A day at Sea aboard Mundo Marino Catamaran in Valencia

Thinking about spending a few relaxing hours on the water in Valencia? The Mundo Marino Catamaran offers a laid-back way to enjoy the coast, with plenty of chances to swim and soak up the sun. From what we’ve gathered, this experience might not be a sailing adventure packed with wind and waves, but it delivers a peaceful, scenic escape for those looking to unwind.

Two things we really like about this trip are the chance to lounge on the netting over the sea, which seems like a perfect spot to relax and take in the views, and the surprisingly good food and paella served on board, which elevates the experience beyond just a boat ride. However, it’s worth noting that the trip can feel a bit long—around three hours—especially if you’re not into swimming or if the weather isn’t ideal.

This tour tends to suit travelers who want a mellow day on the water—perhaps families, groups of friends, or anyone craving a break from busy beaches. If you’re expecting a lively sailing adventure, this might not be your best pick, but if you’re happy to sit back, enjoy the scenery, and swim at your leisure, it could be just right.

Key Points

• Relaxed Experience: Focuses more on lounging and swimming than sailing, making it perfect for a chill day.
• Good Value: At around $48.59 per person, it offers a decent price point, especially considering the food and scenic stops.
• Scenic Stops: The stop near Port Saplaya offers a peaceful swimming spot away from crowded beaches.
• Limited Sailing: The main sail isn’t hoisted, and the trip is mostly motorized, which may disappoint sailing enthusiasts.
• Food & Drinks: The onboard bar serves beverages, including a tasty paella, with some reviews praising the quality.
• Group Size & Atmosphere: Usually small groups (about 8-13 people) for a more intimate atmosphere, but some reviews mention feeling crowded.
• Safety & Communication: A few reviews pointed out a lack of safety announcements and unclear instructions about swimming and eating times.
• Weather Dependency: The experience is subject to weather conditions; rough weather can cut the trip short or impact the overall vibe.

What You Can Expect on This Tour

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour kicks off at the Paseos en barco Valencia dock, right next to the iconic Veles y Vents building, around 1:00 pm. From there, you’ll hop onto a spacious catamaran, which provides plenty of room to sit or lie on the netting over the water. It’s designed for comfort, with the option to relax in the shade or soak up the sun.

The first stop is a tranquil swim near Port Saplaya, a charming area often called “Little Venice” thanks to its canal-filled streets. This is a key highlight, offering a peaceful break in the water where you can float, splash around, or just lounge and enjoy the scenery. The reviews repeatedly mention how appreciated this stop is—many find it to be the most relaxing part of the trip.

The Journey & Atmosphere

Once anchored, the boat remains largely motorized rather than sailing under wind power. Several reviews note that the sails weren’t hoisted, and the boat mainly moved on engine power. This has mixed reactions—some find the constant noise and diesel smell a bit off-putting, especially if you’re expecting a traditional sailing experience.

The crew is generally friendly and helpful, though some reviewers mention a lack of detailed commentary or safety instructions. This can make the experience feel a little disorganized if you’re expecting more guidance or information about the scenery and safety procedures.

Food & Refreshments

One of the surprises here is the quality of the food. Many reviewers highlight the paella as a standout, describing it as delicious and plentiful. The onboard bar offers various beverages, but alcohol is not included, and you can’t bring your own drinks onboard. So, if you’re craving a cold beer or wine, you’ll need to purchase it there.

The Return & Overall Experience

After several hours of swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the sea views, the boat heads back to port. Many find that the experience leaves them with a warm feeling of having had a peaceful day at sea—some even say it’s an experience they’d happily do again.

Breaking Down the Positives

Stunning Views & Peaceful Stops: The main draw here is the chance to float away from crowded beaches and enjoy a quiet swim near the coast. The scenery along the coast of Valencia is charming, and the boat’s position offers great angles for photos.

Comfortable & Spacious: The catamaran itself is described as clean and comfortable, with plenty of space to relax on deck or on the nets. Smaller groups tend to improve the experience, offering more room and a calmer atmosphere.

Good Food & Refreshments: Several reviews lauded the quality of the onboard meal, especially the paella, which is a rare treat on such tours. The bar provides options for drinks, although alcohol isn’t included and must be purchased on board.

Relaxed Atmosphere: This is not a high-energy adventure but rather a calm, laid-back experience. It’s perfect if you want to unwind, enjoy the sea breeze, and take in scenic views without too much activity.

The Downsides & Considerations

Limited Sailing & Short Sails: If you’re expecting to hoist the sails and have a true sailing experience, you might be disappointed. The main sail is often not used, and the boat mostly runs on engine power, which some reviews say results in a diesel smell and a less authentic sailing vibe.

Duration & Pacing: While three hours isn’t excessive, some travelers found the trip a bit too long, especially if they’re not into swimming or if the weather isn’t great. A couple of reviews mention feeling bored or that the trip could be shorter.

Communication & Safety: Several reviewers pointed out the lack of clear safety announcements or instructions about when to swim, eat, or drink. This can lead to a sense of disorganization, especially for first-time boaters.

Weather Dependency: As with any sea-based activity, poor weather can impact the experience. If the weather turns rough, the boat might not sail far or at all, and the trip could be cut short or feel less enjoyable.

Crowd & Comfort: While the boat generally accommodates around 13 people comfortably, some reviews mention feeling crowded or that the limited space on the nets can be tight if many guests want to lounge there.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is ideal for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic day on the water, perhaps with family or friends. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy swimming and soaking up the sun without the need for a sailing-heavy experience. If you’re looking for a peaceful escape with good food and beautiful views, this might be a good fit.

However, if you’re after a lively sailing adventure with plenty of wind in the sails, or detailed safety and informational commentary, you might find this tour lacking. The experience is more about unwinding and enjoying the coast than active sailing.

Final Thoughts

The Mundo Marino Catamaran offers a straightforward and pleasant way to enjoy Valencia’s coastline from the water. Its biggest strengths are the peaceful stop for swimming and good-quality paella, which make it a worthwhile choice for those seeking a laid-back day.

On the flip side, the limited sailing and some organizational issues mean it’s not the top choice for sailors or travelers craving a more structured or energetic experience. The trip’s value for money depends on your expectations—you’re paying for comfort, scenic stops, and decent food, not high-seas adventure.

If you’re craving a simple, scenic, and relaxing boat trip with a touch of tasty local cuisine, this tour offers a decent way to unwind. Just keep in mind that the experience can vary depending on weather and how much you enjoy sitting back and floating in the sea.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children? Many reviews don’t specify, but since the experience involves swimming and relaxing on a boat, it could suit families with children comfortable in the water. However, safety instructions seem minimal, so parental supervision is advised.

Are drinks included? No, alcoholic beverages are not included, but there is a bar onboard where you can purchase drinks.

What should I wear? Wear comfortable clothes, a swimsuit if you plan to swim, and bring sun protection like sunscreen and a towel.

Is the trip weather-dependent? Yes, poor weather could lead to cancellations or a shortened trip. The tour is subject to good weather conditions.

How long does the trip last? Approximately three hours, with the main activity being swimming and relaxing at stops.

Is the sail hoisted during the trip? Usually, no. Several reviews mention that the sails weren’t used, and the boat mainly moves under motor.

Can I reserve the nets at the front? Yes, but space is limited; contact the provider to reserve this area ahead of time.

What’s the best time to book? The tour is usually booked about 13 days in advance, so planning ahead helps secure a spot, especially in peak seasons.

If you’re looking for a gentle, scenic day on the water with good food and a peaceful vibe, the Mundo Marino Catamaran could be just what you need. It’s not a high-energy sailing trip, but it’s a nice way to take in Valencia’s coast at an easy pace.