A day at sea from Dénia or Jávea with Barbecue aboard the Catamaran

Planning a day out on the water can be a bit of a gamble, but if you’re looking for a laid-back experience with beautiful scenery and good food, this catamaran trip might be worth considering. It’s a chance to drift along the coast, enjoy a tasty barbecue, and take in the sights without the hustle of crowded beaches or busy tour groups. From what we’ve gathered, this tour is especially appealing if you love spacious vessels, relaxed swimming spots, and a touch of Mediterranean charm.

One of the things we really like is how the catamaran offers plenty of space, including the chance to lounge on nets over the water—perfect for those Instagram moments or just unwinding while soaking up the sun. We also appreciate the included barbecue lunch, which features bread, salad, fruit, and a drink — simple, satisfying, and a great way to fuel your day at sea. But, a potential downside to keep in mind is that the crew’s attitude might not be the warmest, and some reviews mention a lack of personality or engagement from staff, which could impact the overall vibe.

This experience tends to suit travelers who enjoy easy, scenic outings with a focus on relaxation rather than intense sightseeing. It’s ideal if you’re okay with a longer day (about five hours) and appreciate unstructured time to swim and explore at your own pace. Families with children, solo travelers, or groups looking for a chilled day could all find value here, especially if they enjoy a laid-back atmosphere and good company.

Key Points

• Spacious and comfortable vessel with nets for relaxing over the water
• Includes a barbecue lunch with bread, salad, fruit, and a drink
• Ideal for those seeking relaxation, not intensive sightseeing
• Swim stops at coves, away from crowded beaches
• Group sizes generally small to medium, with about 30-105 travelers
• Some reviews mention crew attitude varies from friendly to indifferent
• Weather sensitivity is a consideration, as there’s little shelter onboard
• Timing is flexible but expect about 5 hours total including stops and lunch

What the Tour Offers in Detail

This day at sea begins early in the morning, with the soft breeze signaling departure. The Mundo Marino crew prepares the vessel, and the journey kicks off as the catamaran gracefully skirts the cape of San Antonio. The wide, stable boat makes for an easy cruise along the coast, and you’ll be able to enjoy panoramic views of Jávea’s cliffs, coves, and crystal-clear waters.

One of the highlights is the chance to relax on the nets over the water. If you’re a fan of lounging in the sun or taking photos from an unusual perspective, you’ll love how much space there is to stretch out. The boat’s design encourages a chilled-out vibe, and many travelers mention that the atmosphere is laid-back — though some note the crew’s communication could be warmer.

The Stop at Cala de Portixol

About an hour and a half into the trip, the boat anchors at Cala de Portixol, a lovely cove with calm waters perfect for swimming. You’ll get around 90 minutes here to cool off, float in the water, or simply relax on the boat. This is a great spot to escape the open sea and enjoy some peaceful time, away from the busier beaches.

Multiple reviews confirm that swimming here is a highlight. Dawn from her review says, “Great afternoon, only 30 people on the catamaran so plenty of space. Lovely lunch provided. Plenty of time for swimming.” The clear waters, combined with the gentle waves, make for a very relaxing experience.

The Coast of Jávea and Cabo de la Nao

As the boat moves along, you’ll pass in front of the entire coast of Jávea, with its dramatic cliffs and hidden coves. The itinerary includes skirting the cape of San Antonio and heading toward Cabo de la Nao, offering plenty of photo opportunities. While the scenery is genuinely striking, some travelers wish for more storytelling or commentary about what they’re seeing. Katrina from her review mentions, “They don’t tell anything about the coast, only loud Spanish music,” which could be a downside if you’re interested in learning about the area.

Lunch: Barbecue on Deck

The included barbecue meal is straightforward but satisfying. It features bread, salad, fresh fruit, and a drink, with the option to purchase additional drinks from the onboard bar. Several reviews note that the lunch is of good quality. Beth shares, “The food was very good,” and Dawn mentions, “plenty of time for swimming,” implying the meal and swimming are well-balanced.

However, some reviews allude to inconsistencies. Shauna comments, “Lunch not bad,” and others mention that the crew doesn’t interact much during mealtime. Still, most agree the meal is a decent, no-fuss addition to your day.

Return Journey

After the stop, the boat begins its journey back toward port, with the overall experience lasting around five hours. As the vessel slowly makes its way back, you’ll have plenty of time to relax, chat, or soak up the sun. The ambiance is relaxed, though some guests feel the trip could be improved with more engaging commentary or activities.

The Realities of the Experience

One of the most praised aspects is the small group atmosphere. Dawn notes, “only 30 people on the catamaran,” which leaves plenty of space for everyone to enjoy comfortably. You might find that this intimate setting enhances the overall feel of the trip, especially compared to larger, more crowded excursions.

However, the weather can make or break this experience; since the boat has limited shelter, a cloudy or rainy day could impact your comfort. Shauna mentions, “if the weather had been bad, it might have sucked,” which is worth keeping in mind if your trip is scheduled for an uncertain forecast.

Another common theme across reviews is the crew attitude. While some travelers describe the staff as “very friendly and attentive,” others feel the crew’s demeanor is somewhat aloof. Shauna notes, “the crew doesn’t talk much or smile,” but still enjoyed the trip overall. This inconsistency means your experience might depend on the crew members on the day of your outing.

The Pros

• Beautiful coastal views and swim spots
• Comfortable, spacious boat with nets for lounging
• Decent, included barbecue lunch
• Small group sizes foster a relaxed atmosphere
• Flexible schedule allows plenty of time for swimming and relaxing

The Cons

• Limited shelter means bad weather could hamper the experience
• Crew communication varies, sometimes feeling detached
• Long duration might feel a bit tedious for some, especially if expectations aren’t managed
• Meal quality and service can be inconsistent, and some report issues with food and organization

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re someone who loves gentle days on the water, soaking up sun, and enjoying scenic coastlines at a relaxed pace, this trip could be perfect. It suits travelers who value comfort, space, and good food over intense sightseeing or educational commentary. Families with children, couples, or solo travelers looking for a peaceful day out will likely find this to be a good choice.

However, if you’re expecting a lively, highly interactive experience with lots of information about the sights, you might feel let down by the limited narration and the crew’s more reserved attitude. It’s also important to consider weather, as this trip is best enjoyed on a clear, sunny day with little wind.

FAQ

How long does the trip last?
The entire experience takes about 5 hours, including sail time, stops, and lunch.

What is included in the price?
You get a barbecue lunch with bread, salad, fruit, and a drink, plus access to the restroom onboard and the use of the vessel’s nets and seating.

Is there a bar onboard?
Yes, there is a bar where you can purchase drinks. You’re not allowed to bring your own alcohol.

Can I swim during the trip?
Absolutely. The main stop at Cala de Portixol provides about an hour and a half to swim, relax, or snorkel in the protected cove.

What if the weather is bad?
The trip is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While not specifically marketed for children, the relaxed, scenic nature makes it suitable for most ages, especially if your family enjoys calm waters and outdoor meals.

How many people are on the boat?
Group sizes range from around 30 up to 105 travelers, but most reviews mention smaller groups, about 30 people, for a more intimate experience.

Are there any accessibility considerations?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed, but since the boat has open decks and nets, mobility restrictions should be checked beforehand.

How do I book?
Most bookings are made 14 days in advance, and you’ll receive confirmation shortly after. It’s advisable to book early to secure your preferred date, especially in peak seasons.

Final Thoughts

This day on the water with a barbecue aboard a large, comfortable catamaran offers a peaceful way to enjoy the Costa Blanca coastline. If you’re after stunning views, plenty of swimming, and a laid-back atmosphere, this trip hits the right notes. The included food is a nice bonus, and the opportunity to relax on nets over the sea adds a special touch.

However, the experience is not without its quirks — some travelers find the crew’s attitude variable, and the long duration might feel tedious if expectations aren’t managed. It’s best suited for those who want a scenic, relaxing day rather than a lively party or in-depth tour.

This trip can be a memorable part of your holiday if you’re looking to unwind, soak up the sun, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Mediterranean in a friendly, spacious setting. Just keep an eye on the weather and be prepared for a calm, unhurried atmosphere.

Enjoy your day at sea — and don’t forget your sunblock!