A catamaran stop in nature. I like the included BBQ buffet plus drinks, and the fun onboard atmosphere with music that turns the return sail into a mini party, hosted by people like Greg. The one real caution is that the first part can feel rough in wind and rain, and seasickness can hit.

This is a straightforward half-day outing from Lloret de Mar that trades busy beaches for a swim-and-barbecue cove. You’ll cruise along famous Costa Brava viewpoints, then anchor near rocks for a proper swim, with drinks included at no extra charge. Just plan your packing for sun and salt, and consider a backup plan if weather swings the ride from chill to bumpy.

Key things I’d plan around

• You get a full swim stop: the boat anchors in a sheltered cove for bathing near the rocks.
• All-inclusive meal and drinks: BBQ-style buffet food plus beer, sangria, and soft drinks.
• Onboard energy matters: music is part of the experience, with dancing and singing mentioned in multiple reviews.
• Motion sickness is a real variable: rough, rainy conditions can cause queasiness for some people.
• Water can feel cold: some reviews suggest bringing or considering a wetsuit, especially outside peak season.
• Snorkeling gear is available: masks are offered with a returnable €10 cash deposit.

Where this catamaran fits on your Costa Brava day

I like tours that do two jobs at once: they transport you somewhere you would not easily reach on foot, and they give you a real break once you’re there. This Costa Brava catamaran ride does exactly that. You start from the shore at Lloret de Mar, sail along the coast toward Tossa, then you park the boat in a cove where swimming is the main event.

For me, the biggest value is not the sailing itself. It is what comes after, the anchored swim break in a place that feels “middle of nowhere,” sheltered from wind. You get to cool off, then eat lunch on board with drinks. It is the kind of day that works for couples, groups of friends, and families, as long as everyone is okay with a boat day.

At $60.34 per person and about four hours, it is priced like a typical excursion, but it leans toward “all-inclusive fun” rather than “pay for everything separately.” Between the BBQ buffet, beer and sangria, and the swim stop, the cost starts to make sense fast.

Boarding in Lloret de Mar: what to bring and what to expect

Your meeting point is Passeig d’Agustí Font, 5, 17310 Lloret de Mar, Girona, Spain, and the ride starts at 11:00 am. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

They board right from the same shore of beach, so I recommend comfortable shoes. Not fancy. Something you can stand in briefly and that won’t make you panic while you step aboard.

Pack like you’re going to the sea, because you are:

• Swimsuit, towel, sun cream, hat, sunglasses
• Warm clothes for off-season days
• If you’re snorkeling, bring a basic plan for cold water if you’re not used to it

One timing note from real experience: a review said the departure felt later than advertised, starting closer to noon that day. Build a little flexibility into your morning if you’re trying to connect it with another plan.

The cruise along the Costa Brava: coastline views with a simple flow

After you leave Lloret de Mar, you sail north along the Costa Brava coastline. The route is part of the appeal because you pass multiple named coastal spots, including Sa Caleta inlet and the Castle, Cala Trons, Cala Gran, Sa Goita, Canyelles, Rajols, Morisca, LLorell, and Llevadó, with the general direction toward Tossa.

What makes this worth it is the way the boat perspective changes the coastline. From the water, coves look more dramatic and the rocks and inlets make more sense than they do from a road viewpoint. It is also a low-effort way to see a chunk of the coast without moving your car again and again.

The ride length is about four hours total, and roughly one hour of navigation is mentioned before you anchor. That first sailing hour is when weather can matter a lot. One review described the first half as rainy and windy, with some people getting seasick. In other words, the cruise can start as a bumpy reality check, then turn into smooth sun time once conditions improve.

If you’re prone to seasickness

I’m not going to pretend this is a guaranteed smooth ride. If you know you react to boats, bring your own motion-sickness medicine and take it before you feel awful. That practical step showed up in multiple reviews as the difference between enjoying the day and suffering through it.

The cove swim and BBQ lunch: the main reason to book

After about an hour, the boat anchors in a cove near the rocks, with shelter from the wind. This is the heart of the tour: you get time for a bath in a more protected spot, then you eat lunch on board.

This is also where I’d focus your expectations. You’re not sightseeing for hours on end. You’re there to swim. Reviews call out clear water, jumping off the catamaran, and even exploring nearby caves during the stop. Another review mentioned sun net and waterbeds, so there’s usually a comfortable way to relax between swims if you do not want to be in the water nonstop.

The BBQ buffet on board

Lunch is served as a buffet-barbecue on board. The menu you’ll see described includes:

• Pasta and salad
• BBQ items such as beef burgers
• Marinated gluten-free chicken cubes
• Fruit salad

And the drinks included with lunch are:

• Beer
• Sangria
• Soft drinks

Here’s the balanced part. Some reviews say the food was lovely and tasty, while others were less impressed, saying the food quality needed improvement or that the pasta sauce tasted bland. I’d treat this like a fun meal that fits the sea-day setting, not like a top restaurant lunch.

If you’re picky or you want a backup, bring a small snack. A couple of comments suggested taking your own snacks, especially because the buffet can be hit-or-miss depending on what day and how you personally like the flavors.

Water temperature reality check

One review specifically suggested wetsuits because the water was very cold. Even if you do not own one, at least be mentally ready for a chill. If you’re coming in off-season, cold water plus a windy start can make you wish you’d packed warmer gear.

The onboard vibe: music, dancing, and an organized crew

This is not a silent, scenic-sail-only tour. It’s a party-leaning boat day, with music and dancing mentioned again and again. Several reviews point to the host or announcer energy and call out Greg by name as a key part of the fun, with dancing encouraged during the return.

You’ll also hear about onboard multilingual hosting, with English, French, and Spanish mentioned. That matters because it keeps the experience from feeling like you’re lost while others understand what’s going on.

How the group size plays out

The maximum size is 95 travelers. That’s big enough to create a lively atmosphere, but small enough that you’re not stuck waiting in endless lines. Reviews also mention the catamaran can feel roomy because of the shape and layout, even with a full crowd.

Practical tips to make this day better

Here are the small choices that tend to make or break the experience on a boat like this.

Plan for motion, especially early. If the first half is windy or rainy, seasickness can spoil the day quickly. I’d rather take medicine early than wait and regret it.

Treat the water stop as your activity. When you’re anchoring in a cove, you’ll want your time in and out of the sea to feel easy. Don’t schedule a tight plan immediately before boarding.

Bring sun protection and something warm. Even if you start out hot on land, wind on the water changes how you feel fast.

Consider a wetsuit or at least warmer swim gear. If you’re sensitive to cold water, do not assume it will feel like a summer pool.

Snorkeling masks are available. They’re offered with a returnable €10 cash deposit. If you have your own mask and prefer it, bring it. If not, at least know you can borrow one without scrambling.

Value for your money: is $60.34 a smart deal?

For this price, you are paying for four things:

1. Boat transport along the coast to multiple coastal viewpoints
2. A protected cove swim stop
3. A BBQ-style lunch buffet on board
4. Drinks included, including beer and sangria

If you compare that to buying food and drinks separately, the math starts to work in your favor. Most of the “value” comes from not having to decide what to purchase once you’re on the water. You eat, you drink, you swim, you relax, and you go back.

Where the value can wobble is food taste. Some people rate the meal as decent to good. Others want better quality. Still, you’re not paying separately for lunch here, so it’s usually worth going in with the right expectations: this is a vacation meal designed for a short sea-day, not a gourmet dining experience.

Who this catamaran tour suits best

This one fits best if you want:

• A fun, social boat day with music and dancing
• A swimming-focused stop in a sheltered cove
• A simple outing from Lloret de Mar that includes lunch and drinks

It also works well for families on the morning trip, since one highlight specifically notes that families with children are welcome on the morning route. If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll likely appreciate that the day is time-limited, structured, and centered on a single activity, swim time.

If you hate boats, or if you can’t handle wind and choppy water, you might find the ride stressful on rough days. In that case, your enjoyment will depend heavily on the weather and how your body handles waves.

Should you book this Costa Brava catamaran with BBQ?

I’d book it if you want a low-effort way to see coastal scenery, then spend most of your time swimming in clear water, with lunch and drinks covered. The included BBQ buffet, beer and sangria, and the sheltered swim cove are the big wins, and the onboard energy is real.

I would think twice if you:

• are very prone to motion sickness and can’t take precautions
• are sensitive to cold water and don’t have swim gear for it
• expect a consistently high-end meal

If you match the style of trip, it is good value and easy fun. And when the weather cooperates, the day feels like exactly what a Costa Brava vacation should be, sun, sea, and a cove break that is more enjoyable than another hour in a crowded shoreline line.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran ride?

It runs about 4 hours and returns back to the meeting point.

Where does the tour start and end?

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

What time does it depart?

The start time listed is 11:00 am.

Is lunch and drinks included?

Yes. You’ll have a buffet-barbecue lunch and drinks are included, including beer, sangria, and soft drinks.

Is there a gluten-free option?

The menu includes marinated gluten-free chicken cubes, so there is a gluten-free option mentioned.

Are snorkeling masks available?

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

Do I need good weather for this trip?

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