Valencia: Catamaran Cruise with Stop for Swimming

Sea air in Valencia, on a catamaran cruise. This short outing pairs views from La Marina with a sail toward Port Saplaya, then a proper stop to swim in open water off the coast.

What I love most is the chance to get Marina views from the water, with that easy, breezy perspective you don’t get from the docks. I also like the refreshing open-sea swim—there’s enough time to enjoy it without turning your day into a whole production. The one thing to keep in mind: the swim stop can be shortened if conditions aren’t ideal (like current) and everything depends on the weather.

Key points to know before you go

• La Marina departure (Clock Building area): easy to orient yourself and start your ride right by the harbor.
• Port Saplaya approach: you get a real coastal sail, not just circling the marina.
• Anchored swim stop: you’re able to swim in the Mediterranean without a long boat ride afterward.
• About 45 minutes for swimming (often): enough time to cool off and still feel relaxed.
• Crew and fuel included: you’re paying for the boat experience itself, not add-ons.
• Food and drinks not allowed: pack accordingly and keep it simple.

Where the cruise starts by La Marina’s Clock Building

This trip begins from the Clock Building next to La Marina, which is one of those spots in Valencia that helps you find your bearings fast. Plan to go early so you’re not rushing—especially if you need to stop at the BORAMAR sales booth to exchange your tickets for your activity. Arriving about 30 minutes ahead gives you a buffer to get sorted and relax before boarding.

Once you’re at the catamaran, the vibe shifts quickly. Harbor noise fades, the deck fills with salt-air energy, and you’ll start heading along the coast toward Port Saplaya. If you’re traveling with family or friends, this is also a nice meeting point activity: people who don’t want a long excursion still get a real “out on the water” experience.

The 1.5-hour catamaran ride to Port Saplaya

The total time is about 1.5 hours, so think of this as a focused coastal break rather than a long day trip. You’ll leave the marina area and sail toward Port Saplaya beach, which is a great way to see Valencia’s coast from a different angle—built for short attention spans and still rewarding for anyone who likes sea views.

A catamaran matters here. With two hulls, the ride often feels more stable than a smaller boat, which makes the cruise more comfortable for people of mixed comfort levels around water. That’s a big plus if you’re traveling with kids, older relatives, or anyone who prefers less rocking.

You won’t be spending the whole time “on the move,” either. The real point is what comes next: the swim stop. So if your idea of a good Valencia activity includes time outside, sun, and water, this timing works well.

The anchored swim stop in the Mediterranean off Port Saplaya

The best part of this excursion is the simple idea: sail out, then anchor near Port Saplaya and enjoy a refreshing swim in the Mediterranean Sea.

In practice, the swim time is often around 45 minutes, which is just right for many people. You can get in, cool off, enjoy the water, and still have time to relax on deck afterward. If you’re the type who likes to talk, float, or take a slow swim, that window gives you room to do it without feeling clock-watched.

That said, don’t treat it like a guaranteed “perfect swim, every time” situation. Water conditions can change—currents and wind can affect how comfortable the swim feels, and the crew may adjust how long you stay in the water. The practical move: if you’re sensitive to rougher conditions, keep your expectations flexible and treat the swim as a bonus when conditions cooperate.

One more detail that’s easy to miss: the swim is in open sea, not a pool. Wear what you can swim in confidently, and be ready for typical seawater sensations—cooler water than expected, a bit of movement, and the general reality of being in the ocean, not a calm shoreline basin.

Sun, scenery, and the feel of moving on water

This is a “see Valencia from the water” experience, and the scenic value is real. The views of the Marina from deck give you a sense of the harbor layout and how Valencia connects to the coastline. Then, as you head toward Port Saplaya, you trade straight harbor geometry for coastal sightlines—beach areas, open water, and a wider sense of sky.

It’s also a great low-effort activity. There’s no complicated walking route, no timed museum entry, and no need to plan transfers. You show up, board, enjoy the cruise, and you’re done in a little over an hour and a half. That makes it ideal for days when you want something outdoors but don’t want to burn your whole afternoon.

The crew also plays a role in how smooth the experience feels. You’ll want to listen when they give instructions for boarding, anchoring, and swim procedures. A calm crew usually means a calm boat—less waiting, fewer “what now?” moments.

Price and value: Why $22 feels fair for what you get

At $22 per person, this cruise is priced like a “short, worthwhile splurge,” and that’s exactly how it works. You’re not paying for a long itinerary with multiple stops. You’re paying for three things that are costly in time and logistics: getting a boat moving, providing a crew and fuel, and arranging a swim stop.

And the time-to-fun ratio is strong. You get a coastal sail, time at anchor, and a true swim opportunity—without eating up a half or full day. If you’re spending most of your Valencia day on land and just want one memorable water moment, this kind of pricing makes sense.

Just be clear on what’s not part of the ticket. Food and drink are not included, and food/drinks are not allowed aboard. So you’re likely to spend a little extra elsewhere (before or after the cruise), but that doesn’t make the cruise bad value—it keeps the experience focused on the boat and swim.

What’s included (and what you must plan for)

Here’s the practical breakdown of what’s covered:

Included:

• Boat trip
• Stop for a refreshing swim
• Crew and fuel

Not included:

• Food and drink

And there’s an important rule: food and drinks are not allowed. This is one of those “read it once, save yourself stress” details. If you were thinking about bringing snacks, skip that plan and just plan a meal outside the boat experience.

What you should plan for instead is the water-time reality:

• Bring appropriate swim gear (you’ll be in the sea)
• Think about what you’ll do with wet items once back onboard
• Have a plan for hydration and snacks on land since those aren’t part of the boat

If you like simple travel—show up, enjoy, and move on—this setup is very traveler-friendly.

Weather, numbers, and how the outing stays flexible

Two things can shape whether the cruise happens and how the swim feels: weather and minimum numbers.

• Weather matters: all excursions are subject to weather, so if the day is rough, expect adjustments or cancellation.
• Minimum of 15 persons: the cruise needs at least 15 people to operate. On quieter days, that can affect the chance of departure.

This is normal for sea activities, and it’s exactly why the “short duration” helps. If it runs, you get a big payoff quickly. If it doesn’t, at least you haven’t blocked your entire day.

Who should book this catamaran swim stop

This cruise fits best if you want an outdoors activity that feels like a treat but doesn’t require a long commitment.

You’ll probably love it if you:

• Like coastal views and want a break from walking
• Want a swim in open water without needing to arrange boats or rentals yourself
• Are traveling with family or friends and want one plan everyone can enjoy
• Prefer a short excursion you can pair with a food plan and an evening on land

It may be less ideal if you’re looking for a long, multi-hour sailing experience, or if you only feel comfortable swimming when conditions are perfectly calm. In that case, you can still book—just keep expectations flexible for the water conditions on the day.

Should you book this Valencia catamaran cruise with swim stop?

I’d book it if you’re craving one clean, memorable “Valencia from the sea” moment—especially on a day when the weather looks friendly. For $22, you’re getting the core ingredients: a catamaran ride out from the marina, a sail toward Port Saplaya, and a real Mediterranean swim stop with a decent chunk of time in the water.

I’d hesitate only if you’re strict about swim conditions being calm and controlled, or if you hate the idea that wind and current might reduce your time in the sea. In other words: it’s an easy win for sun-and-water lovers, and a mild gamble for people who want guaranteed swimming comfort.

If you want a low-stress Valencia activity that feels more like a vacation than a chore, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The activity lasts about 1.5 hours.

Where do I meet and exchange my ticket?

Meet at the Clock Building next to La Marina. You’ll change your tickets at the BORAMAR sales booth at the same meeting point.

Is the swim stop included?

Yes. The cruise includes a stop for a refreshing swim in the sea near Port Saplaya.

What’s the price?

It’s listed at $22 per person.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, and food and drinks are not allowed on the excursion.

What languages are spoken by the crew?

The experience is available in Spanish and English.

Will the cruise run in any weather?

No. Excursions are subject to weather.

Is there a minimum number of people needed?

Yes. A minimum of 15 persons is required for the cruise to take place.