Denia: Cova Tallada Catamaran Tour and Swimming Stop

The cave is best seen from the sea. This two-hour Boramar catamaran trip carries you from Denia toward Las Rotas and Javea, past cliffs, beaches, and the Natural Marine Reserve, then pauses for a swim before returning to the harbor. I like the easy coastal sightseeing and the simple price, which includes a drink on board. I also like that the trip works well for families, with friendly staff and a relaxed pace.

The main catch is the swimming stop. The captain chooses the anchoring place, and recent feedback describes swims close to the marina rather than at a scenic cove. You can see Cova Tallada from close offshore, but you cannot swim there or get off the boat.

Key points to know before booking

• Cova Tallada from the water: You see the cave as close as the marine reserve rules allow, without entering it.
• Two hours from Denia harbor: The route heads toward Las Rotas and Javea, with coastal views throughout.
• One drink included: Choose water, a soft drink, or wine, while extra drinks cost more.
• Swimming stop location varies: The captain decides where to anchor, so a beautiful cove is not guaranteed.
• Spanish-language operation: The host or greeter speaks Spanish, which may matter if you need detailed help in another language.
• Affordable but scenic: At $21 per person, the trip offers a low-cost way to see Denia’s coast from the water.

What this Denia boat trip is really designed to do

This is a sightseeing cruise with a swim, not a cave-access excursion. That distinction matters. The title may suggest a visit inside Cova Tallada, but the boat only approaches the cave from the sea. Because Cova Tallada sits within a Natural Marine Reserve, the catamaran cannot access the cave itself.

I see the experience as a broad coastal outing rather than a focused visit to one attraction. You spend part of the trip watching the shoreline, part of it relaxing with music and a drink, and part of it in the water. That makes it a good fit if you want a gentle break from walking around Denia.

The motor catamaran leaves from Denia’s harbor and heads along the coast toward Las Rotas and Javea. You will pass beaches and cliffs, with the Natural Marine Reserve providing the main setting. The exact route and timing can change with the weather.

Finding Boramar at Denia harbor

Your meeting point is the Boramar ticket office in Denia’s harbor. Look for the ticket office rather than simply wandering around the marina looking for a boat. The information provided does not name a particular dock or ship, and a specific vessel is not guaranteed.

That last point is worth noting if you have seen photographs of a certain catamaran and are expecting that exact boat. The operator may use a different ship. The core experience should remain the same, but the layout, seating, and amount of shade can vary.

The tour lasts two hours, so the timing is manageable even if you have only part of a day in Denia. Check the available departure times when booking. Weather controls the sailing schedule, and the captain may need to alter the outing if conditions are unsuitable.

Sailing from Denia toward Las Rotas and Javea

Once under way, the boat follows the coast toward Las Rotas and onward in the direction of Javea. The appeal here is the view from the water. From a catamaran, you get a wider look at the cliffs and beaches than you would from a single coastal viewpoint.

The ride is intended to be calm and social. Music plays on board, and you can settle in with the included drink. Your choices are water, a soft drink, or wine. Food and outside drinks are not allowed, so do not plan to bring a picnic or your own bottle.

I like this part of the trip because it asks very little of you. You do not need to hike to a lookout, follow a guide through a cave, or keep to a demanding schedule. You simply watch the coast pass by. For families, that easy rhythm can be a real advantage. Feedback from a German family traveling with two small children described the trip as enjoyable and the staff as very friendly.

The tradeoff is that the sailing commentary may be limited. The listed language for the host is Spanish, so you should not book this as a detailed multilingual guided tour. It is better suited to people who are happy to take in the scenery without needing constant explanation.

Seeing Cova Tallada from offshore

Cova Tallada is the visual goal of the route. As the catamaran approaches, you get a close view of the cave and the surrounding rock from the sea. The captain brings the boat as near as permitted, but the marine reserve sets limits.

This is one of the most important practical points: you do not enter Cova Tallada. You also cannot get off the catamaran there. The cave is seen from the boat, which gives you a fine coastal perspective but not the full cave visit that a land-based excursion might provide.

I would choose this cruise if you want the cave as one part of a pleasant boat ride. I would not choose it if Cova Tallada is the main reason for your day in Denia and you want to explore its interior. The experience offers a view, not an access visit.

The boat’s closeness also depends on safety and reserve rules. The captain decides how near the catamaran can go. That means your view may vary with sea conditions, traffic, and operational limits.

The swimming stop is the biggest variable

After the cave visit, the captain looks for a place to stop for swimming. This is not a fixed cove with a guaranteed setting. The anchoring area is chosen at the captain’s discretion, and a specific swimming location is not promised.

That flexibility can work well when sea conditions change. It also means you should keep your expectations realistic. The swim may take place in a pretty section of open water, but it may also be close to Denia harbor. Two separate pieces of feedback specifically criticized a stop near the marina after the boat had passed more appealing swimming areas.

This is the clearest weakness of the tour. If you picture a quiet swim beside dramatic cliffs, you may be disappointed. The stop is meant to refresh you in the sea, not guarantee the most scenic possible location.

Still, a swim is a useful addition to a sightseeing cruise, particularly on a warm day. You can cool off, spend time in the water, and then return to the harbor without committing to a full beach day. The boat trip includes the swim, but it does not promise a particular anchorage.

What is included for $21

At $21 per person, this is one of the simpler ways to get out on the water around Denia. Your fare includes the boat ride, the swimming stop, and one drink. For a two-hour outing, that is a fair price if you value the coastline more than a long list of extras.

The value depends heavily on the swimming stop. If you mainly want a short cruise with views of Cova Tallada, the price looks attractive. If you are paying chiefly for a memorable swim in a dramatic bay, the flexible anchoring policy makes the value less certain.

Extra drinks are not included. Food and drinks are also not allowed on board, so your included beverage is the only refreshment specified as part of the trip. The options are practical rather than elaborate: water, a soft drink, or wine.

You are also paying for comfort and convenience. The catamaran removes the need to arrange your own boat rental or find a sea viewpoint along the coast. For couples, families, and anyone who wants a short activity rather than a full-day outing, that convenience has real worth.

Who will enjoy this catamaran ride most

I would recommend the tour to people who want:

• A short and affordable boat outing from Denia
• Coastal views without a strenuous walk
• A relaxed ride with music and a drink
• A chance to see Cova Tallada from offshore
• A swimming break included in the schedule
• A family-friendly activity lasting only two hours

It may also suit you if you are adding one easy activity to a wider Costa Blanca itinerary. The tour does not take all day, and the flexible cancellation terms allow you to cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which is useful when your schedule is still taking shape.

I would be more cautious if your priorities are a specific boat, a long swim, cave access, or detailed guiding in English. None of those is guaranteed. The listed host language is Spanish, and the ship, route details, and anchoring point can vary.

Family comfort, music, and the pace on board

The trip appears to favor a laid-back atmosphere rather than a formal excursion. Music plays while you ride, and the included drink gives you something to enjoy as the coast passes. This is a good arrangement for people who want to sit back instead of listening to a long presentation.

Families with young children may appreciate the short duration. Two hours is long enough to feel like a proper outing but short enough to avoid turning into a tiring day at sea. The friendly attitude of the staff is one of the strongest positives associated with the experience.

You should still keep your plans flexible. Sailing depends on weather conditions, and the operator does not guarantee a particular vessel. If your child or companion has strong expectations about swimming beside the cave, explain the plan clearly before boarding: the cave is viewed from the water, and the swim happens later at a location selected by the captain.

Weather and sea conditions can change the plan

The route depends on weather conditions. That can affect whether the trip sails as planned and where the boat can anchor. Even on a scheduled departure, the captain has to balance the promised coastal outing with safe operating decisions.

This is not a flaw unique to this trip, but it is important when you are building a tightly timed day. Avoid placing a major, nonrefundable activity immediately after it if your plans depend on returning at an exact minute. The tour is scheduled for two hours, but sea conditions remain part of the equation.

The weather also affects how much you enjoy the boat ride. Calm conditions should make the coastal views and swimming stop more pleasant. Rougher conditions could make the ride less comfortable, though the captain controls the operation.

Practical tips for a better outing

Arrive at the Boramar ticket office in the harbor with enough time to find the correct meeting point. Since the exact ship is not guaranteed, follow the operator’s instructions rather than searching for a particular catamaran.

Wear clothing suitable for a swim, but remember that the information does not specify changing facilities. Bring only what you need, since food and drinks are prohibited on board. Your included beverage will be provided as part of the experience.

Keep your camera ready before reaching Cova Tallada. The cave is viewed from the catamaran, and the boat may not linger longer than conditions allow. If photography is important to you, the approach may be more useful than expecting a long stop directly beside the cave.

Most of all, treat the swim as a bonus with a variable setting. If you are happy to swim wherever the captain finds suitable water, you are less likely to feel let down. If you need a particular beach or cove, choose a beach day instead.

Is the Cova Tallada catamaran tour worth booking?

I think this is a good-value short cruise for the right expectations. At $21, you get a two-hour coastal ride from Denia, views of the Natural Marine Reserve, a close offshore look at Cova Tallada, one drink, and a sea swim.

I would book it for the coastline and easy boat time, especially with children or a companion who wants a low-effort activity. I would not book it as a cave tour in the strict sense, and I would not count on swimming in a postcard-perfect location.

The deciding question is simple: are you content to see Cova Tallada from the water and let the captain choose the swim stop? If yes, Boramar’s trip is an inexpensive way to add a little sea air to your Denia plans. If not, look for an outing that guarantees cave access or a named anchorage.

FAQ

How long is the Cova Tallada catamaran tour?

The tour lasts two hours, including the coastal sailing, the view of Cova Tallada, the swimming stop, and the return to Denia harbor.

Where does the tour meet?

Meet at the Boramar ticket office in Denia’s harbor.

Can I enter Cova Tallada during the tour?

No. Cova Tallada is in a Natural Marine Reserve and cannot be accessed from the catamaran. You will see the cave from the boat 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?

One drink is included. You can choose water, a soft drink, or wine. Extra drinks are not included.

Is food allowed on the boat?

No. Food and drinks are not allowed on board, apart from the drink provided as part of the tour.