REVIEW · LLORET DE MAR
Lloret de Mar: Catamaran Sailing Cruise with BBQ and Drinks
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Catamarans Sensation Costa Brava · Bookable on GetYourGuide
The Costa Brava looks different from a catamaran. I love how this 4-hour sail from Lloret de Mar turns classic sea views into a real on-water hangout—sailing time, then a long swim stop in clear Mediterranean water.
Two things I really like: first, you get to float and jump into the sea from the boat (with a trampoline and floating mattress), plus you can add snorkeling if you want. Second, the onboard BBQ and included drinks make the trip feel like a full day’s worth of fun without extra planning. One consideration: the food is a fixed self-service setup (no custom menu), and drink options focus on beer and sangria rather than a full bar.
In This Review
- Key highlights at a glance
- Getting from Lloret de Mar onto the catamaran (and finding the spot fast)
- The Costa Brava sailing leg: scenic cruising with real downtime built in
- The anchored swim stop: how to use the two hours well
- Snorkeling and that “off the boat” sea experience
- BBQ onboard: the fixed menu that keeps things smooth
- Included drinks: what you get, what you might wish was different
- Music and the party levels: family morning vs adult afternoon vs Saturday DJ cruise
- What’s included on the boat (and what you’ll need to bring)
- Cost and value: is $59 worth it in real terms?
- Group fit: who will love this and who should pass
- Should you book this Lloret de Mar catamaran cruise?
- FAQ
- What food is included on the catamaran?
- What drinks are included with the cruise?
- How much time do you spend swimming?
- Where do I meet in Lloret de Mar?
- Do I need to bring a towel?
- Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?
Key highlights at a glance
- Sun + sea first: about an hour of sailing sightseeing, then roughly two hours anchored for swimming
- Swim setup on board: trampoline, floating mattresses, and snorkel masks available with a refundable deposit
- Onboard BBQ: beef burgers, marinated chicken pieces, pasta, salad, and fruit cocktail
- Included drinks: beer, sangria, soda, and water (festival-style DJ energy on the return)
- Smart departure options: family-friendly morning, adult afternoon, and Saturday celebration cruises with DJ and extra drink tickets
Getting from Lloret de Mar onto the catamaran (and finding the spot fast)
Your cruise starts at Passeig d’Agustí Font on the Lloret de Mar promenade, near the town hall. It’s an easy meeting point once you’re on the waterfront, and most of the stress is just getting oriented before boarding.
Bring the basics that actually matter on the boat: sunglasses, sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel (towel isn’t included). Also, have cash available because the snorkel masks (if you want them) require a 10€ refundable cash deposit.
One practical tip: boarding can feel chaotic when everyone lines up at once. I’d still take a breath—once you’re on board, the catamaran design leaves room to settle without needing to sprint for the best spot.
The Costa Brava sailing leg: scenic cruising with real downtime built in
After boarding, you start sailing along the Costa Brava coastline with music onboard. You’ll pass along the kind of shoreline that’s famous here—cliffs, caves, secluded beaches, and fishing villages—the views are the point during this first section.
Expect about one hour of sailing before the boat anchors for the big swim stretch. This pacing is a big part of the value: you don’t just sit still. You get motion, then you get a proper break where swimming and chilling take over.
If you’re the type who gets bored on boats, this itinerary helps. The “sail part” is short enough to keep it interesting, and then you get the sea-time that most people actually paid for.
The anchored swim stop: how to use the two hours well
This is where the cruise turns into a beach-without-sand day. Once anchored (around two hours), you’re free to swim from the boat and play around in a calmer inlet.
Here’s what you can do with what’s included:
- Use the trampoline to get into the water
- Relax on the floating mattress
- Swim and explore in the anchored area
- Choose snorkeling if you’ve got masks (available with that refundable deposit)
Timing helps your enjoyment. The food isn’t ready right away; it’s prepared later, about 1.5 hours after departure, once the boat has anchored. That means you can swap between swimming and getting hungry at a natural pace instead of feeling rushed.
One more thing: the trip notes say jumping isn’t allowed. That’s likely about safe movement near the boat and around other passengers. You can still get in and out easily—just follow crew guidance so you don’t lose your spot to rules.
Snorkeling and that “off the boat” sea experience
The water is the star here, and the boat setup makes it easy to enjoy without needing to haul gear. If you want to snorkel, you can use the offered masks, but plan around the 10€ refundable cash deposit.
Even if you don’t snorkel, you’ll still get that best-of-both-worlds feeling: you’re far enough off the shore to enjoy clear water, but close enough that you’re not fighting open-water conditions.
If you’re sensitive to sun, stay smart. The cruise is built for lounging (solarium areas and a covered zone are onboard), but you’ll still want sunscreen and a hat. On the sea, sun burns can sneak up fast.
BBQ onboard: the fixed menu that keeps things smooth
The BBQ is served once you’re anchored, and it’s set up for quick, low-stress self-service. You’ll find beef hamburgers, marinated chicken pieces, plus pasta, salad, and a sweet fruit cocktail.
I like this style when I’m on a boat. A fixed menu means fewer delays and fewer long lines, and most people get fed at a predictable time while the swim window keeps moving.
A heads-up for dietary needs: it’s noted that there is no gluten. Also, it’s self-service with no optional menu, so you won’t get substitutions beyond what’s offered on board.
If you’re expecting gourmet fine dining, set your expectations lower. This is a sea-day meal designed to be filling, simple, and timed to match the swim schedule.
Included drinks: what you get, what you might wish was different
Drinks are part of why the cruise feels like a deal. The included options are beer, sangria, soda, and water.
For many people, that hits the mark. In fact, lots of the best feedback is about how easy it is to keep the mood going without extra purchase decisions.
Still, it’s not a full drinks menu. If you’re hoping for wine or lots of spirit options, you may feel limited. One traveler-style preference I’d echo: if your ideal drink isn’t beer or sangria, you might want to mentally plan for that before you go.
Also, alcohol rules are strict: you can’t bring alcoholic drinks, and you’re not allowed to arrive intoxicated. It’s in the rules for a reason—crew safety checks are real.
Music and the party levels: family morning vs adult afternoon vs Saturday DJ cruise
This cruise runs in different “modes,” and that matters more than you’d think.
- Morning cruise with BBQ and drinks: aimed at families with children under 18. Bachelor groups are forbidden.
- Afternoon cruise with BBQ and drinks: aimed at over 18, which typically means a livelier vibe.
- Saturday celebration cruise: includes a DJ, plus BBQ and 5 drinks, and it’s explicitly geared toward adults and celebrations.
On the return to Lloret, you’ll also feel that music turn up. Some cruises include a DJ-led atmosphere, and the vibe is meant for photos, dancing, and general good energy rather than quiet sightseeing.
If you’re traveling with kids, the morning option is the safer bet. If you’re going as a couple or a friend group that wants fun and music, the adult departures make more sense.
What’s included on the boat (and what you’ll need to bring)
Here’s the useful onboard list:
- Roundtrip catamaran cruise with captain and crew
- Food and drinks (BBQ + included drink choices)
- Solarium area plus a covered area
- Trampoline and floating mattress
- Toilets
- Safety vests
- Music
- Masks to dive with a refundable cash deposit
What’s not included:
- Towel
- Transfer to/from the meeting point
What to bring:
- Swimwear
- Flip-flops / sandals
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Cash (for the mask deposit)
This is one of those trips where packing light still wins—but don’t forget what makes the day comfortable. A small towel and sunscreen can be the difference between enjoying the swim and spending the day squinting in discomfort.
Cost and value: is $59 worth it in real terms?
At $59 per person, the value depends on what you want most: a few hours on a boat, or a proper sea-and-sun experience.
This feels like good value because you’re buying multiple things together:
- a sailing outing along famous coastline
- time in the water from the boat with equipment included
- a BBQ meal
- drinks (not just water, and not just one token drink)
In other words, it’s not just transportation. It’s a packaged “do stuff” day. The biggest cost-control factor is that the meal is fixed and the drinks menu is limited to what’s included—so the company can keep it affordable while still giving you a full experience.
If you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys swimming, sunbathing, and hanging out with music onboard, $59 lands as a fair price. If you hate crowds or don’t want a party-style music atmosphere, you may feel the ship vibe is more than you need.
Group fit: who will love this and who should pass
This cruise fits best if you want a fun, social sea day in a short time window. The vibe is also built around getting everyone involved—music, movement, and a safe swim setup.
It also tends to work for:
- couples who want a memorable coastal afternoon
- groups who want shared fun without complicated planning
- families, especially on the morning departure designed for kids under 18
It’s not a fit if:
- you need wheelchair access (not suitable for wheelchair users)
- you want quiet, unstructured exploration without onboard music
- you plan to bring your own food and drinks (not allowed)
Should you book this Lloret de Mar catamaran cruise?
I think you should book if you want a simple way to enjoy the Costa Brava with real water time, plus BBQ and drinks already handled. The cruise is structured so you’re not stuck waiting around—sailing first, then a proper swim window, then food, then music on the way back.
I’d think twice if your ideal day is a calm, low-energy sightseeing cruise or if you’re very picky about food/drinks. The menu is fixed, and the drinks focus on beer and sangria.
If you’re choosing between departures, use the “fit” rule:
- families with kids → morning
- adults seeking energy → afternoon
- a celebration with DJ energy → Saturday
If that matches your style, this is an easy yes.
FAQ
What food is included on the catamaran?
You’ll have an onboard BBQ with beef hamburgers, marinated chicken pieces, pasta, salad, and a sweet fruit cocktail.
What drinks are included with the cruise?
Included drinks are beer, sangria, soda, and water.
How much time do you spend swimming?
After about an hour of sailing, the boat anchors for around two hours, which is when you swim from the boat and use the included water setup.
Where do I meet in Lloret de Mar?
The meeting point is Passeig Agustí Font, 2, on the promenade, near the town hall.
Do I need to bring a towel?
Yes. A towel is not included, so bring your own.
Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?
No. The tour is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users.
If you want, tell me your travel month and whether you’re booking morning, afternoon, or Saturday—I can help you pick the best option for your group vibe and sun timing.
