Lloret de Mar: Catamaran Sailing Cruise with BBQ and Drinks

The best part of this Lloret de Mar cruise is the pause at sea: after sailing along the Costa Brava, you can swim in clear water straight from the catamaran, then come back aboard for lunch. The boat has room to sunbathe, a netted bow area, and a floating mattress and trampoline for time in the water.

I like two things in particular: the long anchorage gives you real time to swim, not just a quick photo stop, and the price includes a barbecue meal and drinks, which makes budgeting easier. The crew also gets the music going for the return, so the trip can shift from relaxed sailing to a livelier party.

One consideration: this is a shared boat outing, not a quiet private sail. The catamaran can carry a large group, and some departures are designed for an adult party atmosphere. Choose your departure time carefully, especially if you’re traveling with children or hoping for a peaceful afternoon.

The essentials before you book

• About two hours at anchor: Swim, snorkel, sunbathe or try the floating mattress and trampoline while the crew prepares lunch.
• A coastal route, not a fixed beach stop: Expect views of Costa Brava cliffs, caves, small beaches and fishing villages. The exact anchorage can depend on conditions.
• Barbecue lunch included: The self-service meal typically includes beef burgers, marinated chicken, pasta, salad and fruit cocktail.
• Drinks included: Beer, sangria, soft drinks and water are offered. The Saturday celebration option includes five drinks.
• Pick the right departure: Morning trips suit families with children, afternoon trips are for adults, and Saturday celebration departures are for adults aged 18 and over.
• Bring your own towel and sun protection: Towels are not supplied, and you’ll need to bring swimwear, sandals, sunscreen and a hat.

Boarding from Lloret’s beachfront promenade

The meeting point is Passeig Agustí Font, 2, on Lloret de Mar’s promenade, near the town hall. You board from the sand, so this is a beach departure rather than a step aboard from a conventional harbor dock. Show your mobile QR code to receive your boarding pass.

The start is simple, but arrive on time. If you miss the departure because you’re late, you won’t receive a refund. There’s no transfer to the meeting point, so plan your own route through Lloret and allow a little margin to find the boarding area.

Once aboard, you’ll find a covered section, a solarium area, toilets and safety vests. The bow’s large net is a good place to stretch out and feel the movement of the boat over the water. If you’re keen to claim a particular spot, boarding can feel busy at first. Still, the boat has accommodated groups of around 90 people, and there’s space to settle in after boarding. Take your time and follow the crew’s directions rather than rushing aboard.

A Costa Brava sail before the swim stop

The cruise heads out from Lloret along a stretch of coast known for its rocky cliffs, caves, small coves and fishing villages. The first part of the trip lasts about an hour, giving you time to sit in the sun, listen to music, have a drink and watch the shoreline change as the catamaran moves away from town.

This is the scenic part, but don’t expect a guided history lecture or a list of named landmarks. The appeal is the view from the water: steep coast, tucked-away beaches and the contrast between the open sea and sheltered inlets. If you mainly want a detailed cultural tour, this isn’t the right boat trip. If you want a relaxed look at the coast with time to swim, it fits the bill.

The sea can be bumpy, and the trip is subject to weather. Rough water, heavy rain, an unexpected mechanical problem or too few bookings can lead to a cancellation. If you’re prone to seasickness, the operator doesn’t provide specific advice in the tour details, so consider your own needs before booking.

Two hours at anchor for swimming and snorkeling

The catamaran anchors at a quiet spot for roughly two hours. This is the heart of the outing. You can get into the water, swim around the inlet, use the floating mattress or trampoline, or snorkel with one of the available masks. The water is often clear enough to see fish, though visibility and sea conditions can vary.

Masks are available with a refundable €10 cash deposit. Bring cash for that deposit, and remember that the tour information mentions masks, not snorkels. If you want to snorkel with a tube, bring your own. A towel is not included, so pack one for drying off and another layer if you tend to get chilly after swimming.

Children should be sorted with a life vest before they’re eager to get in. Safety vests are included, but one family reported a wait for a child-sized vest, so it’s sensible to ask the crew early. Follow the crew’s instructions about getting in and out of the water. The provided information lists jumping among prohibited activities, while the outing also describes water access from the trampoline, so don’t assume every kind of leap is allowed.

If you’d rather stay dry, you can use the solarium or covered area and watch the swimmers. The stop is long enough for a proper swim and a bit of rest, but it isn’t a secluded private beach break. You’ll share the water and deck with the other people aboard.

A simple barbecue, served self-service

Lunch is served after the boat has anchored, approximately an hour and a half after departure. The stated menu includes beef burgers, marinated chicken pieces, pasta, salad and a fruit cocktail. Food is self-service, and there isn’t an optional menu. The meal is described as having no gluten, but that alone doesn’t confirm that it’s safe for someone with a serious allergy or dietary restriction.

Think of lunch as a practical part of a day at sea, not a restaurant meal. The food gives you a chance to refuel after swimming, and the menu offers a few different things to eat. Some people will find it satisfying; others may wish for more choice or more polished cooking. If you have strict dietary needs, contact the operator before booking rather than relying on the standard meal.

The timing is useful to know. The food isn’t ready as soon as you board, so don’t expect to eat before the swim stop begins. You can enjoy the water while lunch is being prepared, then return aboard when the crew is ready to serve it.

Drinks, music and the ride back

Included drinks are beer, sangria, soft drinks and water. The standard cruise doesn’t promise a broad wine or cocktail list, so if you have a particular drink in mind, this may not be the boat for you. You cannot bring your own food or drinks, and alcohol, coolers and glass objects are specifically forbidden.

The ride back is often the liveliest part. Music plays, and the crew may encourage dancing and games. On some departures, the return feels like a small boat party; on others, the mood can be more relaxed. The adult afternoon and Saturday celebration departures are the clearest choice if you want a younger, more festive atmosphere. The Saturday celebration option is for adults aged 18 and over and includes a DJ, barbecue and five drinks.

Crew energy makes a difference here. Julio and Silvester are among the crew members named by people who enjoyed the service, and the crew is often described as friendly, attentive and good at keeping the atmosphere fun while watching safety. That balance matters on a boat where people are moving between sunbathing, eating and swimming.

Choosing a departure that suits your group

The three options have different audiences, so don’t treat them as interchangeable. The morning barbecue cruise is the one to choose with children. It’s described as family-friendly, and the atmosphere is intended to work for adults and younger passengers alike. A family can still enjoy music and swimming without choosing the adults-only party setting.

The afternoon barbecue cruise is for people aged 18 and over and is aimed at a younger, livelier crowd. If your idea of a good day includes music, drinks and dancing on the way home, this may suit you. If you want a quiet sail, it may not.

The Saturday celebration cruise is also for adults aged 18 and over. It’s designed for group occasions, including anniversaries, celebrations and bachelor groups. Costumes and sexual objects are not accepted, and bachelor groups dressed in costumes are not accepted on any departure. The rules are worth taking seriously: arriving intoxicated means you can be refused boarding without a refund.

Is $59 good value?

At $59 per person, this is a strong package if you’ll use the swim stop and enjoy the social side of the boat. The round-trip cruise, crew, captain, barbecue, drinks, music, water equipment and onboard facilities are included. For a half-day outing, that’s a lot of the day’s practical costs bundled into one price.

The value is less clear if you don’t swim, don’t drink the included options and would rather avoid music or a crowd. You’re paying for a shared outing with a long water stop and a party-leaning return, not for a private sailing lesson or a quiet sightseeing cruise. The food is straightforward, and the standard drinks are limited to beer, sangria, soft drinks and water.

The tour has a 4.5 rating from 3,812 bookings, and the most consistently praised parts are the crew, swimming stop, atmosphere and overall value. For many people, the combination of clear water, friendly staff, music and an included meal is what makes the fare worthwhile. The food draws more mixed reactions, so set your expectations at barbecue lunch rather than a gourmet spread.

Practical details that can save you a headache

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen and sandals or flip-flops. Bring cash for the refundable mask deposit and any other small expenses. There’s no transfer to the promenade, and the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available. The cruise lasts four hours, though starting times vary by availability and season. English, Spanish and French are spoken by the host or greeter.

The operator can cancel because of weather, rough seas, heavy rain, a breakdown or insufficient bookings. If that happens, the trip won’t run as planned. The most important avoidable problem is arriving late or intoxicated: either can mean missing the boat without a refund.

Who should book this catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a straightforward Costa Brava outing with a proper swim break, lunch and drinks already included. It’s especially well suited to couples, groups of friends and families who pick the morning departure. If you’re celebrating with adults, the Saturday option adds a more defined party mood.

Skip it if you want a small, quiet boat, a menu tailored to you or a detailed coastal tour with lots of commentary. The catamaran can be busy, the food is simple and the music can be lively. Choose the departure that matches your group, bring your own towel and snorkel if you want one, and you’ll be set for a sociable few hours on the water.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The cruise lasts four hours. The boat sails along the coast, anchors for about two hours, then returns to Lloret de Mar.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at Passeig Agustí Font, 2, on the Lloret de Mar promenade, near the town hall. Boarding is from the sand.

What food is served?

The self-service barbecue meal includes beef burgers, marinated chicken pieces, pasta, salad and a fruit cocktail. The menu has no optional choices.

Which drinks are included?

Beer, sangria, soft drinks and water are included. The Saturday celebration cruise includes five drinks.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?

No. Bringing food and drinks is not allowed. Alcohol, coolers and glass objects are also prohibited.

Is the cruise suitable for children?

The morning departure is described as suitable for families with children. Afternoon and Saturday celebration departures are for adults aged 18 and over.

Are snorkel masks provided?

Masks are available for snorkeling with a refundable €10 cash deposit. A snorkel tube is not listed as included, so bring your own if you want one.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included. Bring one along with swimwear, sunscreen and a hat.

Can I cancel my booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you arrive late and miss the boat, or arrive intoxicated and are refused boarding, you won’t receive a refund.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.