Sunny Beach & Nessebar: Catamaran Cruise with Snorkeling & Lunch

Summary

Catamaran cruise from Nessebar with swimming lunch drinks and coastal views

You’ll board a roomy catamaran in Nessebar Old Town for a relaxed cruise along Bulgaria’s coast—swimming, snorkeling with provided gear, and sharing lunch on deck with fellow travelers. Drinks flow freely as you take in views and maybe spot dolphins on your way back. It’s easygoing and social—the kind of day where you forget your phone for a while.

What’s the experience like?

I stepped onto the catamaran in Nessebar Old Town still half-awake, honestly — the bus pickup was early but painless, and I liked seeing the sleepy resorts roll by through the window. The crew greeted us with these big grins (I think one of them was humming something Bulgarian under his breath), and before I’d even found a seat, someone pressed a cold drink into my hand. There’s this mix of sunscreen, sea air, and coffee floating around — kind of comforting if you’re not fully awake yet.

We drifted out past the old stone walls of Nessebar, which looked even older from the water somehow. The sun deck was already dotted with people sprawled across those netted areas — I tried it for five minutes but kept thinking I’d drop my sunglasses through the holes. The bar opened early (not complaining), and I ended up chatting with a couple from Sofia who told me how locals come here to escape city heat in July. When we anchored at this quiet beach spot, there was this hush except for gulls and someone’s kid laughing as they tried snorkeling for the first time. I gave it a go too — water colder than expected but clear enough to spot these little darting fish.

Lunch was simple but hit the spot: pasta bolognese (vegetarian too), salads, bread that tasted fresh-baked, cold meats and cheese. One of the crew — Petar? — insisted I try some local white wine (“just a little,” he said, topping up anyway). We all sat wherever, plates balanced on our knees or perched along the railings. Sunlight bounced off everything; I probably still have salt on my skin.

The sail back felt slower in a good way. Someone pointed out dolphins (I missed them, typical), and everyone seemed quieter — maybe just full or sun-dazed. I kept looking at Nessebar’s skyline getting closer, thinking how different it feels to arrive by sea instead of road. Still think about that view sometimes when I smell saltwater anywhere else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Luxury catamaran sailing and snorkeling

• Board luxury catamaran in Old Nessebar
• Enjoy drinks and snacks at the bar
• Anchor at beach for swimming
• Snorkel with fish and seahorses
• Relax and sunbathe on deck
• Have lunch on board
• Sail back along the coast
• Look out for dolphins

Top questions

Where does the catamaran cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from the harbor in Nessebar Old Town.

Is hotel pickup included in this Sunny Beach catamaran tour?

Yes, complimentary double decker bus pickup is included from your resort to the harbor.

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The activity lasts approximately 4 hours.

Are meals and drinks included during the cruise?

Yes, lunch is served on board along with soft drinks, mineral water, beer, white and red wine.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included in the tour.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels except pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health.

What kind of food is served for lunch?

The lunch includes hot pasta with bolognese sauce (vegetarian option available), salads, assorted cold meats and cheeses, fresh bread, pate, and fresh fruit.

Can service animals join this catamaran cruise?

Yes, service animals are allowed on board.

What’s included

Your day includes complimentary pickup by double decker bus from your resort to Nessebar harbor; use of snorkeling equipment; lunch featuring pasta bolognese or vegetarian options along with salads, cold meats and cheeses, fresh bread and fruit; plus unlimited soft drinks, mineral water, beer and local wines—all while sailing Bulgaria’s coast before returning to port.