Paella tastes better at sea. I love the Valencian paella onboard and the relaxed swim stop at Port Saplaya, but the swim window can feel quick right after lunch.

This Boramar catamaran cruise runs about 2.5 hours and pairs Mediterranean views with a straightforward meal, salad then chicken paella, then fresh fruit. You get one drink included, and there is a drinks service on board too, so you can keep it easy.

Not good for everyone: it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and the stop can shift with the weather.

Key things to know before you go

• Valencian paella at sea: Chicken paella served onboard, with rice cooked through and seasoned well.
• Port Saplaya swim break: You can jump off the boat for a refreshing swim, though the time can vary.
• Comfortable, modern catamaran: Recent sailings felt roomy, with around 30 people on board and a modern setup.
• Friendly crew, real personalities: Hosts like Ulysses, Javi, Álvaro, Marco, and Pepe (the captain) show up and make it feel personal.
• Music without taking over: Many people liked the soundtrack volume, others said it was mixed, so don’t count on total quiet.
• No hotel pickup: You go to the meeting point and swap tickets at the BORAMAR booth.

The vibe on a Valencia catamaran, easygoing and seaworthy

If you want a Valencia day that feels like you left town for a bit, this catamaran fits. You are out on the Mediterranean, you get sea air in your face, and the day has a simple rhythm: sail, eat well, then enjoy the water. No long hikes, no complicated route puzzle.

The boat itself is a big part of the comfort. From recent feedback, it tends to be modern and spacious enough that you are not crammed shoulder-to-shoulder the whole time. Even with a group onboard, it still feels like a shared outing, not a bus ride on the water.

One practical note: you must make it to the meeting point and exchange your tickets at the BORAMAR ticket booth. There is no hotel pickup and drop-off, so build in time to get there on your own.

Sailing time and what you actually see along the coast

You are out for around 2.5 hours, with the main cruising portion stretching over about 2 hours plus the swim and meal pacing. That time is just enough to feel like you left the shoreline for real, but not so long that you get restless.

The views are the point. From the deck you get wide looks over the Valencian coast and the open water around Port Saplaya. This is one of those tours where you stop treating the water as scenery and start treating it as the experience.

The route is also weather-dependent. If conditions are rough, the day may be adjusted, so keep your expectations flexible. That is normal at sea, and it is also why this tour is best if you are in it for the moment, not for a perfectly scripted plan.

Lunch onboard: salad, chicken paella, fruit, and one included drink

This tour nails one thing: feeding you properly without turning the meal into a production. The lunch structure is clean and easy to understand.

You start with a salad. Then comes the Valencian paella, described as chicken paella with tender rice and carefully selected spices. After that, you finish with fresh fruit, often called out as juicy and satisfying.

Bread can show up alongside the meal, and watermelon is mentioned in at least a couple of recent menus. Dessert is not just a token fruit cup either. It is the kind of finish that makes the paella feel like a complete lunch, not a stop on the way to something else.

And yes, there is a drink component. One drink is included with your lunch. After that, there is drinks service on board, but extra drinks are not included. Depending on what is being offered that day, sangria, beer, and soft drinks are mentioned in reviews, so you can plan for that general range.

I like this setup because it removes the most common food problem on tours: you either get something bland at a ridiculous time, or you feel hungry until late. Here, lunch is the center of gravity.

The Port Saplaya swim stop, when you jump and how long it lasts

The swim is the big payoff for a lot of people. You make a strategic stop in the middle of the Mediterranean area, then you get the chance to enjoy a refreshing dip, sunbathe, and take in the calm of the sea.

At Port Saplaya, the highlight is simple: you can jump off the boat. Several reviews call this the emotional high point, like a burst of fun after you settle in on deck.

But here is the honest part. The swim timing and total time can feel different depending on the day and the pacing after lunch. One review praises it as exciting and a long time in the sea. Another points out it can feel too quick after eating. There is also at least one complaint that the group was only allowed to jump in once.

So how should you treat it? Think of it as a refreshing sea moment, not a full beach swim session. If you want a long, before-and-after water plan, you might feel slightly shorted. If you are okay with a couple of swims and some sun time, you will probably leave happy.

Also, diving gear is not included. That does not mean you cannot swim, it just means you should not expect scuba or snorkel equipment provided as part of the package.

Crew and atmosphere, from Ulysses to Pepe the captain

The crew makes a noticeable difference on catamaran days, and this one seems to deliver. Names that come up repeatedly include Ulysses, Javi, Álvaro, Marco, and Pepe, the captain. People describe the team as friendly hosts who keep the mood relaxed.

This matters because the tour is not asking you to be a serious sailor. You are there to enjoy. Good hosts help you feel comfortable, understand how the swim works, and get the most out of your time onboard.

Music is also part of the atmosphere. Reviews describe it as enjoyable and not too loud for many people, with some saying it was good only part of the time. Plan for background music, not silent meditation.

Price and value at about $41 per person

At around $41 per person, you are not just buying boat time. You are packing three major costs into one ticket: a catamaran tour, lunch with paella and fruit, and a swim stop.

That is the value logic I would use. If you were to piece it out on your own, you would likely spend separately on transportation to the port, a full sit-down or similar lunch, and access to a boat that takes you out to open water. Here, those elements are bundled, and the lunch is specifically a Valencian paella experience instead of an overpriced sandwich situation.

Is it perfect value if you want a long swimming break or a detailed guided narration of the coastline? Maybe not. One possible drawback is that the swim can feel short, and the tour is more about enjoying the sea than learning every fact about what you pass. But for a low-stress Valencia halfday style experience, the pricing looks fair.

Who this tour suits best, and who should think twice

This works especially well if you want:

• A short, fun sea day with a clear plan
• Valencian paella that you eat in a memorable setting
• A quick swim and deck time without planning a thing

It is also a good fit for couples and small groups who want something different than museums or markets. The group size seems manageable, with recent departures around 30 people, so it does not feel like a massive crowd event.

Who might think twice?

• Anyone who needs mobility access. This is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.
• People who dream of a long swim session before and after lunch. The pacing can make it feel rushed.
• Anyone who wants a costume-free, strict theme party. Costumes are not allowed.

Practical tips so your day goes smoothly

A few small choices make a big difference on a boat day.

First, bring what you need for water time. Since swimming is part of the experience, pack a swimsuit and something to dry off with. Even if the swim window is shorter than you hope, you will still want to be ready when the opportunity comes.

Second, plan your meeting point timing. You need to go to the meeting point and exchange tickets at the BORAMAR ticket booth, and there is no hotel pickup. If you show up late, you will lose time that you cannot get back at sea.

Third, dress for sun and wind. Even when the weather looks calm onshore, it can feel cooler with sea breeze. A light layer helps, especially if you are prone to feeling cold.

Fourth, keep your expectations about narration realistic. This is not presented as a long educational tour. You are there for views, lunch, and a swim stop, with hosts helping you have a good time.

Finally, remember the costume rule. It is not a costume cruise, so leave anything fancy at home.

Should you book this Valencia catamaran and paella lunch?

I think you should book if you want an easy, value-focused Valencia day that mixes a proper paella lunch with Mediterranean sea time. The paella itself gets strong praise, the crew energy shows up, and the swim stop is the moment many people remember most. If you can roll with a shorter swim window and you are good with a relaxed party soundtrack level, you are in the right place.

I would hesitate if your top priority is hours of uninterrupted swimming or a very structured, in-depth explanation of the coastline. This tour is tuned for a balanced halfday experience, not a long water day.

If you want one simple decision rule, use this: if the idea of eating Valencian paella while looking at open water sounds like your kind of day, you will probably enjoy this a lot.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The total duration is 2.5 hours. Check availability for starting times.

Where do I meet the tour?

You need to go to the meeting point and exchange your tickets at the BORAMAR ticket booth, which is located at the same meeting point.

What food is included in the lunch?

Lunch includes salad, Valencian chicken paella, and fresh fruit.

How many drinks are included?

One drink is included, and there is drinks service on board. Extra drinks are not included.

Is swimming included?

Yes, swimming is included during a stop in the Mediterranean, with the chance to enjoy the water from the boat.

Do I need diving gear?

No diving gear is included, so you should not expect it to be provided.

Is hotel pickup or drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No, it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.