Cambrils: Costa Dorada Catamaran Day Cruise with BBQ Lunch

The best part of this Costa Dorada catamaran cruise is the simple rhythm: sail along the coast, drop anchor, swim in the Mediterranean, eat lunch, then drift back toward Cambrils. I like the wide sunbathing nets and the easy access to the water, and I like that drinks and snorkeling equipment are included rather than treated as extras.

The main caution is lunch. Some passengers found it perfectly acceptable, while one described the food as average and said the barbecue items arrived cold. The boat can also feel crowded at busy times, so this suits you best if you value a relaxed day at sea more than a quiet, small-group sailing trip.

Key points to know before booking

• Swimming is the heart of the outing: The catamaran anchors in the Mediterranean so you can use the sea ladders and swim from the boat.
• The Ocean Fly is built for comfort: Expect wide sunbathing nets, a bar counter, two bathrooms, and space for a large number of passengers.
• Lunch is included, but keep expectations modest: The barbecue is served onboard, and some passengers found it more practical than memorable.
• Drinks and snorkel gear are covered: A mask, snorkel, and drinks are included in the price.
• Crew service gets the strongest praise: Natalia received special mention for her friendly, communicative help, and the wider crew is often described as warm and attentive.
• This is a five-hour cruise, not a full-day expedition: You get a generous half-day on the water, with the afternoon return to Cambrils.

Setting out from Cambrils on the Ocean Fly

Your outing begins at the ticket office in front of the boats in Cambrils. You present your voucher there before boarding. Since hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, you need to make your own way to the port and allow enough time to find the correct departure point.

The vessel is the Ocean Fly, a catamaran designed to carry a large number of passengers. That matters because the boat is more like a floating leisure platform than a small sailing yacht. You get a bar counter, two bathrooms, stairs leading into the sea, and broad nets where you can lie in the sun above the water.

I see that layout as a real strength for a five-hour trip. You are not confined to one seat, and you can move between the deck, the nets, the bar area, and the swimming access. The tradeoff is space. One passenger felt there were too many people onboard, so you should not book this expecting the hush or privacy of a private charter.

The catamaran setup also gives you a steady platform for a group day out. It works well for families, couples, friends, and celebrations. One group used it for a bachelorette party, and the crew even gave the bride-to-be a small gift. That sort of personal touch is not guaranteed, but it shows the kind of social occasion this cruise can handle.

Sailing past the coves of the Costa Dorada

After leaving Cambrils, the boat follows the Costa Dorada coastline and heads toward attractive coves. The route is about enjoying the coast from offshore rather than stopping at a long list of named sights. You get time to stretch out, watch the shoreline, and let the boat do the work.

The value here is not a guided history lesson. No detailed sightseeing commentary is promised, and the focus is relaxation. I would choose this trip if I wanted a change from crowded beaches and a chance to see the coast from the water without arranging a boat rental.

The pace is intentionally unhurried. After the initial sailing, the crew chooses a place to anchor for the swimming stop. Exact coves and the timing of the stop can vary, so you should think of the route as a coastal cruise with a planned swim rather than a fixed sightseeing circuit.

Keep your camera ready, but do not book this for guaranteed wildlife. One passenger happened to see dolphins, which made the excursion feel special. That is a lucky extra, not part of the promised program.

The swimming stop and snorkeling break

The anchor stop is the main event for many people. Once the catamaran is settled, you can climb down the sea stairs and swim in the Mediterranean. The water is described as cool and blue, and the stop gives you a proper chance to get wet rather than simply admire the coast from the deck.

Snorkel equipment is included, with a mask available for use. That is helpful if you want to look beneath the surface without packing your own gear. Still, no particular marine life or underwater site is promised, so I would treat snorkeling as an optional extra rather than the main reason to book.

The sea access is also practical for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can spend more time in the water, while you can stay onboard if you prefer sunbathing. The broad deck and sea ladders mean the cruise does not depend on everyone wanting the same kind of afternoon.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. These are not minor details. You will spend several hours exposed to sun and sea glare, and the catamaran’s open deck offers plenty of light. The supplied information does not promise shade for every passenger, so a hat and sunscreen are sensible basics.

What the onboard barbecue is really like

While you swim, the crew prepares the included barbecue lunch. Eating on a boat adds to the holiday mood, and you do not need to leave the vessel, find a restaurant, or interrupt the day to feed yourself. Drinks are included too, with a free bar available onboard.

The meal is best understood as a convenient group lunch, not a restaurant meal. One passenger described it as good, while another felt the term barbecue was misleading because the food seemed cooked in advance and was served cold. That difference in opinion is useful: you may enjoy the setting and find the meal filling, but do not book this mainly for ambitious cooking.

There is also a small pre-meal snack. One passenger suggested adding potato chips because not everyone enjoys the sweet coca-style item served before lunch. If you prefer savory snacks, bringing a small personal backup may be sensible, though the official information only confirms the included barbecue, drinks, and snorkeling equipment.

The free bar improves the value of the package. You can spend five hours at sea without adding separate drink costs, and one group specifically appreciated having cold beverages available throughout the trip. The exact drink selection is not specified, so I would not assume a particular brand or a full cocktail menu.

Crew service, music, and the mood onboard

The crew receives the warmest praise. Several accounts describe the staff as friendly, helpful, and animated. Natalia was singled out for being especially communicative and for helping make a celebration feel memorable.

That matters on a boat. Good service affects the whole mood, from boarding and swimming access to lunch and the return sail. The crew is described as attentive to passenger well-being, which is reassuring when a large group is moving around a catamaran and using the sea ladders.

The atmosphere can include music, and the cruise appears suited to a sociable day rather than silent sailing. One passenger enjoyed the trip but wished the music and party atmosphere had been a little more festive. I would read that as a clue about expectations: the cruise can feel lively, but it is not advertised as a dedicated party boat with a guaranteed entertainment program.

If you are marking a birthday, bachelorette party, or family occasion, the staff may help create a celebratory feel. If you want peace and quiet, claim a comfortable place away from the bar and louder social areas when possible. Exact seating arrangements are not specified, so you should expect a shared public boat rather than reserved private space.

The return to Cambrils in the afternoon

After lunch and the swimming stop, the catamaran sails slowly back toward Cambrils. This final stretch gives you time to dry off, settle on the deck, and watch the coast recede.

The five-hour duration is well judged for a relaxed outing. You get enough time for sailing, swimming, lunch, and a return journey without committing your entire day to the water. At $74 per person, the price includes the boat trip, BBQ lunch, drinks, and snorkel equipment. I consider that a fair package if you expect to use the swimming stop and enjoy the onboard facilities.

The value is weaker if you mainly want transportation along the coast or a gourmet meal. You are paying for the complete day-at-sea feeling, including the deck space, crew service, swimming access, and convenience of having food and drinks handled onboard.

The cruise also gives you a simpler option than planning your own beach day. You do not need to carry a cooler, search for a good swimming cove, or rent equipment separately. The cost is easier to justify for a group that wants one organized activity with very little decision-making once onboard.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend the Ocean Fly outing to you if you want:

• A relaxed Costa Dorada day on the water
• A swimming stop without arranging your own boat
• A social activity for friends or a family group
• Included drinks and snorkeling equipment
• A boat with bathrooms and easy sea access
• A celebration with a friendly crew and casual atmosphere

I would be more cautious if you want a small, quiet sailing experience. The catamaran can accommodate many passengers, and one account specifically found it too crowded. You should also look elsewhere if a freshly grilled, high-quality lunch is the deciding factor.

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, according to the activity information. The sea ladders, deck layout, and boarding arrangements may be difficult for anyone who needs step-free access. The operator provides hosts or greeters in English, French, and Spanish, which makes the trip workable for a multilingual group.

Booking details that affect the decision

The meeting point is the ticket office in front of the boats in Cambrils. Hotel transfers are not included, so this is best for you if you are already staying nearby or can arrange your own transport to the port.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also gives you some flexibility while you settle your plans. Starting times are subject to availability, so check the departure time before committing to other activities that day.

The overall rating is 4.6 out of 5 from 19 ratings, with many top scores. The pattern is fairly clear: service, swimming, drinks, and the general day out are the strong points. Food quality, crowding, and the level of onboard music are the areas where expectations need adjusting.

Should you book the Cambrils catamaran cruise?

Book it if your ideal Costa Dorada outing means lying in the sun, swimming from a stable boat, sharing an easy lunch, and letting a friendly crew manage the details. The Ocean Fly offers useful facilities, drinks, snorkel gear, and a five-hour route at a reasonable all-in price.

Skip it if you want privacy, a guaranteed dolphin sighting, or a restaurant-quality barbecue. My practical advice is to bring the listed sun and swim essentials, keep lunch expectations moderate, and choose this for the sea time rather than the food. For a casual group day in Cambrils, that is a sensible trade.

FAQ

How long is the Cambrils catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts five hours. It includes coastal sailing, an anchored swimming stop, an onboard barbecue lunch, and the return sail to Cambrils.

What is included in the price?

The $74 price includes the catamaran cruise, barbecue lunch, drinks, and a snorkel and mask.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to reach the meeting point in Cambrils yourself.

Where do I meet the boat?

Present your voucher at the ticket office in front of the boats in Cambrils.

Can I swim from the catamaran?

Yes. The boat anchors for a swimming stop and has stairs leading down to the sea.

Are snorkeling equipment and masks provided?

Yes. A snorkel and mask are included.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Is the activity suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for wheelchair users.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later to keep your plans flexible.