Sun, swim, and a simple seaside lunch. This catamaran day trip from Dénia or Jávea sails the cape of San Antonio, tracks along Jávea’s coast, then heads toward Cala de Portixol for a swim-and-lunch stop. You’re paying for time on the water plus a set route, not a museum lesson.

I like that the lunch is included (bread, salad, fruit, and a drink), so you don’t have to plan a meal ashore. I also like the built-in water time: the stop at Cala de Portixol lasts 1 hour 30 minutes, which is long enough to actually swim and cool off.

One possible drawback: the experience can feel a bit inconsistent with the promise of BBQ-on-a-catamaran, so I’d double-check the exact setup when you book. That matters most if you care about the details of the vessel and the lunch style.

Key things you should know before you go

• San Antonio to Cabo de la Nao route: You sail along the coast of Jávea and head toward the Cabo de la Nao area, then anchor for a swim stop.
• Cala de Portixol swim window: Expect 1 hour 30 minutes to cool off during the main stop.
• Lunch is included, but drinks are not: You get bread, salad, fruit, and one drink; the bar is onboard and you can’t bring outside alcohol.
• Bow nets are limited: If you want that front-and-center lounging spot, you’ll likely need to coordinate with the company.
• Group size can vary on the day: The maximum is 105 travelers, so your comfort depends on where your departure lands.

Entering The Route: What This Cruise Feels Like on the Water

This is a classic Spanish coast “time on the sea” outing. You’re not rushed from one highlight to another; instead you spend hours cruising, then anchor where you can actually get in the water.

The vibe is practical. You’ll get a short sailing day that still has a real stop to swim, and you won’t need a packing strategy like you would for a full-day land-and-transport tour. Bring sunscreen and a towel plan, because sea days make or break your comfort.

San Antonio, Jávea Coast, Cabo de la Nao: The Sailing Highlights

The cruise starts with the catamaran skirting the cape of San Antonio as it heads toward Jávea. From there, the route runs past the full coast of Jávea before heading to the Cabo de la Nao area.

Why this route is worth your time: you get long stretches of coastline from the water, which is the easiest way to see this stretch of Costa Blanca without dealing with parking or traffic. Also, the sailing portion gives you a chance to settle in and enjoy the motion instead of feeling like you’re always climbing on and off boats.

One note to keep your expectations grounded: this trip is mainly about the sea time. If you expect a constant, detailed on-board story about every section of coast, you may find it more casual than that.

Cala de Portixol Stop: How to Use the 1 Hour 30 Minutes

Cala de Portixol is where you get the key break from cruising. The stop is designed for cooling off and eating on board, and you get about 1 hour 30 minutes there.

Here’s how I’d play it:

• Arrive on deck early so you can choose where you’ll sit before everyone spreads out.
• If you care about photos, try to swim first or second, not last. Light and timing change fast when the boat is anchored.
• Don’t waste the first 15 minutes on food line logistics if you’re primarily there to swim. You’ll still be able to eat afterward during the stop.

This is also where you should think about comfort. If the weather turns, there’s limited shelter on many boats like this. So if you’re sensitive to sun or wind, plan accordingly with a hat, light layer, and something that dries fast.

Lunch Onboard: What You Get, and What to Watch

Lunch is included and it’s set: a barbecue menu with bread, salad, fruit, and a drink. That’s a straightforward value deal because you avoid paying for a meal during a 5-hour outing.

But there’s an important “consideration” angle. Even though the experience is marketed as barbecue on board, some people have reported that the actual lunch on their day didn’t match the expectation. I can’t predict what you’ll receive, so the smart move is to treat lunch as an included cooked meal, and to confirm what the menu will be before you lock in plans.

Also pay attention to portion flow. Some reports point to meal timing feeling chaotic when the crowd is larger, and food access can be uneven if you’re near the back of lines. If you want the smoothest lunch moment, grab a seat early, and be patient with how the serving works once everyone is hungry.

Alcohol is another practical detail. The bar is available, but you can’t bring drinks onboard yourself. If you want beer or sangria, plan on buying it there rather than assuming it’s part of the included set.

Comfort and Capacity: Bow Nets, Seating, and Crowd Reality

This outing can be wonderfully relaxing, especially when the boat isn’t packed. On some departures, people describe plenty of room and an easy flow to swim, eat, and lounge. On other days, it can feel crowded—partly because it’s a shared experience where everyone wants the same sun spots at the same time.

Two things to know about comfort:

1. Bow nets have limited capacity. If you want that classic forward lounge area, you should contact the company ahead of time.
2. Some boats like this don’t offer much shade. If you’re traveling in hot months or windier days, the deck can feel intense, so take sun protection seriously.

There’s also the question of crew presence and onboard energy. A few people found the crew less talkative than they expected, while others praised attentive service. That kind of variation happens on real operations, not just on paper, so you should come ready for a relaxed day rather than a constant “tour guide show.”

Music, Movement, and Seasickness: Small Things That Matter

This cruise includes music onboard, and it can skew toward continuous playlist-style entertainment rather than quiet cruising. If you’re someone who wants calm conversation and scenery, you might prefer earplugs. If you enjoy the atmosphere, it can help the day feel lively.

Movement is another practical factor. A few people noted that if you’re prone to seasickness, this kind of trip may not be ideal. It’s not guaranteed to be rough, but you should plan like it could have some rocking and have your remedy ready.

And then there are water activities that may be offered depending on the day’s setup. Some passengers mention extra equipment like kayaks. If you’re planning to use anything in the water beyond simply swimming, keep a close eye on safety guidance and the flow of other boats around the catamaran.

Value at About $66: Is It Worth Your Money?

At around $66.26 per person for roughly 5 hours, you’re paying for three bundled things: sea time, an anchoring swim stop, and an included lunch package. That’s the core value.

If you want a cheap way to get out to the water without hunting down lunch and transportation, this can be a good deal. If, on the other hand, you’re expecting a guided sightseeing cruise with detailed storytelling and a guaranteed premium meal experience, you might feel let down.

The best way to judge value for yourself is to ask: do you mainly want sun and swimming with a simple included lunch? If yes, the price usually makes sense. If you mainly want culinary perfection or a highly choreographed tour narrative, you should look at options that promise that style more clearly.

Who This Works Best For (and Who Might Skip It)

This fits well for:

• Couples and friends who want a laid-back coast day with a swim stop
• Families who like boats, deck time, and a lunch that’s already included
• People who don’t want to plan dinner after a beach morning

You might skip it if:

• You need a super-structured, informative tour with lots of commentary
• You’re very picky about the exact lunch style and how it’s served
• You’re highly sensitive to sun and wind and rely on shade

Tips to Get the Best Day From Dénia or Jávea

One small planning trick: if you can, arrive early for departure when sailing from Dénia. People have described better positioning when they got on early, and it can make the day feel smoother.

Next, think about your ideal spot:

• Want front lounging? Coordinate about bow nets before you go.
• Want shade? Choose seating based on the direction of sun and wind, since there’s limited shelter described by passengers.

Finally, if you care about the lunch experience or you’re traveling with dietary concerns, don’t guess. Ask the operator what will be served for your departure. One passenger highlighted that steps were taken to avoid contamination (they specifically mentioned celiac needs and separate bread handling), which suggests the company may take dietary care seriously—but you should still confirm for your own situation.

Should You Book This Catamaran Cruise?

I’d book it if your main goal is simple: cruise along Jávea’s coast, get out to a swim stop at Cala de Portixol, and enjoy an included lunch while keeping the day easy. The route and the water time do the heavy lifting, and for the price, that’s a fair bargain.

I’d pause and double-check details if you’re the type who expects a perfectly consistent BBQ menu and a guaranteed catamaran look and feel every time. Since a few people reported mismatches between the description and what happened on their day, it’s worth confirming the exact setup before you commit.

If the weather is rough, remember the trip depends on good conditions. If it gets canceled, you should be offered a new date or a full refund, so you’re not stuck.

FAQ

Where does the cruise sail, and what areas do you pass?

The catamaran skirts the cape of San Antonio, heads toward the coast of Jávea, and continues toward the Cabo de la Nao area. You also stop at Cala de Portixol to swim and eat.

How long is the experience?

It runs for about 5 hours.

What’s included in the lunch?

Lunch is included on board with a barbecue menu that comes with bread, salad, fruit, and a drink.

Can I bring alcoholic drinks onboard?

Alcoholic beverages are not included, and the bar is onboard. You are not allowed to introduce drinks from outside.

How much time do we have to swim at Cala de Portixol?

The stop at Cala de Portixol is 1 hour 30 minutes for cooling off in the water.

Is there a restroom on board?

Yes, there is a restroom on board.

What happens if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

If you tell me your travel month and whether you care more about swimming or about the lunch, I can help you decide how much this trip matches your style.

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