The Costa Daurada hides clear-water coves between Cambrils and l’Ametlla de Mar that most people never get to see. The reason is simple: from land many of them are far away, with awkward access and little parking. By boat, you anchor right in front of them, swim straight off the deck and have the spot almost to yourself.

Why arriving by sea changes everything

When a cove gets a good reputation, in August it fills up. But that crowd is on the sand, not in the water. Arriving by anchoring in front of the cove, rather than walking down to it, puts you exactly where the water is cleanest and calmest. You’re not hunting for a towel spot: you drop anchor, dive in and enjoy.

What’s more, from the boat you can string several coves together in a single day. You spend a while at one, weigh anchor and minutes later you’re at the next. It’s the best way to get to know this stretch of coast.

The coves worth seeking out

Here are some of the most rewarding ones leaving Cambrils, from nearest to furthest:

  • Coves under Cap de Salou. A short hop from the harbour, the Salou headland hides small rocky inlets fringed with pines and very clear water. Perfect for a first anchorage and an easy swim.
  • Cala Vidre (l’Ametlla de Mar). Turquoise water and a seagrass bed that gives it that distinctive colour. One of the gems of the area, ideal for snorkelling.
  • Cala Llenya. More tucked away and rocky, with great underwater visibility. A good place to anchor and explore with mask and snorkel.
  • Cala Forn. Remains of old lime kilns give it its name and character. Crystal-clear water and a far quieter setting than the big beaches.
  • Cala Justell. Small, sheltered and calm. The kind of corner that, arriving by sea, you almost always find quiet.

Every day is different: depending on the wind, we recommend the area where the water will be calmest and the anchorage most comfortable. You’ll hear it in the briefing before you set off.

Which boat for which cove

Not all coves are the same distance away, and that’s where your choice of boat comes in:

  • For the nearer ones — the inlets under Cap de Salou and the coast close to Cambrils — La Bond is perfect. You drive it without a licence, just with your ID, and fuel is included. An easy day, close to home.
  • To reach further out, to Cala Vidre, Cala Llenya or the coves of l’Ametlla de Mar, La Niña is the option. It’s an 80 HP Quicksilver 505 with more range; it needs a licence or a professional skipper on board, which you can add to your booking.

If you’re not sure how far you want to go, message us and we’ll guide you based on the group and the plan.

How to make the most of the day

A couple of tips to get everything out of a day of coves:

  • Set off early. The first hours usually have the calmest sea and the emptiest coves.
  • Bring snorkel gear. The rocky seabed along this coast is ideal for spotting fish; you can add the gear as an extra.
  • String together two or three coves, unhurried, rather than staying at just one.
  • Use the cooler on board to eat at anchor, without heading back to port.

When to go and what to expect

The coast between Cambrils and l’Ametlla de Mar is accessible much of the year, but each season has its own appeal:

  • Spring and early summer (May–June). The water starts to feel pleasant and the coves are still empty. It’s probably the best time to have them almost to yourself.
  • High summer (July–August). More buzz, but arriving by sea and setting off a little early you’ll still find quiet corners. Worth booking ahead.
  • September. The water stays warm, there are fewer people and the days still give you plenty of light. One of the best times for a day of coves.

Each morning we assess the conditions and recommend the area where the anchorage will be most comfortable, so the plan adapts to the day. All you have to do is choose where you fancy swimming.

The Costa Daurada is a different experience from the water. Take a look at La Niña if you want to reach the furthest coves, and book your day at sea before the summer calendar fills up.