A boat, paella, and a swim stop in Valencia. You get Valencian paella served onboard and real time in the Mediterranean off Port Saplaya, all with sea-breeze views from the deck. One thing to plan around: the swim time can feel short, especially if you want lots of repeated jumps.

This is a straightforward, good-value outing through Boramar catamaranes: sail out, eat lunch on board, then take a break in the water. On the crew side, names like Ulysses, Javi, Álvaro, Marco, and Pepe (the captain) come up often, and the vibe stays relaxed rather than formal.

The experience is not for everyone. Not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and tours can be affected by weather, so you’ll want flexibility in your schedule.

Key Highlights to Know Before You Go

• Valencian paella onboard: chicken paella with tender rice and carefully chosen spices, plus salad and fruit
• Port Saplaya swim stop: you can jump in and swim in open water
• Modern catamaran feel: spacious enough for a group that still feels comfortable
• On-board drink service: one drink is included, with more available to buy
• Relaxed pacing: music plays at a comfortable level for most people, and the deck views do the work

A 2.5-Hour Valencia Sea Day for Paella Lovers

If your idea of a perfect Valencia afternoon includes sea air and one big, satisfying lunch, this catamaran fits the brief. The tour is timed to feel like a mini vacation within your day: step aboard, cruise out over crystalline water, then settle in for a proper meal.

The two best parts are also the simplest. First, the Valencian paella isn’t treated like a snack—it’s the center of lunch, followed by fresh fruit. Second, the swim stop gives you that vacation switch: saltwater, sun, and the chance to cool off without needing a plan.

Just keep one consideration in mind. Several people note that the water time can be brief or follow lunch quickly, so it may not scratch the itch if you’re hoping for long, repeated swimming sessions.

Meeting at BORAMAR and Getting Comfortable on a Modern Catamaran

Logistics are refreshingly basic. There’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll go directly to the meeting point and swap your ticket at the BORAMAR ticket booth (at the same meeting point).

Once you’re on board, the catamaran layout and size are meant to feel comfortable for a group. Reviews describe the boat as modern and big enough for around a few dozen people, which matters because it keeps things social without turning into a cramped bus ride.

A few rules to note:

• No costumes are allowed.
• Weather can change plans, since the trip runs only when conditions work.
• The tour needs a minimum of 15 people, so if you’re booking at a quieter time, check availability before you assume it will sail.

Language coverage is Spanish and English, so you won’t be left guessing what’s happening next.

Lunch on Deck: Salad, Chicken Paella, and Fruit That Actually Holds Up

Lunch is the heart of the experience, and it’s built like a simple, classic Valencian meal. You start with a salad, then move to chicken paella with rice that’s tender and seasoned with selected spices. Afterward comes fruit dessert—fresh, juicy, and served as a palate-clean finish.

Why this matters: food on boats can be a mixed bag if the timing is rushed or the serving is more like grazing. Here, the structure is clear—salad first, paella as the main event, fruit to close—and that helps you get full, not just fed.

A nice detail is that you get one drink included, and there’s a drinks service onboard. People mention options like sangria and beer, plus soda drinks. Extra drinks are available for purchase, so you can go light or lean into the holiday mood.

If you’re sensitive to timing, plan for this: lunch happens before the swim stop in the flow of the trip. That’s usually fine, but if you’re the type who wants to cool off immediately, the sequencing may feel a bit backwards at first.

Port Saplaya Swim Stop: How Much Time You Get in the Water

The standout break is the mid-trip water stop off Port Saplaya. This is open-water swimming—jump in, float around, and enjoy the simple physics of the Mediterranean: it’s salty, it feels warmer than the air in late-day sun, and it’s hard not to relax.

The potential drawback is also about expectations. Some people felt the swimming window was too quick or that they only got limited chances to jump in. Another common theme is that the swim comes right after eating, so it can feel less tempting to stay in the water for long.

So how should you treat this swim stop?

• Go for the cooling off and fun jump-in moment.
• If you want a long swim session, don’t assume you’ll get one.
• Pack your mindset like this is the highlight break, not a half-day water activity.

Also, diving gear isn’t included, and the tour isn’t positioned as a scuba or snorkeling equipment service. Think swim and sun, not gear-heavy underwater time.

Views Along the Valencia Coast From the Deck

Even if paella is your main goal, the cruise part earns its place. You get panoramic views from the deck as you sail through the Mediterranean, with the coastline doing what coastlines do best: providing moving scenery without effort.

This matters for comfort. You’re not walking a lot, you’re not hauling your phone up on a viewpoint, and you’re not standing in a queue for a single photo spot. You’re just cruising, and the scenery changes naturally.

Also, the catamaran deck setup helps. With a boat like this, you can shift your position—shade to sun, water-facing to coast-facing—and find the exact angle you want.

It’s a nice way to see Valencia’s waterfront vibe without turning the day into a checklist of stops.

Crew, Music, and the Relaxed Pace That Makes It Feel Easy

The human touch is strong here. Names like Ulysses, Javi, Álvaro, Marco, and Pepe (captain) show up in people’s feedback, and that usually points to one thing: the crew is actively present, not just running a schedule.

The pace is relaxed. That’s part of the appeal. You’ll feel the cooling breeze on board, you’ll get time to settle after boarding, and the overall flow doesn’t feel frantic.

Music is another detail people call out. It’s not described as blasting. Instead, it’s more like a background soundtrack that helps the day feel like a vacation, not a commute. That balance is important because a loud soundtrack can make even a great setting feel stressful.

One more small note: the tour is carried out with at least 15 people. That minimum matters because it tends to keep the experience from feeling empty or awkwardly quiet.

What You Pay Around $41 and Why It Works

At about $41 per person for a 2.5-hour outing, you’re paying for three things at once:

• a catamaran cruise with fuel and crew included
• a full lunch (salad, chicken paella, fruit)
• a drink plus the opportunity to swim

In plain terms, it’s a “pay once, enjoy multiple parts” deal. Most of the cost savings in tours like this come from bundling food and transport. Here, you don’t need to separately figure out lunch at a restaurant, then separately buy a boat ticket, then separately pay for a water-based activity.

You’ll still want to budget for extra drinks if you’ll have more than the one included. But the structure keeps the baseline price straightforward.

Practical Tips for a Better Swim and a Smoother Lunch

This tour is simple, but a few practical moves will make it feel better.

For the swim stop:

• Wear something that works fast for stepping in and out of the water.
• Bring a towel if you have room. The tour data doesn’t say one is provided.
• Use sunscreen before you get busy with lunch and lounging—once you’re settled, you can forget until it’s late.

For the onboard food and comfort:

• Eat when it’s served and don’t rush your pacing. Since swimming often follows lunch, going slowly helps you enjoy both parts.
• If you get motion sickness easily, consider bringing what you normally use. The boat is a catamaran (often steadier than smaller craft), but the sea can still sway.

For your day plan:

• Arrive at the meeting point with time to find the BORAMAR ticket booth and exchange tickets.
• Keep some flexibility in your schedule since excursions are subject to weather.

And one more rule to remember: no costumes.

Who This Catamaran Tour Fits Best

This is a great fit if you want:

• a lunch-with-a-view day instead of a long walking itinerary
• Valencian paella without the planning work
• a fun, social swim moment at Port Saplaya
• an outing that feels easy even if you’re not into “tour talk”

It’s also ideal for couples, small friend groups, and anyone who wants a break that doesn’t require a complicated reservation chain. The cruise format and included meal keep it self-contained.

Who should skip or reconsider?

• If you have mobility impairments, the tour is listed as not suitable.
• If you’re looking for long swimming time or an activity-heavy water program, you may find the swim stop short.
• If you hate any chance of weather-based changes, plan for alternatives that don’t depend on the sea.

Should You Book This Valencia Catamaran Cruise With Paella?

I’d book this if your top priorities are paella, a Mediterranean cruise, and a quick swim break. The value is hard to ignore: you’re paying for transport, lunch, and at least one onboard drink in one tidy package.

I’d think twice if you’re the type who wants hours in the water. The experience is built around a relaxing flow—eat, then swim. That’s great for many people, but it doesn’t match everyone’s idea of a water day.

If you like the idea of a comfortable catamaran, open-water jumping off the boat at Port Saplaya, and music that stays at a reasonable level, this is a strong bet for a low-stress Valencia afternoon.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The activity lasts about 2.5 hours.

Do I need hotel pickup for this tour?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and you must go to the meeting point to exchange your ticket.

What food and drink are included?

Lunch includes salad, Valencian paella (with chicken), and fresh fruit. One drink is included, and there is also a drinks service onboard for additional purchases.

Where is the swim stop?

The swim stop is at Port Saplaya.

Is there diving gear included?

No. Diving gear is not included.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

What restrictions or weather rules should I know about?

Costumes are not allowed. Tours are subject to weather conditions, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.