Dénia & Jávea: Portixol Sailing Catamaran Excursion with BBQ

The best part of this outing is simple: you spend a half-day on the water instead of packed onto a beach. The catamaran follows the coast near Dénia and Jávea, then stops in a clear-water cove for swimming, snorkelling, and time in the sun. A generous lunch and one included drink make the $65 price easier to justify.

I especially like the large open deck with both sunny nets and shaded seating, plus the easy swimming setup. You can use the steps, jump from the side or front, and, on some boats, enjoy a slide. The main drawback is that the exact boat, departure point, food, and cove can change with sea conditions or the option you book.

Key points at a glance

• Swimming from the catamaran: The stop usually gives you about an hour or more in the water, though you stay close to the boat rather than swimming to shore.
• BBQ-style lunch: Expect chicken, pork, salad, bread, fruit, and one drink. Vegetarian meals are available if requested when booking.
• Dénia or Jávea departure: Check your selected option carefully, since the meeting point can vary.
• Space to escape the sun: The catamaran has open areas, nets, tables, and shaded seats, though the nets receive strong sun.
• Family-friendly water access: Steps, side and front jumping points, and a slide give swimmers several ways into the sea.
• Weather affects the plan: Rough water can force the crew to replace the planned cove, boat style, or even BBQ with paella.

A half-day on the Costa Blanca water

This is not a sightseeing cruise where you spend the whole time sitting quietly and pointing at the shore. It is a relaxed boat outing built around three things: coastal views, a swim stop, and lunch.

You start in the morning from the port in Dénia for the longer option, which lasts about five hours. Some departures from Jávea run for about three and a half hours. The exact timing depends on availability and the option selected, so check the departure port before paying. A trip from Jávea may suit you better if you are staying near Xàbia, while Dénia is the natural choice for visitors based around that port town.

The catamaran gives you a good view of the coast without the cramped feel of a small speedboat. You pass coves, steep cliffs, and clear water, with plenty of open deck space for sitting or stretching out. The pace is made for looking around, not racing from one stop to the next.

The atmosphere can be lively. Music plays during the outing, and the ride back to port may become more social, with dancing on some departures. If you want a quiet boat, this may not be your ideal choice. If you like a holiday outing with music and a friendly crew, it fits well.

Choosing between the Dénia and Jávea options

The title covers both Dénia and Jávea, but this is not necessarily one fixed route. Departure points and timing vary by booking option. Some people take the Jávea version for around three and a half hours, while the Dénia trip can run closer to five hours.

That difference matters. Three and a half hours is enough for a swim, meal, and coastal ride without taking over your day. The five-hour version gives you more time aboard, but it also means more sun, more wind, and a longer period in a group setting.

Look closely at the meeting point when you book. Pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to the port. Do not assume the meeting place is the same for every departure.

The route can also change. Rough seas may prevent the catamaran from reaching the planned cove. In that case, the crew chooses a safer alternative. That is sensible seamanship, but it means you should book this for the boat day itself, not for one exact beach, cave, or swimming spot.

The catamaran, seating, and sun

The boat is spacious, with several ways to spend the ride. The forward nets are the most appealing place for many people because you feel close to the water and get an unobstructed view. Some departures offer reserved net seating for passengers with special wristbands, sometimes at an extra cost. If that matters to you, confirm the seating arrangement before booking.

The nets are also the most exposed part of the boat. They have little protection from the sun, so bring a hat, water-friendly sunscreen, and a towel. The central area provides tables and seats, with shade for anyone who wants a break from direct sunlight.

This variety is a real strength. You can start in the sun, move to the shaded section during lunch, and return outside for the swim or the ride back. The boat is still a shared space, though. On busy summer sailings, the open areas can feel full, and the most desirable seats may go quickly.

Bring biodegradable sunscreen, as requested, and apply it before boarding if possible. A hat, swimwear, towel, and comfortable clothes are the basic kit. You do not need to dress for a formal meal. This is a practical day at sea.

The coast, cliffs, and cove stop

The coastal ride is the scenic heart of the trip. From the water, Dénia and Jávea look different from the beach level. You see steep cliffs, small coves, and water that can appear remarkably clear on a calm day.

The planned stop is intended to get you away from crowded beaches. Instead of walking ashore, you swim directly from the catamaran. That distinction is important. You will not necessarily visit a cave or sit on a secluded beach. You remain near the boat while swimming, which keeps the stop simple and safe but limits your chance to explore the shoreline.

The swimming period can last around an hour and a half on some Jávea departures. That gives you time to jump in more than once, float beside the boat, or use your own snorkel. Fish have been plentiful at the stop, making a mask and snorkel worthwhile if you enjoy seeing what is below the surface.

The water may include jellyfish. One family found some near the boat and later learned they were non-stinging varieties, but conditions can vary. The crew may choose a different cove if the sea is rough. Take the stop as a chance to swim from the catamaran, not as a guarantee of a particular kind of water.

For children, the entry choices are useful. You can use the stairs, jump from the side or front, and on some boats use a slide. Parents should bring any flotation equipment their children need, since the activity information does not promise buoyancy aids for young swimmers.

Lunch on board, with a practical caveat

The included meal is substantial for a boat trip. The usual spread is vegetable salad, barbecued chicken breast, pork fillet, bread, and fruit, plus one drink. Your drink choice is sangria, a soft drink, or water. Additional drinks and snacks can be bought on board.

The meal is served during the swimming stop or around that part of the cruise. It gives you a proper break from the sun and turns a basic boat ride into a half-day outing. Portions have generally been described as generous, with enough meat for some people to take an extra piece.

The BBQ is not completely fixed. On one recent sailing, the operator switched from BBQ to paella and from a sailing boat to a motor-powered boat. That change was accepted as reasonable by the passenger, but it shows why you should treat the advertised meal and boat type as the plan rather than an absolute promise.

If you want vegetarian food, tell the local partner when booking. Do not wait until you are standing in the lunch line. The standard meal centers on grilled meat, so an advance request matters.

There is also a useful practical point about drinks. One drink is included, but later purchases cost extra. If you want to avoid surprises, bring only what the rules allow and budget for anything beyond the included beverage.

Crew, music, and the mood on board

The crew speaks Spanish and English. Their role is mainly practical: handling the boat, organizing the meal, keeping the swim stop moving, and updating passengers when weather forces a change.

The atmosphere tends to be friendly and informal. Music is part of the experience, especially on the return to port. Some people may enjoy the dancing and holiday feel, while others may find the playlist or volume less appealing. This is a social catamaran rather than a silent nature tour.

One point deserves attention: a passenger reported that people smoked despite a no-smoking sign. That may not happen on every sailing, but anyone sensitive to smoke should be aware of the possibility and choose a seat with airflow if needed.

Another passenger was surprised by the lack of a formal safety briefing and did not notice life jackets. That is an individual account, not proof of a general safety problem, but it is fair to say that you should ask the crew where safety equipment is kept if you have concerns. Keep children close during boarding and around the swim platform.

The provider has an overall rating of 4.2 from 288 ratings, which suggests a generally positive experience with some variation between departures. The most consistent strengths are the crew, food, space, music, and swimming time.

Is $65 good value?

At $65 per person, this is good value if you want several holiday activities combined into one outing. You get the catamaran ride, coastal scenery, a swimming stop, lunch, and one drink. A beach day may cost less, but it will not give you the same view of the coast or the chance to swim offshore.

The value is strongest for people who would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip and a meal. Families may also appreciate the range of seating and water access, though extra drinks, net seating, and transport to the port can raise the final cost.

The price is less attractive if you care only about reaching a specific cove or beach. The route can change, and you stay near the boat during the swim. You are paying for the full boat experience, not a ferry ride to one exact swimming location.

The free cancellation policy allows cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your plans are still changing. Check the selected option for the exact duration, port, and meeting point before confirming.

Who should book this catamaran trip?

I would recommend it to couples, families with confident swimmers, and groups wanting an easy half-day by the sea. It works especially well for anyone who likes a little music and social energy with their scenery.

You will get the most from it if you bring your own snorkel, protect yourself from the sun, and stay flexible about the cove and lunch. Families with young children should bring suitable flotation aids and ask about the boat’s safety equipment before the swim stop.

This is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Boarding, moving around the deck, and entering the water require physical mobility.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran excursion last?

The activity lasts between 3.5 and 5 hours, depending on the option you book. Check availability for the exact departure time and duration.

Where does the boat leave from?

The departure point may be in Dénia or Jávea, depending on the selected option. The meeting point can vary, so check your booking details carefully.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The usual lunch includes vegetable salad, barbecued chicken breast, pork fillet, bread, and fruit. Vegetarian food is available if you advise the local partner when booking.

What drink is included?

One drink is included. You can choose sangria, a soft drink, or water. Extra drinks are available for purchase on board.

Can I swim during the trip?

Yes. The catamaran anchors in a cove for swimming. You generally stay near the boat rather than swimming to a beach or cave.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and biodegradable sunscreen. A snorkel can also be useful, though it is not listed as an included item.

Is the excursion accessible for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Should you book it?

Book this if you want a relaxed Costa Blanca boat day with a real meal, a long swim stop, and plenty of time to sit in the sun or shade. At $65, the combination is fair, especially if you use the swim time and enjoy the friendly music-filled atmosphere.

Skip it if you need a guaranteed BBQ, a specific cove, a beach landing, or a quiet boat. For everyone else, check the Dénia or Jávea departure carefully, request the vegetarian meal in advance if needed, and pack for strong sun. That preparation lets you enjoy what this outing does best: getting you offshore, feeding you well, and giving you a different view of the coast.