Mallorca: 2-Hour Coastline & Malgrat Islands Catamaran Tour

The best part of this two-hour catamaran trip is the change of pace: one minute you’re watching Mallorca’s cliffs slide by, the next you’re in the sea at a quiet swimming stop. The route takes in the bays around Paguera, Santa Ponça and Camp de Mar, with a loop around the Malgrats Islands Marine Reserve.

I like two things in particular: the 20-minute swim stop, which puts you in clear water with fish around, and the short overall length. You get a proper coastal outing without giving up half a day, and the boat has a lower viewing area where you may spot fish without getting wet.

The trade-off is that a popular departure can feel crowded, and two hours leaves little time for a long swim or a detailed tour. The captain can also change the route if the weather calls for it, so treat the named bays and islands as the plan, not a guarantee.

• A swim break is built in: The tour includes a 20-minute stop, so pack swimwear and a towel.
• Three boarding points are offered: Choose from Las Olas – Santa Ponça, Embarcadero Santa Ponsa or Embarcadero Playa Tora, depending on the option you book.
• The coast is the main event: Expect views of cliffs, bays and the Malgrats Islands, with birds and fish to look for.
• There’s a lower fish-viewing area: Some passengers enjoy watching fish through windows below deck, a handy option when you’d rather stay dry.
• Snacks and drinks cost extra: There is a bar onboard, and food and drink are available for purchase.
• Arrive early for your preferred spot: The boat can get busy, and early boarding may give you more choice of where to sit.

Mallorca’s southwest coast, seen from the water

This is a simple way to see a stretch of coast that’s harder to appreciate from the road. From the boat, you get a broad view of the shoreline, the high cliffs and the varied blues of the water. The scenery changes as the catamaran passes the bays of Paguera, Santa Ponça and Camp de Mar.

The outing is run by Cruise Cormoran and lasts about two hours. That’s enough time to get out along the coast, pause for a swim and return without turning the trip into an all-day commitment. If you’re staying nearby, it can fit neatly between a beach morning and an evening meal.

The catamaran is described as a modern boat suited to sunbathing and sightseeing. There’s a main deck with toilets and an entertainment area, and refreshments and snacks are available to buy. Some passengers particularly enjoy the windows below deck, which offer a look at fish in the water. Don’t mistake that feature for a full aquarium or a substitute for snorkeling, but it’s a pleasant extra, especially for children or anyone who wants a break from the sun.

Boarding at Santa Ponça or nearby

You can select among three starting points: Las Olas – Santa Ponça, Embarcadero Santa Ponsa or Embarcadero Playa Tora. The exact meeting point depends on the option you book, so check your confirmation rather than assuming every departure leaves from the same pier.

The tour also lists these places as drop-off options. They’re boarding and return points, not promised sightseeing stops where you get off to explore a town. One passenger was disappointed not to have time to disembark at a pickup point, so it’s worth setting expectations: this is a boat trip along the coast, not a hop-on, hop-off service.

If you care where you sit, aim to arrive early. The boat can be crowded, and some passengers have found it hard to get a seat at first. A spot up top gives you open views and sun, while the main deck offers access to the toilets and entertainment area. Think about shade and comfort as well as the best photo angle.

The Malgrats Islands and the coast around Calvià

After departure, the boat heads along Mallorca’s southwest coast, with the Malgrats Islands as a key point of interest. The islands form a marine reserve, and the route offers a chance to look for local birds and fish as the catamaran passes. The listed scenic passage around the islands takes about 20 minutes.

The appeal here is not a landing or a long guided walk. You see the reserve from the water, with the islands and the surrounding sea providing the setting. Keep your eyes on the shore and the water, and listen for the guide’s commentary. The tour is offered in English, German, Spanish and French, though the amount and detail of commentary can vary. Some trips have lively, informative guides; others feel more like a relaxed ride with less explanation.

The return portion includes scenic views along the coast around Calvià, also listed as about 20 minutes. Along the way, the boat gives you a different angle on the cliffs and bays than you get from land. If you’re hoping for a deep history lesson or a long list of named landmarks, this may not be the right outing. Its strength is the combination of coastal scenery, a little commentary and time on the water.

A 20-minute swim stop in clear water

For many people, the swim stop is the highlight. The catamaran pauses for around 20 minutes, giving you a chance to get into the sea, cool off and look for fish. It’s a short break rather than a long snorkeling session, so make the most of your time by having your swimwear ready before the boat stops.

Bring a towel and sunscreen, and consider bringing your own flotation aid if you or your children need one. The tour information does not promise life jackets or floaties for swimming. Masks and snorkel tubes are available with a €20 deposit, but bringing your own gear may save time and make it easier to get straight into the water.

The swim stop depends on conditions, as the captain may alter the route according to the weather. If the sea is rough or the conditions make a planned stop unsuitable, the schedule can change. You’re booking a coastal cruise with a swim stop included, not an absolute promise that the boat will stop at one exact spot.

What the two hours feel like onboard

Expect a relaxed outing, not a high-speed ride or a tightly scripted tour. The route includes scenic stretches, the swimming break and time aboard to sit in the sun or watch the coast. Music may play, and the crew can make the trip feel lighthearted. The onboard bar serves drinks, including sangria, and snacks and food are available for purchase.

The crew is often a big part of the experience. Friendly, helpful service can make a short trip feel welcoming, and the guide may point out natural features and places of interest. Commentary is not always equally detailed, so go for the sea views and the swim first, with interpretation as a bonus.

There’s no hotel pickup or drop-off. You’ll need to reach your chosen meeting point on your own, and the location varies by booking option. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, a practical point to check before you reserve.

Is $29 good value for this catamaran trip?

At about $29 per person, the tour offers two hours on the water, coastal views and a 20-minute swim stop. That’s strong value if you want a short, easy-to-book activity and are happy with a shared boat rather than a private charter. You also get toilets onboard and the option to buy drinks and snacks, so you don’t need to plan the outing around a restaurant stop.

The price makes most sense if you use the swim stop and enjoy being on deck. If you want a long snorkeling session, a small group or extensive commentary, you may find the trip too brief or too busy. Food and drinks are extra, so factor those in if you plan to use the bar.

The overall rating is 4.3 from 966 reviews, a solid result for a budget-friendly group trip. The strongest points are consistent: friendly crew, good coastal views, the swimming break and a relaxed two-hour duration. The main drawbacks are crowding and, occasionally, less commentary than you may want.

Who should book it?

I’d recommend this for families, couples and small groups who want a straightforward way to see the southwest coast from the water. The short duration helps if you’re traveling with children or simply want a change from the beach without committing a whole day. A lower viewing area can also keep children interested when they’re ready to come out of the sun.

It’s less suitable if you need wheelchair access, want guaranteed space to spread out or expect to disembark and explore towns along the route. If the swim is your priority, remember that 20 minutes is a quick dip, not a long water session. Book it for the views, the chance to swim and the easygoing boat ride, and you’re likely to get good value.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran tour?

The tour lasts about two hours, including the coastal cruise and a 20-minute swim stop.

Where can I board?

The three listed starting points are Las Olas – Santa Ponça, Embarcadero Santa Ponsa and Embarcadero Playa Tora. Your meeting point depends on the option you book.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The boat tour includes a 20-minute swim stop. The captain may change the route depending on the weather.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel and sunscreen. Masks and snorkel tubes are available with a €20 deposit.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Snacks, food and refreshments are available to purchase onboard.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to make your own way to the selected meeting point.