Catamaran ride -Costa Brava with barbecue and drinks. Familiar.

If you want an easy, good-times way to see the Costa Brava, this catamaran ride with BBQ and drinks hits the sweet spot. You cruise north from Lloret de Mar, then you get anchored in a wind-sheltered cove so you can swim without feeling like you are just sitting on a boat.

I especially like the simple value: BBQ lunch plus beer, sangria, and soft drinks are built into the ride. I also like the onboard energy, with music that keeps things light and social, and a crew host who gets people moving, including a named host, Greg.

One thing to consider: if you are sensitive to motion, the trip can start windy and rough. That first stretch is where seasickness can happen, even though the crew is doing its job and it is not their fault.

Key highlights at a glance

• BBQ lunch at sea with burgers, pasta and salad, fruit salad, and gluten-free chicken cubes
• Drinks included: beer, sangria, and soft drinks
• A sheltered cove stop near the rocks, made for swimming time and ocean views
• Snorkeling mask option with a returnable €10 deposit
• Crew-led fun with music, dancing, and a party mood that still works for families
• Limited group size with a maximum of 95 travelers aboard

A 4-Hour Catamaran Break From Lloret de Mar

This is the kind of half-day outing that works when you want a change of pace fast. Instead of another walking loop, you get a boat ride that takes you along the coast in a direct, scenic way, then hands you actual water time.

You start at Passeig d’Agustí Font, 5, in Lloret de Mar, and the experience is about 4 hours back at the same meeting point. The start time is listed as 11:00 am, but one common real-world wrinkle is that departure can run closer to noon, so I suggest arriving a bit early, not just on the minute.

The boat is a catamaran, and that matters. Even with a full load, it tends to feel roomy underfoot. You have places to sit, plus open areas where people line up for photos, sun time, and the classic grab-your-belongings jump-off moments.

What You Actually Get for Around $60: BBQ, Sangria, and Real Time on Water

The headline value is the lunch and drinks. For $60.34 per person, you are not just buying transportation and views. You are also getting a buffet-style BBQ meal served onboard: pasta and salad, BBQ with beef burgers, marinated gluten-free chicken cubes, plus fruit salad.

On the drink side, you get beer, sangria, and soft drinks included. In practice, this makes the trip feel like a mini day party, especially when the music is up and the crew is guiding the vibe.

Now, the honest part. Food quality is good for a boat lunch, but it is still “at sea” food, not a white-tablecloth meal. Some people felt the meal was only okay. My advice is to treat it as satisfying fuel, not culinary perfection, and you will likely be happy.

Also, plan for water temperature. Several comments point to the sea being cold, and there is no mention of wetsuits being provided. If you get cold easily, you will enjoy the swim more if you prepare for it.

Getting Oriented on Board: Shoes Off, Swim Kit On

This experience starts right on the shore. You embark from the beach area, and you will want comfortable shoes that you can take off to get onboard. That detail matters more than it sounds. If your shoes are hard to remove, or you packed wrong, you will feel it during boarding.

Before you go, pack your basic swim day kit:

• swimsuit
• towel
• sun cream
• hat and sunglasses
• warm clothes for off-season days

If your day starts cooler or rainy, the “warm clothes” part stops being optional. Even if you are focused on sun, you can get chilled on the initial sailing portion and while you are waiting at the cove.

Snorkeling gets easier if you bring a small towel for your face and hair. Masks are available, but you pay a returnable €10 deposit, so bring cash or a card ready for that deposit process.

Sailing North Past Sa Caleta to the Tossa Direction

Once onboard, the route is part of the charm. You sail north along the Costa Brava with a string of notable stops you pass by visually, including Sa Caleta inlet and the Castle, plus Cala Trons, Cala Gran, Sa Goita, Canyelles, Rajols, Morisca, Llorell, and Llevadó, heading in the general direction of Tossa.

You can think of this as coast-hugging travel with frequent “look here” moments. The catamaran gives you a sense of motion, but the viewing feels relaxed. It is not like being in a bus looking out a window and trying to catch glimpses between road turns.

A practical note: this is also the part of the day where weather can set the tone. On some departures, the first stretch can be rainy and windy, and that is when you should be most prepared. When conditions improve, the trip shifts quickly from “hold on” to “sit back and enjoy.”

Stop 1: The Costa Brava Cove Swim With BBQ Nearby

The main event is the anchor stop. After about one hour of navigation, the boat drops anchor in a cove near the rocks, in the middle of nature, and importantly, sheltered from the wind. That sheltered feeling is what makes this stop work for lots of different ages.

This is where the timing does something smart. You get your swim opportunity while the boat is in a calmer pocket. That reduces fatigue and makes it easier to actually enjoy the water instead of worrying about waves.

Expect a routine like:

1) anchor in the cove

2) you go for a swim, either directly from the boat or using available access points

3) BBQ and drinks happen during the stop, so you do not have to scramble to find food or go back to shore

People love this part for the ocean clarity and the chance to see fish around. The snorkeling mask option helps if you want to do quick looks underwater, not a full-on gear session.

If you hate cold water, start with shorter swims and ease in. If you love being in the sea, you will likely want more time than you get. That complaint shows up, but it also tells you the cove stop is the reason to book.

Crew Energy, Music, and the Party Without Losing the Day

This trip leans social. The music is a big theme, and the crew is not passive. If you are in the mood to be friendly and playful, you will feel it immediately.

A named host, Greg, is mentioned with enthusiasm, especially for getting the energy up. There is singing and dancing onboard, and the atmosphere can feel like a floating get-together. That is the fun side.

The balanced side is this: even with that party mood, the outing is described as welcoming for families, including families with children on the morning trip. So if you are bringing kids, you are not booking an adults-only booze cruise.

Just go in with expectations. This is not a silent nature cruise. If you want quiet, you might find the music a bit much at times. If you want sun, sea, and a moving soundtrack, you are in the right place.

Drinks, Food, and Snacking Smart Moves

The included meal is the buffet style BBQ on board, with a set menu that includes pasta and salad, burgers, and marinated gluten-free chicken cubes, plus fruit salad.

For drinks, the inclusion of beer and sangria is a big part of the value. It also shapes the mood. People tend to relax, and the trip becomes less about strict schedules and more about enjoying the moment.

Still, food gets mixed reactions. Some people loved it. Others wanted more flavor, better sauces, or felt portions were smaller than they expected. Here is how I’d handle that as a practical traveler: eat first while you are there, then if you are picky or hungry later, bring a small backup snack. A snack can save your mood if you are not impressed with the buffet that day.

Motion Sickness Reality Check for the First Sailing Stretch

This is the one “read this before you board” topic. A few experiences describe the first half of the excursion as rainy, windy, and rough enough that some people felt seasick. The crew is not at fault for the sea, but your body does not care about good intentions.

If you have even a mild history of motion sickness, take precautions before departure. The simple plan is to use your usual motion sickness medicine and avoid alcohol early in the ride if you are sensitive.

Also remember the timing: even though the overall ride is about 4 hours, the rough stretch can come early, before you settle into the calm of the cove stop.

What to Bring So You Actually Enjoy the Water Time

If you pack like it is a simple boat trip, you will have a smoother day. If you pack for a beach swim plus changing weather, you will enjoy it more.

Bring:

• swimsuit and towel
• sun cream, hat, sunglasses
• warm layer if it is off-season
• snorkeling mask deposit readiness (returnable €10) if you want one
• medication for motion sickness if you think you might need it

Comfort matters too. You will take shoes off to board, so wear something easy to remove and re-wear. Think about footwear that is not a pain when you step off and on again.

If you get cold, plan for that. The sea can feel chilly even in good weather, and there is no indication of wetsuits being provided. Quick in, quick out, then regroup can work better than trying to tough it out.

Who This Catamaran Is Best For (And Who Might Want a Different Option)

This trip is a strong fit for:

• couples who want coast views without a long day on land
• friend groups who want music, drinks, and a fun shared experience
• families with kids, especially for the sheltered cove swim
• anyone who wants a simple way to see multiple Costa Brava viewpoints from the water

It may be less ideal if:

• you need total quiet and zero music
• you hate cold water and do not want to plan for it
• you are very prone to seasickness and you do not take precautions

If you fit none of those “less ideal” points, you are likely to have a good time. The cove stop does the heavy lifting, and the included food and drinks make sure the vibe stays positive.

Getting the Most Out of Your Booking Decision

This catamaran is priced like a convenience product. You pay for the combination of cruising time, the cove swim stop, and the included lunch and drinks. For $60.34, it is the kind of outing where your day plan gets simpler, not more complicated.

If you can choose your date, pick one with better weather. The experience needs good conditions, and if the day turns rough enough, there can be adjustments or rescheduling.

Also, note the timing mismatch possibility. Even though it lists an 11:00 am start, build in buffer time so you are not stressed. Arrive a bit early at Passeig d’Agustí Font, 5, get settled, and you can enjoy a slower boarding rhythm.

Finally, if you want the party mood, show up ready to participate. If you want to be more low-key, you can still enjoy the scenery and swim, but the music and dancing may be part of the atmosphere whether you jump in or not.

Should You Book This Costa Brava BBQ Catamaran?

Yes, if your goal is a fun, scenic half-day with included BBQ plus drinks and a real swim stop in a sheltered cove. The value is strongest when you like social energy and you are okay preparing for early sailing conditions.

If you are booking mainly for swimming, plan for cold water. If you are booking mainly for calm, bring earplugs and a plan to find quieter corners. And if motion sickness is your problem, take precautions before you get on board.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran ride?

It lasts about 4 hours.

Where does the experience start and end?

It starts at Passeig d’Agustí Font, 5, 17310 Lloret de Mar, Girona, Spain and ends back at the meeting point.

What time does it depart?

The listed start time is 11:00 am, though departure can run later.

What is included in the BBQ and lunch?

The onboard BBQ buffet includes items like pasta and salad, beef burgers, marinated gluten-free chicken cubes, and fruit salad.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Beer, sangria, and soft drinks are included.

Are snorkeling masks available?

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

Is this trip family-friendly?

It is described as welcoming for families with children on the morning trip.

Is there a limit on group size?

Yes. The maximum group size is 95 travelers.

What happens if weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered another date or a full refund.