Dénia & Jávea: Portixol Sailing Catamaran Excursion with BBQ

The best part of this Portixol catamaran cruise is simple: you trade a crowded beach for open water, steep cliffs, clear coves, and a swim straight from the boat. The crew anchors in a sheltered spot when conditions allow, then serves lunch onboard before the boat heads back toward port.

I like the generous swimming stop and the practical setup. You can use steps, the side, or the front of the catamaran to enter the water, and the central seating area gives you shade when the sun gets too strong. The BBQ includes chicken, pork, salad, bread, fruit, and one drink, which makes the $65 price fair for a half-day outing.

The main catch is that the exact boat, meal, departure point, and cove can change. Rough seas may force a different route, and some departures have used a motorboat or paella instead of the advertised sailing catamaran and BBQ. This is a relaxed sea day, not a tightly fixed sightseeing tour.

Key points to know before you book

• Portixol swimming stop: You swim beside the anchored catamaran rather than reaching a beach or swimming into a cave.
• 3.5 to 5 hours on the water: Jávea departures can be shorter, while Dénia options may run closer to five hours.
• Lunch is more substantial than a snack: Expect vegetable salad, grilled chicken breast, pork fillet, bread, fruit, and one drink.
• Shade and sun are both available: The nets are prime sun seats, while the middle of the boat offers tables and cover.
• Music shapes the mood: The trip often shifts from quiet coastal cruising to a livelier return with music and dancing.
• Check the booked option carefully: The meeting point and exact arrangement vary, and the route can change with sea conditions.

Setting out from Dénia or Jávea

You begin at a marina in Dénia or Jávea, also called Xàbia. The booking option determines the exact meeting point, so you need to check that detail before setting off. Pickup and drop-off are not included, which makes your own transport planning part of the day.

From the port, the catamaran gives you a wide view of the coast. You see rocky coves, clear water, and cliffs from an angle that is difficult to get from land. The boat itself is spacious, with room for sunbathing, shaded seating, and movement around the deck.

The duration depends on the departure you choose. Some Jávea trips run about 3.5 hours, while Dénia cruises can last close to five hours. That difference matters. A shorter sailing works well if you want to fit in another activity, while the longer version feels more like a full morning or afternoon at sea.

There is no hotel transfer included, so allow enough time to find the marina and locate the correct boarding point. Since the meeting place may vary by option, do not rely on a general port address alone.

Coastal views on the way to Portixol

The cruise is at its best when you stop trying to tick off sights and simply watch the coast pass by. Dénia and Jávea have a rugged shoreline of cliffs, small coves, and bright water. From the catamaran, you get a broad view rather than the close-up feel of a beach.

The route is not a guided historical tour, and the supplied information does not promise detailed commentary. The crew speaks Spanish and English, so you can ask practical questions and follow basic instructions in either language. The focus is on the setting, the sea, and the time spent relaxing onboard.

Portixol is the main target of the outing, but the captain may choose another cove if the sea is rough. That flexibility is sensible. A fixed route would matter less than finding a safe place to anchor, especially on windy days.

Keep your camera ready during the outward trip, but protect it from spray and strong sun. A hat and biodegradable sunscreen are specifically useful here. You should also bring swimwear and a towel, since the swimming stop is a central part of the day.

The swimming stop beside the boat

Once the catamaran anchors, you get time to swim in the open sea. The water is clear, and fish can be visible around the boat. You enter using the stairs, from the side, or by jumping from suitable points on the catamaran, depending on crew instructions and conditions.

The stop is not a beach visit. You stay near the boat rather than swimming ashore to a cave or cove. That distinction is important if you are picturing a walk onto a deserted beach. This is better for an easy swim, floating, and looking at fish than for exploring land.

A snorkel can improve this part of the trip. It is not listed as included, so bring your own if you want to look below the surface. Families should also think about swimming ability. One family brought buoyancy aids for children who were not strong sea swimmers, which is a sensible precaution, though you need to manage and supervise your own equipment.

Jellyfish have been seen in the water. The ones encountered on one trip were reported as non-stinging, but sea life and conditions can vary. Listen to the crew before entering and do not assume the water will be exactly the same on every departure.

The length of the swim stop also varies by trip. One Jávea outing allowed about an hour and a half for food and swimming. That is enough time to swim without feeling rushed, then dry off and eat. If you prefer to spend the whole day on land, this is a large portion of the experience, so keep that in mind.

A BBQ lunch with a practical menu

Lunch is served onboard, usually around the swimming stop. The listed meal includes vegetable salad, barbecued chicken breast, pork fillet, bread, fruit, and one drink. You can choose sangria, a soft drink, or water for the included drink.

I like this menu because it is a real meal rather than a token sandwich. After time in the sun and water, chicken, pork, bread, and fruit make sense. The food has also been described as plentiful and well organized on some departures, with extra meat available at times.

Food arrangements can change. One departure switched from BBQ to paella, and another meal was also described as paella. If the BBQ is the main reason you are booking, confirm the current option before paying, and accept that the operator may alter the meal or vessel.

Vegetarian lunch is available if you tell the local partner when booking. Do not wait until you are already onboard. The stated menu does not list a separate vegan meal, so anyone with stricter dietary needs should ask what can be provided before confirming.

You can buy more drinks and snacks onboard. Only one drink is included, so budget a little extra if you want several cold drinks during a long, sunny cruise.

Sun, shade, nets, and the best place to sit

The catamaran offers different ways to spend the trip. The forward nets are the obvious choice if you want the sensation of being above the water, but they are exposed to the sun. On at least one Jávea departure, access to the nets was limited to people with special wristbands, so check the arrangement if that seating matters to you.

The central section has tables and seats with shade. I would choose this area if you burn easily, want to eat comfortably, or need a break from the glare. You can still move around and enjoy the view without staying in full sun for hours.

Bring a hat, towel, swimwear, and biodegradable sunscreen. Apply sunscreen before boarding and again after swimming. The combination of reflected light from the sea and a long open-water stop can catch you off guard.

Music is part of the atmosphere. The trip may begin as a calm coastal ride, then become more social on the return, with dancing on some departures. If you want complete quiet, this may not be your ideal boat trip. If you like a holiday mood with music and a cheerful crew, it adds energy without requiring a separate party cruise.

Smoking is a possible nuisance. A no-smoking sign was noted onboard, but smoking still occurred during one trip. If smoke bothers you, move away from the affected area and mention it to the crew.

What the price includes at $65

At $65 per person, the value depends on how much use you make of the boat time. You get the catamaran cruise, the coastal route, a swimming stop, lunch, and one drink. A five-hour Dénia outing works out well if you want a complete sea day without arranging a separate restaurant meal.

The value is less obvious if your main goal is a specific cove or cave. The route may change, and you do not get time to explore ashore. You are paying for a floating base, a meal, swimming, and views, not for a beach transfer or a private boat.

The group is not described as a small private charter. The catamaran can feel busy, and an older account described it as packed. Later trips also found plenty of room and shade, so the experience may depend on the departure and the boat used. Expect a shared excursion rather than a quiet private sailing.

Additional drinks cost extra, and transport to the port is your responsibility. Those are small costs, but they matter when comparing this with a boat trip that includes transfers or a full drinks package.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend it to couples, families with confident swimmers, and anyone who wants an easy coastal day without planning every detail. You get scenery, swimming, lunch, and music in one booking. The crew has been praised for being friendly and for keeping the meal and schedule organized.

It suits people who like choice. You can sunbathe on the nets, sit in shade, swim, snorkel, eat, or simply watch the cliffs. You are not locked into a guided walking route or a long list of timed stops.

Families should assess the mobility and swimming issues carefully. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. The boat has several ways to enter the water, but you need to be comfortable moving around a catamaran and managing a swim from the vessel.

It is less suited to anyone seeking luxury service, a private atmosphere, or a guaranteed BBQ at one exact cove. Weather can change the route, and the food or boat type may differ from the original plan.

Timing, changes, and practical planning

The trip runs in the morning for the listed Dénia schedule, with a return in the afternoon. Other options may have different start times, so check availability rather than assuming every sailing follows the same pattern.

Sea conditions can alter the route. A planned cove may be replaced when the water is rough, and that is the right call for safety. The tradeoff is that you should book this for the general experience, not one promised patch of coast.

The operator provides instruction in Spanish and English. A safety briefing was not obvious to one passenger, and safety equipment was not clearly seen from their seat. I would pay close attention to the crew before swimming and ask if you need instructions about life jackets, entry points, or returning to the boat.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your coastal plans depend on weather. The cancellation terms do not remove the need to check the final meeting point and departure option.

Should you book the Portixol catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a good-value half-day on the water, with a proper lunch, a long swim stop, coastal views, and a relaxed social mood. The strongest reasons are the spacious catamaran, the chance to swim away from crowded beaches, the useful mix of shade and sun, and the friendly crew.

Think twice if you need a fixed itinerary, quiet sailing, a guaranteed BBQ, or a beach and cave visit. For the best fit, choose the longer Dénia option if you want more time onboard, bring a snorkel and sun protection, tell the operator about vegetarian food in advance, and verify the boat and meal before departure.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart?

The cruise departs from a port in Dénia or Jávea, depending on the option booked. The exact meeting point may vary, so check the details for your selected departure.

How long does the experience last?

The duration is between 3.5 and 5 hours. Check the available departure option for the exact length and start time.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The listed lunch includes vegetable salad, barbecued chicken breast, pork fillet, bread, and fruit.

What drink is included?

One drink is included. You can choose sangria, a soft drink, or water. Additional drinks are available to purchase onboard.

Is a vegetarian meal available?

Yes. A vegetarian lunch option is available, but you should advise the local partner when booking.

Can I swim during the cruise?

Yes. The catamaran anchors in a cove or another suitable area for swimming when conditions allow. You swim near the boat rather than traveling to shore.

Can I visit a cave or beach during the swimming stop?

The activity does not include a swim to a cave or beach. You remain near the anchored catamaran.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and biodegradable sunscreen. A snorkel may also be useful, but it is not listed as included.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

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

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available for eligible bookings.