Palma de Mallorca: 5-Hour Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Swim

This review covers a 5-hour catamaran cruise from Palma de Mallorca along the south coast, with two anchor stops for swimming and snorkeling. You’ll end up with time in coves like Portals Vells or Cala Vella, plus a full onboard meal while you’re underway.

What I like (a lot): you get real swim time in turquoise water a few meters from shore, and you also get an actual meal onboard, not just snacks. The BBQ lunch comes with salads and cake, and Mallorca wine plus sangria during the meal makes the whole thing feel like a proper day out.

One thing to consider: you’re on a larger group catamaran, so the start can feel busy, and some departures report the second swim spot isn’t always as clear as the first (weather and water conditions do matter).

Key Points You’ll Care About

• Two different swim-and-snorkel stops based on wind: Portals Vells or Cala Vella, then another nearby cove
• BBQ onboard lunch with meats, salads, and cake, plus wine and sangria with the meal
• Snorkeling gear included with a €10 refundable deposit paid in cash
• Complimentary masks and life vests for adults and children
• Morning (10:00) or afternoon (15:30) departures, with sunset-style scenery on many sail-backs
• Value check: $69 includes full-day non-alcoholic drinks and the main meal, with extra alcohol sold separately

You can check availability for your dates here:

The “Magic Catamarans” Format: Simple, Swim-First, Meal-Second

This is not a long sightseeing cruise with a packed museum schedule. It’s a catamaran day at sea that’s built around three things: sailing out of Palma, stopping to swim/snorkel in coves, and eating well onboard.

You’ll board at the Port of Palma at the dock in front of the Auditorium de Palma (Passeig Marítim). From there, the crew sails along Mallorca’s south coast, then drops anchor at your swim stops.

The pace is easy on purpose. Think: sun, water time, then lunch, then more water time. If you’re the type who gets restless on long boats, this schedule is a good fit.

Price and Value: What $69 Covers (and What It Doesn’t)

At about $69 per person, the big value is that you’re paying for a full 5-hour block that includes both your food and a lot of your time in the water.

Included in the excursion:

• Boat tour
• Buffet meal (BBQ meats, salads, cake)
• Water, soft drinks, coffee and juice during the full trip
• Wines from Mallorca and sangria during the meal
• Snorkeling equipment (with a refundable €10 cash deposit)
• Life vests for adults and children

Not included:

• Alcoholic drinks outside mealtime are available to buy at the bar with card (and American Express isn’t accepted).

So yes, you’re paying for “tour vibes,” but you’re not paying extra for the meal and most drinks. For many travelers, that’s what makes it feel like a good deal.

Where You Meet: Port of Palma Dock by the Auditorium

Meeting point is the Port of Palma, at the boat dock in front of the Auditorium de Palma on Passeig Marítim. You’ll want the pier-side boat labeled Magic Catamarans.

Arrive 30 minutes early. Parking is described as very limited, which is exactly what you’d expect in central Palma during peak season.

Practical tip: if you’re driving, plan your parking route ahead of time and don’t assume you can wing it at the last minute.

Your Timing Choice: 10:00 AM vs 15:30 PM

You get two departure options:

• 10:00 AM morning cruise
• 15:30 PM afternoon cruise

Both are 5 hours total. The afternoon option often comes with extra scenic payoff on the way back. Multiple travelers mention sunset-style views and a photo moment near Palma Cathedral during the return sail.

If you’re visiting in warmer months, the afternoon slot can feel like a better match for taking it slow. In cooler months, you still might swim if the water temperature and weather cooperate, but you should go with flexible expectations.

More Great Tours Nearby

Sailing Out of Palma: Boats, Yachts, and a Holiday Start

Leaving Palma by catamaran sets a different mood than walking the streets. Reviews often mention the smooth, comfortable feel of the larger boat, plus a fun atmosphere onboard with music.

You’ll also sail past the port scene: cruise ships and yachts, including the kind of “rich and famous” boating energy you only really notice from the water.

This part matters because it’s your buffer time. Even if you’re not a swimmer, you get a relaxing cruise ride while the crew stages everything for the stops ahead.

Stop #1: Portals Vells or Cala Vella Anchor Drop

The first swim/snorkel stop is either Portals Vells or Cala Vella, depending on wind conditions. You’ll anchor and then go in from the boat.

What you’re aiming for here is the classic Balearic scene: warm sun, clear water, and coves where you can swim a short distance and still feel close to land.

Many travelers report that this first stop is the standout. One review notes being able to swim into shallower water near the coastline and then return before lunch, which is a nice way to manage your energy without rushing.

Also, snorkeling isn’t just for show. Travelers report seeing small fish, and one mentions jellyfish as part of the marine life you might encounter.

Stop #2: Another Nearby Cove (Why Conditions Can Change)

After the first swim and snorkel, you’ll head to your second stop: another cove next to the first area. Reviews are consistent that there’s good water time here, but they don’t always agree on clarity.

Some people loved both stops. Others felt the second stop didn’t match the first one’s clarity, or that it was in deeper waters where snorkel visibility wasn’t as strong.

So here’s the balanced takeaway: you’re still getting a second anchor-and-swim moment, but the exact water conditions are not fully under anyone’s control. Weather and recent sea conditions can change visibility.

Snorkeling Gear: Masks Are Included, Deposit Is Real

If you want snorkeling gear, it’s included with a €10 refundable deposit that’s paid in cash. Life vests are provided for both adults and children.

You’ll also get complimentary masks. That small detail is worth it because it lowers the “packing effort” needed for a swim day.

A common theme in the feedback: the crew’s comfort level matters. One traveler mentions the sea was rough but the guide selected a safer swimming spot. That’s exactly the kind of quiet competence you want when you’re getting in and out from a boat.

The BBQ Lunch on Board: More Than Enough, With Real Drinks

Lunch is a buffet-style BBQ meal onboard. What’s on the table includes:

• BBQ meats (such as chicken breast, skewers, and sausages)
• Fresh salads
• Cake for dessert

During the meal, you get wine from Mallorca and sangria. Non-alcoholic drinks like water, soft drinks, coffee, and juice are included during the whole trip.

Some reviews add that there can be extra fruit later, but the core meal is always the BBQ-and-salad lineup plus dessert.

This is the part that makes the trip feel like more than a swim excursion. You’re not eating in a rush or hunting for a restaurant after. The crew keeps the rhythm: swim, eat, then swim again depending on the schedule.

Wine and Sangria: A Mallorca Touch That Keeps the Mood Up

The fact that you get Mallorca wine and sangria included with the meal is a big deal for value. It means you don’t have to pay extra to feel like you’re on a true “holiday cruise,” especially if you’re not trying to buy alcohol at every step.

Reviews frequently mention a fun onboard vibe, with music playing throughout the day. The crowd energy tends to be upbeat rather than quiet and stiff.

If you want a calm, silent sailing experience, this might not be your ideal boat. If you want a social, sun-and-swim day with good food, it fits.

Guides and Crew: Energetic Hosts Like Captain Perez

This activity includes a live tour guide in English and Spanish, and the crew is a major reason it earns such strong marks.

One name that comes up is Captain Perez. Multiple reviewers describe the captain and crew as friendly, energetic, and attentive, with good handling onboard and during swimming stops.

They also manage the logistics without turning the day chaotic. One review mentions boarding was quick, and another highlights organization as a plus. On a busy boat, that kind of flow is not automatic.

If you’re the type who worries about safety or timing on water, the consistent comments about helpful crew members and correct spot selection are reassuring.

What to Expect Onboard: Music, Group Energy, and Photos

Expect music and a lively atmosphere onboard. Reviews mention Spanish songs and a general feel-good vibe, plus dancing in some cases.

You’ll also have photo moments, especially toward the return sail. One traveler specifically mentions the boat passing close to Palma Cathedral, making it a nice scenery backdrop for pictures.

The boat is larger and can feel full at the start, so if you hate crowds, plan to be patient during boarding. Reviews also say that once you’re underway, the space can feel fine and people settle in.

Included vs Not Included: Avoid the Surprise Bills

Here’s the clean checklist:

• Included: lunch, water/soft drinks/juice/coffee, wine and sangria with the meal, snorkeling gear with deposit, life vests.
• Not included: additional alcohol outside mealtime (bar purchase), and any extra purchases at the bar.

Also important: card payments only on board, and American Express isn’t accepted. If you’re an Amex person, plan to bring another card.

Vegetarian option is possible, but it requires you to contact the provider directly. So don’t wait until the morning of your trip.

Practical Tips That Make a Difference

A few things that show up again and again in the feedback:

• Arrive early (30 minutes) to avoid the worst of the boarding scramble.
• Bring the €10 cash deposit if you want snorkeling gear.
• Use the boat’s masks if you don’t want to bring your own.
• Accept that the route can change due to weather. Wind and sea conditions can shift which cove you get first.
• If you’re sensitive to crowds, know the boat can start feeling busy, even if it settles down later.

This is one of those tours where small planning steps protect your fun.

Who This Catamaran Cruise Suits Best

This works well for:

• Couples who want an easy “couple day” at sea with food included
• Solo travelers who like meeting people in a group setting (reviews mention solo trips with good vibes)
• Families, including children, because life vests are provided and the schedule is simple
• Anyone who cares more about swimming than walking

One review lists an age range between 4 and 65+, which hints that the activity can be flexible for different ages as long as everyone is comfortable with the boat-and-water format.

Weather and Route Changes: Plan for a Few Variables

The itinerary is not rigid. The route depends on wind conditions, and the provider notes that the route may change due to weather.

That can affect:

• Which cove is first (Portals Vells vs Cala Vella)
• How clear the water looks at each stop
• How long you’ll feel like staying in the water before the crew calls everyone back

The good news: reviews often mention the crew adapts well, including choosing a safer swimming spot if the sea is choppy.

Morning vs Afternoon: Which Slot Fits Your Day?

If you’re aiming for a relaxed timeline with swim time plus a sunset feel, the afternoon departure (15:30) is often the better match. Several travelers mention sunset scenery and a return sail with Palma Cathedral views.

If you want to get your sea day done early and still have your evening free in Palma, the 10:00 AM slot is great.

In either case, the key is to remember: you’re paying for a swim-and-meal rhythm. Pick the slot that lines up with your energy level and your plans.

Should You Book: My Decision Guide

Book this cruise if you want:

• Stunning south-coast coves with real swim time
• Onboard BBQ lunch plus Mallorca wine and sangria
• A lively, friendly crew and good onboard organization
• A straightforward $69-day plan that feels like value rather than nickel-and-diming

Consider booking something else if:

• You want a super quiet, intimate boat experience (this can feel like a busy group at the start)
• You’re expecting perfect snorkeling visibility at every stop (water clarity can vary)
• You hate handling deposits and cash requirements (snorkeling gear needs a €10 refundable cash deposit)

If you’re flexible about sea conditions and you’re excited to spend your day in the water, this one is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

It lasts 5 hours.

Where do I meet the boat in Palma de Mallorca?

You meet at the Port of Palma, at the dock in front of the Auditorium de Palma on Passeig Marítim, on the harbor side, for the Magic Catamarans boat.

Do I need cash for snorkeling equipment?

Yes. If you want to use the snorkeling gear, there is a €10 refundable deposit that must be paid in cash.

What swim/snorkel stops are included?

You get 2 stops during the cruise for swimming/snorkeling, with the first stop at either Portals Vells or Cala Vella and a second stop at another nearby cove. The route can change due to weather conditions.

What drinks and lunch are included?

Non-alcoholic drinks are included during the full excursion (water, soft drinks, coffee and juice). During the meal, you also get Mallorca wine and sangria, plus a buffet BBQ lunch with meats, salads, and cake.

Is a vegetarian meal available?

Vegetarian options are not guaranteed automatically. If you require a vegetarian option, you need to contact the activity provider directly.

---

If you want, tell me your travel month and whether you prefer morning or afternoon. I’ll help you pick the best slot for swimming comfort and scenery.

You can check availability for your dates here: