Denia: Cova Tallada Catamaran Tour and Swimming Stop

Cova Tallada looks different from a catamaran; this 2-hour ride from Denia harbor puts you near the Cova Tallada area and along cliffs and beaches inside the Natural Marine Reserve. It is a simple, scenic outing, with enough time to enjoy the coast without turning into a whole day plan.

I like the friendly crew and the laid-back onboard vibe, including music and a drink included in the ticket. The only catch is the swim stop location is chosen by the captain, so you might not land right where you hoped for a cave-side swim.

Key things to know

• Natural Marine Reserve rules mean you see Cova Tallada as close as allowed, but you cannot access it from the catamaran.
• 2 hours moves fast, so you get the highlights without a long wait around.
• Music plus a drink keeps the sail relaxed, not rushed.
• Swimming is at anchor, and the exact anchoring spot depends on conditions and the captain.
• Sailing depends on weather, so expect adjustments if conditions change.

From Boramar ticket office to sea-level views in Denia

The tour starts in Denia’s harbor area, and you meet at the Boramar ticket office. It is an easy setup for a short outing: arrive, check in, get on board, then you’re already staring at the coastline from the water.

What makes this part work is how quickly you transition from land to sea. Denia from the harbor is pretty, but the real payoff is the contrast once you sail out and the cliffs and coves start to change shape as your angle shifts.

Plan for basic comfort. This is a motor catamaran ride, and it lasts about 2 hours total. That means you should not expect long scenic stops or time for a full beach day. The tradeoff is that the whole thing stays compact and fun.

Also, a small practical note: a specific ship is not guaranteed. In plain terms, the operator can swap the exact catamaran you use, even if the experience is the same style.

Sailing past Las Rotas toward Javea: the coast is the main attraction

Once you depart Denia, you sail toward Las Rotas. Then the route continues along the coast in the direction of Javea, with views tied to the Natural Marine Reserve.

This is the core value of the tour: the scenery is not static. When you watch the coast from shore, everything is framed by roads and viewpoints. From a catamaran, you see how beaches sit below cliffs, how rock formations create natural pockets, and how distance makes the water color and texture change. It is a good reminder that the best coastal viewpoints in this region are often the ones you cannot drive to.

You’ll also spot multiple beaches and dramatic cliffs along the way, which helps keep the ride from feeling like one long stretch. The timing is tight enough that you stay focused, but long enough that you can settle in and enjoy the ride.

One more reality check: sailing depends on weather conditions. If conditions are choppy, you’ll feel it. If the sea is calm, you’ll enjoy the ride more. Either way, build the right expectations. This is a scenic cruise with a swim, not a shore-based sightseeing marathon.

Cova Tallada from close range: what you can see, and what you cannot

The highlight is the Cova Tallada area. You get as close as possible from the catamaran, so you can see the scenic cave region from the water.

Here is the key detail that changes how you should picture it: Cova Tallada is located in a Natural Marine Reserve, and it cannot be accessed from the catamaran. That means you are not landing at the cave, and you’re not getting the kind of direct approach you might imagine from a boat that drops passengers off. Instead, you’ll view it at the closest permitted distance.

For many people, that is still the right way to experience it. Seeing a cove from water level matters because the cliffs, the opening shapes, and the way the cave sits in the rock are easier to understand from the sea.

But it also explains why some swims feel disappointing for certain expectations. If you’re dreaming of swimming directly at Cova Tallada itself, know that anchoring and the actual bath spot are not promised.

Music, one included drink, and how the 2-hour timing feels

A lot of short boat tours succeed or fail based on the onboard atmosphere, and this one aims for relaxed pleasure. During the ride, you can enjoy music, and you’ll get a refreshing drink on board.

Your ticket includes one drink, which can be water, a soft drink, or wine. The important part for planning is that you do not need to budget for that first drink. Extra drinks are not included, so if you want more, you’ll need to purchase them.

The music and drink matter because they turn the sail into a social pause. You’re not just staring out a window. You’re settling in while the coastline keeps changing.

The 2-hour duration also shapes the experience. You do not have time to forget what you’re doing. It stays in highlight mode, with the cove stop and then the swim stop before heading back to the harbor. If you want a simple “see the coast and swim” plan, that timing is a good fit.

If you want a long, slow exploration with lots of breaks, you might find the pacing too quick. That is not a flaw. It is just the format.

The swimming stop: anchor location is the real variable

After admiring the cove from up close, the captain looks for a special and beautiful place to stop for swimming. Then you anchor in the sea and take your dip.

This is the part where you should get realistic. The anchoring area is at the captain’s discretion, so a specific bath spot is not guaranteed. The swim location can be great, but it may not always be right beside the harbor or right where you were expecting.

That is also why swimmer expectations should be flexible. You are booking a swim stop, not a promise of the cave-side water spot.

Also, one more operational detail you should respect: food and drinks are not allowed on board. The tour includes one drink, but you should plan your own snack timing around that. If you show up hungry, eat before you go, then enjoy the ride and the one included refreshment.

If you’re traveling with kids, the short swim window can be a plus. A quick splash is often easier than a long beach routine. Still, if your group is set on one specific swimming viewpoint, this tour’s variable anchoring spot is something to consider carefully.

Price and value: about $21 for a scenic ride plus a swim

At about $21 per person for a 2-hour experience, the value comes from combining three things: catamaran views, the Cova Tallada close pass, and an included swim stop.

Many cheap trips only deliver scenery. Many premium ones add extra stops or include more food and drink. This one keeps it simple. You get one drink and music, then you get your sea time.

The tradeoff is that extra drinks cost extra, and you cannot bring your own food or drinks onboard. So if you plan to eat during the tour, this may not fit your budget or habits.

Still, for people who want a straightforward Denia water outing, the price-to-time ratio is solid. You are paying for a short slice of the Natural Marine Reserve coastline, not a long full-day itinerary.

Also consider the weather variable. Since sailing depends on conditions, you may feel more sea movement on rougher days. That is part of booking any coastal boat tour here, so it’s worth keeping in mind when you decide whether the value feels right for your group.

Who should book this catamaran tour, and who should skip it

You’ll likely enjoy this tour if:

• You want Denia coast scenery with a catamaran perspective in 2 hours
• You care about the Cova Tallada area and understand it is seen as close as permitted
• You’re happy with a swim stop that depends on where the captain can anchor safely and nicely
• You like relaxed onboard cruising with music and an included drink

You might want to skip or rethink if:

• Your main goal is swimming directly at Cova Tallada itself. The reserve rules and the anchoring discretion make that hard to promise.
• You dislike uncertainty about where you’ll swim, especially if you pictured one exact postcard spot.
• You’re planning to bring snacks or more drinks. Food and drinks are not allowed onboard beyond what is included.

For families, the short duration can be a real benefit. It is not a long day. It is an active half-moment on the water, with the option to cool off in the sea.

Should you book the Denia Cova Tallada catamaran?

If you want a compact, scenic Denia boat tour that includes a close pass near Cova Tallada, music, and one included drink, this is a smart choice. The biggest decision factor is not the cave views. It is how flexible you can be about where the captain anchors for swimming.

If that flexibility sounds easy for your group, go for it. The overall format is built for a quick win: stunning coast views plus a real sea swim in a short time.

Before you commit, check sailing conditions in your mind. If the weather looks good, you’ll get the best version of the experience. If conditions are rough, you still get the tour, but the ride might feel less comfortable.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran tour?

The duration is 2 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at the Boramar ticket office.

What is included in the ticket price?

The ticket includes the boat trip with a stop for swimming, plus 1 drink on board (water, soft drink, or wine).

Are food and drinks allowed onboard?

Food and drinks are not allowed on board.

Can you swim at Cova Tallada itself?

Cova Tallada is in a Natural Marine Reserve and cannot be accessed from the catamaran. You’ll see it as close as allowed, and the swimming stop location is chosen by the captain, so a specific cave-side swimming spot is not guaranteed.

Does the tour run in any weather?

Sailing depends on weather conditions.