Granada: Catamaran Sailing Cruise with Lunch & Open Bar

Summary

Catamaran sailing along Costa Tropical with food drinks and sea toys

You’ll sail Granada’s Costa Tropical on a catamaran cruise with an easygoing local skipper, enjoy Mediterranean lunch on deck, try paddleboarding or kayaking in quiet bays, and soak up stories and sunshine—with all drinks included. It’s relaxed but full of small moments you’ll remember long after you’re back on land.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed stepping onto the catamaran in Granada was how everyone loosened up as soon as we had that cold cava in hand—maybe it was the gentle rocking or just knowing we didn’t have to do anything but relax. Our skipper, Andy (I think he’s been doing this for ages), gave us the rundown with a kind of dry British humor that made the safety talk less stiff than usual. I liked that he remembered everyone’s names right away. The marina still smelled faintly of diesel and sunscreen, but once we pulled away, it was all salt air and that weirdly sweet scent you get from sun-warmed ropes.

We sailed past Punta de la Mona—Andy pointed out some old stone towers on the cliffs, said they were built to spot pirates or something (I probably should’ve listened better). There was this story about a shipwreck from centuries ago; he told it like he’d lived through it himself. The water turned this deep blue-green as we got closer to La Herradura bay. I tried paddleboarding for the first time and fell off twice—my partner laughed so hard she nearly dropped her drink. Lunch was spread out on deck: Spanish tortilla (with onion, which apparently is a debate here), salads piled high with avocado and roasted chickpeas, and some kind of homemade quiche that tasted way better than it looked. I’m not sure if it was the sea air or just being hungry from swimming, but everything felt extra fresh.

After anchoring near La Cantarriján beach, a few of us took kayaks out toward these caves Andy called “smugglers’ holes.” The sun kept shifting behind thin clouds—one moment blinding off the water, then suddenly soft. I caught myself just staring at the cliffs for a while, thinking about how many people had watched these same rocks over centuries. Some folks napped in the shade; others kept raiding the cheese board and pouring more wine (open bar means open bar here). There was no rush to do anything except maybe jump in again before heading back.

I didn’t expect to feel so at home with strangers on a boat for four hours, but there’s something about sharing food and awkward paddleboard falls that makes people friendly fast. On the way back to Granada’s marina, someone played Spanish pop quietly from their phone—it mixed with the sound of wind in the sails and laughter drifting over the bow. I still think about that lazy afternoon sometimes when city noise gets too much—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Half-day luxury catamaran sailing cruise

• Welcome onboard with champagne and fruit
• Safety briefing by the skipper
• Sail out of the marina
• Pass Punta de la Mona headland
• Sail west into La Herradura bay
• Skipper points out historic attractions
• Continue around Cerro Gordo headland
• Anchor at La Cantarrijan beach
• Swim, snorkel, kayak, and paddleboard
• Enjoy a superb meal and drinks

Top questions

Is lunch included on this Granada catamaran cruise?

Yes, a full buffet lunch is included during your sailing cruise.

Are drinks free during the half-day sailing trip?

Yes, all beers, wines, cava, soft drinks, and water are included at no extra cost.

Can I use paddleboards or kayaks during the tour?

Yes, use of stand up paddleboards and kayak is included for all guests.

How long does this catamaran cruise last?

The sailing experience lasts about 4 hours total.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you meet at Granada's marina for departure.

Are children allowed on board?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the catamaran cruise is wheelchair accessible.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

No need—snorkeling equipment is provided onboard.

What’s included

Your day includes boarding at Granada’s marina with a welcome glass of cava and fruit nibbles before setting sail along Costa Tropical. You’ll have access to all drinks from an open bar throughout your half-day cruise. A Mediterranean buffet lunch is served on deck while anchored near secluded beaches. Snorkeling equipment, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards—all are available for you to use at no extra charge before returning relaxed to port.