Denia/Jávea: a day at sea with paella on Isla Portitxol

If you’re craving a laid-back day on the water with stunning coastal views, this catamaran experience from Jávea or Dénia might just be your perfect escape. Offering a blend of scenic sailing, swimming in turquoise waters, and enjoying a traditional Valencian meal, it’s designed for those looking to unwind while soaking up the Mediterranean vibes.

What makes this tour stand out? We love the beautiful coastal scenery that you get to see from the boat, the authentic Valencian paella served on board, and the chance to swim at Portitxol Island—a quieter spot away from the busy beaches. However, one consideration is that the specific boat isn’t guaranteed, and the anchorage location is at the captain’s discretion, so the exact swim spot might change.

This tour works best for travelers who want a relaxed day at sea, enjoy good food and scenic views, and don’t mind a group environment. It’s perfect for families, couples, or friends who are seeking a casual day on the water without fuss.

Good To Know

• Stunning Coastal Views: Sail along the Costa Blanca with impressive cliffs and coves.
• Swim at Portitxol Island: Enjoy turquoise waters in a quieter, less crowded spot.
• Authentic Valencian Paella: Savor a traditional meal with fresh ingredients.
• Flexible Schedule: Tours start at different times, so check availability.
• All-Inclusive Meal: Salad, paella, seasonal fruit, and a drink included.
• Limited Capacity: Small group ambiance enhances the experience.
• Comfortable and Practical: Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Booking

The adventure begins at the Puerto Deportivo, where you’ll find the BORAMAR ticket booth. Here, you’ll exchange your reservation for an entry ticket, making the process straightforward. The tour typically lasts around 3 hours, with different start times depending on availability, so it’s good to plan ahead to fit it into your day.

The Catamaran Ride

Once aboard, you’ll spend about an hour sailing along the coast. The boat provides a comfortable setting to enjoy spectacular views of the cliffs, coves, and beaches that define this stretch of the Costa Blanca. Reviewers mention that the crew is friendly and attentive, making the journey both relaxing and informative.

Portitxol Island Stop

The highlight for many is the stop at Portitxol Island. This small, uninhabited island offers a perfect spot for swimming in clear, turquoise waters. Reviewers note that the anchorage spot isn’t guaranteed—the captain chooses based on weather and sea conditions—so it might be a different location each time. Still, the peaceful and scenic environment makes it worthwhile.

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Food and Drink

Midday, the boat pulls up in a designated spot for a delicious Valencian meal. The menu features a authentic paella, prepared fresh on board, accompanied by a salad and seasonal fruit. You’ll be offered a drink of your choice—water, soft drink, or beer—making it a relaxed, no-stress dining experience. Reviewers praise the quality of the food, often highlighting the flavorful rice and fresh ingredients.

Leisure and Return

The rest of the time is yours to sunbathe, enjoy good music, or simply relax as the boat gently cruises back to port. Many mention the serenity of the sea, the breeze, and how the views keep changing—making it a truly calming experience.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Stop 1: Puerto Deportivo

This bustling port acts as your launchpad. The easy check-in process at BORAMAR’s ticket booth makes getting started smooth. The location is central, so it’s convenient whether you’re staying in Jávea or Dénia.

Stop 2: Catamaran Ride (1 Hour)

The initial sailing gives you a taste of the coastline’s beauty. Expect panoramic views of majestic cliffs, hidden coves, and perhaps a few seagulls circling overhead. The crew often shares interesting tidbits about the area, enhancing your appreciation of the landscape.

Stop 3: Swimming, Food Tasting, Hop-on Hop-off (3 Hours)

Once anchored, you’ll have a generous window to swim and relax on the boat or on Portitxol Island itself. Multiple reviews highlight the crystal-clear waters as a major selling point. The paella served is described as authentic and flavorful, with some reviewers mentioning it rivals what you’d find in local restaurants. During this time, you can also hop off or stay on the boat, depending on your mood.

Stop 4: Return Sailing (1 Hour)

As you cruise back, the relaxed atmosphere continues. Many guests comment on how the sun, sea breeze, and gentle rocking create a perfect setting for unwinding. The music, often played on board, adds to the laid-back vibe.

End at Puerto Deportivo

The tour concludes back where it started, with plenty of time to explore the port area or continue your seaside adventure.

What’s Included and What to Keep in Mind

The tour includes a full day at sea with a stop at Portitxol Island, a delicious Valencian lunch with salad, paella, and dessert, plus a choice of drink. It’s a good value considering the all-inclusive nature—especially if you’re looking for a low-stress, scenic experience.

However, extra drinks can be purchased on board, and the specific boat and anchorage are at the captain’s discretion, so flexibility is key. Also, the duration of 3 hours may feel short if you’re eager for a full day out, but most find the balance of sailing, swimming, and eating well-paced.

Practical Tips

• Bring swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes for sunbathing and swimming.
• The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, so plan accordingly.
• Avoid bringing drinks or food in the vehicle, but the bar on the boat is available for additional purchases.
• The meeting point is at the BORAMAR booth, which is easy to locate near the port.

Why This Tour Could Be Your Perfect Escape

If you’re after a relaxing, scenic day with a touch of adventure, this trip ticks many boxes. The stunning coastlines provide a cinematic backdrop, while the swimming stop gives you a break from the sun and sea. The authentic Valencian paella elevates the experience, adding a genuine local flavor to your day.

It’s especially appealing to those who prefer a small group environment, as the comments suggest a cozy, friendly vibe aboard. The flexibility in timing and the free cancellation policy also make it a practical choice for spontaneous plans or uncertain schedules.

While the specific boat and anchorage can vary, the overall quality—friendly crew, beautiful scenery, delicious food—remains consistent. This tour offers a delightful balance of relaxation, scenic beauty, and authentic local cuisine that many travelers find memorable.

The Sum Up

This Denia/Jávea catamaran trip with paella on Isla Portitxol offers a wonderful way to enjoy the Mediterranean coastline from the water. Its strengths lie in breathtaking views, delicious food, and the chance to swim in tranquil waters away from crowded beaches. It’s a fantastic choice for those who want a laid-back day, especially if you value authentic local flavors and scenic sailing.

Ideal for families, couples, or friends looking for a casual yet stunning experience, this tour manages to combine comfort, natural beauty, and culinary delights in a compact, well-organized package. While the boat and swim spot aren’t guaranteed, most guests find the overall experience to be a relaxing highlight of their trip along the Costa Blanca.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts around 3 hours, with start times varying based on availability.

Where does the tour begin?
It starts at the Puerto Deportivo, where you’ll exchange your reservation at the BORAMAR ticket booth.

Is food included?
Yes, the tour includes a full meal with salad, Valencian paella, seasonal fruit, and a drink of your choice—water, soft drink, or beer.

Can I bring extra drinks or food?
Extra drinks can be purchased on board at the bar, but bringing additional food or drinks in the vehicle isn’t allowed.

Is swimming included?
Yes, a significant part of the trip is stopping at Portitxol Island for swimming in crystal-clear waters—though the exact spot isn’t guaranteed.

Is the tour suitable for children or wheelchair users?
It’s suitable for most children, but it’s not accessible for wheelchair users due to the nature of the boat and port infrastructure.

What should I bring?
Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and beachwear to enjoy the water and sun comfortably.

What happens if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund—offering flexibility if your plans change.

This sailing adventure combines scenic beauty, authentic cuisine, and relaxation—a wonderful way to spend a day on the Costa Blanca. Whether you’re after a peaceful escape or a picture-perfect day on the water, this tour provides a memorable slice of Mediterranean life.

You can check if your dates are available here: