Cambrils: Costa Dorada Catamaran Day Cruise with BBQ Lunch

The best part of this Cambrils cruise is the change of pace: you leave the port aboard the Ocean Fly, trade the shore for open water, then anchor for a swim while the crew gets lunch ready. It’s a simple way to spend a warm day on the Costa Dorada without planning a beach picnic or arranging your own boat.

I like two things in particular: the chance to swim from the catamaran and the fact that lunch and drinks are included, so the outing feels like a complete half-day plan. The boat also has sunbathing nets, two bathrooms, and steps down to the sea, useful comforts when you’re spending hours aboard.

The main consideration is that the boat can feel crowded, especially in peak summer, and the barbecue may not match expectations of hot food cooked fresh over a grill. If you want quiet sailing or a small-group outing, this may not be your best fit.

At a glance

• A five-hour coastal outing: Sail from Cambrils and return to the same port.
• A swim stop is part of the plan: The crew anchors so you can get into the Mediterranean.
• Lunch and drinks are included: The meal is described as a barbecue, though the food may be served cold.
• The Ocean Fly has practical comforts: There are two bathrooms, a bar counter, sea-access steps, and wide sunbathing nets.
• Bring your own beach kit: Pack swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen.
• Best for a relaxed group outing: It suits people who value time on the water more than a quiet, small-boat experience.

Leaving Cambrils for the Costa Dorada

The cruise begins at the port of Cambrils. To board, present your voucher at the ticket office in front of the boats. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan your own way to the meeting point.

Once aboard the Ocean Fly, the main activity is sailing along the Costa Dorada coastline. The route is described as passing attractive coves, but there is no set list of named stops or a detailed route map in the available information. Think of this as a scenic coastal cruise with a swim stop, not a sightseeing tour that promises a particular landmark.

That distinction matters. If you want to spend a day on the water, stretch out in the sun, and take a dip, the plan is appealingly straightforward. If you are hoping for a guided account of local history or a series of stops ashore, those are not part of the experience described here.

The duration is five hours, a useful middle ground between a quick harbor trip and a full-day commitment. You have enough time to settle in, enjoy the coast, swim, and eat, while still keeping much of the day free before or after. Check the available departure times when booking, since the exact start time depends on availability.

Finding your place aboard the Ocean Fly

The Ocean Fly is a catamaran with space for a large number of passengers. Its broad layout includes wide nets for sunbathing, a bar counter, two bathrooms, and stairs for getting in and out of the sea. These details make the boat more practical than a basic vessel, particularly on a five-hour trip.

The trade-off is that room for many people does not always mean a roomy feel. One passenger found the boat too crowded, while other comments praised the crew and the day as a whole. In busy summer periods, you may have less space to spread out than you would on a small-group charter.

If having a quiet patch of deck matters to you, arrive prepared to share the boat’s common areas. There is no promise of reserved loungers or a fixed amount of personal space. The sunbathing nets are a pleasant feature, but they are shared parts of the vessel, not private beds.

The crew is described as attentive and friendly, and the host or greeter speaks English, French, and Spanish. One guest called out Natalia for being especially communicative and helping make a group celebration feel special. That is a welcome sign of a warm crew culture, but it does not mean Natalia will be aboard on every departure.

The swim stop is the day’s main event

After sailing for a while, the catamaran drops anchor so you can swim in the Mediterranean. The stop gives the outing its clearest change of scene: you go from watching the coastline pass to getting into the water and enjoying the boat from sea level.

Snorkel and mask are included, so you do not need to bring your own basic gear. Still, pack swimwear and a towel, and consider bringing any personal snorkel equipment you prefer. The provided details do not promise a guided snorkel session, a particular underwater sight, or a set length of time in the water.

The boat has stairs down to the sea, which makes access more direct than climbing over a high side. That does not make the excursion suitable for everyone: it is specifically marked as not suitable for wheelchair users. If you have a mobility concern that is not covered by that notice, ask the operator before booking rather than assuming the boarding and swim access will work for you.

One party happened to see dolphins during its cruise. That is a lovely possibility, not a feature to count on. The reliable reason to book is the sailing and swim stop, not wildlife viewing.

Bring sun protection even if you expect to spend much of the trip in the water. The deck and nets are exposed places to relax, and five hours is plenty of time for the sun to catch you off guard. Sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel are all on the recommended packing list.

Barbecue lunch, with realistic expectations

While the catamaran is anchored, the crew prepares lunch. The meal is included in the ticket price, along with drinks, so you are not expected to arrange a separate lunch stop on shore. That convenience is a real part of the value: the day’s main food break is built into the cruise.

Set your expectations around the word barbecue. Some passengers found the meal perfectly adequate, while one described the food as average and said it was cooked and served cold. That does not mean every meal will be the same, but it is a useful caution if you imagine food coming straight off a hot grill and onto your plate.

The practical view: treat lunch as a convenient onboard meal rather than a reason to choose the cruise. The food can do its job without being the culinary highlight of your Costa Dorada visit. If you have dietary needs or want to know exactly what is served, the supplied details do not specify a menu, so contact the operator before booking.

Drinks are included, and the boat has a bar counter. The information does not spell out the drink selection or whether there are limits, so check directly if you have a specific preference. Still, having drinks available during a warm day on the water saves you from planning every refreshment yourself.

A guest celebrating a family hen party mentioned that cold drinks were available and appreciated a small gift for the bride-to-be. That gives a sense of the cruise’s social side: it can work for a group celebration, though the experience remains a shared boat trip rather than a private event.

Is $74 a fair price?

At $74 per person for five hours, the price buys more than a short sail. The fare includes the catamaran outing, the swim stop, snorkel and mask, barbecue lunch, and drinks. If you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, lunch, and refreshments, those inclusions make the package easier to value.

The stronger question is whether you want the kind of day this is. You are paying for a relaxed stretch of time at sea, with the ease of a crew-led plan and no need to find a restaurant during the excursion. You are not paying for a private boat, guaranteed wildlife, a named set of coves, or an elaborate meal.

At its best, the cruise offers a lively and easygoing day: friendly crew, a pleasant sail, swimming, and food and drinks without much planning. The most common drawbacks to keep in mind are crowding and a lunch that may be less satisfying than the word barbecue suggests. For a group that mainly wants a shared sea outing, $74 can be reasonable. For a couple seeking silence and privacy, the same price may feel less compelling.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I’d consider this outing if you want to get out on the water without hiring a boat or organizing the day yourself. It is a good fit for friends, families with swimmers, and groups celebrating together, provided everyone is comfortable sharing a large catamaran.

It also suits anyone who likes a simple rhythm: sail, stop for a swim, eat, and head back to port. You do not need to bring snorkel gear, and lunch and drinks are part of the fare. The crew’s ability to communicate in English, French, and Spanish helps make the basic arrangements accessible to a range of visitors.

It is a weaker match if you need wheelchair access, expect a small or uncrowded boat, or care most about a freshly grilled lunch. It may also disappoint if you want a detailed coastal tour with specific named stops. The sailing and swimming are the point; treat the other elements as useful support.

Before you book

The cruise offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date. The meeting point is the ticket office in front of the boats, and you will need to arrange your own transport because hotel transfers are not included.

Pack light but bring the essentials: sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel. A phone or camera may be handy for the coast, but keep it secure around the water. If you are unsure about the meal, mobility access, or drink options, ask the operator before committing.

Should you book the Cambrils catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want an easy five-hour outing with a real swim stop, time to sunbathe, and lunch and drinks handled for you. The friendly crew and useful onboard facilities add comfort, while the Costa Dorada coastline gives the sail its appeal.

Skip it if you need quiet, guaranteed elbow room, or a hot, memorable barbecue. At $74, the value is strongest when you see the meal as convenient and the boat as a shared social experience. Go for the sea time, the swim, and the uncomplicated day out.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts five hours, with a sail along the Costa Dorada, a swim stop, lunch, and a return to Cambrils.

Where does the cruise meet?

Present your voucher at the ticket office in front of the boats.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must arrange your own transport to the meeting point.

Is lunch included in the price?

Yes. A barbecue lunch is included. The exact menu is not specified.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Drinks are included, though the specific selection and any limits are not provided.

Is snorkel equipment provided?

Yes. A snorkel and mask are included.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users.