Denia: Cova Tallada Catamaran Tour and Swimming Stop

The coast looks best from the water. This two-hour catamaran ride from Denia gives you close views of Cova Tallada, the cliffs near Las Rotas, and the Natural Marine Reserve without requiring a long hike or complicated planning. I like the easy coastal route and the chance to enjoy a drink while music plays on board. I also like that the trip includes a sea-swimming stop, though the swimming location can be disappointing if the captain chooses an area close to the harbor.

The tour costs about $21 per person, which is fair for a two-hour boat trip with one included drink and a swim stop. The key thing to understand is that you see Cova Tallada from the sea only. You do not enter the cave, and the swimming stop is not guaranteed to take place near it.

Key points to know before booking

• Cova Tallada from the water: You get as close to the famous cove as the marine reserve rules allow, but you cannot land or swim into the cave from the catamaran.
• Two hours from Denia: The route starts at the harbor, follows the coast toward Jávea, and returns to Denia after the swim.
• A drink is included: You receive water, a soft drink, or wine, while extra drinks cost more.
• The swim stop varies: The captain chooses the anchoring place, and the stop may be near the harbor rather than beside the scenic cliffs.
• Spanish-language service: The host or greeter speaks Spanish, so plan around that if you need detailed explanations in another language.
• Weather controls the schedule: Wind and sea conditions can affect the sailing plan or whether the boat operates.

Starting at Denia harbor and finding Boramar

Your trip begins at Denia harbor. Look for the Boramar ticket office, which serves as the meeting point. The experience provider is Boramar, and the tour runs on a motor catamaran rather than a slow sailing boat.

That distinction matters. A motor catamaran can cover the coastal route comfortably within two hours, allowing time for the outward journey, the cove viewing, a swimming break, and the return to port. You are booking a short scenic outing, not a full-day cruise.

The boat itself is not guaranteed to be a particular ship. If you have a favorite type of catamaran in mind, keep your expectations flexible. The important points are the route, the sea views, the included drink, and the swimming stop.

The service is offered in Spanish. You can still enjoy the scenery without much explanation, but you should not expect a multilingual guided presentation. If you need to ask about the route or safety instructions, simple questions and a little patience will help.

Following the coast toward Las Rotas and Jávea

Once the boat leaves Denia, it heads along the coast toward Las Rotas and continues in the direction of Jávea. This is the strongest part of the outing for anyone who wants broad coastal views without spending hours on a boat.

You see beaches, rocky cliffs, and the protected waters of the Natural Marine Reserve from an angle that you cannot get from the road. The sea gives you a clear view of the coast as a whole, with the boat moving past different coves instead of stopping at just one beach.

I like this section because it feels relaxed rather than rushed. Music plays on board, and you can sit back with your included drink while the coastline changes around you. The drink choice is simple: water, a soft drink, or wine. Extra drinks are not included.

The route is scenic, but it is not a narrated geography lesson. The available information does not promise detailed commentary about each beach or cliff. You should book this for the views and the easy boat ride, not for a formal lecture about the marine reserve.

Seeing Cova Tallada from the catamaran

The main sight is Cova Tallada, a striking sea cave and coastal formation near the Natural Marine Reserve. The catamaran approaches as closely as permitted, giving you a view from the water.

This is an important point to settle before you book. Cova Tallada is protected, so you cannot access the cave from the catamaran. You do not get off the boat there, and you should not expect to swim into the cave.

That limitation is not a flaw in the boat operator’s control. It is part of visiting a protected marine area. The tour offers a practical way to see the cove without arranging a separate land route, but the experience is an outside view rather than a cave visit.

The boat’s approach should give you time to look, take photographs, and appreciate the cliffs from sea level. Still, the exact distance and viewing angle depend on local rules and sea conditions. The wording is close as possible, not right inside the cave.

If Cova Tallada is your main reason for visiting Denia, make sure this matches what you want. Someone expecting an exploration of the cave may feel let down. Someone happy with a scenic look from the water will get the right sort of experience.

The swimming stop is the biggest variable

After the cove viewing, the captain looks for a suitable place to stop for a swim. You can leave the boat and refresh in the sea, assuming conditions allow the stop to take place.

The exact anchoring area is up to the captain. No particular cove or beach is guaranteed, and the boat may stop close to the harbor. This is where the experience can change from a beautiful coastal swim to a fairly ordinary break in the water.

Recent feedback points to this as the main weakness. On one trip, the boat passed several attractive swimming spots but anchored near the marina instead. Another family enjoyed the ride with two small children but found the swimming stop directly beside the harbor less appealing. The comments suggest that the stop can be perfectly pleasant, but its setting is not always the scenic highlight you might picture.

I would treat the swim as a bonus, not the central reason to book. The captain has to consider weather, sea conditions, safety, and the boat’s schedule. You may swim in a lovely coastal spot, but you may also find yourself in a less memorable area near Denia.

The stop also may not last in exactly the way you imagine. The tour has a fixed two-hour duration, so the outward route, cove viewing, swim, and return must fit within that window. Bring realistic expectations rather than planning your whole day around a long swim.

What the two-hour format means

Two hours is enough for a taste of Denia’s coast. It is short enough to fit into a busy day, making it useful if you are combining the boat ride with time in Denia, Las Rotas, or another nearby part of the Valencian Community.

The short duration also explains why the tour cannot guarantee a long stop at Cova Tallada or a distant swimming cove. The catamaran must return to the harbor on schedule. You get a compact route with several elements, not extended time at one location.

For families, the manageable length is a plus. A verified booking from Germany described the trip as enjoyable with two small children, and the outing was considered varied enough to keep the time moving. The sea conditions still matter, but a two-hour trip is less demanding than a full-day cruise.

For couples and solo visitors, the ride works well as a simple coastal break. You can listen to music, have a drink, and enjoy the sea without committing to a major excursion. If you want a quiet, private boat ride, remember that this is a shared catamaran experience.

Price and what you receive for $21

At roughly $21 per person, the tour offers reasonable value if you want a boat view of Cova Tallada and a short swim stop. The price covers the catamaran ride, the sea-swimming break, and one drink.

That is a good deal for a two-hour coastal outing, especially if you compare it with arranging your own boat or trying to reach every coastal viewpoint independently. You are paying for access to the water, a planned route, and a captain who handles the sailing.

The value becomes weaker if the swim stop is your main goal and the boat anchors near the marina. In that case, the scenic part of the ride carries most of the value, while the swimming break may feel like an afterthought.

Food and personal drinks are not allowed on board. You receive one drink, with a choice of water, a soft drink, or wine. Extra drinks are not included, so do not assume you can bring a picnic or your own bottle.

The price also benefits from flexible booking terms. You can reserve now and pay later, and you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Check the available starting times when booking because the activity lasts two hours but does not list one fixed departure time.

Weather, safety, and changing conditions

Sailing depends on the weather. This is especially important along a protected coastal area where wind and sea conditions can affect the route and the anchoring decision.

The captain chooses where to stop for swimming. A spot that looks ideal on a calm day may not be suitable under different conditions. The captain’s decision may leave you with a less scenic swim, but it is the sensible tradeoff for operating a boat safely.

Weather can also affect how much time you spend close to Cova Tallada. The tour promises a view as close as allowed, not a fixed distance or guaranteed approach time. If you are visiting specifically for photographs, give yourself some flexibility.

I would avoid treating this as a guaranteed replacement for a beach day. You may get a fine swim, but the tour’s main dependable feature is the coastal cruise and view of the cave.

Who will enjoy this Denia boat trip

I would recommend it most strongly to you if you want:

• A short, affordable look at Denia’s coast from the water
• A relaxed ride toward Las Rotas and Jávea
• A view of Cova Tallada without planning a separate coastal visit
• A family-friendly outing that lasts only two hours
• A simple combination of sightseeing, music, a drink, and a sea swim

Families may appreciate the short schedule and easy format. The trip does not require a long hike, and the ride can provide a pleasant change of pace for children. Keep in mind that the swimming stop may not be next to a dramatic cliff or beach.

It is also a good match for anyone who enjoys scenery more than commentary. You will get the coast, cliffs, beaches, and marine reserve views, but the service is in Spanish and detailed guiding is not promised.

I would be more cautious if you want to enter Cova Tallada, swim beside the cave, or spend most of the tour in a beautiful secluded cove. None of those things is guaranteed. You should also reconsider if you dislike flexible itineraries that depend on weather and the captain’s judgment.

Practical advice for a better outing

Arrive knowing that Boramar’s ticket office is the meeting point. Since the trip starts from Denia harbor, allow enough time to find the office before departure rather than arriving at the last moment.

Wear clothing suitable for a boat and sea swim. The supplied details do not specify changing facilities or equipment, so do not assume that towels, snorkeling gear, or other extras are included. The confirmed inclusions are the boat trip, the swimming stop, and one drink.

Keep your camera ready for the approach to Cova Tallada. The boat may not remain at the cave for a long period, and the captain controls how close the catamaran can get.

If you are booking mainly for swimming, ask yourself how flexible you are about the location. The stop may be close to the marina, and no specific anchoring area is guaranteed. If you can accept that, the swim adds a useful break to the coastal ride.

Check the forecast before you go. Sailing is weather-dependent, and conditions may affect the route or swimming stop. The cancellation policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours ahead, which helps if your plans need to change.

Final verdict: book it for the coast, not the cave swim

I would book this tour if I wanted an affordable, low-commitment way to see Denia’s coastline and Cova Tallada from the sea. The coastal views, short duration, included drink, and relaxed catamaran format make it good value at $21.

I would not book it expecting to enter the cave or swim beside it. The most honest way to view the experience is as a scenic boat ride with a variable swim stop. If you are comfortable with that, it offers an enjoyable two hours. If the exact swimming location matters more than the coastal cruise, choose only after accepting that the captain may stop near the harbor.

FAQ

Where does the Cova Tallada catamaran tour start?

The tour starts at Denia harbor. You should look for the Boramar ticket office, which is the meeting point.

How long does the tour last?

The catamaran trip lasts two hours, including the coastal route, the Cova Tallada viewing, the swimming stop, and the return to the harbor.

Can I enter Cova Tallada during the tour?

No. Cova Tallada is in a Natural Marine Reserve, so it cannot be accessed from the catamaran. You will see the cave from the water as close as permitted.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The boat trip includes a stop for swimming in the sea. The captain chooses the anchoring area, so a specific swimming location is not guaranteed.

What drink is included?

You receive one drink on board. The choices are water, a soft drink, or wine. Extra drinks are not included.

Can I bring food or drinks onto the boat?

No. Food and drinks are not allowed on board. The included drink is provided by the tour.

What language is spoken on the tour?

The host or greeter speaks Spanish. The activity information lists Spanish as the available language.

Does the tour operate in all weather?

No. Sailing depends on weather conditions. Weather can also affect the route and the captain’s choice of swimming area.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.