Dénia & Jávea: Portixol Sailing Catamaran Excursion with BBQ

Coves, BBQ, and sea views in one half-day. I love the spacious catamaran cruise with an expert crew, and I especially like the onboard lunch that keeps you fed without hunting for a restaurant later. One thing to consider, plans can shift with sea conditions, so the exact cove or even the meal (BBQ vs paella) may change.

This is one of those straightforward “good value, half-day pleasure” trips. For about $65 per person, you’re paying for a full morning or afternoon at sea, a set lunch, plus a drink, with time to swim from the boat. Do it if you want sun, views, and an easy day, not a complicated itinerary.

Key Points You’ll Care About Most

• Net seat option (with wrist bands) for better sightlines, but it can be hot and sun-exposed
• Easy water access including jumping from the front and sides, plus stairs
• Lunch is built in with a set menu and 1 included drink
• Time in a cove away from crowds where you can swim without fighting for beach space
• Snorkel friendly with lots of fish sightings reported
• Jellyfish can appear at times, and on past trips they were non-stinging kinds

From Dénia Port to Open Water (and Back)

This outing runs in the morning, with departure from the port in Dénia. You’ll cruise along the coastline first, then spend a stretch of time anchored in a cove for swimming. After the sea time and lunch, you return to port in the afternoon.

The duration is listed as 3.5 to 5 hours, depending on the option you book. That range matters because it changes how much time you get for swimming versus sitting on board. If you’re trying to fit it into a tight schedule, pick the shorter option for a quicker hit of “coastline + swim.”

One practical note: pickup and drop-off aren’t included. If you’re staying in town, that usually means a short walk, taxi, or bus hop to the port. Also, the meeting point can vary by option, so double-check your specific booking details before you head out.

Inside the Portixol Catamaran: Shade, Net Seats, and Real Swim Access

The boat itself is part of the appeal. This is a roomy catamaran, built for moving around and hanging out while you sail. You’re not stuck in one corner like you are on smaller craft.

Two onboard features can make a big difference for comfort:

1) Net seats (optional)

Some departures offer extra net seating, often marked by wrist bands. The trade-off is simple: great views and a fun “I’m right by the water” feeling, but those nets get sun-heavy. If you choose this, plan to use sunscreen and wear a hat, and think about where you’ll retreat when the midday heat kicks in.

2) Shade and sheltered seating

There’s also a central area with tables and seating where you can find shelter from the sun. More than one person has pointed out that shade is available, so you’re not forced to bake for hours.

Water access is another big win. You can typically jump in from the front and sides, and you’ll also see stairs for getting back aboard. That variety is helpful if some people want to jump while others want to ease in.

There’s also a slide reported on board, and it’s exactly the kind of thing that turns a “we’ll just swim a bit” trip into a full-on afternoon of giggles. If you’ve got kids, this is often the moment they remember later.

Mobility is the one limitation. This activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, and the boarding, swimming access, and movement around the boat all assume you can handle stairs and standing on deck.

The Dénia Coastline Part: Coves, Cliffs, and Clear Water

The main show here is the coastline of Dénia. Expect steep cliffs, lots of coves, and that bright, clear water look you only get when the sea is calm and the light is right. The crew sets a pace that lets you watch the scenery without feeling rushed.

Then comes the anchor moment. You drop into an idyllic cove for a swim away from crowded beaches. That’s a key value point: beach time is fun, but it can be crowded and exhausting. Here, you can swim without trekking across sand, and you can return to the boat whenever you want.

Do be aware of weather reality. One past trip had to skip the planned cove because the sea was rough, and another note said you need to stay near the catamaran while in the water. That’s normal safety logic, but it’s still worth knowing so you don’t picture floating to far-off beaches.

If you like snorkel and watching fish, you’ll likely appreciate the setup. A number of people mention seeing lots of fish up close once they got in.

Swim, Snorkel, and the Jellyfish Question (No Panic Needed)

The swimming is the heart of this excursion. You’re getting time in the ocean from the boat, with a cove stop that gives you a window to cool off, snorkel, and enjoy the view from the water.

Bring a snorkel if you have one. That’s not required, but it’s an obvious upgrade if you’re the type who gets excited by underwater life. People have reported fish sightings that make the swim feel like more than just a dip.

About jellyfish: yes, they can show up. On past trips, jellyfish were seen and the reports were that they were non-stinging kinds. That’s reassuring, but still treat it like you would anywhere in the sea. If you see them, move slowly, ask the crew what’s safe, and keep an eye on your kids.

If you’re traveling with children, also think about buoyancy. One family brought their own buoyancy aids because they weren’t sure the provided support would be strong enough for their kids. If your kids are still learning to swim, you’ll feel calmer with your own gear that fits them well.

Lunch On Deck: BBQ Set Menu, One Drink, and a Real Vegetarian Option

This is not a “snack and hope” situation. Lunch comes onboard with a set menu. The plan typically includes:

• vegetable salad
• barbecued chicken breast
• pork fillet
• bread
• fruit

And you get 1 drink included: sangria, soft drinks, or water.

A few things make this feel like good value. First, you’re not spending your vacation energy searching for food right before the swim. Second, the menu is practical, meaning most people can find something they’ll enjoy. It’s also described as organized and well-prepared.

Vegetarian lunch is available. If you want it, you need to advise the local partner when booking. That matters because it’s not the kind of thing you should assume will be handled on the spot.

One more detail to keep your expectations aligned: on at least one trip, the meal plan changed from BBQ to paella. The upside is that the day still worked out fine for people. The takeaway for you is simple: if the sea forces adjustments, don’t treat the menu as 100 percent fixed.

Crew and Atmosphere: Friendly Service, Music, and Small Watch-Outs

The crew is a big part of why this works. People highlight the crew as friendly and the overall organization as smooth. Another repeat theme is that the crew communicates updates when something changes, like the sea conditions or planned cove.

Music is part of the vibe too. Several comments point to good music, and at least one mention includes dancing while heading back to port. That tells you the mood is meant to be relaxed, not stiff.

One practical downside to consider: even with signs posted about no smoking, a few people have reported smoke drifting during the cruise. If you’re sensitive to smoke, bring that into your comfort planning. (And if it happens, politely ask crew to help resolve it.)

Net Seats, Wrist Bands, and the Extra-Value Choices

The trip can be as simple as “buy ticket, show up, swim, eat, repeat.” But there’s a small upgrade option worth thinking about.

Some departures sell extra net seats, and those seats are tied to wrist bands. If your goal is photos, sun-up views, or a more front-and-center experience, that upgrade can make sense. The catch is the sun exposure. Nets get hot. You’ll want sunscreen, a hat, and a plan for shade breaks in the central area.

If you’re traveling with older adults or anyone who prefers more predictable comfort, you might skip the net seat option and stay in the main shaded seating area.

Price and Value: Why $65 Works Here

At around $65 per person, this trip earns its keep because you’re getting multiple things bundled together:

• the boat cruise on a spacious catamaran
• lunch onboard with a set menu
• 1 included drink
• real swimming time from the water

That combination is what makes it feel like value versus paying separately for a tour, then hunting for lunch, then trying to add a swim spot later.

Also, the time balance is practical. You get a meaningful half-day out at sea without losing a full day to logistics. If you’re staying in the Dénia area, it’s the kind of add-on that makes your vacation feel bigger without turning it into a project.

What to Pack (So You Don’t End the Day Miserable)

This is a “sun and water” day, so pack like it.

Bring:

• sun hat
• swimwear
• towel
• biodegradable sunscreen

That sunscreen detail matters. The biodegradable part isn’t just a buzzword. It’s the kind of choice that makes you feel better about using it in coastal waters, especially during snorkeling and swim stops.

Comfort tips based on how the boat is used:

• If you sit in net seats, expect full sun and plan shade breaks.
• If you want to snorkel, bring a snorkel.
• If kids are involved and swimming comfort is uncertain, bring buoyancy aids you trust.

And remember: this isn’t ideal for wheelchair users or people who can’t handle stairs and moving around deck areas.

Should You Book the Portixol Catamaran BBQ Excursion?

Book it if you want a relaxed half-day with coastline views, a guaranteed onboard lunch, and real swimming time from the boat. It’s a strong choice for couples, friends, and families who like the idea of “easy logistics, fun on the water.”

You might skip it if:

• you’re highly sensitive to smoke and are worried about no-smoking compliance
• you need wheelchair access or have mobility constraints that would make boat movement difficult
• you want a rigid, guaranteed itinerary where the cove and meal type can never change

If you fall into the main group, this is one of the simplest ways to get the coastline experience without spending your day on transit or restaurant hunting.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran excursion?

The duration is listed as 3.5 to 5 hours, depending on the option you book.

Where does the trip depart from?

The cruise sets sail from the port in Dénia. The exact meeting point can vary depending on the option booked.

What’s included in the price besides the cruise?

Lunch is included, along with 1 drink. Lunch typically includes vegetable salad, barbecued chicken breast, pork fillet, bread, and fruit.

Is there a vegetarian lunch option?

Yes. A vegetarian lunch option is available, and you need to advise the local partner when booking.

Is pickup or drop-off included?

No. Pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is this activity suitable for wheelchair users or mobility impairments?

No. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments and wheelchair users.