Private boat tour with snorkeling

Palma Bay looks different from the water. This private trip puts your group on a small boat, with a skipper at the helm and two cove stops for swimming and snorkeling. You get a half-day out at sea, not a crowded boat with strangers.

I like two things in particular: the boat is private for your group, and snorkeling gear, floats, fuel, drinks, and Spanish snacks are included. The planned stops at Cala Comtesa and Playa Punta Negra give the outing a clear shape, while the boat’s bow and stern seating offer room to sit back between swims.

One consideration: about two hours of the four-hour trip are estimated to go toward sailing to the coves. If you want long hours in the water, this may feel like a lot of transit. Wind and rain can also change the mood of a day at sea, so check the forecast before you set out.

• A small private boat: Pájaro is 7 meters long and carries up to five people plus the skipper.
• Two cove stops: The planned itinerary includes Cala Comtesa and Playa Punta Negra, with about an hour at each.
• A four-hour outing: Choose a 10:00 to 14:00 or 14:30 to 18:30 departure.
• Useful gear and refreshments: Snorkeling equipment, floats, bottled water, soft drinks, and Spanish snacks are included.
• A named captain: Alberto has captained some trips; Edu has helped make reservations.
• A group price: The listed price is $729.29 for up to five people, before any tip.

Palma Bay, Seen From Pájaro

Pájaro is a 7-meter boat with seats and sunbathing areas at both the bow and stern. The capacity is five people plus a skipper, which makes this a close-knit outing rather than a roomy cruise. You’ll share the boat only with your own group, so it suits friends or family who want time together without strangers setting the pace.

That small scale is part of the appeal. You can move between sitting in the shade of the boat’s arrangement, stretching out in the sun, and getting ready to swim without negotiating space with a large crowd. The trade-off is that there is less room than you’d find on a bigger vessel. If your group is at full capacity, pack light and be ready to share the seating.

The trip begins and ends at D-Marin Palma Cuarentena in Palma. The operator estimates about two hours of sailing to reach the coves, leaving roughly two hours for the listed stops. That balance is worth understanding before you book: the boat ride itself is a main part of the experience, not just a short transfer between swimming spots.

Cala Comtesa: First Cove Stop

The first scheduled stop is Cala Comtesa, where the boat anchors for about an hour. This is the time to use the snorkeling equipment, try a float, or simply stay aboard and take a break. The stop is designed for water activities, but you are not obliged to snorkel. A boat day can be just as pleasant when you’re content to watch the coast and enjoy the pause.

An hour passes quickly once you account for settling at anchor, getting equipment ready, and taking turns in the water. If snorkeling is your priority, it helps to be ready to get in rather than spending most of the stop deciding what to do. The trip includes the gear, which saves you from bringing your own mask and snorkel, though you may prefer personal equipment if you have a favorite fit.

The exact conditions at the cove depend on the day. The tour promises an anchor stop and water activities, not a particular underwater sight or wildlife encounter. Think of it as a chance to swim and explore at your own pace, rather than a guided marine-life tour.

Playa Punta Negra: Another Hour at Anchor

The itinerary continues to Playa Punta Negra, another cove near Palma where the boat anchors for about an hour. Having two stops gives the outing more variety than staying in one place for the whole time. You can enjoy a second swim, try the snorkeling gear again, or take the chance to relax on deck between stretches in the water.

The schedule is simple, which is useful if you’re planning the rest of your day. You are not signing up for a string of short visits or a packed sightseeing program. Instead, there are two main anchor stops and the sailing between them. The route is described as an exploration of Palma Bay’s coves, but the actual conditions and route may depend on the day.

Keep your expectations grounded: the stops are near Palma, not a full-day voyage around the island. That makes this a practical choice when you want a taste of the coast without giving up an entire day. It also means the boat’s travel time matters. If your ideal outing is four hours of swimming, this schedule is not it.

Skipper, Snacks, and the Feel of a Private Trip

A professional skipper is included, along with a guide. That matters on a small boat: you can focus on the views and the water while the skipper handles the navigation. Alberto is named as a captain on some outings, and Edu has helped with reservations. They are useful names to know, but the exact crew for your date is not guaranteed by the details provided.

The social side seems to be a real part of the appeal. Outings have included music, snacks, and time to relax between swims. Spanish snacks, bottled water, and soft drinks are included, so you do not need to plan a full picnic. The information does not specify the exact snack menu or whether you can request particular drinks, so bring any essentials you know you’ll want.

This is a private activity, but private does not mean formal or elaborate. It is a small-boat outing with time to chat, snack, and swim. That makes it a good fit for a group of friends, a couple, or a family that wants a shared plan without a large tour crowd. If you’re looking for a quiet, structured sailing lesson or detailed history of the coast, that is not promised here.

What $729.29 Buys Your Group

The listed price is $729.29 per group of up to five. At full capacity, that works out to about $146 per person before a tip. For two people, the per-person cost is much higher, since the price is for the boat rather than each seat. The value improves as your group fills the available places.

The fee covers more than the boat ride. Fuel, a professional skipper, guide, snorkeling equipment, floats, bottled water, soft drinks, Spanish snacks, and applicable fees and taxes are included. There is no need to add fuel costs separately, and you avoid the hassle of sourcing basic snorkeling gear for everyone.

You are paying for a private boat and a half-day of access to Palma Bay, not for a long list of separate attractions. Compare the price with how much you value having the boat to your group alone. If you are traveling with four or five people and want a flexible outing together, the rate can make sense. If you are a couple watching your budget, a shared boat trip may be better value, though this tour offers a more private setting.

Tips are not included. No tip amount is specified, so treat it as optional and decide based on the service you receive.

Timing, Weather, and Practical Details

The four-hour trip has two daytime departure options: 10:00 to 14:00 or 14:30 to 18:30. The earlier slot leaves the rest of the afternoon open; the later one gives you a slower start. The operator also offers a separate two-hour sunset trip from 19:00 to 21:00, but that is a different duration from the half-day snorkeling tour described here.

Weather deserves a little thought. One account of the experience describes cool, windy, rainy, overcast conditions, yet the group still went ahead. That is a reminder that a boat outing can feel very different under grey skies than on a calm, sunny afternoon. The tour information does not spell out how weather affects departures, so check conditions and any updates before you go.

Confirmation is received at booking, and the ticket is mobile. The meeting point is D-Marin Palma Cuarentena, 07014 Palma, and the trip returns to the same place. The location is near public transportation, and the activity information says most people can participate. If you have a specific access or mobility concern, ask the operator before booking rather than assuming the boat will suit your needs.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancel later than that and the amount paid is not refunded; changes made within 24 hours are not accepted. The cutoff uses local time.

Who Should Book This Palma Boat Tour?

Book this trip if you want a private half-day on the water, have a group that can share the cost, and like the idea of alternating sailing with swims at two coves. The included gear and refreshments make the outing easy to organize, while the small boat gives you a more personal setting than a large excursion vessel.

It is especially appealing for friends who want a relaxed activity together, or for families and couples who value privacy and do not mind paying a group rate. The captain’s friendly, attentive manner has been a strong part of the experience on outings led by Alberto, though you should not assume he will be your skipper.

Skip it if your main goal is extensive snorkeling, a full-day tour, or a low-cost outing for one or two people. The estimated sailing time takes up a notable portion of the four hours, and the listed price is fixed for the group. If those trade-offs suit you, this is a straightforward way to get out on Palma Bay, enjoy a pair of cove stops, and make the sea part of your Mallorca day.

FAQ

How long is the private boat tour?

The half-day trip lasts about four hours. The scheduled departures are 10:00 to 14:00 and 14:30 to 18:30.

How many people can join?

The boat, Pájaro, holds up to five people plus the skipper. The activity is private, so only your group participates.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at D-Marin Palma Cuarentena in Palma and ends back at the same meeting point.

Which coves are included in the itinerary?

The planned stops are Cala Comtesa and Playa Punta Negra, with about an hour at each cove.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. The tour includes snorkeling equipment and floats.

What food and drinks are included?

Bottled water, soft drinks, and Spanish snacks are included. The specific snack menu is not stated.

Is fuel included in the price?

Yes. Gasoline, a professional skipper, a guide, snorkeling equipment, drinks, snacks, and fees and taxes are included.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and the amount paid is not refunded.