Valencia: Catamaran Cruise with Stop for Swimming

The best part of this Valencia catamaran cruise is simple: you leave the Marina, point toward Port Saplaya, and trade city streets for open Mediterranean water. The 1.5-hour trip includes a stop to swim offshore, so you get more than a short harbor ride.

I like the easy price, $22 per person, and the generous swim stop, which can last about 45 minutes when conditions allow. I also like the relaxed route, with views of Valencia’s beaches and La Marina rather than a packed sightseeing schedule. The main catch is that the swim depends on weather and sea conditions, and at least 15 people are needed for the cruise to operate.

Key points to know before you book

• About 45 minutes in the water: The swimming stop can take up a large part of the cruise, giving you real time to enjoy the sea.
• Departs beside Valencia’s Clock Building: You meet at La Marina and exchange your ticket at the Boramar sales booth.
• Port Saplaya is the turning point: The catamaran sails toward this colorful coastal area before anchoring nearby.
• A strong low-cost option: At $22, the trip offers a boat ride, crew, fuel, and a swim without the cost of a full-day sailing charter.
• Bring only what you need: Food and drinks are not allowed aboard, so plan for a short outing without your own refreshments.
• Sea conditions matter: Weather can affect the trip, and currents may shorten the time in the water.

Leaving Valencia from the Clock Building

Your outing begins at the Clock Building next to La Marina, one of the most recognizable parts of Valencia’s waterfront. You need to go to the meeting point and exchange your ticket at the Boramar sales booth, located right there.

Arrive 30 minutes before departure. That extra time matters because you are not simply walking onto the boat with a digital ticket. You first need to find the sales booth and change your ticket before boarding.

The setting is useful for a short pre-cruise wander. La Marina gives you a clear sense of Valencia’s connection to the sea, with the waterfront opening toward the beaches and the harbor. Still, do not cut it close. The meeting instructions are specific, and arriving at the last minute could turn a calm start into a scramble.

The cruise is offered with Spanish and English support. The activity information does not name individual guides, so you should expect assistance from the crew rather than a formal, guide-led history tour.

What the catamaran ride is really like

This is a short recreational boat trip, not a sightseeing cruise packed with commentary. The main pleasure comes from the motion of the catamaran, the open views, and the change of pace once Valencia slips behind you.

The catamaran is described as being in very good condition, which is important on a trip built around relaxing on the water. A well-kept boat makes the ride more comfortable and helps the experience feel like a proper outing rather than a basic transfer.

You sail away from La Marina toward Port Saplaya, following the coast. From the water, you can look back toward Valencia’s beaches and enjoy a broad view that is hard to get from the promenade.

The route is short enough to suit a half-day schedule. You do not need to give up an entire afternoon, and you can fit the cruise around time at the beach, a meal, or a visit to other parts of Valencia.

That short duration is also the limit. If you want a long sailing session, a full coastal excursion, or several swimming locations, this trip will feel brief. It is best understood as a compact escape onto the Mediterranean.

Sailing toward Port Saplaya

Port Saplaya is the main destination on the route. The catamaran heads toward this coastal area and anchors nearby for the swim stop.

From the boat, the appeal is the view of Valencia’s shoreline and the chance to see the coast from a different angle. You are not touring Port Saplaya on foot, so do not book this trip if your goal is to explore its streets, buildings, or canals. You see it from the water, then spend your time offshore.

The ride out is part of the experience. One account described the trip to the bay off Valencia’s beach as especially enjoyable, with a beautiful day and a pleasant ride. That tells you where the outing is strongest: on a calm, sunny day when the boat can cruise comfortably and you can make full use of the water.

The Mediterranean can look clear and inviting, but conditions are never fixed. The cruise is subject to weather, and currents can affect the swimming stop. Treat the sea time as the heart of the plan, but not as something the operator can guarantee at exactly the same length every day.

The offshore swimming stop

The catamaran anchors near Port Saplaya, and you can get into the Mediterranean for a refreshing swim. This is not a token five-minute pause. Under good conditions, you may have around 45 minutes to swim and enjoy being on the water.

That is a generous portion of a 1.5-hour cruise. If you prefer active time to extended narration, this makes the trip a good deal. You spend less time listening to a guide and more time enjoying the sea.

You should be comfortable swimming in open water. The stop takes place offshore, not at a shallow beach with an easy walk into the sea. The supplied information does not specify the depth, ladder arrangement, changing facilities, or availability of flotation equipment, so ask the crew directly if any of those details matter to you.

Sea conditions can change the rhythm of the stop. At times, currents may make the water less comfortable and shorten the swim. One outing had a good swimming location but less time in the water because of current conditions. That is a fair reminder to keep expectations flexible.

Pack your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a dry change of clothes. Food and drinks are not allowed aboard, so this is not a picnic cruise. You can plan a meal before or after the trip at the Marina, but the boat itself is not the place to bring snacks or beverages.

Is $22 a good price?

At $22 per person, this is a strong-value way to get onto the water in Valencia. The price includes the boat trip, crew, fuel, and the swimming stop. You are paying for a short experience, but the swim can occupy nearly half the outing.

The value is best for people who want a simple activity without committing to a private charter or a full-day cruise. A group of friends can enjoy the ride, the views, and the swim at a modest cost. Families may also like the straightforward format, provided everyone is comfortable with the open sea and the boat’s rules.

The price does not include food or drinks, and the activity does not appear to be built around onboard catering. Since nothing edible is permitted, include a meal or drink stop in your wider Valencia plan.

You should also remember the minimum group requirement. At least 15 people are needed for the cruise to take place. That means your reservation does not remove every possibility of a change if the minimum is not reached. Weather is another factor, since all excursions depend on suitable conditions.

The cancellation terms reduce some booking risk. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if you are arranging several parts of a Valencia visit before finalizing your plans.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would choose this catamaran ride if you want three things: a short outing, coastal views, and time to swim. It works especially well as a break from city sightseeing, when you want to swap museums and plazas for sun and salt water.

It suits:

• Couples looking for a low-cost waterfront activity
• Families and friends who want shared time on the sea
• Swimmers who value a proper water stop
• Visitors with only a few hours available
• Anyone who enjoys a relaxed boat ride more than a narrated tour

It may not suit you if you dislike open-water swimming, need a detailed history presentation, or want a private and quiet sailing experience. The catamaran is a shared excursion, and the trip needs a minimum of 15 participants.

You should also consider the season and forecast. A sunny, settled day will make a big difference. On a rougher day, the cruise may still run if conditions permit, but the swimming portion may not feel as calm or last as long.

Practical details that make the day easier

Wear clothing that can handle spray and bring sun protection. The activity information confirms the swim stop but does not specify changing rooms, lockers, or onboard storage, so keep your belongings limited and ask the crew about the best place for anything you cannot take into the water.

Arrive 30 minutes early at the Clock Building beside La Marina. Find the Boramar sales booth and exchange your ticket before you board. This is the most important logistical detail, since the meeting point and ticket exchange happen in the same area but are not necessarily the same step.

Check the starting time when you book, since several departure times may be available. The cruise lasts 1.5 hours, but you should allow extra time around it for arrival, ticket exchange, boarding, and getting settled afterward.

The crew can assist in Spanish and English. If you have questions about the swim, the current, or how to handle personal belongings, ask before the catamaran leaves rather than waiting until it anchors.

Food and drinks are not allowed. That rule is easy to miss if you are used to bringing water on every outdoor activity, so plan accordingly. Have something to drink before departure and arrange a stop near the Marina afterward.

How this compares with a beach afternoon

A beach afternoon gives you more space and more control. You can arrive and leave when you wish, choose where to sit, and swim from the shore. The catamaran offers something different: moving views, time offshore, and the pleasure of reaching the water by boat.

The swimming stop is the key distinction. You are not simply looking at the Mediterranean from the promenade. You get to spend time in it, with the boat serving as your base.

The trade-off is structure. You follow the cruise schedule, meet at a set location, and accept that weather and current conditions may affect the plan. If you value convenience and a change of scenery, that structure is helpful. If you want complete freedom, a beach day may suit you better.

My verdict on the Boramar catamaran trip

I see this as a good-value coastal break, not a major sightseeing event. The boat ride is pleasant, the catamaran is reported to be in good condition, and the swim stop can be long enough to feel worthwhile rather than tacked on.

The strongest reason to book is the balance of price and water time. For $22, you get a 1.5-hour outing from La Marina, views toward Valencia’s beaches and Port Saplaya, and the chance to swim in the Mediterranean for roughly 45 minutes when conditions cooperate.

The main reasons to hesitate are the minimum of 15 people, the ban on food and drinks, and the uncertainty caused by weather and currents. If you can accept those limits, I would book it for a sunny day and arrive early at the Boramar booth.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise meet?

The meeting point is at the Clock Building beside La Marina in Valencia. You need to exchange your ticket at the Boramar sales booth located at the meeting point.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 30 minutes before the activity begins. This gives you time to find the booth and exchange your ticket before boarding.

How long does the cruise last?

The catamaran trip lasts 1.5 hours.

Where does the boat sail?

The boat leaves Valencia Marina and sails toward the beach area of Port Saplaya. It anchors nearby for the swimming stop.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The activity includes a stop for swimming in the Mediterranean Sea.

How long is the swimming stop?

The swimming time can be about 45 minutes, although sea conditions and currents may affect how long you can stay in the water.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the boat trip, crew, fuel, and the swimming stop.

Are food and drinks included or allowed?

Food and drinks are not included, and they are not allowed aboard the catamaran.

What languages are available?

The host or greeter service is available in Spanish and English.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.