Valencia: Catamaran Cruise, Paella Lunch and Swim Stop

Paella tastes better at sea. This Valencia catamaran trip combines two things I like about the coast: a proper Valencian-style lunch and time in the water. You get salad, chicken paella, fruit, and one drink while sailing near Port Saplaya, then have the chance to jump into the Mediterranean for a swim.

I also like the comfortable modern catamaran and the relaxed music, which several guests found pleasant rather than too loud. The main drawback is timing: the swim stop can feel short, and it comes after lunch, when you may not feel ready to race into the water.

The trip costs $41 per person and lasts 2.5 hours. That is fair value if you want lunch, a boat ride, a drink, and a sea swim in one outing. Just do not book it expecting a long sailing expedition or a full afternoon at anchor.

Key Details Before You Book

• Lunch is served onboard: Expect salad, chicken paella, fresh fruit, and one included drink.
• The swimming stop is in open water: You can sunbathe or jump from the catamaran, but the amount of swim time may vary.
• Port Saplaya is the setting: The cruise gives you wide views of Valencia’s Mediterranean coast.
• The boat suits a social outing: A modern catamaran, background music, and a group of around 30 people can make this feel lively but not packed.
• The price includes the essentials: Catamaran ride, crew, fuel, lunch, swimming, and one drink are covered.
• Book ahead: The trip needs at least 15 people to operate and can be changed by weather.

Setting Off From Port Saplaya

You meet at the Boramar ticket booth at the stated meeting point, where you exchange your ticket before boarding. There is no hotel pickup, so you need to arrange your own way to the marina area and leave enough time to find the booth.

Once onboard, the catamaran gives you a broad view rather than the enclosed feel of a standard sightseeing boat. You can take in the coast from the deck, feel the sea breeze, and watch Valencia recede as the boat moves into the Mediterranean.

The published duration is 2.5 hours, while the sailing portion is described as about two hours. I would plan around the full 2.5-hour schedule, since that is the useful figure for fitting the outing into your day. The exact balance between sailing, eating, and swimming can depend on the day’s conditions.

The group size can be moderate. One recent outing had about 30 people, with plenty of room on a modern boat. That is a useful middle ground: you get some atmosphere without the crush of a giant ferry.

What the Catamaran Ride Feels Like

This is a casual coastal cruise, not a lecture-heavy sightseeing trip. The main appeal is the view from the water and the easy pace. You can sit back, take photographs, listen to music, and enjoy the change from city streets to open sea.

The music has generally been kept at a comfortable level, though taste varies. One person liked the mix, while another found only half of it appealing. That sounds about right for a social boat trip: music is part of the mood, but it is not the central attraction.

You should also keep your expectations clear about interpretation. The tour description promises coastal views, but it does not promise detailed commentary about Valencia, Port Saplaya, or the coastline. If you want a serious geography or culture talk, this is not the right choice. If you want a breezy boat ride with lunch, it fits better.

Several crew members have been praised by name, including Ulysses, Javi, Álvaro, Marco, and Captain Pepe. The repeated pattern is friendly service and a welcoming tone, which matters on a short trip where the crew shapes much of the mood.

Lunch: Salad, Chicken Paella, and Fruit

The meal is a major reason to book this outing. Lunch begins with salad, followed by chicken paella made with rice and selected spices, then fresh fruit, including watermelon or melon on some sailings.

Paella at sea is not the same as sitting in a specialist restaurant in Valencia. Here, the setting is the real bonus. You get a recognizable local dish while the boat is moving or settling into the meal service, with the coastline and sea around you.

The food has received strong praise, especially the paella and fruit. Sangria, beer, and soft drinks have been available among the drink choices, though the included offering is one drink and extra drinks cost more. If you want a second drink, treat it as an additional purchase rather than part of the package.

The meal also affects the schedule. The swim usually follows lunch, and that creates a small practical problem. You may want to swim, but you may also want to sit quietly after eating a plate of rice. Some people found the order perfectly fine, while others wished they could swim before lunch.

I would pace yourself at the meal if swimming is important to you. You can enjoy the paella without making the final bites a race against the swim stop.

The Port Saplaya Swim Stop

The best part for many people is the chance to jump from the catamaran into the Mediterranean. The boat makes a stop offshore near Port Saplaya, giving you time to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the water away from the beach.

This is not a supervised diving session, and diving gear is not included. The tour information specifically describes swimming and jumping from the boat, so you should be comfortable with open-water swimming before choosing this activity.

The amount of time in the water is the main variable. Some outings have provided a relaxed swim period, while other people felt they were allowed to jump in only once or had too little time before the boat continued. Weather, sea conditions, and the day’s schedule may affect the stop.

That uncertainty is worth taking seriously. If your main goal is a long swim, this is not as dependable as booking a dedicated swim cruise. If swimming is one pleasant part of a meal-and-boat outing, the stop should be enough to add a memorable change of pace.

The timing after lunch is another consideration. Swimming immediately after eating is not everyone’s idea of fun, so you may prefer to use part of the stop for sunbathing and photographs. The deck gives non-swimmers something to do while others take the plunge.

Is $41 Good Value?

At $41, the package includes a catamaran cruise, crew, fuel, lunch, swimming, and one drink. That is a sensible price for visitors who want several activities bundled together without paying separately for a boat ride and a meal.

The value improves if you would already be paying for lunch and a coastal activity that day. You get the meal served onboard, a change of scenery, and access to the swim stop. The experience also saves you from planning a restaurant booking around a separate boat departure.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a long time in the water. In that case, the limited duration and uncertain swim length may leave you wishing you had chosen a dedicated beach or swimming excursion.

I see this as a good half-day-style outing in miniature, though the actual trip is only 2.5 hours. It works well in a Valencia itinerary when you want something relaxed between city sightseeing and an evening meal.

The included drink helps, but remember that extra drinks are not part of the $41 price. There is a drinks service onboard, so you can buy more if you want, but keep a little room in your budget.

Who Will Enjoy This Trip Most?

I would recommend the cruise to couples, friends, families with older children, and anyone who wants a simple day on the water without complicated planning. It has enough food and scenery to please people who are not keen swimmers, while the stop gives active participants a chance to get wet.

It is especially suitable for you if:

• You want to try paella in a relaxed setting.
• You enjoy a short boat ride with music and coastal views.
• You like the idea of jumping into the sea but do not need hours of swimming.
• You prefer an easy group activity to a formal guided tour.
• You want lunch included rather than arranging food separately.

I would think twice if you have mobility impairments, since the activity is listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments. You should also reconsider if you dislike group outings, expect extensive commentary, or need a guaranteed long swim.

The boat may feel social rather than private. A group of about 30 people is manageable, but you will share the deck, meal service, and swim stop with other passengers.

Weather, Comfort, and Practical Planning

All sailings depend on weather conditions. The Mediterranean may look calm from shore, but conditions offshore can change the feel of a catamaran trip. Check the forecast before you go and keep your plans flexible.

Wear something comfortable for sitting, eating, and moving around the boat. Bring whatever you need for swimming and sun protection, though the supplied information does not list equipment beyond the boat service and included meal. Diving gear is not included.

The tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. You need to reach the meeting point yourself and exchange your ticket at the Boramar booth. This is not difficult in theory, but marina areas can take longer to navigate than a city-center street, so avoid arriving at the last minute.

Advance booking is essential. The trip runs with a minimum of 15 people, and the operator can cancel or alter a departure because of weather. The good news is that you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible.

The host or greeter can assist in Spanish and English. That makes the basic meeting and boarding process easier for international visitors, though the tour is not presented as a detailed bilingual history lesson.

How to Make the Most of the 2.5 Hours

I would arrive ready to eat, sit outside, and treat the swim as a bonus rather than the whole purpose of the trip. That mindset matches the actual format better than expecting a long coastal voyage.

If paella is your priority, settle in for lunch and enjoy the food while it is served. If swimming matters more, keep your meal moderate and head toward the swim area when the crew gives the signal. The timing may be brief, so do not wait too long before getting ready.

For a quieter outing, choose your seat away from the main music area if possible. For a more social mood, stay near the central deck and enjoy the shared atmosphere. The catamaran appears to offer enough room for both styles, though exact seating arrangements are not specified.

Pay attention to the crew’s instructions before jumping into the sea. The activity information does not provide detailed safety rules, so follow the onboard guidance and be realistic about your swimming ability.

My Verdict: Book It for the Combination

I would book this catamaran cruise if I wanted good food, a pleasant boat ride, and one refreshing swim stop for $41. The paella, friendly crew, comfortable boat, and included drink make the price reasonable, and the experience offers more variety than a simple harbor ride.

I would not book it solely for swimming. The stop may feel short, especially after lunch, and the tour does not promise a long period in the water. For everyone else, this is an enjoyable and fairly priced way to spend a few hours along Valencia’s coast, with enough local flavor to make it more than just a ride on a boat.

FAQ

How long does the Valencia catamaran cruise last?

The stated duration is 2.5 hours. The sailing portion is also described as about two hours, with time included for lunch and the swimming stop.

What food is included?

Lunch includes salad, Valencian chicken paella, and fresh fruit. One drink is included as well.

Can I swim from the catamaran?

Yes. The boat stops offshore near Port Saplaya for swimming, sunbathing, and jumping from the catamaran, subject to weather and sea conditions.

Are extra drinks included?

No. One drink is included with the meal, and extra drinks are available for purchase onboard.

Is hotel pickup provided?

No. You must make your own way to the meeting point and exchange your ticket at the Boramar ticket booth.

Is the activity suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments.