Lloret de Mar: Catamaran Sailing Cruise with BBQ and Drinks

The best part of this Lloret de Mar catamaran cruise is the long stop in a quiet Mediterranean inlet. After sailing past cliffs, caves, fishing villages, and small beaches, you have time to jump from the boat, swim in clear water, stretch out on a floating mattress, and eat a simple barbecue lunch. I especially like the generous swimming break and the fact that the catamaran has both sunny deck space and covered areas.

I also like the easy beach boarding at Passeig Agustí Font and the good value at about $59 per person. Beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water are provided, and the crew keeps the mood lively with music. The main consideration is the crowd: some boats carry close to 100 people, so this is a social party cruise rather than a quiet private sail. Food is basic, and drink choices may be limited to beer and sangria for adults.

Key points to know before you book

• The swimming stop lasts about two hours, giving you real time in the sea rather than a quick photo stop.
• The catamaran can feel lively and crowded, but the large deck, bow net, solarium, and covered seating provide several places to settle.
• Morning departures suit families, while afternoon and evening departures are aimed at adults and a younger party crowd.
• The barbecue is self-service, with burgers, marinated chicken, pasta, salad, and fruit cocktail.
• Snorkel masks are available with a €10 refundable cash deposit, but you should bring your own snorkel if you want one.
• Board directly from Lloret beach, near the town hall, with your QR code ready on your phone.

Sailing out from Lloret beach

The meeting point is Passeig Agustí Font, 2, on Lloret de Mar’s promenade near the town hall. You show your mobile QR code to receive your boarding pass, then walk onto the catamaran directly from the beach.

That beach boarding is part of the charm, but it also means you should arrive ready for sand and water. Wear sandals or flip-flops, keep your phone protected, and do not bring glass, outside food, fridges, or your own alcohol. A towel is not supplied, so pack one.

Once aboard, you can choose from the covered area, the open solarium, or the large net at the front. The bow net is the most distinctive place to sit. It gives you the sensation of floating above the sea as the boat moves, though it can become a popular spot in bright weather.

The crew speaks English, Spanish, and French. They handle the safety briefing, explain the swimming rules, and help keep the boarding and meal service moving. The boat has toilets and safety vests, including equipment for children, though one family found that children’s life jackets were in short supply at the start of a departure. If your child is eager to swim, ask for a correctly sized vest early.

The first hour along the Costa Brava

The outward sailing lasts about an hour, and this is the calmest part of the trip. From the water, Lloret’s developed shoreline gives way to the rugged Costa Brava coast, with cliffs, caves, secluded beaches, and fishing villages.

You are not taking a small expedition boat into every cove. The point is the broad coastal view, the warm sun, and the pleasure of being out on the water. Keep your camera handy, but also allow time to watch the coastline without trying to photograph every turn.

Music plays during the sail, and drinks are available as the crew gets everyone settled. This is a good time to claim a comfortable place, apply sunscreen, and decide how much time you want to spend in the sun. The catamaran has enough room for people to spread out, though a busy departure will never feel intimate.

The route can include sailing from Lloret toward Tossa and anchoring somewhere between the two towns. The precise stopping point depends on weather and sea conditions. You should expect attractive coastal scenery rather than a fixed list of named monuments.

Two hours anchored for swimming and lunch

The heart of the experience begins when the boat anchors in a sheltered spot. You get roughly two hours here, which is a generous amount of time for a boat excursion. You can swim off the catamaran, use the trampoline area, float on a mattress, or paddle around a small inlet.

The water is often clear enough for casual snorkeling, with fish visible below the surface. Masks are available for a €10 refundable cash deposit, but the supplied equipment may be limited to masks rather than full snorkels. If snorkeling matters to you, bring your own snorkel and use the boat’s mask only if needed.

Jumping from the boat is part of the fun, but it is not a free-for-all. Follow the crew’s instructions, use the designated areas, and do not jump while the boat is moving. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users, and anyone who finds ladders or boat access difficult should consider that before booking.

Lunch is prepared after the boat anchors and is served about an hour and a half after departure. The meal is self-service rather than made to order. The usual spread includes beef burgers, marinated chicken pieces, pasta, salad, and a sweet fruit cocktail.

I would describe the food as practical barbecue fare, not a special Costa Brava meal. It gives you a proper break from swimming and is usually enough to make the $59 price feel reasonable, but you should not book this cruise for gourmet cooking. The menu is listed as containing no gluten, though anyone with a serious allergy should confirm preparation details directly with the provider.

A useful feature is that the swimming time comes before the main meal. You can enjoy the water while lunch is being prepared, then dry off and eat. Bring a towel and a change of clothes if you dislike sitting in wet swimwear.

Beer, sangria, and the drink setup

Included drinks are listed as beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water. Water is particularly useful in the sun, and you should drink it even if you plan to enjoy the alcoholic options.

The adult drink selection is not broad. Beer and sangria are the main alcoholic choices, with soft drinks for anyone who does not want alcohol. If you prefer wine or cocktails, you may find the selection disappointing. One departure used a system of five drink vouchers, with additional drinks available for €2, while other descriptions present the drinks as included more generally. Check the exact arrangement for your chosen sailing.

You cannot bring your own alcohol or other drinks aboard. Anyone arriving intoxicated can be refused entry without a refund, so this is not a sensible place to begin a heavy drinking session before boarding.

Music, dancing, and the return to Lloret

The return sail is usually the loudest and most social part of the trip. Music turns up, people dance, and the crew encourages games and participation. On celebration departures, a DJ helps turn the final hour into a boat party.

The atmosphere depends heavily on your departure time. A morning trip is aimed at families and usually has a more relaxed feel, with music and some dancing on the way back. Afternoon departures are for people aged 18 and over and have a younger, more energetic mood. Saturday celebration cruises are adults-only.

The crew gets frequent praise for being friendly, energetic, and attentive to safety. Julio is one crew member specifically singled out for helping create a strong party atmosphere, and Silvester is also named for friendly service. The wider crew keeps an eye on swimmers while still giving the day a playful feel.

This is a good match for birthdays, anniversaries, hen parties, and groups of friends. It can also work for couples or older passengers who do not mind a younger crowd. One older couple found the staff welcoming despite being among the younger passengers, but anyone seeking silence should choose a smaller sailing instead.

Bachelor groups need to read the rules carefully. Groups with costumes or sexual objects are not accepted, and party groups are restricted on certain departures. The Saturday celebration option welcomes adult groups, but the operator still applies its conduct rules.

Is $59 good value?

At around $59, this is a strong value if you will use the main features: the four-hour cruise, swimming stop, barbecue, drinks, and music. A short coastal boat ride with no meal can already take a good part of a day’s budget in a resort town. Here, the meal and swimming time are built into one outing.

The value is strongest for people who want several holiday activities at once. You get coastal sightseeing, swimming, a social atmosphere, lunch, and drinks without arranging separate transport or restaurant time. The catamaran also has more space and facilities than a small speedboat.

The value is weaker if you want a refined sailing experience. This is not a private yacht charter, a quiet nature trip, or a serious snorkeling excursion. You share the boat with a large group, the food is simple, and the music can be loud on the return.

The boat’s size can look intimidating at first, especially when a crowd gathers to board. In practice, departures reported with about 94 passengers still had enough room for people to sit comfortably. You do not need to rush the gangway to find a place. The catamaran has multiple areas, and boarding tends to work better when people take their time.

Choosing the right departure

Your departure time matters more than many people expect.

Morning cruises are the best choice for families with children. They offer the same sea time, meal, and drinks, but with a more relaxed tone. Families should arrive early enough to sort out life jackets and should keep children close around the swimming platform and ladder.

Afternoon and evening cruises are for adults aged 18 and over. These sailings are better for couples, friends, and groups who want more dancing and a younger social atmosphere. Expect the return trip to feel more like a party than a scenic cruise.

Saturday celebration cruises are for adult groups. They include a DJ, barbecue, and five drinks according to the package details. This is the most suitable option for a birthday or group celebration, provided everyone follows the rules about costumes, alcohol, and behavior.

High-season schedules can include additional departure times. Check availability for the date you want rather than assuming every sailing follows the same timetable.

What to pack and what to leave behind

Pack sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, sandals, and dry beachwear. A waterproof phone pouch is sensible, though it is not listed as provided.

Bring some cash if you want to use the refundable mask deposit or if your departure uses a voucher system for drinks. Do not bring outside food or drinks, glass items, a cooler, or alcohol.

The sun can feel intense even when a sea breeze makes the air comfortable. Apply sunscreen before boarding, then reapply after swimming. The covered area helps, but you will still spend much of the four hours exposed to sun if you choose the bow net or open deck.

Weather, cancellations, and practical limits

The cruise depends on safe conditions. Rough seas, heavy rain, an unexpected catamaran breakdown, or too few bookings can lead to cancellation. A full refund is available if you cancel at least 24 hours ahead, but arriving late or missing the departure does not qualify for a refund.

This makes an early arrival important. The meeting point is easy to find on the promenade, but beach boarding and a large group can take time. Have your QR code open before you reach the crew.

The trip is not suitable for wheelchair users. The swimming stop also involves boat ladders, wet surfaces, and getting in and out of the water. If you have limited mobility, ask the provider about the specific boat before paying.

Who will enjoy this Lloret catamaran cruise?

You should book this if you want an active half-day on the sea with a mix of swimming, food, drinks, music, and coastal scenery. It is especially well suited to friends, couples who enjoy social outings, families on a morning departure, and groups marking a special occasion.

You will probably enjoy it if you like meeting people and do not mind a busy boat. The long swim stop is the strongest reason to choose this trip over a simple sightseeing cruise.

You should think twice if you want peace, privacy, sophisticated food, a wide drink menu, or a small-group sailing. The catamaran is designed for shared fun, and the party mood becomes stronger as the boat returns to Lloret.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise leave from?

The meeting point is Passeig Agustí Font, 2, on the Lloret de Mar promenade near the town hall. Boarding takes place from the beach.

How long is the cruise?

The experience lasts four hours. About one hour is spent sailing out, the boat anchors for roughly two hours, and the remaining time includes the return sail.

What food is served on board?

The self-service barbecue includes beef burgers, marinated chicken pieces, pasta, salad, and a sweet fruit cocktail. There is no optional menu.

Are drinks included?

Beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water are included according to the activity details. Some departures use a five-drink voucher system, so check the arrangement for your chosen option.

Can I swim from the catamaran?

Yes. The boat anchors at a quiet spot where you can swim, use the trampoline, float on a mattress, and snorkel near the boat.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Masks are available with a €10 refundable cash deposit. The equipment may not include a snorkel, so bring your own if you want to snorkel properly.

Which departure is best for families?

Morning departures are intended for families with children. Afternoon and evening departures are for adults aged 18 and over.

Can I bring my own food or alcohol?

No. Outside food and drinks, alcohol, coolers, and glass objects are not allowed. Anyone arriving intoxicated may be refused boarding without a refund.

Should you book it?

I would book this cruise if your ideal Costa Brava day includes clear water, a long swim, a basic barbecue, drinks, and music rather than quiet sailing. The combination is hard to beat for $59, especially when you use the full swimming stop and return party.

Choose the morning sailing for children and a calmer family mood. Choose the afternoon or Saturday celebration option for dancing and group energy. Just bring your own towel and snorkel, accept the simple food and limited adult drinks, and remember that this is a lively shared catamaran, not a private coastal escape.