Snorkeling Tour to the Malgrats Islands by boat

Snorkeling Tour to the Malgrats Islands by boat is a popular choice for travelers in Mallorca looking to combine a bit of adventure with beautiful scenery. While we haven’t taken this exact trip ourselves, we’ve gathered enough details and traveler feedback to give you a clear picture of what’s on offer. Whether you’re an avid swimmer or just love spending time in the water, this 3-hour excursion might be just what you’re after—especially if you’re keen to explore Mallorca’s marine life without a big, complicated setup.

What really catches the eye is the chance to snorkel in the clear waters of the Malgrats Islands Marine Reserve, a protected area teeming with marine life and stunning views of coves and bays. Plus, the tour’s inclusion of guides and snorkeling equipment makes it a straightforward outing for those who want to relax and enjoy the scenery without worrying about gear or navigation.

One thing to keep in mind is that this tour is quite short—just about 3 hours—and the actual snorkeling time can be limited if there are boat issues or other delays. Also, it’s primarily suited for people who know how to swim and are comfortable in open water, so it might not be ideal for very young children or non-swimmers. That said, if you’re a water lover and enjoy seeing marine environments, this tour can be a rewarding way to spend a few hours.

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a balance of ease and adventure, appreciate guided tours, and are looking for a manageable outing that offers some sunshine, sea swimming, and lovely views.

Key Points

• Comfortable group size: Limited to 12 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and manageable.
• Includes gear and guide: Snorkeling equipment and supervision ensure your safety and convenience.
• Flexible snorkeling experience: You can swim and splash around at your leisure in calm, clear waters.
• Hassle-free transfer: Pickup and drop-off are included within the Calvia zone, reducing logistics worries.
• Short but sweet: A 3-hour window means you get a taste of the marine reserve without a huge time commitment.
• Mixed reviews: While many loved the guides and views, some found the experience underwhelming or had minor issues.

What to Expect from This Snorkeling Experience

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour kicks off at ZOEA Mallorca, the Scuba Diving Center in Calviá, where you’ll meet your guide and get all necessary equipment, including wetsuits, fins, and masks. This initial meeting point is quite accessible, being near public transportation, which is helpful if you’re staying in or around the Palma area.

After a brief safety and equipment briefing, you’ll board the boat and set out on a half-hour cruise into the Malgrats Islands Marine Reserve. This part of the trip is an opportunity to soak in the views of Mallorca’s coast and the sheltered bays. The boat ride itself is part of the fun, offering a chance to relax and enjoy the sea breeze.

Once you arrive at the designated snorkeling spot, your guide will supervise you while you plunge into the calm, clear waters. Expect to see a variety of fish and marine flora, with the option to explore caves or swim freely in the protected bay. The water is described as crystal clear, making it ideal for observing underwater life.

The highlight is snorkeling at your own pace, with the guide always nearby for assistance or information. Travelers have shared that the experience can be very beautiful, especially if the weather is cooperative. The tour also gives you plenty of sunbathing time on deck, perfect for catching some rays while taking in the views.

What Travelers Say

Many reviews praise the friendly and knowledgeable guides who make the experience more enjoyable. One review highlights, “Our guide was so kind and funny,” which can really make a difference when you’re in the water. The equipment is generally well-reviewed—fins, masks, and wetsuits are provided, allowing you to just focus on having fun.

The views are another big plus, with several travelers mentioning the beautiful scenery of the bays and coves. As one reviewer put it, “Gorgeous underwater views and swimming through caves!!” The marine reserve seems to live up to its reputation as a peaceful spot for snorkeling.

However, some reviews point out less positive aspects. For instance, one person noted that their boat had an issue in the sea, which curtailed their experience. Others mentioned that the water sometimes had trash or that the fish life was not as abundant as expected. One reviewer even warned to watch out for jellyfish, which is a reminder to be prepared a little for marine surprises.

The Actual Snorkeling

The snorkeling is done in calm, sheltered waters, ideal for those with basic swimming skills or for families with older children (minimum age 8). The equipment provided includes fins, masks, and wetsuits, which are helpful especially if the water is cooler. You’ll swim in a relatively small area, so it’s not a deep-sea adventure but more of a leisurely exploration.

Most reviewers agree that the experience is enjoyable, especially if you go in with the right expectations—relaxing, scenic, and accessible. But it’s worth noting that if you’re expecting underwater photography or abundant marine life, you might find it a bit underwhelming. As one review states, “Not so much fish,” but the clarity and views compensate for that.

Price and Value

At around $74.52 per person, the tour isn’t the cheapest activity in Mallorca, but it’s fairly priced considering the inclusions: guide, insurance, snorkeling gear, and transfer within Calvia. For those who love being in the water and want a straightforward, guided adventure, it’s a solid deal.

Compared to other experiences like catamaran trips or private boat charters, this is a more affordable way to get into the water without sacrificing safety or comfort. Many travelers feel that the experience offers good value—especially with the gear and guide service included—though some wish for longer or more varied snorkeling spots.

Who Should Book This Tour?

If you’re comfortable in the water, enjoy guided outdoor activities, and want to see Mallorca’s marine environment without a lengthy commitment, this snorkel trip fits well. It’s suitable for families with children over 8, provided they’re confident swimmers, and those who appreciate a relaxed pace with plenty of sunshine.

It’s also a good choice if you’re new to snorkeling or want a guided experience with equipment provided. However, if you’re expecting lots of marine life or a more adventurous, deep-water exploration, you might find this tour a bit limited.

Practical Tips

• Arrive about 15 minutes early, around 3:45 pm, to get ready and avoid missing the boat.
• Bring a swimsuit, a towel, and sun protection, as you’ll likely spend some time sunbathing.
• Know how to swim—this is a snorkeling tour, not for non-swimmers.
• Be mindful of jellyfish or marine debris, depending on the season and weather.
• The group is small, which adds to the personalized feel, but it’s wise to book in advance as it’s popular—bookings are typically made 13 days ahead.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s suitable for children aged 8 and over who know how to swim. The calm waters and supervision make it relatively safe for young swimmers.

What equipment is included?
Snorkeling gear including masks, fins, and wetsuits are provided, making it easy to just show up and enjoy.

How long is the actual snorkeling time?
The tour lasts about 3 hours in total, with the boat ride and snorkeling included. Actual snorkeling time is flexible depending on conditions, but is generally supervised and leisurely.

Are transfers included?
Yes, transfers are included within the Calvia zone. If you’re outside this area, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation.

What should I bring?
Bring a swimsuit, a towel, sunscreen, and perhaps a waterproof camera if you want to snap photos (note that marine life and visibility might limit photography).

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Refunds are processed accordingly.

What if the weather is bad?
Weather can affect the trip, but most bookings are confirmed once you receive your booking confirmation. If the weather is unsuitable, you may be able to reschedule or get a refund.

In The Sum Up, this snorkeling tour to the Malgrats Islands offers a friendly, scenic, and accessible way to enjoy Mallorca’s waters. It’s perfect for travelers who want a guided, hassle-free experience with good equipment and beautiful views, particularly if they’re comfortable swimming in open water. While it might not satisfy those craving a deep-sea adventure or bustling marine life, it provides a relaxed, scenic taste of the island’s marine environment.

If you’re after a manageable, well-organized outing with a focus on scenery and safe snorkeling, this trip could be a highlight of your Mallorca trip. Just keep expectations in check regarding marine life and duration, and you’ll likely leave with some memorable underwater moments.