Salt air plus BBQ equals Costa Brava time. I love the on-board buffet-barbecue lunch, and I also love that the drinks are included (beer, sangria, and soft drinks). The only real heads-up: if conditions turn choppy, you may feel it and some people get motion sick early on.

This is a fun, easy day out that trades crowded beaches for a sheltered cove stop. The sailing route takes you past classic Costa Brava spots—like Sa Caleta and the Castle—before you anchor near rocks for swimming and lunch.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• BBQ lunch and drinks included: beer, sangria, soft drinks, plus a full buffet-barbecue spread.
• A proper swim cove: anchored near rocks in a calmer pocket of water for a break in the middle of nature.
• Sailing north toward Tossa: you’ll cruise along recognizable coves and coast landmarks instead of just going in a straight line.
• Family-friendly on the morning trip: it’s built for mixed ages, not only party groups.
• Snorkeling masks available: you can borrow them with a €10 cash deposit.
• Small-coach energy, not a huge ship: capped at 95 travelers, which keeps things from feeling chaotic.

Boarding at Lloret de Mar: what to bring and how it feels

The cruise starts right on the shore in Lloret de Mar (Passeig d’Agustí Font, 5). It’s not a “sprinting through a terminal” situation. Still, plan like you’re stepping from beach-level land onto a boat—meaning comfortable shoes you can manage at the start, then quick access to your swim stuff.

Bring your swimsuit, towel, sun cream, hat, and sunglasses. If you’re going in cooler months, pack warm clothes for the boat ride, especially for the return when the air can feel sharper even if the sun is out.

One more practical note: since the trip includes a swimming stop, you’ll enjoy the day more if you’re ready to go fast when they anchor. The boat time is short enough that fumbling with gear can eat into your actual swim window.

Sailing the Costa Brava northbound toward Tossa

After you board, you’ll sail north along the Costa Brava with a sequence of coves and coastal landmarks passing by. The route includes spots like Sa Caleta (with the inlet and the Castle), Cala Trons, Cala Gran, Sa Goita, Canyelles, Rajols, Morisca, Llorell, and Llevadó—then you head in the direction of Tossa.

This part of the day matters because it’s where you get the “why the Costa Brava looks different” effect. From the water, the coastline reads cleaner: coves, rock shapes, and that mix of bright water and rugged edges. You also get a more relaxed pace than you would on a packed beach day.

Timewise, you’re sailing for about an hour before the crew anchors. If you’re the type who likes to take photos, this is your window—once you’re anchored, the focus shifts to the swim and lunch.

The cove stop: anchored near rocks, sheltered for swimming

The main break happens after roughly one hour of navigation. The catamaran anchors in a cove near the rocks. The goal is simple: sheltered enough from wind so you can swim comfortably and enjoy a BBQ meal right after.

This is where your day shifts from “cruise” to “vacation mode.” You’re out in open water, but not stuck in the chop. There’s also a practical advantage for people who aren’t confident swimmers: you can dip in and out on your own timing rather than committing to a long beach walk or a busy shore.

Do note that water temperature can surprise you. Even when it looks perfect, it can feel cold once you’re in. If that might bother you, consider limiting your first splash time and ease in gradually.

Snorkeling is supported with masks available onboard (with that €10 cash deposit). Even if you don’t snorkel for long, the cove stop is still the core payoff: clear water, rocks, and an easy off-and-on rhythm.

BBQ lunch onboard: what’s actually on the buffet

Lunch is served as a buffet-barbecue on the catamaran. The menu you’ll see includes pasta and salad, beef burgers, marinated gluten-free chicken cubes, and fruit salad.

It’s the kind of food setup that makes sense for a sea day: fill-you-up basics, plus a gluten-free option that’s actually written on the menu rather than being a vague maybe. If you’re bringing kids, it’s also straightforward. Burgers, pasta, salad, fruit—no confusing gourmet detours.

One realistic expectation check: onboard meals are built for convenience and timing at sea. If you’re picky about sauce flavor or “restaurant-level” seasoning, you might find the meal a bit simple. Still, the combination of lunch plus drinks plus a swim stop is hard to beat for the price and pace.

If you have specific dietary needs beyond what’s listed (or you just like extra snack security), bringing a small snack on the side is a smart move. It’s not required, but it can save your mood if your preferred item runs out first.

Beer, sangria, and the onboard vibe

Drinks are part of the package: beer, sangria, and soft drinks. This is one of the biggest value levers here, because it turns the boat trip from a “pay extra for everything” experience into a true all-in day out.

The mood tends to be lively. Music plays on board, and the energy can turn into a dance party—especially around the return. One crew member named Greg gets repeatedly mentioned for bringing the fun, including dancing and high spirits.

If you prefer a calmer experience, you can still find your pace. You can sit, watch the coast, and focus on swimming time. The vibe doesn’t force you into dancing, but it does make the trip feel like a day out with other people—not a silent sightseeing cruise.

Just remember: alcohol + sun + water can sneak up fast. Pace yourself, especially if you’re also trying to snorkel.

Timing reality: 4 hours, with weather and schedule wiggle room

The tour runs about 4 hours. The start time is listed as 11:00 am, and it ends back at the meeting point.

In practice, expect some schedule wiggle. When the weather starts rough—rain, wind, and choppiness—departure and early sailing can feel delayed or bumpy. One key comfort tip: if you’re prone to motion sickness, take precautions before you board rather than hoping it passes.

If you want the smoothest experience, pick a day when the coast looks calm and sunny. The experience does depend on weather, and the provider notes that it requires good conditions to run as planned.

Seasickness check: don’t ignore it on a choppy start

You’ll find a recurring theme in the experience feedback: early sailing can be rough on some days. That means even with a stable catamaran, you can feel the motion when wind picks up. If you get motion sick, plan ahead.

My practical advice:

• Bring motion-sickness medication if you use it.
• Choose your seating strategically once you’re aboard (you’ll usually feel less motion toward the more stable sections).
• Focus on the horizon when things feel wobbly.
• Keep your swim time flexible for later in the trip if the first hour feels unpleasant.

This isn’t a crew problem. It’s the coast doing what the coast does. The upside is that conditions often improve once you reach the sheltered anchoring area and the wind shifts.

Snorkeling masks with a €10 deposit: worth using, easy to manage

Snorkeling masks are available with a returnable €10 cash deposit. That’s simple and fair. You don’t need to bring your own gear to try it.

Here’s how to make it worthwhile: use the mask after the boat anchors, when the water is calmer and you can actually relax into it. If you’re new to snorkeling, start with short sessions and keep breathing slow. In a cove like this, you can get a nice look without needing to be out there for ages.

Also, keep in mind that water clarity and fish life can vary by time of day and season. The mask gives you the option, but your best “value moment” is still the swim break itself—even without snorkeling.

Group size and who this catamaran suits best

With a max of 95 travelers, you’re not on a tiny boat, but you’re also not dealing with a mega-ship crowd. That matters for your comfort during lunch lines and for how easy it is to find space on deck.

This cruise works well for:

• couples who want a scenic day without renting a car,
• friend groups who like a fun onboard atmosphere,
• families on the morning trip, since it’s welcoming to children.

It’s also great if you’re staying in or near Lloret de Mar and want an easy “get out of the beach area” plan. You’ll spend time away from the busiest shoreline spots, anchored in a natural-feeling cove where swimming is the highlight.

If you hate crowds and heat, the sea air and the short swimming stop can feel like a relief compared to sitting on sand all day.

Price and value: why $60.34 often feels fair

At $60.34 per person for about four hours, you’re not just paying for the boat ride. You’re paying for a package: onboard BBQ lunch plus drinks included plus a scenic route and a sheltered swimming stop.

That’s why this tends to feel like value. Many coastal tours sell the “boat part” and then nickel-and-dime food, water, and activities. Here, the meal and beverages are built in, and they’re served right where the day’s most enjoyable break happens.

Is it luxury food? No. Is it a solid, filling lunch at sea with drinks that keep things easy? Yes. For many people, the combination of sun, views, swimming, and included drinks is the real bargain.

If you want a guaranteed smooth experience, choose calmer weather days and consider taking motion-sickness precautions if needed. Those small choices help you get the most from what you’re paying for.

Should you book Catamaran Sensation Costa Brava?

Book it if you want:

• a simple, timed 4-hour escape from the Lloret de Mar area,
• a fun onboard atmosphere with music and included drinks,
• a real swim break in a sheltered cove near rocks,
• an easy meal solution with a buffet-barbecue and gluten-free chicken cubes listed.

Skip it (or plan carefully) if:

• you’re very sensitive to motion and you don’t take precautions,
• you expect restaurant-grade culinary complexity from an onboard buffet,
• you’re going in a season where the weather can be unpredictable and you can’t tolerate cold water.

If you match the vibe, this is a great use of a half-day. The sailing along the Costa Brava, then the anchor-and-swim moment, then the BBQ with drinks is a neat formula for seeing the coast without turning it into a logistics project.

FAQ

What’s included with the barbecue and drinks?

The onboard buffet-barbecue lunch includes items like pasta and salad, beef burgers, marinated gluten-free chicken cubes, and fruit salad. Beer, sangria, and soft drinks are included as well.

How long is the catamaran ride?

It’s about 4 hours.

Where does the tour start, and does it return?

The start is Passeig d’Agustí Font, 5, 17310 Lloret de Mar, Girona, Spain, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

Can I snorkel, and are masks provided?

Snorkeling masks are available with a returnable cash deposit of €10.

Is this trip family-friendly?

Families with children are welcome on the morning trip, and the tour has a maximum of 95 travelers.

What happens if weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time.

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