Review · SPAIN

All included Private Boat Half Day. Denia and Javea coast.

★ 5.0 · 35 reviews 4 hours Operated by Espejo de Popa · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Book on GetYourGuide →

The Costa Blanca looks best from the water. This private four-hour cruise from Dénia gives you a comfortable boat, a local skipper, and a useful pile of water gear for exploring the coast between Dénia and Jávea. I especially like the freedom to choose between swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and simply stretching out under the Bimini top. I also like that the price covers fuel and the skipper, so you are not watching the meter while cruising along the coast. The main consideration is price: $648 for up to nine people is good value for a full group, but costly for only two or three.

You will leave from Marina El Portet de Dénia and pass the rugged coast around Cabo de San Antonio, Cova Tallada, Jávea, Cala Blanca, and Portichol Island. The boat carries a SeaScooter, masks, a stand-up paddleboard, and a floating mat. Bring your own food and drinks, but remember that ice is not included.

Key points at a glance

All included Private Boat Half Day. Denia and Javea coast. - Key points at a glance

  • A private boat for up to nine people: You get the whole boat and can set the pace with your own group.
  • Cabo de San Antonio by sea: The coast, cliffs, caves, and natural reserve are best appreciated from offshore.
  • Water gear included: Use the SeaScooter, snorkel masks, paddleboard, and water mat without extra rental charges.
  • A practical four-hour schedule: You have enough time for a scenic cruise and several swimming stops without giving up an entire day.
  • Strong skipper service: Ricky and Mike are praised for friendly service, safe handling, and choosing attractive swim spots.
  • Simple meeting point: Find dock number 8 at Marina El Portet and call the supplied contact number on arrival.

Why this Dénia and Jávea boat trip works

All included Private Boat Half Day. Denia and Javea coast. - Why this Dénia and Jávea boat trip works

This outing gets the important things right. You are not paying for a bare boat and then adding a skipper, fuel, water toys, and cleaning one by one. The $648 group rate includes all of those core costs, along with full insurance and final cleaning.

For nine people, that works out to about $72 per person before any food or drinks you bring aboard. For four people, it is about $162 each, so the value depends heavily on filling the boat. A couple may prefer a less expensive shared cruise, while a family or group of friends can make a strong case for the private option.

The private format also matters. You can swim when you want, play music through the Bluetooth system, and spend more time in a cove instead of following a large group. The skipper still controls the boat and must make the final call on safe routes, anchoring, and water conditions, but the day should feel much less rigid than a standard sightseeing cruise.

The boat is an open model with a 200 HP Yamaha engine. It has a spacious sun deck, a Bimini top for shade, a freshwater shower, a small cabin for belongings, and a cooler box. The cooler is useful, but you need to bring the ice. That small detail is easy to miss and can make a difference on a hot Spanish afternoon.

Leaving Marina El Portet de Dénia

All included Private Boat Half Day. Denia and Javea coast. - Leaving Marina El Portet de Dénia

Your meeting point is dock number 8 at Marina El Portet de Dénia. You should allow a little time to locate the dock and call the operator at +34 659 92 46 97 or +49 173 4932890 as instructed.

The boat carries a maximum of nine people. That is a good size for a family, two couples, or a group of friends who want room to move around. With a full boat, the sun deck and seating will feel social rather than private, but you still avoid sharing the day with strangers.

The first stretch is about settling into the boat and getting used to the coast from a new angle. Sit under the Bimini if you need a break from the sun, or use the forward sun deck when you want a better view. The freshwater shower is handy after snorkeling, especially if you do not enjoy sitting around covered in salt.

The skipper speaks English, Spanish, and German. Communication before departure is also part of the service. Lis has been praised for clear, friendly contact before the outing, which is valuable when you are coordinating a group and trying to understand where to meet.

Cova Tallada and Cabo de San Antonio from offshore

All included Private Boat Half Day. Denia and Javea coast. - Cova Tallada and Cabo de San Antonio from offshore

The route passes Cova Tallada and Cabo de San Antonio. These are scenic parts of the coast, but the published plan treats them as passing points rather than guaranteed stops for a land visit.

That distinction matters. You should expect to see the cliffs, rock formations, and coastal views from the boat, not necessarily walk into the cave or spend a long period anchored directly beside every feature. The sea gives you a broad view of the shoreline and lets you appreciate how the coast changes between Dénia and Jávea.

Cabo de San Antonio is part of a natural reserve, so this portion is more about scenery than organized activity. Keep your camera ready, but also look away from the lens. The best part of a boat route is often the simple view back toward the cliffs, with no road, buildings, or parking lot between you and the coast.

The route can be affected by sea conditions and the skipper’s judgment. That is not a flaw. A responsible skipper may change the order of stops or spend less time in an exposed area if wind or waves make conditions uncomfortable.

Cala Blanca: the first real water stop

All included Private Boat Half Day. Denia and Javea coast. - Cala Blanca: the first real water stop

Cala Blanca is scheduled as a swimming stop, giving you a chance to move from sightseeing into the active part of the day. This is where the included equipment begins to earn its keep.

You can use the snorkel masks to look beneath the surface, paddle around on the stand-up paddleboard, or stretch out on the water mat. The SeaScooter adds a little extra fun for anyone who wants to cover more water with less effort. You should treat it as a play item, not as a reason to rush past the shoreline.

The water is described as crystal-clear, but visibility always changes with weather, sea conditions, and the exact location of the boat. Bring realistic expectations: this is a coastal swim and snorkeling session, not a dedicated marine biology tour. The main appeal is being able to explore at your own pace in a scenic setting.

Cala Blanca may suit families particularly well because different people can choose different activities. One person can snorkel, another can use the paddleboard, and someone else can remain on the boat under the shade. That mix prevents the common problem where half the group is bored while the other half wants to stay in the water.

Portichol Island and the longer break

All included Private Boat Half Day. Denia and Javea coast. - Portichol Island and the longer break

The main break takes place around Isla del Portichol. This is the point where I would plan to spend the most time in the water, though the skipper will decide the precise anchoring spot.

Portichol Island is known here for clear water and a quiet coastal setting. The attraction is not a long list of scheduled sights. It is the chance to pause in a beautiful place, swim directly from the boat, and use the equipment without being hurried through a tight timetable.

Mike has been praised for acting as more than a boat driver, joining underwater activities and pointing out caves known locally. That kind of personal attention can make a difference, especially if you are new to snorkeling or want help spotting features beneath the surface. Ricky has also been praised for finding attractive swimming spots and keeping everyone comfortable.

You can play music through the boat’s Bluetooth system during the break. One group even encountered a floating cocktail bar, though you should treat that as a lucky extra rather than a promised part of the outing. The boat’s own cooler box lets you bring refreshments, but ice is your responsibility.

What the boat feels like for four hours

All included Private Boat Half Day. Denia and Javea coast. - What the boat feels like for four hours

Four hours is a sensible length for this route. You get a proper coastal cruise, scenic passes, and time for swimming without committing your entire day to one activity. It is long enough to relax, but short enough that children or less confident swimmers may not reach their limit.

The open boat gives you a close connection with the sea and a better view than you would get from an enclosed cabin. The tradeoff is exposure to sun, wind, and spray. The Bimini top provides shade, but not every seat will be equally protected all the time.

The boat has a small cabin for storing belongings, yet I would still keep valuables to a minimum. Pack a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and food or drinks if you want them. The freshwater shower helps rinse off afterward, while the final cleaning is included in the price.

The sound system can set a relaxed mood, but remember that music preferences vary in a private group. Bring a phone with a suitable playlist if you want to control the soundtrack, and be considerate of the people sharing your boat.

The skipper can make or break the day

All included Private Boat Half Day. Denia and Javea coast. - The skipper can make or break the day

The equipment is useful, but the skipper is the most important part of this experience. A good skipper knows where the water is calm, which coves suit swimming, and how long to remain in one place before the group starts to lose interest.

The strongest praise has gone to Ricky and Mike. Ricky is described as friendly, attentive, and particularly careful with a person prone to motion sickness. That is worth noting if someone in your group is uneasy on boats. You can tell the skipper before leaving so the route and seating can be handled with care.

Mike is praised for safe driving, friendly service, underwater help, and taking the group to caves that local knowledge made easier to find. Those details suggest a more personal style than simply dropping anchor and leaving you to work out the gear alone.

Still, skipper personalities can vary by date. The operator offers German, English, and Spanish, and you should use the language that makes safety instructions easiest to follow. Ask questions early, especially about the planned swimming stops and how the water equipment is used.

Who gets the best value from this outing

All included Private Boat Half Day. Denia and Javea coast. - Who gets the best value from this outing

I would choose this boat for a group that wants several activities in one half-day. Families can spread out between swimming and relaxing. Couples can enjoy the privacy of a boat without committing to a full-day charter. Friends can share the cost and make use of the music system, paddleboard, SeaScooter, and floating mat.

It is also a good match for people who want flexibility. You are not tied to a single beach or forced to spend the same amount of time at every stop. The skipper can help shape the day around the group’s comfort and interests, within the limits of weather and safe boating.

I would think twice if your main goal is a long guided visit inside Cova Tallada or a land-based tour of Jávea. Those places are passed from the water, and the main stops focus on swimming and boat-based exploration.

The trip may also be less appealing if you dislike sun, motion, or being in the water. The boat has shade and a stable professional crew, but this remains a sea outing. The person with motion sickness should sit where the skipper recommends and speak up early.

Booking details worth knowing

All included Private Boat Half Day. Denia and Javea coast. - Booking details worth knowing

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. Starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule before booking.

A temporary €100 security deposit is blocked for proper use of the onboard equipment and returned at the end of the trip. This is separate from the tour price and should be included in your planning.

The rate covers the four-hour cruise, local skipper, fuel, insurance, water toys, Bluetooth sound system, Bimini top, cooler box, and final cleaning. It does not cover ice. Food and drinks are allowed onboard, so bringing your own supplies is the simplest way to manage costs.

Should you book this private Costa Blanca cruise?

Book it if you can fill much of the nine-person capacity and want a relaxed mix of scenery, swimming, and water toys. The package is especially strong because fuel, skipper, and equipment are already included, and the private format gives your group control over the mood and pace.

I would choose it for a family celebration, a friends’ outing, or a couple willing to pay more for privacy. I would skip it if you want extensive cave visits on foot, a full-day sailing trip, or the lowest possible price.

For the best experience, bring ice, food, drinks, towels, and sun protection, then tell the skipper what your group wants before leaving Marina El Portet. If you want the sea, not a crowded beach, to be the center of your Costa Blanca day, this is a well-equipped and sensibly planned choice.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start?

It starts at Marina El Portet de Dénia, at dock number 8. You are asked to call the supplied contact number on arrival.

How long is the boat trip?

The cruise lasts four hours and is offered as a half-day experience.

How many people can join the private boat?

The boat accepts a maximum of nine people in one private group.

What places are visited along the coast?

The route leaves Dénia, passes Cova Tallada and Cabo de San Antonio, continues by Jávea, stops for swimming at Cala Blanca, and includes a break and swim around Portichol Island before returning to Dénia.

What water equipment is included?

The boat includes a SeaScooter, snorkel masks, a stand-up paddleboard, and a water mat.

Is a skipper included?

Yes. A local professional skipper, fuel, and full insurance are included.

Can I bring food and drinks?

Yes. You can bring food and drinks onboard. A cooler box is provided, but ice is not included.

What languages are available?

The experience is offered in German, English, and Spanish.

More like this

Private Boat Charters, compared.

The full Private Boat Charters list →
Murano & Burano Islands Guided Small-Group Tour by Private Boat
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 7,580 reviews· from $36

Murano & Burano Islands Guided Small-Group Tour by Private Boat

Read our review →
Murano & Burano Guided Tour by Private Boat with Glassmaking
★★★★★★★★★★4.7· 5,658 reviews· from $35

Murano & Burano Guided Tour by Private Boat with Glassmaking

Read our review →
Capri & Blue Grotto Semi Private Boat Day Trip from Sorrento
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 2,053 reviews· from $216

Capri & Blue Grotto Semi Private Boat Day Trip from Sorrento

Read our review →
Blue & Green Caves Private Boat Tour with Drinks
★★★★★★★★★★4.7· 814 reviews· from $73

Blue & Green Caves Private Boat Tour with Drinks

Read our review →
Private Day Sailing Boat Charter
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 662 reviews

Private Day Sailing Boat Charter

Read our review →
Gozo Full-Day Quad Tour with Private Boat to Gozo & return
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 649 reviews· from $117

Gozo Full-Day Quad Tour with Private Boat to Gozo & return

Read our review →
Half Day Murano and Burano Island Tour by Private Boat
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 529 reviews· from $29

Half Day Murano and Burano Island Tour by Private Boat

Read our review →

Browse the lists this tour appears in

Scroll to Top

Explore the Mediterranean by boat

Pick a coast, a lagoon or a kind of day.