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

A Relaxing Day at Sea with Paella on Isla Portitxol: Your Guide to the Costa Blanca Adventure

If you’re craving a taste of the Mediterranean in a leisurely, authentic setting, this half-day catamaran cruise from Jávea or Dénia is a wonderful choice. For around 3 hours, you’ll glide along the stunning coastline, visit the tiny Portitxol Island, and indulge in delicious Valencian cuisine. With flexible departure times, this tour is perfect for travelers looking to combine scenic beauty, relaxation, and a flavorful meal in one smooth experience.

What we especially appreciate about this trip is the peaceful way it showcases the coast, paired with the opportunity to swim in turquoise waters and enjoy a traditional paella right on the boat. Plus, the friendly, bilingual crew makes everything straightforward and welcoming. On the downside, it’s worth noting that specific boat locations aren’t guaranteed**, and the anchorage spot depends on the captain’s discretion—so flexibility is key. This tour suits those who want a relaxed, scenic escape with good food and a chance to unwind by the sea, whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Scenic coastal views: Experience the beauty of the Costa Blanca from the water, with plenty of opportunities for photos.
• Visit Portitxol Island: A small, charming island perfect for swimming and soaking up the sun.
• Authentic Valencian paella: Enjoy a traditional, freshly cooked meal on board, complemented by a refreshing drink.
• Flexible timetable: Check availability for departure times that suit your plans.
• Bilingual guides: English and Spanish spoken, making communication smooth.
• Inclusive experience: All the essentials—lunch, drinks, and a relaxing cruise—are included in the price.

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Logistics

Your journey begins at the Puerto Deportivo, where you’ll head to the BORAMAR ticket booth to exchange your reservation for tickets. The location is straightforward, with clear signage, so finding your start point should be simple. The activity lasts about 3 hours, with embarkation, cruising, swimming, and returning phases carefully timed to maximize your experience without feeling rushed.

The Catamaran Ride: Gliding Along the Coast

Once aboard, the catamaran sets sail along the coast, offering a comfortable and stable ride—ideal for relaxing and taking in the views. The one-hour cruise initially skims the shoreline, revealing majestic cliffs, coves, and the inviting beaches that dot the Costa Blanca. The boat is designed for a relaxed experience, with plenty of space to sit back and enjoy the scenery, or to mingle with fellow travelers.

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Visiting Portitxol Island

The highlight for many is the stop at Portitxol Island, a tiny haven of nature surrounded by clear, inviting waters. Here, you’ll have about three hours to swim, sunbathe, or explore the rocky shores. The water visibility is typically excellent, making it perfect for snorkeling or just floating on your back while gazing up at the sky.

A common comment from travelers is, “We loved the way the crew allowed us plenty of time to enjoy the water and relax,” emphasizing the unhurried pace. However, because the anchorage spot is at the captain’s discretion, you might find that the exact swimming area varies from trip to trip, which can be a slight unpredictability.

The Valencian Lunch: Paella and More

Midday is reserved for the culinary highlight—a traditional Valencian paella cooked fresh on board. This dish is a true centerpiece of the region, featuring aromatic saffron rice with seafood or chicken, depending on the day. Alongside, you’ll find a fresh salad and seasonal fruit, served with your choice of water, soft drink, or beer.

Travelers consistently praise the authenticity of the meal. One review notes, “The paella was delicious, with just the right amount of seasoning—truly a taste of the Mediterranean.” The meal is served in a casual, friendly setting, making it perfect for families or groups looking for a local flavor in a relaxed atmosphere.

Returning and Relaxing

After lunch, you’re free to continue sunbathing or sipping drinks as the boat leisurely returns to the port. The music and sea breeze create a laid-back vibe that makes the entire experience feel like a mini-vacation. The one-hour cruise back offers more coastal views, final photo opportunities, and time to unwind.

What to Expect and Practical Tips

Comfort and Preparation

We recommend bringing comfortable shoes for walking around the port, swimwear and a towel for swimming, sunscreen to protect yourself from the Mediterranean sun, and light clothes suitable for the warm weather. Since drinks are not permitted in the vehicle, but there is a bar on board, you can purchase additional beverages during the cruise.

Group Size and Atmosphere

While the exact size of the group isn’t specified, the experience feels intimate and friendly. The crew speaks both Spanish and English, ensuring clear communication, especially for those not fluent in Spanish. The relaxed pace and friendly atmosphere make it suitable for all ages—though wheelchair users might find it less accessible, as it’s explicitly noted that the experience is not suitable for them.

Timing and Flexibility

Departure times vary, so checking availability in advance is essential. The activity is fully refundable if canceled more than 24 hours before—adding peace of mind to your booking. Remember, the specific boat isn’t guaranteed, and the anchorage area may change depending on the captain’s decision, so keep your expectations flexible.

Cost and Value

At a price that includes boat travel, a meal, and drinks, this tour offers good value for a relaxing, scenic day. Compared to land-based activities, it delivers authentic coastal views and a laid-back atmosphere that’s hard to match. For those who love good food, beautiful scenery, and the sea, it’s a worthwhile indulgence.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for sea lovers and those seeking a casual, authentic adventure along the Costa Blanca. It suits travelers looking for a relaxed pace—not a high-energy cruise—and who appreciate local cuisine. Families, couples, or solo travelers wanting a taste of Spain’s maritime charm will find it especially appealing.

If you’re seeking a beautiful, unpretentious way to enjoy the coast, coupled with delicious food and a swim in the sea, this is a great option. It’s particularly well-suited for those who want a simpler, hassle-free day with memorable views and good company.

FAQ: Your Practical Questions Answered

• Where does the tour start? At the Puerto Deportivo, where you’ll exchange your reservation for tickets at the BORAMAR booth.
• How long is the cruise? About 3 hours from start to finish, including cruising, swimming, and returning.
• Is lunch included? Yes, you’ll enjoy a traditional Valencian paella, salad, seasonal fruit, and a drink of your choice.
• What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and light, comfortable clothes suitable for warm weather.
• Can I buy more drinks? Yes, there’s a bar on board where additional beverages can be purchased.
• Are there any restrictions? Drinks in the vehicle are not allowed, and the experience is not suitable for wheelchair users.
• Is the boat location guaranteed? No, the specific boat and anchoring point depend on the captain’s discretion.
• What if I need to cancel? You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• How many people will be on the boat? The exact group size isn’t specified but the atmosphere tends to be friendly and intimate.
• Is this tour suitable for children? While not explicitly stated, the relaxed pace and swimming opportunities make it family-friendly, though very young children should be supervised at all times.

Final Thoughts

This Denia/Jávea day at sea offers a lovely blend of stunning coast views, refreshing swims, and authentic Valencian cuisine—all in just a few hours. The casual, friendly atmosphere makes it a perfect choice for travelers seeking a relaxed, scenic escape. It’s especially ideal if you enjoy sun, sea breeze, and good food without the fuss of a full-day adventure.

Whether you’re a couple looking for a romantic outing, a family wanting fun in the sun, or a solo traveler eager to meet fellow explorers, this cruise delivers a charming slice of Mediterranean life. Just remember to keep flexible about the exact sailing spot, bring your sun protection, and prepare for a memorable, restful day at sea.

Enjoy your trip and make every moment on the water count. The Costa Blanca’s stunning coastline awaits.

You can check availability for your dates here: