Cambrils: Catamaran Day Cruise with BBQ and Drinks

A six-hour catamaran trip from Cambrils turns a day at sea into a floating beach-club session: you get a daybed, lunch, drinks, music and planned stops for a swim. The coastline is the backdrop, but much of the day is about lounging on board and enjoying the company around you.

I like two things in particular: having a reserved daybed makes a long outing more comfortable, and the combination of swimming stops and included food and drinks means you can settle in without planning a separate lunch stop. Crew members such as Captain Marcos, Mario and Enrique have helped make the day lively and well cared for.

One consideration: food quality and the exact rhythm of the cruise may not be consistent. Some people have praised the BBQ and service, while others have found the meal disappointing or felt the six hours repeated a shorter sailing pattern.

At a glance

• A daybed is assigned before boarding: Collect its number from the red ticket office opposite the catamaran.
• The trip lasts six hours: Plan for a full day on the water, not a quick coastal ride.
• Two swim stops are planned: You can swim in the sea, though snorkelling may be limited where the boat anchors.
• Lunch and drinks are included: The package lists a BBQ, lunch, drinks and aperitifs, but the specific food and drink selection may vary.
• The atmosphere changes over the day: Music starts as background entertainment and may become more dance-oriented later.
• Salou transport needs a little planning: In July and August, taxis can be hard to find; the bus to Cambrils runs about every 20 minutes and stops roughly 300 metres from the boarding point.

Six hours aboard, not six hours of sightseeing

This is a leisure cruise rather than a guided tour of the coast. You sail out from Cambrils, spend time aboard, and stop for swims. The published plan includes two swimming stops, but a six-hour sailing can feel less varied than its duration suggests. One account of the trip describes the longer cruise as repeating a three-hour pattern, with everyone staying aboard. That is worth bearing in mind if you want a route packed with different bays or shore visits.

The cruise is built around the boat itself. Cat Aventure presents the catamaran as a beach club at sea, with Balinese-style beds, music, a bar and a professional crew and hostess. This suits you if your idea of a good day is sun, water, food and a comfortable place to lie down. It is less suited to anyone hoping for a narrated coastal history tour or lots of time ashore.

The route is described as sailing along the Catalan coast near Cambrils, with stops at calas, or small bays. The exact bays are not named, so do not book expecting a specific cove or landmark. The value lies in getting out on the water and having a chance to swim, not in ticking off a tightly scheduled list of sights.

Getting aboard and claiming your daybed

The meeting point can depend on the option you book. Passeig de les Palmeres is listed as a starting location, alongside Saba Aparcamientos, S.A. Check your booking details closely so you know which point applies to you.

Before you board, go to the red ticket office opposite the catamaran and collect the number assigned to your Balinese-style bed. This small step matters: the bed is part of what you are paying for, and knowing your assigned place makes it easier to settle in once aboard. Arrive with enough time to find the office and complete this check before departure.

The daybeds are a defining feature, but they also shape the boat’s layout. One person found the catamaran comfortable but crowded with rows of yellow beds, while another valued a quieter bed on the upper deck. Occupancy will affect how spacious the boat feels. If you are choosing an upper-deck option, understand that it may cost more; one account found it somewhat quieter than the main deck, but that does not guarantee a peaceful retreat.

Take a towel and wear practical footwear. You may be asked to remove your shoes on board, and one account describes a rough handling of footwear when getting off the boat. I would leave delicate shoes at your accommodation and avoid bringing anything you would be upset to see scuffed.

What the sailing and swim stops are like

Once underway, the pace is meant to be easy. You can relax on your bed, take in the coastline and enjoy the music, then get ready to swim when the boat anchors. The planned two stops provide a welcome break from sunbathing and give you a chance to cool off in the sea.

Bring realistic expectations about snorkelling. The water may look inviting, but the boat can anchor in fairly deep water. One account describes an anchorage around 12 metres deep, where there was little to see beneath the surface. This is primarily a swimming experience, not a dedicated snorkelling excursion with shallow reefs or guided underwater viewing.

Sea conditions and wildlife can also affect how comfortable a swim feels. A person on one trip reported encountering many jellyfish and being uneasy about getting in. That does not mean you will find them on your day, but it is sensible to check the water before jumping in and to follow the crew’s instructions. The tour is marked as not suitable for people with a cold, and swimming is optional; you can stay aboard if you prefer.

The two-stop plan is useful, but the real amount of swimming time depends on the day’s schedule. The published inclusion is two stops, though one account experienced only one. If swimming is your main reason for booking, ask the operator about the current stop plan before you set off rather than assuming each stop will be long.

Lunch, drinks and the bar

The package includes a BBQ, lunch, drinks and aperitifs. The description also refers to finger food and a bar with choices such as cava, prosecco, vermut, Aperol and wine. The precise food menu and which drinks are included are not spelled out, so do not assume every bottle or bar item is part of the price. If a particular drink or dish matters to you, check before booking.

Food is the part of this trip that calls for the most flexible expectations. Some people have been delighted with the meal, describing a good lunch and a well-run BBQ. Others have felt that what was served did not match their idea of a barbecue and was poor quality. That range makes it wise to think of lunch as a convenient included meal, not the main reason to choose the cruise.

Dietary needs are worth raising ahead of time. One vegetarian passenger was served a pizza after the crew learned of the need, even though salads were expected. That is a useful example of staff responding on the day, but it does not establish a standard vegetarian menu. Contact the operator if you need a specific meal, and bring a backup snack if you are concerned about limited options.

The drink selection can add real value over six hours, especially if you would otherwise be buying refreshments separately. Still, the information does not clarify whether every listed bar choice is included or whether there are limits. Ask what the included drinks cover before treating the cruise as all-inclusive.

Music, crew and the mood on board

The music is part of the experience, not just background noise. It may begin softly and become more like a party atmosphere as the hours pass. That can be fun if you want an animated afternoon with friends, but less appealing if you are looking for a quiet sailing. The upper deck may offer a slightly calmer spot, though there is no promise of silence.

Crew service can have a strong effect on the day. Captain Marcos is named as the captain, and Mario and Enrique have also been praised for keeping people entertained and preparing lunch. A crew member described as working hard to keep things in order helped make one trip feel especially well managed. These names give a sense of the staff who may be aboard, but crew assignments can change.

Language support is listed in English, Catalan, French, Dutch and Spanish, and a small-group option is available. Still, do not rely on getting a detailed live commentary. The core activity is a social sailing and swim outing, and the quality of communication may depend on which staff members are working that day.

Is $77 good value?

At $77 per person for six hours, the cruise can be good value if you make use of the daybed, meal, included drinks and swimming stops. You are paying for a long stretch on the water, rather than only for transportation between points. For a group of friends or family, having the boat, lunch and several hours of entertainment bundled together may be simpler than arranging separate activities.

The value depends on your priorities. If a comfortable place to lounge, music, drinks and a chance to swim are worth more to you than a gourmet meal or an expertly guided route, the price is easier to justify. If you are mainly booking for the BBQ, be cautious: the food has prompted sharply different reactions, and the exact menu is not specified.

The bed arrangement is another part of the equation. A daybed is included, but the boat can feel full when many are occupied. Paying extra for an upper-deck bed may offer a quieter position, but it is not a guaranteed upgrade in comfort for everyone. Consider whether you plan to spend most of the day lying down or moving around before paying more for a particular location.

Practical planning from Salou and Cambrils

If you are coming from Salou in July or August, allow extra time to reach the port. Taxis can be difficult to find during these busy months, and the advice is to arrange one well in advance, ideally about two hours before departure. Public transport is another option: a bus runs from Salou to Cambrils about every 20 minutes and leaves you roughly 300 metres from the boarding point.

Check the exact starting location and time for your chosen option before setting out. The meeting point may vary, and the bed-number collection at the red ticket office is an additional step before boarding. A little planning here matters more than it might on a simple walk-up activity, because a late arrival can mean a stressful start to a six-hour day.

Bookings offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available. These terms are useful if your plans are still taking shape, but check the conditions attached to your specific booking.

Who should book this cruise?

This trip makes the most sense for you if you want a relaxed day out with friends or family, enjoy time on the water and like having food and drinks included. It is also a good fit if you value a daybed and a social atmosphere more than a detailed itinerary or expert commentary. The swimming stops give the day a welcome change of pace, especially on a warm, sunny day.

Think twice if you want quiet sailing, a dependable gourmet lunch, shallow-water snorkelling or a route that visits several named places. The boat can feel busy, music may grow louder, and the food and exact stop schedule are not guaranteed to match every expectation.

I would book it for the easygoing beach-club format, with the understanding that the boat and its atmosphere are the main event. Confirm what drinks are included, mention dietary needs in advance, arrive early to claim your bed and keep your plans flexible around the meal and swim stops.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts six hours.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The meeting point can vary depending on the option booked. Passeig de les Palmeres and Saba Aparcamientos, S.A. are listed as starting location options, so check your booking for the correct point.

How do I find my assigned daybed?

Before boarding, go to the red ticket office opposite the catamaran and collect the number assigned to your Balinese-style bed.

Are swimming stops included?

Yes. The package includes two planned swimming stops, though the exact schedule can vary.

Is snorkelling part of the experience?

Snorkelling is mentioned as an activity, but the cruise is not described as a dedicated snorkelling tour. The boat may anchor in deep water, where there may be little to see underwater.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch and aperitifs are included. The exact menu is not specified.

What drinks are included?

Drinks are included, and the bar is described as offering choices such as cava, prosecco, vermut, Aperol and wine. The information does not specify which individual drinks are covered.

What languages are available?

The listed languages are English, Catalan, French, Dutch and Spanish.

Can I cancel or reserve without paying right away?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.