Private sailing with Paella and Tapas in Palma

If you’re dreaming of a day on the water in Mallorca that combines relaxed sailing, delicious food, and eye-catching scenery, this private sailing tour might just be what you’re after. We haven’t done it ourselves, but based on numerous reviews and the detailed features, it’s clear that this experience offers a memorable way to enjoy Palma’s bay in a relaxed, intimate setting.

Two things we really like about this tour are the flexibility of options — whether you want a short sunset cruise or a full-day adventure — and the personalized service with a private skipper guiding you to the best spots. The inclusion of gourmet paella and tapas, cooked right on board, is another highlight, turning a simple boat trip into a true feast at sea.

However, a potential consideration is the cost, which can seem steep compared to more generic tours. Still, when you factor in the private nature, the quality of food, and the variety of activities (snorkeling, paddle surfing), it’s likely to be a good value for those looking for a special, customized experience.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate comfort, personalized attention, and good food, making it especially appealing for couples, small groups, or families wanting to celebrate something special without sharing their boat with strangers.

Key Points

• Private experience: No sharing with other groups, ensuring a personalized trip.
• Flexible options: Choose between full-day, half-day, or sunset cruises.
• All included: Fuel, snacks, refreshments, snorkeling, paddle surf — plus an expert skipper.
• Gourmet food: Paella or tapas can be added for an extra treat, cooked onboard.
• Great reviews: Consistently high ratings around 5 stars, with many praising the skipper and food.
• Group capacity: Two different boats cater to different group sizes, with options for larger groups.

What You Can Expect on This Private Sailing Tour

This isn’t your run-of-the-mill boat ride. From start to finish, it’s designed to give you a sense of exclusivity and local charm, with plenty of scenic beauty and relaxing moments. Here’s what you’ll generally encounter:

The Meeting Point and Duration

The tour begins at Av. de Gabriel Roca, 39 in Palma, a convenient location near public transportation and easy to find thanks to clear instructions. The experience lasts approximately 4 hours for the half-day option, with full-day and sunset options also available.

The Boats and Capacity

You’ll be sailing on two different sailboats — the Gambitero (12.5 meters, capacity up to 11 people) and the Servus (11 meters, capacity up to 7). For larger groups, both boats can be booked together, accommodating up to 18 guests. The boats are described as comfortable and well-equipped, suitable for both first-time sailors and seasoned seafarers.

The Itinerary and Stops

The tour is curated to showcase the best of Palma’s bay, including its iconic coves and hidden corners. While the exact stops depend on weather and your preferences, reviews highlight stops for swimming, snorkeling, and paddle surfing in clear, warm waters. Some reviews mention an emphasis on finding secluded beaches where you can relax or enjoy a peaceful swim.

The Experience on Board

Expect a casual, friendly atmosphere, especially with guides who are praised for their local knowledge and hospitality. As one reviewer put it, Captain Gus made the sunset sail truly unforgettable, sharing fun facts and cooking delicious food, which elevated the entire experience. The crew’s attentiveness means you’ll feel cared for, whether it’s with snacks, drinks, or guidance during water activities.

Food and Drinks

Adding paella or tapas is an optional upgrade, but many reviews recommend it as a highlight. The food is cooked onboard, and the reviews rave about how delicious and beyond expectations it was — some call it “amazing,” and a few mention that the food outshines what you’d expect on a boat. You can also enjoy unlimited drinks, including wine or beer, with the extra menu.

Activities and Water Fun

Snorkeling and paddle surfing equipment are included, giving you the chance to explore the waters around Palma. Reviewers loved stopping for dips and floating in the calm bay, with some mentioning cliff diving and exploring caves when both boats are booked together. These water activities add a lively element to your trip, making it more than just sailing.

The Real Deal: What the Reviews Show

The reviews are glowing, with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5. Many mention that the skippers are knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive. Captain Gus, in particular, gets raves for making the sunset cruise memorable with his warmth, storytelling, and delicious food.

One reviewer noted, “Captain Gus made our Mallorca sunset sail truly unforgettable. He was warm, friendly, and full of fun local facts that added so much to the experience. The food he cooked was absolutely delicious — way beyond what we expected on a boat!” Another shared how their day was full of scenic views of Palma and the mountains, emphasizing that the ride was not only fun but also visually stunning.

The satisfaction with food quality is consistently high. Many mention that the paella and tapas are not just an add-on but a genuine highlight, often described as “delicious” and “perfectly cooked.” The inclusion of unlimited alcohol and drinks adds a sense of indulgence, and most reviews stress the importance of this upgrade.

The Water Activities

Guests really appreciated the snorkeling and paddle surfing, often mentioning how clear and warm the water was, making swimming and floating around very enjoyable. Several reviews mention that the boat stops in tranquil coves where swimming and relaxing in the water felt like a private paradise.

Group Size and Flexibility

The ability to organize larger groups by booking both boats is a big plus, especially for small celebrations or family reunions. Guests found the experience very private and tailored, avoiding the crowded, shared tours common elsewhere.

Price and Value

At around $552 for up to 7 people, this experience isn’t cheap, but many reviewers feel it’s worth it for the personalized service, gourmet food, and water activities. It’s an experience that feels special and well worth the cost, particularly if you’re looking to celebrate or enjoy a leisurely day at sea.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This private sailing experience is ideal for those who want a luxurious, customizable day on the water. It suits couples celebrating an anniversary, small families, or groups of friends wanting to relax, snorkel, and indulge in good food with no strangers around.

If you appreciate attentive hosts, scenic views, and the flexibility to choose your own schedule, this trip will meet your expectations. Those looking for a family-friendly activity or eager to explore secluded beaches will find plenty of value here, especially with the water sports included.

For travelers on a tighter budget or those craving a more energetic, party-style boat trip, you might find this experience a bit more subdued. But for a laid-back, gourmet, and exclusive vibe, it hits the spot.

FAQs

Is this a private tour?
Yes, all the tours are private, so only your group participates, ensuring a relaxed and personalized experience.

What is included in the price?
The price covers fuel, a professional skipper, snacks, bottled water, and equipment for snorkeling and paddle surfing. Food and drinks such as paella or tapas are optional extras.

Can I book for a large group?
Absolutely. If you have more than 7 people, you can organize tours with both boats together, accommodating groups of up to 18.

What are the tour timings?
Options include a full-day (10:00-18:00), half-day (either 10:00-14:00 or 14:30-18:30), and a sunset cruise (19:00-21:00).

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, sun protection, and perhaps a towel. The boat provides snorkeling and paddle surf gear, but you might want your own waterproof case for valuables.

Is food included?
Food such as paella or tapas is available as an extra, costing around $30 per person for half-day or $40 per person for full-day trips. It’s highly recommended if you’re looking to make the experience extra special.

What happens in case of bad weather?
If weather conditions aren’t suitable, the tour will be canceled or rescheduled, with a full refund offered if canceled due to weather.

Final Thoughts

This private sailing tour in Mallorca offers a beautifully curated experience for those wanting to enjoy the sea in a private, relaxed setting. The high praise from reviewers highlights the professionalism of the crew, the quality of the food, and the stunning scenery that surrounds Palma.

For anyone seeking a peaceful, intimate escape with the option to add gourmet food and water activities, this trip offers a lot of bang for your buck. It’s especially well-suited to couples, small groups, or families who value comfort and exclusivity over boisterous party atmospheres.

While it’s on the pricier side, the combination of personalized service, beautiful views, and delicious food makes it a standout choice for a memorable day on the water in Mallorca.