Valencia: Catamaran Cruise, Paella Lunch and Swim Stop

The best part of this outing is the simple combination of paella at sea and a swim stop. You board Boramar’s catamaran, look back toward Valencia’s coast, eat lunch on deck, then take a refreshing jump into the Mediterranean near Port Saplaya.

I like the good-value meal and the relaxed boat setting. Salad, chicken paella, fruit, and one drink are included, with sangria, beer, or soft drinks available according to the drink choice. I also like the friendly crew, including hosts named Ulysses, Javi, Álvaro, Marco, and Captain Pepe.

The main caution is timing. The swim comes after lunch, and several people found the water stop too short. If swimming is your main goal, this may feel more like a lunch cruise with a swim than a full water outing.

Key points to know before booking

• Lunch comes onboard: Expect salad, chicken paella, fresh fruit, and one included drink.
• The swim stop is near Port Saplaya: You can jump from the catamaran into the sea if you want to swim.
• The boat is modern and comfortable: The group size can be around 30 people, with room to enjoy music and coastal views.
• The cruise lasts about 2.5 hours: The sailing portion is described as roughly two hours, with the full activity lasting longer.
• Swimming may feel brief: The stop follows lunch, so the water time is not the central feature for everyone.
• Bring your own transport plan: Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and you exchange your ticket at the Boramar booth.

A Mediterranean lunch with a clear purpose

This is not a sightseeing cruise packed with monuments or a formal food tour. It is a straightforward seaside break: sail, eat paella, listen to music, and cool off in the water.

That focus is part of the appeal. You do not need to organize lunch afterward, find a beach, or book a separate boat trip. For $41 per person, the package includes the catamaran ride, crew, fuel, salad, Valencian paella, fruit, swimming, and one drink. In Valencia, where paella is part of the local food identity, eating it while looking out over the Mediterranean gives the meal a pleasant sense of place.

I would not book this for an in-depth introduction to Valencian cooking. The paella is chicken-based, and the meal is designed for a group setting. But if you want a casual lunch in the sun with a sea breeze, it offers a fair amount for the price.

The pace is easy. There is no demanding physical activity, no long walk, and no complicated schedule once you are on the boat. You can spend much of the ride seated, looking at the coast, or moving around the deck to find a better view.

Boarding at the Boramar booth

You need to reach the meeting point yourself and exchange your ticket at the Boramar ticket booth, located at the same meeting point. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not part of the package, so plan your route before the departure time.

The host service is available in Spanish and English. That matters most for basic instructions, lunch service, and the swimming stop. The supplied information does not promise a full coastal commentary, and one person specifically wished the crew had explained more about the area. If you want detailed information about Valencia’s shoreline, bring your own guide or treat the ride as scenery rather than a narrated tour.

The tour needs at least 15 people to operate. That is worth keeping in mind if your plans are tight, although the activity also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. You can reserve now and pay later, which helps if you are building a Valencia schedule around weather and availability.

What the catamaran ride feels like

The catamaran is described as modern and comfortable, with a group size that can be around 30 people. That is large enough to create a social atmosphere but not necessarily so large that the boat feels packed.

You get panoramic views from the deck as the boat moves along the Valencian coast. The main pleasure is the combination of open air, sun, and the steady movement of the water. The sea can look clear and inviting, especially on a warm day, but the activity depends on weather conditions and may change if conditions are unsuitable.

Music adds to the holiday mood. The volume has been described as comfortable rather than overpowering, though musical taste varies. This is not a silent sailing trip. Expect background music and a relaxed party feel, with drinks available for purchase beyond the one included drink.

You might prefer this atmosphere to a quiet boat ride, particularly if you are traveling with friends or want a break from museums and city streets. If you want a calm, natural setting with no music, this may not be your ideal cruise.

Paella, salad, fruit, and one drink

Lunch begins with salad, followed by Valencian-style chicken paella and fruit. The meal is served onboard, so you do not need to bring food or leave the boat to eat.

The strongest food detail is the paella itself. The supplied comments repeatedly praise the flavor, and fresh fruit such as watermelon has been served with the meal. Bread may also be part of the meal. For a $41 outing, having the main dish, side, dessert, and one drink included makes the cost easier to justify.

Your included drink can be selected from options such as sangria, beer, or soft drinks. There is also a drinks service onboard, but extra drinks cost more. If you want a second drink, budget for it rather than assuming the package covers unlimited beverages.

The lunch timing affects the whole outing. The swim generally follows the meal, which makes sense from a schedule point of view but is not perfect for everyone. Some people prefer to swim first, then eat. After a plate of paella, you may be happy to sit in the shade or let your food settle instead of jumping straight into the water.

I would treat lunch as the main event and swimming as the bonus. That expectation will help you enjoy the tour rather than measuring it only by the length of the water stop.

The Port Saplaya swimming stop

The boat makes a stop in the Mediterranean near Port Saplaya. You can swim, sunbathe, or simply remain onboard and watch the activity from the deck. The more adventurous option is jumping directly from the catamaran into the sea.

The jump is one of the most memorable parts for many people, but it is not required. If you are not a confident swimmer, you can skip it. The available information does not specify water depth, flotation equipment, or a separate supervised swimming area, so use your own judgment and follow the crew’s instructions.

The biggest weakness is the amount of time in the water. One person found the stop very relaxed and long enough, while others felt they were allowed to jump in only once or that the swimming period was too short. That difference probably comes down to expectations. The experience is advertised as a catamaran trip with lunch and a swim, not as a dedicated swimming charter.

There is also a practical point: swimming after lunch may reduce the time you actually spend in the water. If you want a long swim, ask about the timing at the start of the trip, if the crew can clarify it. Do not assume that the entire second half of the cruise is open swimming time.

Crew, music, and the mood onboard

The crew is an important part of this kind of outing. Names associated with the experience include Ulysses, Javi, Álvaro, Marco, and Captain Pepe. The crew has been praised for being friendly and helpful, which suits the informal nature of the cruise.

The atmosphere is casual rather than formal. You are not signing up for a polished luxury yacht service. You are joining a shared boat ride where the crew handles the sailing, meal service, and swimming stop while you enjoy the coast.

Music plays during the trip. Some people have liked the volume and relaxed feel, while one person found the music mixed. I would see it as part of the setting, not a reason to book or reject the tour on its own.

The boat can feel comfortable and uncrowded when numbers are moderate. Around 30 people gives you a chance to find your own space, though the exact group size can vary. If you need a private, quiet, or highly personalized experience, choose a smaller charter instead.

Is $41 a fair price?

For $41, I think the value is solid if you plan to eat lunch and enjoy a short swim anyway. A restaurant paella, a separate boat ride, a drink, and access to the Mediterranean could easily cost more when arranged independently. Here, those pieces are bundled into one outing.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want a long period in the sea. A beach day or dedicated boat charter would give you more control over swimming time. You also need to pay for your own transport to the meeting point and any extra drinks.

The value improves for first-time visitors who want an easy introduction to Valencia’s coastal side. You get a local-style meal, sea views, and a change from the city’s inland attractions without committing an entire day.

The 2.5-hour length is another advantage. It fits neatly into a morning or afternoon, leaving time for other plans. Keep some flexibility around the schedule because the tour depends on weather and requires a minimum of 15 participants.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend it for couples, groups of friends, and families with older children who want a light, social outing. It is also a good fit if you like the idea of swimming from a boat but do not want to spend a full day at sea.

Food matters here. If you are curious about Valencian paella but do not want to arrange a separate restaurant meal, lunch on the catamaran makes the experience convenient. The included fruit and drink add useful value.

You should think twice if you have mobility impairments, as the activity is specifically not suitable for people with mobility limitations. You should also reconsider it if you dislike shared group activities, music, or swimming soon after eating.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and a way to keep personal items dry. These items are practical choices for any activity that includes jumping from a boat, although diving gear is not included. The supplied information does not list specialist water equipment as part of the tour.

Who should book it?

Book this catamaran cruise if you want a pleasant half-day break built around paella, sea air, and a quick swim. The modern boat, friendly crew, included lunch, and $41 price make it a sensible choice for a relaxed Valencia holiday.

Skip it if your top priority is extended swimming, detailed coastal commentary, or a quiet private boat. The strongest version of this experience is simple: enjoy the meal, take in the views, and treat the swim as a welcome extra rather than the whole reason for going.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran cruise last?

The full activity lasts 2.5 hours. The sailing portion is described as about two hours, with lunch and the swimming stop included in the overall experience.

What food is included?

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

Can I swim from the catamaran?

Yes. The boat stops near Port Saplaya so you can swim in the Mediterranean or jump into the water from the boat.

Are extra drinks included?

No. One drink is included, and additional drinks are available through the onboard drinks service for an extra cost.

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 available in English?

Yes. The host or greeter service is available in Spanish and English.