What is It like Onboard?
There are plenty of ways to spend an afternoon in Cartagena, but when the sun is out and the Sea is looking particularly inviting, getting on a boat starts to sound like a very good idea.
We booked in advance but after spending a few hours walking around Cartagena City the the trip couldn’t come quick enough as it was a particularly hot day. On the booking you are told to arrive around 20 min earlier than the departure time and that’s what we did.
Boarding is from the Town hall end of the promenade.
There was other people waiting already and the boat was just arriving back from an earlier trip.
The Trip We Chose
We decided to go on the 3 hour special departure trip. You leave Cartagena harbour and travel about 30 min along the coast south, the crew then drops anchor near the shore and you are allowed to swim in crystal clear water before returning back to the port.
There are earlier trips running all through the day which are 1 hour harbour tours. We had teenagers with us so something a little less educational was in order after sight seeing earlier in the day in the City. You don’t have to book the shorter trips you can just turn up. So it could be a good option for those wanting to pack as much as they can in during a short day trip.
What is It like Onboard?
Its pretty relaxed. Yes there is a few formal announcements that you really should listen to (in Spanish and English) as you are on a boat at Sea. On a side note listen to the crew, they have your safety in mind.
Other than that the boat is nice. It’s large with seating and tables around the edge (you my have to share if busy), at the front of the boat there is 2 large multihull nets (like large trampolines) to sit and lay on. In the centre of the boat there is 2 poles I’m guessing these are for private events but it kept the kids entertained on the way back to the harbour swinging on them.
The bar is at the back of the catamaran and it sells water, beer, and other soft drinks. Prices are very reasonable should you not have bought your own with you. They could easily charge more as you have no where else to buy them. but as you can bring your own they keep the prices reasonable.
There is toilets onboard and they were very clean.
The Journey To The Swimming Spot
On the way to the swimming spot, the route takes you past plenty of reminders of Spain’s history. Along the coastline, you can spot old batteries dating back to the Civil War, tucked into the landscape. But it’s not just the history that makes this part of the trip special. As you leave the harbour, there are fantastic views across the city that you can’t sea anywhere else, followed by caves, cliffs and rock formations all along the coastline.
What Is The Atmosphere Like Onboard?
There is music played on board during the whole journey, as well as drinks being available, and the crew very friendly.
This isn’t the kind of excursion where you sit quietly while someone gives a detailed commentary about every rock and building along the coast. It’s much more about being outside, enjoying the weather and having a drink while Cartagena passes by.
When the boat arrived to the harbour from the previous trip the music was blasting and everyone onboard was up and dancing. Most people on our trip was doing the exact same by the time we returned.
The Swimming Is The Big Attraction
When the crew drop anchor and stop the boat a look over the edge and you are met with crystal clear warm water. Then they open up the sides of the boat, drop the ladder at the front and open up the steps at the back of the boat allowing everyone on board a chance to get in to the water.
The water is deep and you can see the fish swimming along the bottom and swimming around the rocks and along the sand at the bottom. Queues start forming around the sides of the catamaran with kids and adults wanting to dive off the side of the boat into the water. This is where the real fun starts.
Every one was already starting to pump up inflatables and getting in. If you don’t bring any that’s not a problem there is a large bin almost over flowing with noodles for adults and children to use in the water.
There was also a few swimming jackets for young children to wear given out by the crew to wear and be handed back when they are done. I don’t know how many of these I saw so don’t rely on there being enough if the trip is full so your best bet is to bring your own.
For those who stayed on the boat and didn’t get into the water the bar stayed open, the music kept playing and the views along the coast was still amazing. Luckily it is not an open top catamaran so there was plenty of shade, although everyone will still want to put on plenty of sunscreen.
For those who stayed on the boat and didn’t get into the water the bar stayed open, the music kept playing and the views along the coast was still amazing. Luckily it is not an open top catamaran so there was plenty of shade, although everyone will still want to put on plenty of sunscreen.
After about 2 hours the bell rings and everyone is called back on to the boat for the journey back. This is when most people took the time (Including us) to eat and drink. As I wrote earlier you can buy drinks from the bar, however they don’t sell food. This isn’t a bad thing you are encouraged to bring your own with you onboard. (Just remember to take your rubbish with you or put it in one of the bins on the boat.)
This was when everyone was talking to each other on the boat and with other families talking about how nice the trip was. The music gets a little louder and people was starting to get up and dance. By the time we got back to the harbour everyone was having a really good time and didn’t actually want it to stop there.
The things I'd take
- Swimwear, obviously.
- A towel.
- Sunscreen, and probably more than you think you’ll need.
- Flip Flops
- Googles and a snorkel
- Water and drinks. (Sold on the boat at a reasonable price if not)
- Some food or snacks.
- And something to protect your phone from getting wet should you want to take pictures around or in the water.
That’s about it.
You don’t need to turn up looking like you’re going on an expedition or scuba Steve.
It’s a three-hour boat trip from Cartagena.
Overall this was a trip worth every penny. Tickets at the time of writing this are €20 for adults, €15 for pensioners and teenagers, children from 3-12 €10, and under 3 years old are free.
The ticket prices for the shorter trip around the harbour are €8 for adults, €6 for pensioners and 10+, €2 for 3-9 years and under 3 years are free.
This was a great few hours out on the sea and felt like we was on holiday. I would highly recommend the Y-Ole Catamaran trip and I would like to thank the crew (if they read this) as it really was a great afternoon.
Book your trip online directly on the Y-Ole Catamaran website. Don’t just arrive and expect to get on. The 3 hour trip does get busy and you don’t want to have a wasted journey.
There are buses to Cartagena from Torrevieja that can be booked in advance or at the Torrevieja bus station.
Find out what else we did on our day in Cartagena here.
