This cruise is all about easy sun time. You sail out of Cambrils for a relaxed run along the Catalonia coastline, with a private Balinese bed waiting for you on board.

I love that the trip is built around real inclusions, not just the basics. Drinks include Cava, soft drinks, beer, vermouth, wine, and Aperol, plus snacks during the sail. I also like the pacing, because you get a proper chance to swim and snorkel, with stops timed for calmer, clearer water.

One thing to think about is that swimming depends on conditions. If wind or current is strong, the crew may limit water time for safety, and you will still be spending the trip on board in that case.

Key things I’d plan around

• Private Balinese bed assigned in advance so you can settle without hunting
• Lots of drink choices beyond the usual beer and cava
• Anchor stops for swimming and snorkeling between Cap Salou and La Pineda
• BBQ lunch option available during the cruise
• Route can shift with the wind, including time toward Montroig waters

Why this Cambrils catamaran cruise feels like a day off

Cambrils is a practical base for exploring Costa Dorada, and this catamaran turns that into a smooth half-to-short afternoon. You are not doing transfers all day or chasing a schedule that changes every ten minutes. You get on, get fed, and get water time, with the coast doing the sightseeing for you.

The “luxury” part here is not about fancy rules or formal dress. It is about comfort, like your own Balinese bed, and about simple fun, like jumping in and relaxing without thinking too hard. At $35 per person, it can be a strong value if you would otherwise spend money on drinks and a separate boat trip.

Balinese bed setup, comfort, and how to get the best spot

The big comfort win is that you receive a Balinese bed as part of your booking. Before boarding, you go to the point of sale in front of the catamaran and pick up the number for your assigned bed. That small step matters because it helps the whole process move fast and keeps the boat from turning into a seating free-for-all.

Beds can be in different sun and shade positions depending on where your number lands. On some sailings, people have had beds that were partly in sun and partly shaded, and there is also space near the front where you can lounge on the beanbags. The takeaway for you is simple: if you care about sun versus shade, decide early and then move your comfort zone once the boat is anchored.

This is also the kind of cruise where the “small group” note matters. Fewer people usually means less crowding around the deck when you want to watch the coastline or grab your towel and head to the water.

Drinks and snacks: the part that makes the price feel fair

If you like your drinks included, this is where the cruise earns its keep. You are not limited to one or two choices, because the selection includes Cava, soft drinks, beer, vermouth, wine, and Aperol. There are also snacks on board during the sail.

One practical thing: this is an alcohol menu that goes beyond the basic pour. That sounds obvious on paper, but it changes the feel. You can treat the cruise like an open, relaxed afternoon instead of counting drinks.

Food is handled as snacks plus an onboard BBQ lunch option. If you choose the BBQ, the lunch has been served with items like halal sausages and chicken kebabs on at least some departures, so it can be a good match for groups with different needs.

The sailing plan: from Cambrils toward Cap Salou and La Pineda

Here is how the day usually unfolds. You sail for about 1 hour, then the catamaran anchors between Cap Salou and La Pineda. That stop is the key moment for water time, because you get a chance to swim and snorkel while the boat is stable.

After that, the route can change depending on wind direction. The cruise can head south toward the Montroig area, where the water can turn an especially intense blue at times. That shift is a big deal for your photos and your mood, because the coastline starts to look more dramatic once you are moving away from the closest built-up stretches.

You are not stuck on the boat the whole time either. Between sailing and the anchoring stops, you get a rhythm: cruise, water, eat, and relax, rather than one long stretch with nothing happening.

Swim and snorkel time in turquoise water

This is a swimming-forward cruise. When the boat anchors, the crew sets up for people to get in and out easily, with steps lowered and life jackets available if you want extra reassurance. If you are nervous about the first jump, this kind of setup helps you ease in without having to commit to a giant leap.

The cruise also mentions snorkeling gear use, and the water clarity in this part of Costa Dorada is often good. You can bring your own snorkeling gear (the activity specifically calls out using your snorkeling gear) and then look for colorful marine life while you swim. Even if you do not snorkel for long, the simple act of floating and watching the seabed off Cap Salou can be a highlight.

Time in the water is not just about fun. It is also how you get real contrast to land-based Costa Dorada, where the beaches can get busy. On a boat stop, you tend to feel like you have a small slice of sea to yourself.

BBQ lunch on board: what it adds to the day

The BBQ lunch option is what turns this from a “boat with drinks” into a more complete meal experience. It runs during the tour, which means you avoid the awkward timing of trying to eat before boarding or after returning to town.

You should treat the BBQ as part of the relaxed package, not a serious foodie mission. Still, the lunch has gotten positive notes, including the type of grilled items served on at least some days. If you are traveling with people who want to eat something more than snacks, the BBQ option is likely worth considering.

What weather can change, and how to handle it

Weather matters here because swimming is the main activity beyond lounging. On at least one sailing, when there was a local storm and strong current, the crew agreed not to go swimming for safety, while the trip still continued. That is a useful pattern for you to know.

So if you go on a windy or mixed-weather day, think of it as a “sun and sea” cruise first, and swimming time second. Bring a towel, and be flexible about what the crew can safely offer once you are out there.

Getting to the dock on time from Salou or Cambrils

Logistics can make or break a short cruise. During July and August, it can be difficult to find a taxi in Salou, so you are wise to hire in advance, around two hours before departure. If you are staying in Salou and want an easier plan, public transport is recommended, with buses running about every 20 minutes and dropping you in Cambrils around 300 meters from the boarding place.

Meeting points vary depending on the option booked, with multiple starting locations listed on the promenade side. The practical advice: choose your start option carefully, then give yourself extra buffer time. A 2 to 3 hour cruise moves fast once it gets going.

Where exactly to meet and how bed assignment works

Your meeting point may change based on the starting option you pick, so confirm the exact location tied to your booking. What does not change is the onboard bed workflow. You head to the point of sale in front of the catamaran to collect the number of your assigned Balinese bed before boarding.

That system is simple, but it prevents confusion right when the boat is ready. If you arrive late and try to sort it out at the dock, you will likely feel rushed. Plan to be early enough to handle the bed number and find your spot without stress.

Who this cruise fits best (and who should skip it)

This is a strong fit for couples, friends, and families who want a relaxing water day without planning a full day. It works especially well if your group wants included drinks and you would rather spend your time swimming than researching beaches.

It is also a good option if you like the idea of a guaranteed comfortable seating setup. The assigned beds are a real advantage compared with day trips where everyone grabs the best corner after you arrive.

Skip it if you need wheelchair accessibility, because it is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users. It is also not suitable for people with a cold, so if anyone in your group is feeling under the weather, this might be the wrong day for time on open water.

Small group vibe and onboard atmosphere

The mood tends toward chilled. Music has been part of the experience on board, with a relaxed vibe that keeps the deck feeling fun without turning into a full-on party boat.

One more detail worth knowing is that the boat can include a mix of sun and shaded lounging areas. If your group splits into sun-lovers and shade-lovers, you can usually find a corner that matches everyone’s preferences once you get out on deck.

The value math: is $35 really cheap enough?

$35 for a 2 to 3 hour catamaran cruise in a popular coastal area can feel like a bargain when you compare what is included. You are getting the catamaran cruise, a Balinese bed, snacks, and a fairly wide drink list that includes Cava, beer, wine, vermouth, and Aperol. Add the BBQ lunch option and it becomes more like a meal plus activities day than just a short sightseeing ride.

The only caveat is that the day is still outdoors. If you go on a day when conditions limit swimming, you should see it as a comfortable onboard break with coastal views, rather than expecting a guaranteed long swim session. Most people still come away feeling it was worth it, especially if they value convenience and included refreshments.

Should you book Cat Aventure’s Cambrils catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want an easy, sun-focused afternoon with included drinks, assigned comfort on board, and real water time. It is a smart choice for a first trip to this stretch of the coast because the cruise covers the coastline for you and then gives you an anchoring swim stop.

Consider skipping or switching plans if you know you need full wheelchair access, you are traveling with someone who has a cold, or your group would feel disappointed by the possibility of reduced swimming on rougher days. If that is you, you can still enjoy the ride, but you should set expectations for what the sea allows.

If your goal is simple: coast views, snacks and drinks, and a relaxed swim stop with minimal planning, this Cambrils catamaran checks a lot of boxes.

FAQ

How long is the Cambrils catamaran cruise?

The experience runs for about 2 to 3 hours, depending on the available starting times and how the trip proceeds.

What is included in the price?

You get the catamaran cruise, food and drinks, and the Balinese bed as part of the experience.

Do I get a Balinese bed assigned to me?

Yes. Before boarding, you collect the number of your assigned Balinese bed at the point of sale in front of the catamaran.

Where do I meet for the tour?

The meeting point may vary depending on the option you book, with several promenade-side starting locations listed.

Is swimming and snorkeling included?

The tour includes time to swim in the anchored turquoise waters, and you can also use your snorkeling gear during the stops.

What drinks are served on board?

The drink selection includes Cava, soft drinks, beer, vermouth, wine, and Aperol.

What should I bring?

You should bring a towel.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No. The activity is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users.