Valencia: Catamaran Cruise, Paella Lunch and Swim Stop

REVIEW · VALENCIA

Valencia: Catamaran Cruise, Paella Lunch and Swim Stop

  • 4.0445 reviews
  • 2.5 hours
  • From $41
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Operated by Boramar catamaranes · Bookable on GetYourGuide

Sea breezes beat the city heat. I love the Valencian paella lunch served onboard and the chance to swim off the boat at Port Saplaya, with real Mediterranean views from the deck. One trade-off to consider: the water time can feel a bit short or timed tightly after you eat, so build your expectations around that.

This is a straightforward, good-value outing from Boramar catamaranes: a modern catamaran, a casual vibe, and a crew that tends to keep things moving without getting stiff. You’ll also want to plan for the fact that there’s no hotel pickup, the tour is weather-dependent, and it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Key highlights worth your time

Valencia: Catamaran Cruise, Paella Lunch and Swim Stop - Key highlights worth your time

  • Valencian paella onboard paired with a simple salad starter and fresh fruit finish
  • Swim stop at Port Saplaya with a chance to jump off the catamaran in open water
  • Modern catamaran comfort with enough space for a group (often around 30 people)
  • Coastline views from the deck while you sail out across clear water
  • Crew energy and music that’s generally at a comfortable volume
  • One included drink plus the option to buy more on board

Valencia from the water: why this catamaran feels different

Valencia: Catamaran Cruise, Paella Lunch and Swim Stop - Valencia from the water: why this catamaran feels different
If you want Valencia without rushing between sights, this cruise gives you a reset. In about 2.5 hours, you trade sidewalks for open sea, salt air, and wide views of the coast. The water is the point here, and the deck time makes it easy to actually look around.

The tour is set up like a laid-back half-day plan: you get fed onboard, you sail, and you get a practical swim stop instead of a long, complicated day. That makes it a nice match if you’re already sightseeing on land and you just want one “easy yes” activity.

You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Valencia

The lunch setup: salad, chicken paella, fruit, and your 1 drink

Valencia: Catamaran Cruise, Paella Lunch and Swim Stop - The lunch setup: salad, chicken paella, fruit, and your 1 drink
This isn’t a snack-and-sail situation. The meal is built into the cruise: salad first, then chicken paella served with tender rice and spices chosen for a classic Valencian-style profile, then a fresh fruit dessert.

You also get 1 drink included. Depending on what you pick, it might include popular options like sangria, beer, or soda. On top of that, there’s a drinks service onboard, so if you end up wanting another round, you’re not stuck.

One detail that matters for comfort: the pacing tends to be meal-then-swim. That’s great when you want to cool off quickly, but it can also mean you don’t have as much time to play in the water before lunch. If you’re the type who wants to snorkel, float, and linger, plan your expectations around a more “jump in and enjoy” style swim.

The swim stop at Port Saplaya: fun factor and the timing catch

Valencia: Catamaran Cruise, Paella Lunch and Swim Stop - The swim stop at Port Saplaya: fun factor and the timing catch
The standout moment for most people is the swim stop off the coast at Port Saplaya. You get the open-water feeling of being out in the Mediterranean, with a chance to jump off the boat and get real time in the water.

In practice, swim time is the part that can feel either perfect or too brief, depending on your timing and how you like to do water activities. Some people love the excitement of jumping right from the catamaran and being active right away. Others wish they had more time in the sea or wanted the swim to come a bit earlier.

How I’d think about it if you’re deciding: this is not a full-on water excursion built around long swimming sessions. It’s a cruise with a swim break. So if your #1 priority is time in the water, you may still have fun, but you should be okay with it being more of a highlight than a long dedicated swim block.

Sailing and deck views: what you’re really paying for

Valencia: Catamaran Cruise, Paella Lunch and Swim Stop - Sailing and deck views: what you’re really paying for
Part of the value here is simple: you’re getting sea time with minimal effort. You’ll enjoy panoramic coastal views from the deck while the catamaran moves through clear water. There’s something calming about watching the shoreline slide by without having to drive, park, or pick a new stop every hour.

The catamaran also matters. It’s described as modern and big enough for a group (often around 30 people). That combination tends to keep the mood relaxed: you can find a spot, look out over the water, and enjoy the ride without feeling squeezed.

If you like taking photos, the deck views are where you’ll want to spend most of your time. Try to time it for when you’re not busy eating or standing in line for the swim moment.

The crew vibe: when hosting makes the trip feel easy

Valencia: Catamaran Cruise, Paella Lunch and Swim Stop - The crew vibe: when hosting makes the trip feel easy
The crew can make a big difference on short tours, and this one seems to deliver. Names you may hear include Ulysses, Javi, Álvaro, Marco, and Pepe, with people praising their friendly hosting and the smooth way the day runs.

You’ll likely notice how they keep the atmosphere comfortable: music is played, but it’s often described as not too loud. That matters more than you’d think. On a boat, sound can get annoying fast, and on this cruise the goal seems to be fun without shouting.

The service style also tends to be casual. That works well for a 2.5-hour experience because you don’t spend your day feeling like you’re waiting around. You’re either eating, sailing, or heading toward the swim stop.

The boat experience: comfort, group size, and how it feels onboard

Valencia: Catamaran Cruise, Paella Lunch and Swim Stop - The boat experience: comfort, group size, and how it feels onboard
This is a group outing, and you should expect a social vibe. The tour is carried out with a minimum of 15 people, and from recent experiences the group size often lands around 30. That usually feels like a sweet spot: enough people to keep energy up, not so many that the boat turns chaotic.

You’ll also be dealing with the basic reality of being on the water: some movement, salty air, and the wind-chill effect when you’re out in open sea. If you get cold easily, a light layer is a smart move, even in warm weather.

One more thing: you’re not allowed to wear costumes. If you’re thinking of a theme outfit, keep it normal. This isn’t a costume party at sea.

Price and value: why $41 can make sense here

Valencia: Catamaran Cruise, Paella Lunch and Swim Stop - Price and value: why $41 can make sense here
At $41 per person for about 2.5 hours, the value comes from the bundle. You’re not just paying for the boat ride. You’re also getting lunch onboard (salad, chicken paella, fresh fruit), an included drink, and the fuel plus crew coverage.

That’s why it can feel like a good deal versus cobbling together separate pieces:

  • a meal that includes paella rather than a light bite
  • boat time with a structured swim stop
  • a day that doesn’t require extra transit planning

The trade-off is that you’re paying for convenience and a set schedule, not maximum free-floating time. The swim moment is the clearest example: some people want more water time, and the schedule is designed around the meal and cruise flow.

If you like organized-but-relaxed experiences, this price will likely feel fair.

Getting there: meeting point and no hotel pickup

Valencia: Catamaran Cruise, Paella Lunch and Swim Stop - Getting there: meeting point and no hotel pickup
There’s no hotel pickup, so plan to get to the meeting point yourself. You’ll need to go to the meeting point and exchange your tickets at the BORAMAR ticket booth, which is located at the same meeting point.

This matters because it keeps the tour simple, but you need to arrive on time. I suggest building in a little buffer so you can find the booth without stress and settle in before boarding.

Also, the tour is offered in Spanish and English, so you should be able to follow what’s happening without needing special language skills.

Timing, weather, and what you should bring

All excursions are subject to weather conditions. That’s normal for sea days, and it’s why flexible plans can help. The cruise duration is about 2.5 hours (often including the lunch flow and the swim stop), so you’re not looking at a full day that can drag if conditions change.

What to bring is mostly common sense:

  • swimwear ready for the swim stop
  • sunscreen and sunglasses for deck time
  • something light for wind on the water
  • comfortable shoes for walking around the meeting area

One practical tip based on the way the day runs: if you don’t want to feel awkward stepping into water right after eating, plan your swim timing in your head and keep your focus on cooling off and having fun, not turning it into a long swim workout.

Who this tour suits best

This is a strong fit if you:

  • want Valencia paella without hunting down a restaurant after a busy day
  • enjoy sea views and want a low-effort activity
  • like short, social group experiences with a crew that keeps the mood light
  • want a swim break that feels exciting and easy, not complicated

It may be a weaker fit if:

  • your top priority is extended time in the water before lunch
  • you have mobility concerns, since it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments

Should you book this Valencia catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a balanced package: paella lunch + Mediterranean sailing + a swim moment, all in one smooth 2.5-hour block. The crew names (Ulysses, Javi, Álvaro, Marco, Pepe) and the consistent praise for the paella and service are good signals that the experience is run with care.

Skip or rethink it if you’re the type who measures success by long swimming time or you hate meal-to-water timing. For you, the schedule could feel tight.

If you like organized fun with real sea views and a satisfying onboard meal, this one is an easy yes in Valencia.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The tour lasts about 2.5 hours.

What food is included in the lunch?

Lunch includes salad, Valencian paella with chicken, and fresh fruit for dessert.

Is a drink included with the tour?

Yes. 1 drink is included, and there is also a drinks service on board.

Where do we swim during the cruise?

The tour includes a swim stop in the Mediterranean Sea at Port Saplaya, where you can jump off the boat.

What’s the meeting point procedure?

You must go to the meeting point and exchange your tickets at the BORAMAR ticket booth at the same location. There is no hotel pickup.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility impairments?

No. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

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