Costa Tropical: Luxury Catamaran Trip with Lunch

The best part of this Costa Tropical outing is the view from the water. From Marina del Este, you sail past La Herradura, Cerro Gordo, Punta de la Mona, Cantarriján, old watchtowers, and the Sierra Nevada, with plenty of room to stretch out on a stable Lagoon 380 catamaran. I like the small maximum group of 12 and the fact that lunch, drinks, snorkel gear, a kayak, and two paddleboards are included. I also like that the dolphin search takes place in the animals’ natural habitat, not in a show pool.

The main consideration is reliability at the meeting point. One booking record describes a serious mix-up, with the operator saying no ticket had been recorded despite a confirmed reservation. A refund was offered, but the lack of an apology made the situation worse. Check your confirmation carefully and contact Sailnplay before setting out, especially if you are visiting Granada or the coast for only one day.

Key Points Before You Sail

• A small 12-person catamaran: The Optimist of London II gives you more room than a crowded sightseeing boat.
• A 90-minute swimming stop: You can use the onboard kayak, two SUP paddleboards, masks, and snorkels.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Expect a buffet meal, cava, beer, wine, soft drinks, and water.
• A strong chance of dolphins: Bottlenose and Common Dolphins may appear near the boat on the return journey.
• Big coastal views: The route includes Almuñécar, La Herradura, Cerro Gordo, Punta de la Mona, Cantarriján, watchtowers, and the Sierra Nevada.
• A full-day commitment: The activity is listed as seven hours, with about four hours described aboard the catamaran.

Setting Out From Marina del Este

Your morning begins at the marina office and reception, located on the left as you enter Marina del Este. If the office is closed, go down to berth 60 or 61, where the crew prepares the yacht.

That detail matters. Marina areas can be quiet and spread out, so do not assume the reception desk will be open when you arrive. I would allow time to find the berth, collect your bearings, and deal with any last-minute questions before departure.

The boat is the Optimist of London II, a Lagoon 380 luxury catamaran. Its maximum capacity is 12 people, which gives the trip a more personal feel than a large excursion vessel. You begin with a safety briefing, then receive a glass of cold cava and a fruit platter.

The briefing is short but important. You will be using the boat’s foredeck, swimming from the stern, and possibly taking out a kayak or paddleboard. Listen closely to where the crew wants equipment returned and how they want you to move around the boat. A catamaran is stable, but the deck is still a moving surface.

The advertised activity lasts seven hours. The sailing portion is described as four hours, with a 90-minute stop at anchor. Since the supplied schedule does not explain every minute between departure, sailing, lunch, and return, check the available start time before booking. Treat this as a full-day plan rather than a short harbor cruise.

Sailing Past La Herradura and Cerro Gordo

Once the yacht leaves the marina, the views become the main event. You see the Costa Tropical from an angle that roads and hilltop viewpoints cannot offer. The boat passes Almuñécar, La Herradura, Cerro Gordo, Punta de la Mona, Cantarriján, and the protected coastal area around the Natural Park.

I especially like the way this route combines scenery with small pieces of coastal history. Watchtowers appear along the shore, reminders of the days when this coast needed warning posts against attacks from the sea. You are not stopping to tour each tower, so think of them as features to spot from the water rather than formal sightseeing stops.

The Sierra Nevada provides a striking inland backdrop. On a clear day, you can look from the sea toward high mountain country, then turn back toward coves, headlands, and steep coastal slopes. Keep sunglasses handy even if the air feels cool. Water reflects strong sunlight, and the open deck offers little shade in some positions.

The catamaran format helps here. You can sit back and watch the coast from the main deck, move toward the front trampoline, or find a different angle as the boat changes course. The trampoline is the netted area between the two hulls. It is one of the most memorable places to sit, though you should follow crew instructions and avoid it if conditions make it uncomfortable.

A Quiet Anchorage for Swimming and Snorkeling

After roughly an hour to an hour and a half of sailing, the crew anchors in a secluded spot. The exact cove depends on the day, but the coastline offers plenty of sheltered places.

This is the point where the trip changes pace. Instead of watching the shore slide past, you get about 90 minutes to swim, snorkel, kayak, or try a SUP paddleboard. Masks and snorkels are supplied, as are watercraft for use from the boat.

You should bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and suitable footwear. The packing list includes sandals, flip-flops, sports shoes, and water shoes. You do not need every type of shoe, of course. Choose footwear that stays secure and is comfortable around a wet deck.

Snorkeling here is a simple add-on rather than a guided marine biology session. The supplied information does not promise a particular reef, water visibility, or species list. You might find the stop most rewarding if you enjoy being in the sea and exploring at your own pace, rather than expecting a formal underwater tour.

The kayak and two paddleboards give you another way to enjoy the stop. With a maximum of 12 people, access may feel easier than it would on a much larger vessel, although the equipment is shared. If you have your heart set on paddleboarding, listen for the crew’s instructions and take your turn early enough to enjoy it.

The boat’s stability is another practical advantage. A Lagoon 380 has two hulls and a broad design, so it generally feels steadier than a narrow sailing boat. That does not remove all movement, and anyone prone to seasickness should still prepare carefully. Stay on deck, watch the horizon, and ask the crew where the calmest seating area is.

Lunch, Cava, and a Slower Hour at Sea

While you swim, the crew prepares a buffet lunch. Special diets are catered for, but you should make your requirements clear when booking and confirm them before departure. The supplied details do not list the dishes, so do not choose this trip based on a specific menu.

The buffet arrangement suits the day. You can eat after swimming without having to return to shore, and you can choose a lighter or fuller plate depending on your appetite. Lunch is included in the $136 price, along with drinks throughout the boat portion.

Included drinks cover cava, beer, wine, soft drinks, and water. The welcome cava and fruit platter are served when you arrive, giving the outing a pleasant start. Unlimited drinks can add real value to a long day on the water, especially when you consider that buying lunch, beverages, and water separately at a marina or beach restaurant can quickly raise the cost.

Still, I would not book this solely for the food or alcohol. The real value lies in combining a private-feeling boat, a long coastal route, water equipment, lunch, and drinks in one package. If you do not drink alcohol, much of the value still comes from the boat time, meal, swimming stop, and equipment.

A buffet also makes the day less formal. You are not tied to a restaurant table while the coast passes by. You can eat, return to the deck, and keep watching for dolphins or enjoying the mountain views.

Searching for Dolphins on the Return

After lunch, the catamaran heads back toward Marina del Este. This is when the crew hopes to find Bottlenose and Common Dolphins.

The possibility is strong, but it is not a guarantee. Dolphins are wild animals, and their movements cannot be scheduled. That uncertainty is part of the appeal, but you should keep your expectations sensible. You may see them close to the boat, far away, or not at all.

The trampoline at the front of the catamaran is said to be a favorite place for dolphins to swim beneath. From there, you may get an unusually clear view of animals moving through open water. You are not watching a trained performance. The dolphin search is about patience, attention, and luck.

If you want the best chance of seeing anything, keep your phone and camera ready, but do not stare at the screen the entire way back. Look across the water, not just directly beside the boat. Ask the crew where to watch, since they may notice movement before anyone else.

The return is also a good time to take in the route from a different direction. Headlands and towers look different when the boat turns back toward the marina, and the Sierra Nevada may appear behind you rather than ahead.

What the $136 Price Really Buys

At $136 per person, this is not a budget boat ride. The price makes more sense if you plan to use the full package: the catamaran cruise, lunch, all listed drinks, snorkeling equipment, kayak, paddleboards, and the dolphin search.

The small capacity is important. A maximum of 12 people gives the day a quieter feel and reduces the sense of being on a floating bus. You also get more room to move between the deck, trampoline, and swimming area.

The trip can be good value for couples, families, and small groups who want a complete day at sea without arranging separate food, equipment rental, and sightseeing. It is less appealing if you only want a quick swim or a short scenic cruise. In that case, you may pay for features you will barely use.

The 4.3 rating from nine submitted ratings suggests a generally positive but not flawless record. One particularly serious booking problem involved a confirmed reservation that was not recognized at the marina. The customer was offered a refund after contacting support, but the incident is a warning to confirm the operator’s records before you go.

That issue does not tell you how the sailing itself will feel, but it does affect the practical decision. If your schedule is tight, make contact with Sailnplay before the day of departure. Keep your confirmation and reminder available, and arrive at the stated office or berth.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your plans are still moving, but they do not remove the need to confirm the actual meeting arrangements.

Who Will Enjoy This Day Most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a relaxed day that mixes sightseeing and time in the water. You should enjoy it if you like open-air scenery, casual buffet meals, swimming from a boat, and the chance to see wildlife without a guaranteed result.

Families may appreciate the kayak, paddleboards, and snorkel gear, though younger children should be watched carefully around the water and equipment. The supplied information does not give an age limit, so confirm any child-related requirements before booking.

Couples and small groups will likely value the 12-person limit. The day has enough structure to keep things simple, but enough free time to avoid feeling rushed from one stop to the next.

This may not suit you if you dislike boats, need a fixed timetable, or want a fully guided coastal history tour. The watchtowers and towns are viewed from offshore, not explored on foot. It is also not the right choice if dolphin sightings are your only reason for going.

The guide languages are English, French, and Spanish. No individual guide names are provided, so book this for the route and the boat setup rather than for a particular named guide.

Practical Packing for the Catamaran

Bring the basics for a long day outside:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Water shoes or secure sandals
• Flip-flops if you prefer them for dry areas
• Sports shoes if you want firmer footwear
• A phone or camera that you can keep safe around water

You should also plan for changing conditions on deck. The supplied list covers sun and wet surfaces, but a light extra layer may be sensible if you tend to feel cool at sea. The trip details do not promise storage arrangements, so pack lightly and keep valuables protected.

Remember that drinks and water are provided. You do not need to carry a large supply, though you should follow the crew’s advice about hydration, especially during the swimming stop.

Should You Book the Costa Tropical Catamaran?

Book it if you want a full day built around scenery, swimming, food, and a small-group boat. The best features are practical ones: a spacious Lagoon 380, a maximum of 12 people, included drinks, a buffet lunch, shared water equipment, and a route that shows both the coast and Sierra Nevada from offshore.

Go in with realistic expectations. Dolphin sightings are possible, not promised. Snorkeling conditions and the exact anchorage can vary. The activity is also listed as seven hours, while the catamaran portion is described as four hours, so check the start time and timing details before paying.

Most important, confirm the meeting point and reservation with Sailnplay. If that detail is settled, the $136 cost can be fair for a long, well-equipped day on the Costa Tropical. If your main goal is a guaranteed wildlife sighting or a cheap cruise, choose something else.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip start?

It starts at Marina del Este. The office and reception are on the left at the entrance to the marina. If the office is closed, go to berth 60 or 61.

Where does the activity end?

The trip ends back at the original meeting point at Marina del Este.

How long does the activity last?

The activity is listed as seven hours. The catamaran sailing is described as four hours, including a 90-minute stop at anchor.

How many people can join the catamaran?

The maximum group size is 12 people aboard the Optimist of London II.

What food and drinks are included?

You receive a welcome glass of cava and fruit platter, all listed drinks aboard, and a buffet lunch. The drinks include cava, beer, wine, soft drinks, and water. Special diets can be catered for.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are provided for the swimming stop.

Can I use a kayak or paddleboard?

Yes. The boat carries one kayak and two SUP paddleboards for use during the stop at anchor.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in English, French, and Spanish.