Catamaran ride -Costa Brava with barbecue and drinks. Familiar.

Sun, sangria, and a quiet cove in Costa Brava. This catamaran ride from Lloret de Mar mixes an easy-on-you barbecue lunch and drinks with a super fun stop for swimming near the rocks. I like how the crew keeps the mood light with music and dancing, especially on the way back. The one real drawback to plan for is motion sickness risk if the first part is rainy, windy, and choppy.

You also get a practical way to see this stretch of coast without grinding through buses or chasing parking. The route moves north past recognizable coves and viewpoints, and it ends back at the start, so the trip stays low-stress. I also appreciate that it works for different ages, and the morning departures are family-friendly, with a cap around 95 people.

Start at Passeig d’Agustí Font, 5 in Lloret de Mar, and expect boarding right from the shoreline. Bring the basics for sea time, like a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and hat, plus warm layers if you are traveling outside peak season. I’d also pack some anti-nausea help if you are prone to seasickness.

Key highlights worth getting excited about

• Barbecue on board with included beer, sangria, and soft drinks
• About one hour of sailing before the main anchored swim cove
• Snorkeling masks available for a returnable €10 cash deposit
• Party energy with music, dancing, and an upbeat host like Greg
• Menu includes options like beef burgers plus gluten-free chicken
• Space feels generous on a max-cap boat, even when the check-in line looks busy

Lloret de Mar to Tossa by Catamaran, With a Coasting-By View Route

This is a straightforward half-day plan: you meet at the port area in Lloret de Mar, get on the catamaran, and spend the next hours cruising north along the Costa Brava. What makes it feel special is the way the boat route connects well-known coves and coastal spots, including Sa Caleta inlet and its Castle area. You’ll also pass areas like Cala Trons, Cala Gran, Sa Goita, Canyelles, Rajols, Morisca, Llorell, and Llevadó as you head in the direction of Tossa.

You do not need to be a marine expert to enjoy this part. The scenery works in motion, and the catamaran format helps you stay comfortable even when there is some sea chop. If you like having the day shaped for you, this is that kind of outing, not a DIY scramble.

One practical note: boarding is from the same shore side beach area, so wear comfortable shoes that you can take off without hassle. Once you are settled on board, you are in “sit, sip, and look around” mode until the swim stop.

The Main Anchored Cove: Swimming Time, Snorkel Masks, and Cold-Water Reality

After roughly an hour of navigation, the boat anchors in a sheltered cove near rocks. This is the heart of the trip. You get time to jump in and swim while the boat stays positioned for a calm-ish swim, often out of the worst wind.

Snorkeling is part of the plan too. There are snorkeling masks available onboard, but there is a returnable cash deposit of €10. If you want to snorkel more comfortably, it is worth grabbing one, but do not wait too long once you see the line getting busy.

You should also know what the water feels like. Some people found it surprisingly cold, and the vibe in those moments is simple, plan for it. If you are sensitive to cold water, consider bringing a light wetsuit or an extra layer that you can manage. At minimum, bring your towel and be ready for the “first minute is brisk” shock.

On the wildlife front, you might spot fish while snorkeling, and there can be harmless jellyfish in the area. That is not a reason to skip the water, it just helps to keep your expectations realistic. You’re not going to a tropical reef, you are going to a rocky Mediterranean cove.

Also, check how you like to cool off. A few people mentioned a sun net and waterbeds onboard, which are great for recharging after swimming. You can go from salt-water jump to lounging without having to dress and undress for every tiny change of plan.

How stop time actually feels

Most of your energy goes into two blocks: the cruise time to build excitement, then the anchored cove time for swimming plus the barbecue service. People consistently praise the amount of swimming time they get once conditions improve, even though exact minutes can vary with weather.

Barbecue Lunch on Board: Included Drinks, Gluten-Free Options, and What to Expect

Food on boat trips can be hit or miss, so I focus on how this one is designed and what it provides. Here, you get a buffet-style barbecue lunch on board, and drinks are included. That combination matters because it removes the “nickel and dime” feeling, and you stay in vacation mode rather than scanning the menu.

The sample menu includes pasta and salad, plus barbecue items like beef burgers. There are also marinated gluten-free chicken cubes listed, and the meal finishes with fruit salad. That gives you more than one kind of plate, which helps with group variety, especially when you have picky eaters.

For drinks, the included list is beer, sangria, and soft drinks. People talk about the sangria being strong, so if you want to enjoy it safely, pace yourself. The boat has music and movement, so you’ll get more out of the experience if you stay in control rather than trying to “win” the drinks.

Now, the balanced part. Some reviews felt the food quality was not amazing or that the pasta sauce was bland. Others described the food as lovely. My advice: treat it as a fun, convenient boat lunch, not a culinary destination. If you have strong food preferences or you get hungry fast, bring a small extra snack so you are never stuck eating only what is on the buffet table.

Music, Dancing, and the Greg Factor on the Return Sail

This trip is not quiet and scenic in a museum way. It is social. Music is part of the plan, and there are reports of dancing, singing, and a host who keeps the energy up. One name that came through clearly was Greg, mentioned for getting the party started and helping keep things playful.

If you like meeting people in small shared moments, this works well. The crew tends to be friendly and interactive, and a lot of the joy comes from how quickly the group shifts into “we’re on holiday together” mode. People also described the atmosphere as inclusive across multiple languages, with the crew speaking English, French, and Spanish.

If you want a silent, sunbathing-only experience, this might be a mismatch on the loud-music side. But even if you are not the dancing type, you can still hang back, use the sun areas, and focus on the sailing and the cove stop.

Weather and Choppy Water: The Main Variable You Can’t Ignore

This catamaran experience requires good weather, and that’s not just fine print. When the conditions are rough, the ride changes fast. One review described the first half getting rainy and windy, with people feeling seasick due to rough waters. Another mentioned motion sickness advice right before departure.

So here is the practical takeaway: if you are sensitive to motion, take anti-nausea medication before you board. Do not wait to see if you feel fine. That small choice can protect the whole day.

It also helps to pick your spot wisely once onboard. If you feel queasy, it usually helps to sit where the boat movement feels less dramatic, and to keep your gaze on the horizon rather than looking down at your phone.

Yes, you can have a great day even with a rough start. Several people said weather improved after the early stretch, and once the sailing settled down, the trip became pure fun: views, swimming, and that relaxed, post-lunch vibe.

What to Bring for a 4-Hour Sea Day in the Costa Brava Sun

I like that the “what to bring” list is clear. For this trip, bring a swimsuit, towel, sun cream, hat, sunglasses, and comfortable clothes you can change into. Also bring warm clothes on off-season days. Even if it feels mild on shore, sea wind can make it cooler once you’re out.

A few people also recommended planning for cold water at the swim cove. That means having your towel ready and not treating snorkeling and swimming as a quick rinse. Give yourself a few minutes to warm up on board afterward.

Snacks are optional, but smart. Some reviews said bringing your own snacks helped because the onboard food is built for convenience in a short time window. If you have dietary restrictions beyond what’s listed on the menu, bring something safe and easy.

Finally, if you snorkel, decide whether you want the mask deposit experience. A returnable cash deposit of €10 is required to take snorkeling masks onboard. If you forget cash, you might be stuck snorkeling without a proper fit.

Price and Value: Is Around $60 a Good Deal?

At about $60.34 per person, you are paying for four things at once: the catamaran ride, the time on the water, the anchoring swim stop, and an included lunch plus drinks. You are not just buying transportation. You’re buying a packaged sea day.

That value is strongest if you care about drinks and a relaxed meal. Beer, sangria, and soft drinks are included, and the lunch is buffet-barbecue on board with multiple items. Even if the food is not perfect in every bite, the “included and easy” part is what makes the price feel fair.

Where the value can dip is if you are expecting restaurant-level food or tons of time in the water. People consistently love the scenery and swimming time, but some mention wanting more water time, and others wish for wetsuits because the water can be cold. So if you are picky about food or very sensitive to cold, budget extra for gear or snacks.

My sense is that this price fits best when you want a fun, social half-day with minimal planning. If you prefer private boat time or tailored stops, you will likely find cheaper options won’t include drinks and lunch, and pricier options will be less “party and barbecue.”

Who This Costa Brava Catamaran Works Best For

This is a solid fit for groups who want fun without too much thinking. Families can enjoy it because the morning trip welcomes children. Couples love it too, especially for that mix of sailing, swimming, and included drinks.

If you are traveling solo, you can still have a good time because the boat atmosphere nudges you toward conversation. One review even described enjoying the trip despite being the only solo traveler, which tells me you are not completely isolated on board.

It also works well if you want a break from the beach crowds. You start from Lloret de Mar, but you spend the key time away from the busiest shoreline, in a quieter cove where the water is clearer and calmer.

If you are going in expecting a quiet, photographic nature study with no music and no buffet, adjust your expectations. This is more “party on the sea” than “silent contemplative cruise.”

Should You Book Catamaran Sensation Costa Brava?

I think you should book this if you want a low-effort Costa Brava sea day with included barbecue lunch and included beer and sangria, plus a real swimming stop. The catamaran format, the sheltered cove anchoring, and the upbeat crew energy make it feel like you got more out of your day than a basic boat ride.

Skip it or plan carefully if motion sickness is your biggest issue. Take prevention seriously, and be ready for wind or rain early in the trip if conditions are not ideal. Also, if cold water is a deal-breaker for you, bring a wetsuit or extra thermal layers.

If you want a practical half-day in the Costa Brava that balances comfort, food, and time in the sea, this one usually hits the mark.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran ride?

It lasts about 4 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Passeig d’Agustí Font, 5, 17310 Lloret de Mar, Girona, Spain. It ends back at the same meeting point.

Is lunch included, and what does it include?

Yes. Lunch is a buffet-barbecue on board, including pasta and salad, beef burgers, marinated gluten-free chicken cubes, fruit salad, plus beer, sangria, and soft drinks.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Yes. Beer and sangria are included.

Is there time to swim or snorkel?

Yes. After about one hour of sailing, the boat anchors in a cove for bathing and to taste the barbecue menu.

Are snorkeling masks available?

Yes. Snorkeling masks are available with a returnable cash deposit of €10.

Can families with children join?

Yes. Families with children are welcome on the morning trip.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.