorkels.
• The return trip gets livelier: Music, dancing, and DJ-led entertainment often turn the last part of the cruise into a floating party.

What this Lloret de Mar catamaran cruise is really like

This is a social Costa Brava boat trip built around three things: scenery, swimming, and atmosphere. You board near the sand at Lloret de Mar and head along the coast on a catamaran with a large front net, shaded areas, toilets, a solarium section, and room to move around.

The first hour is the calmest part. You can sit or lie on the net at the bow, watch the cliffs and small beaches slide by, and take photos of the coastline from a much better angle than you get from town. The music is already playing, and drinks are available, but the mood can still feel relaxed at this stage.

After the boat reaches its swimming area, it anchors for around two hours. This is the heart of the experience. You can swim from the boat, use the floating mattress, try the trampoline, or snorkel near the small inlet. The water is described as especially clear, with fish visible close to the boat.

The return to Lloret de Mar usually has more energy. The DJ turns up the music, people dance, and the crew encourages everyone to join in. Some sailings feel like a family day with a little dancing, while others become a full party cruise. Your departure time matters a great deal.

Boarding near Lloret’s promenade

The meeting point is Passeig Agustí Font, 2, near Lloret de Mar’s town hall and on the promenade. You need to show the QR code on your phone to receive your boarding passes.

There is no transfer from your hotel, so plan to reach the promenade yourself. Bring your booking details, but avoid arriving with food, drinks, glass items, or a cooler. Those are not allowed onboard.

Boarding may look hectic when a crowd gathers at the beach. You do not need to rush for a good place. The catamaran has enough room for people to spread out, and rushing can make the process less pleasant. If you want a particular spot, arrive in good time, but do not push ahead.

The boat is not suitable for wheelchair users. Anyone with limited mobility should ask the operator for current boarding details before paying, since boarding from the beach and moving around a catamaran can be difficult.

The first hour: cliffs, caves, and fishing villages

Once underway, the route follows the Costa Brava coastline. You pass rugged cliffs, caves, secluded beaches, and fishing villages. The exact views depend on the route and weather, but this is the part that gives the cruise its sense of place.

From the water, Lloret’s busy resort side gives way to a quieter view of the coast. You see coves that are hard to reach by road and get a sense of why this stretch of Catalonia is popular for swimming and boating.

The front net is the most memorable place to sit if you like the motion of the sea. You feel the water moving below you, though the net is exposed to direct sun and spray. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. There is a covered area if you need a break from the heat.

The boat is not a silent sightseeing vessel. Music continues during the sailing, and the social atmosphere begins early. If your idea of a boat trip is gentle sailing with only the sound of waves, this may feel too loud. If you like meeting people, music, and a loose holiday mood, the setup works well.

Two hours at anchor for swimming and snorkeling

The extended stop is a major reason this cruise offers good value. You are not limited to a quick swim before the boat moves on. The catamaran stays anchored for roughly two hours, giving you time to swim, sunbathe, eat, and return to the water.

The sea entry is one of the most popular parts. The program includes a trampoline and floating mattress, and the water is clear enough for fish spotting. Masks are available with a €10 refundable cash deposit, but the included gear may be limited to masks and goggles. Bring your own snorkel if seeing underwater life matters to you.

Pay attention to the safety briefing. The activity information invites you to enter the water from the trampoline, but the rules also list jumping as not allowed. That wording is unclear, so follow the crew’s instructions about where and how to enter the sea. Safety vests are provided, and the staff are responsible for keeping the water activity orderly.

This stop suits confident swimmers best. You can choose to stay onboard, use the solarium, or relax under cover if you do not want to swim. Children should remain under close adult supervision, even when the crew is present.

The swimming area is scenic, but do not expect a private cove reserved for your group. Other boats may be nearby, and the catamaran can have a large number of people onboard. The trade-off is simple: you get plenty of space and equipment, but not solitude.

A simple BBQ served onboard

Food is served after the boat anchors, about one and a half hours after departure. This timing makes sense because the crew can prepare and serve the meal while you swim, though it means lunch is not immediate.

The self-service meal includes:

• Beef hamburgers
• Marinated chicken pieces
• Pasta
• Salad
• Sweet fruit cocktail

The menu is fixed, with no optional menu described. The food is practical boat fare rather than a restaurant meal. It gives you something substantial after swimming, and the portions are designed for a group setting.

The meal is listed as containing no gluten, which may help some diners, but anyone with a serious allergy should confirm preparation details with the operator before booking. The food is served in a busy social setting, so expect a buffet-style meal rather than table service.

Some people will find the BBQ tasty and generous. Others may find it plain, particularly if they expect a full Spanish lunch. I would treat the meal as part of the value of the cruise, not the main culinary reason to book. The real draw is having lunch ready at sea without needing to bring supplies.

Drinks, vouchers, and what to expect

Included drinks are listed as beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water. Several departures provide these as part of the package, while one account describes five drink vouchers with extra drinks available for €2. The exact arrangement may vary by cruise option, so check the details of your selected sailing.

The drink selection is limited. Beer and sangria fit the party-boat setting, and soft drinks and water cover nonalcoholic needs. If you want wine, spirits, or cocktails, you may be disappointed because those are not listed among the standard choices.

You cannot bring your own alcohol, food, glass, or cooler. You also will not be admitted if you arrive intoxicated, and no refund is offered in that situation. That rule is firm and sensible on a boat with swimming, children on some departures, and a busy deck.

Bring cash for the refundable mask deposit. You should also carry a towel, since towels are not supplied. A dry change of clothes may be useful, although it is not specifically listed as required.

Morning, afternoon, and Saturday departures

Choosing the right sailing is more important than choosing a seat. The same catamaran can feel quite different depending on the departure.

Morning cruises are designed for families with children. The mood is more relaxed, though music and some dancing are still part of the day. This is the best choice if you want swimming, food, and scenery without making the trip mainly about nightlife.

Afternoon cruises are for adults over 18 and have a livelier young-adult atmosphere. Expect more music, dancing, and social energy on the return. This suits couples and friend groups who want a party element without booking the Saturday celebration option.

Saturday celebration cruises are for adults over 18 and include a DJ, BBQ, and five drinks. They are the clearest match for a festive group outing, anniversary, or adult birthday. Party groups should still read the rules closely, since costumes and sexual objects are not accepted, and groups arriving intoxicated will be refused.

The information also says bachelor groups are forbidden on some departures, while the Saturday celebration sailing is promoted for adult celebration and bachelor groups. The safe approach is to choose the designated celebration departure and confirm acceptance before booking. Do not assume a costume-themed group will be welcome.

How good is the value at $59?

At $59 per person, the cruise offers a lot in one half-day package: round-trip sailing, crew, food, drinks, swimming time, floating equipment, music, and coastal sightseeing. You also avoid paying separately for a restaurant lunch, a boat transfer, and a swimming excursion.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the whole package. Swim, try the floating mattress, take time on the net, eat onboard, and enjoy the music. If you only want quiet sailing and do not care about the BBQ or party atmosphere, a smaller sightseeing boat may suit you better, though that is not the product being offered here.

The large-group format keeps the price lower than a private charter. It also means the experience feels organized rather than exclusive. The crew has to serve many people, manage swimming, and keep the music moving. That can create queues and noise, but the setup is built for a social day at sea.

For a family, the morning trip can replace several separate activities. For a group of friends, the included food, drinks, and DJ help control spending. For a couple seeking a romantic sail, the value depends on your tolerance for a crowded deck and party music.

What to pack for four hours at sea

Pack lightly, but bring the basics:

• Swimwear and beachwear
• Towel
• Sandals or flip-flops
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Cash for the refundable mask deposit
• Your mobile phone with the QR code

A snorkel is worth bringing if you already own one. Masks are available, but the equipment may not include a snorkel. Keep valuables to a minimum because this is an active boat day with swimming and wet decks.

You should not bring food, drinks, alcohol, drugs, glass objects, pets, or a cooler. The operator also lists costumes and jumping among prohibited items. Follow the crew’s instructions rather than treating the boat like an unsupervised beach platform.

Weather, safety, and practical limits

The cruise depends on sea conditions. It can be canceled because of rough seas, heavy rain, an unexpected catamaran breakdown, or too few participants. If the operator cancels, check the current refund arrangements before your trip.

The crew provides safety vests, and the catamaran has toilets, a covered section, and a captain and crew onboard. The activity suits people who are comfortable with open water, sun, music, and a large social group.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Arriving late and missing the boat does not qualify for a refund, so allow enough time to find the promenade meeting point and complete boarding.

Who should book this Costa Brava sailing?

I would recommend it to you if you want a social half-day on the Mediterranean rather than a formal sailing lesson. It is particularly good for families on the morning trip, couples who enjoy music and swimming, and adult groups looking for a straightforward celebration.

The cruise also works well for people who want to see more of the Costa Brava without arranging several activities. You get cliffs, coves, swimming, lunch, drinks, and music in one outing.

I would not choose it if you want a quiet boat, a private cove, gourmet food, or a broad cocktail menu. It is not suitable for wheelchair users, and anyone who dislikes crowds or loud music should select another type of coastal trip.

Final verdict: book it for fun, not solitude

At $59, this is a strong-value way to spend four hours around Lloret de Mar. The best parts are the long swim stop, clear water, friendly crew, open catamaran layout, and lively return trip. The BBQ is serviceable, and the drinks are useful, but neither should be mistaken for a high-end dining or cocktail experience.

Choose the morning sailing for children and a calmer family mood. Choose the afternoon or Saturday celebration option if dancing and a younger adult atmosphere are the point. Bring a towel, cash, sunscreen, and your own snorkel, then let the coast and the sea do most of the work.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart from?

The meeting point is Passeig Agustí Font, 2, on the Lloret de Mar promenade near the town hall. You show the QR code on your mobile phone to receive your boarding passes.

How long is the cruise?

The experience lasts four hours. The sailing and Costa Brava activities account for about three and a half hours, with the full experience including departure and return arrangements.

What food is served onboard?

The BBQ includes beef hamburgers, marinated chicken pieces, pasta, salad, and a sweet fruit cocktail. The meal is self-service, with no optional menu listed.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Included drinks are listed as beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water. Some departure formats use drink vouchers, so check the details of your selected option.

Is the cruise suitable for children?

Morning departures are intended for families with children. Afternoon departures are for people over 18, and Saturday celebration departures are adults-only.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Masks are available with a refundable €10 cash deposit. The available equipment may not include snorkels, so bringing your own snorkel is recommended if you want to snorkel.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, sandals or flip-flops, beachwear, and cash. Towels are not included.

Can I bring my own food or alcohol?

No. Food, drinks, alcohol, drugs, glass objects, and coolers are not allowed onboard. Anyone arriving intoxicated will not be admitted and will not receive a refund.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The cruise may be canceled because of rough seas, heavy rain, an unexpected catamaran breakdown, or an insufficient number of participants. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, but late arrivals and no-shows are not refunded.