Sailing plus BBQ on the Costa Brava sounds like a win. This half-day catamaran ride gives you smooth time on the water, a sheltered cove for swimming, and included beer and sangria with a buffet BBQ lunch. One thing to keep in mind: if the sea turns rough early, motion sickness can hit, so plan for that.

You’ll also like how the route runs along the Costa Brava coast toward Tossa, with a string of pretty inlet and cove names you’ll glide past, then a wind-sheltered stop where the day actually slows down for sea time. The main drawback is that the food is simple and buffet-style, so it may not satisfy everyone, especially if you’re picky about sauce and seasoning.

Key points at a glance

• BBQ lunch at anchor with burgers, pasta and salad, fruit salad, plus beer and sangria
• A sheltered cove swim stop with chances to jump in from the boat
• Music and dancing on board, with the crew bringing the energy
• Snorkeling masks available for a returnable €10 deposit
• Small-ish group for a party boat, with a max of 95 travelers
• Weather matters, and rough water early can mean seasick moments

Why This Costa Brava Catamaran Feels Like a Little Escape

This is the kind of trip that saves you effort. You show up in Lloret de Mar, get onto a catamaran right by the beach, and spend the next few hours doing the coast the easy way.

The big appeal is that you get the best combo: sailing along the Costa Brava plus a real time to swim. And then food and drinks show up without you hunting for a lunch spot, which is exactly what you want on a vacation day.

Price matters here too. At about $60.34 per person for roughly 4 hours, you’re not just paying for a boat ticket. You’re paying for a package that includes buffet BBQ lunch and drinks, plus staff-led fun that keeps the mood light.

Getting on Board at Lloret de Mar, What to Bring

Your meeting point is Passeig d’Agustí Font, 5, in Lloret de Mar. Check in early enough to feel calm. One common complaint is that the day can start later than the posted 11:00 am time, so arriving with slack time helps you avoid stress.

The boarding is described as starting just off the same shore of the beach, so you’ll be stepping around before you’re settled. I suggest you wear comfortable shoes for that first stretch. Once you’re on board, you’ll want to switch to a swim-ready mindset.

Bring:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sun cream, hat, sunglasses
• Warm clothes for off-season or breezy days
• Sun protection plus something for the ride back, since you can still feel cool wind on the water

For snorkeling, there are snorkeling masks available, but not free in the usual sense. They’re offered with a returnable cash deposit of €10. If you already have your own mask, you can skip the deposit hassle, but the on-board option is there if you travel light.

The Sail North Toward Tossa, With Real-Time Views to Match the Route

The trip follows the Costa Brava coastline north with sights that make the region feel built for water travel. You sail past named stretches and inlets such as Sa Caleta and the Castle area, Cala Trons, Cala Gran, Sa Goita, Canyelles, Rajols, Morisca, Llorell, and Llevadó, then head in the direction of Tossa.

What’s useful for you is how the sailing phase works. You’re not just moving from point A to point B in silence. You’re gliding along a coast with repeated pockets of coves and headlands, so you get frequent postcard angles without needing to hike to lookouts.

Also, the catamaran format tends to feel stable compared to smaller boats. Reviews still mention a rough first half when weather turns, but once conditions improve, most people describe the sailing as smooth. That means your day can shift from a bit rocky to relaxing pretty quickly, depending on the day.

The One-Hour Navigation Break, Then Your Sheltered Cove Swim

After about an hour of navigation, the boat anchors in a cove near the rocks. This is the part of the day that usually wins people over.

Why it matters:

• The cove is described as sheltered from the wind, so it can feel warmer and calmer than the open water
• You get time to swim in a natural setting, not just floating around offshore
• The barbecue happens while you’re at anchor, which keeps the day flowing without a long wait

In practical terms, this is when you should fully commit. If you’re bringing snorkeling gear, this is the moment. If you’re just swimming and jumping off the boat, this is the moment. The boat also has spots where people can relax in the sun, and reviews mention a sun net and waterbeds, which makes it easier to settle in without turning your whole day into a workout.

One more thing: the water can feel cold. A few comments say the water is very cold and that wetsuits should be provided. Wetsuits are not listed as included, so I’d plan as if you’ll feel chilly when you first jump in, even if the sky is bright.

The BBQ Lunch at Anchor, Beer and Sangria Included

The onboard meal is buffet-style BBQ lunch. The menu includes pasta and salad, beef burgers, and marinated gluten-free chicken cubes. There’s fruit salad too. Drinks included are beer, sangria, and soft drinks.

Let’s get real about what that means for your expectations. This is not gourmet fine dining. It’s an efficient, vacation-friendly lunch built for feeding a group while you’re still at sea. Many people rate it as good and filling, and a few call out the food as only average, especially when it comes to seasoning and sauce.

So here’s the practical approach:

• If you want a straightforward meal you can eat quickly and move on, you’ll likely be happy.
• If you’re picky about sauces or you want extra snacks, bring a few extras. More than one reviewer recommended bringing your own snacks because the food may not hit the mark for everyone.

For drinks, the included sangria is a big part of the fun. Reviews often mention sangria being strong, so it’s a good day to pace yourself, especially if you’re sensitive to alcohol or you’re feeling shaky from motion.

Snorkeling Time and Mask Deposit Details

The trip is built around swimming, and snorkeling is an easy add-on. Masks are available, but you’ll need that €10 returnable deposit. You return the mask and get your money back, which is a fair setup if you forgot yours.

You might also notice small jellyfish around the cove area. One person specifically mentioned harmless jellyfish. That’s not something you can control, but it’s useful context: stick to calm swimming zones, don’t panic if you see them, and consider swim footwear if you’re the cautious type.

If you’re new to snorkeling, the time at anchor is long enough to figure out the rhythm. Jump in, float, breathe, look around. You don’t need to be a confident ocean athlete to enjoy this part.

Music, Crew Energy, and the Motion Sickness Reality Check

This is where the reviews consistently feel most alive. The crew is friendly, interactive, and the atmosphere leans party, especially during the return sailing. Music plays a role from start to finish, and several people mention dancing and singing, including a host who kept things moving.

One name that comes up in the feedback is Greg, tied to getting people dancing and keeping the mood upbeat. In general, the hosts are described as inclusive and able to handle multiple languages, including English, French, and Spanish.

That’s a nice bonus if you don’t want to spend your whole boat ride reading or staring at your phone. It also helps if you’re traveling solo, because the vibe nudges you toward conversation and shared fun.

Now for the practical caution: rough water can cause seasickness. One review describes a rainy, windy first half and people getting sick, and another explicitly says to take motion sickness medicine ahead of time so your day does not get ruined.

So if you know you’re sensitive:

• Pack motion sickness medication before you go
• Give yourself time at the start, because it’s the early phase that can be worst
• Stay hydrated, and avoid going empty-stomach if possible

A catamaran usually helps, but weather still sets the tone.

Who This Catamaran Trip Fits Best (Families, Friends, and Sun Seekers)

This trip works especially well for groups who want a social, sun-focused day. Reviews mention girl trips, workplace groups, and families. The vibe can get lively, but it’s not only for party crowds.

Families with children are welcome on the morning trip. That matters because kids can often handle the shorter, structured day better than a full-day excursion. If you’re traveling with little ones, bring sun protection seriously, and keep an eye on them during boarding and water time.

If you’re an active swimmer, you’ll like the cove stop and the chance to jump in from the boat. If you’re not, you can still enjoy the views from board spots with sun and relax areas, and you can treat the BBQ as the main comfort anchor.

Who should consider skipping:

• If you hate boat rides entirely, even a stable catamaran day can feel like a lot.
• If you’re very temperature-sensitive, the water may feel cold without wetsuits.
• If you need quiet and solitude, this one is music-forward and crew-led, so you may find it too lively.

Price and Value for a 4-Hour Costa Brava Sailing Day

At $60.34 per person for about 4 hours, you’re paying for a bundle. You get:

• Boat sailing along the Costa Brava coast toward Tossa
• A sheltered cove stop for swimming time
• Buffet BBQ lunch
• Included drinks like beer and sangria

For value, the included drinks change the math. Even if you only have a beer or a soft drink, you are still getting those items baked into the total price. And for many people, the BBQ lunch is a major reason this feels like a good deal. The boat replaces the need to find food near crowded beaches.

That said, you should set expectations for the food. Some people call it good and decent for the trip, and others say it needs improvement or the quality was not great. That’s not a deal-breaker if you treat the meal as part of the day, not the main event.

If you’re worried about food quality, bring a small snack you like. It’s the easiest way to protect your day without ruining the relaxed pace.

Also, the maximum group size is 95 travelers. That’s big enough for a lively environment but not so huge that everyone feels totally lost. Reviews mention plenty of room on board, and the catamaran size helps prevent the feeling of being squeezed.

Should You Book This Costa Brava Catamaran with BBQ?

I’d book it if you want a fun half-day boat experience with real swim time and no effort lunch plans. The combo of coastal sailing, a sheltered cove, and included beer and sangria is exactly the kind of vacation day that makes you feel like you did something special without changing your whole schedule.

You should be a little more cautious if:

• You get motion sick easily, because the first half can be rough on some days
• You dislike cold water, because wetsuits are not mentioned as included and a few people complained about cold sea temperatures
• You’re extremely picky about food, since buffet BBQ quality can vary by day and palate

If you book, do two things that make the trip smoother. First, arrive a bit early so you’re not rushed if the start time slips. Second, pack a motion sickness plan and bring a small snack just in case you want more control over lunch.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran trip?

The experience lasts about 4 hours.

Where does the tour start?

The start is Passeig d’Agustí Font, 5, 17310 Lloret de Mar, Girona, Spain.

What time does the tour depart?

The listed start time is 11:00 am.

What food is included?

You get a buffet BBQ on board with items such as pasta and salad, beef burgers, marinated gluten-free chicken cubes, and fruit salad.

What drinks are included?

Beer, sangria, and soft drinks are included.

Is swimming or snorkeling included?

Yes. The boat anchors in a cove for swimming, and snorkeling masks are available with a returnable cash deposit of €10.

Are snorkeling masks free?

No. They are available with a returnable cash deposit of €10.

Is the trip family-friendly?

Families with children are welcome on the morning trip.

What is the cancellation rule if weather affects the tour?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. The experience requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.