Mallorca: Palma Boat Tour & Snorkeling with Drink Included

The best part of this Palma boat trip is the chance to climb down from the boat and swim in clear Mediterranean water, with the coast of Mallorca as your backdrop. The stop may be near Cala Vella or another sheltered spot, depending on your departure and the weather.

I like two things in particular: the swim stop is a proper part of the outing, not a quick photo pause, and the boat gives you a relaxed way to see the bay without arranging your own transport or equipment. Music, a bar, and one included drink keep the return ride sociable.

The trade-off is that this is a leisure cruise, not a specialist snorkeling expedition. Fish sightings can be modest, the swim is weather-dependent, and the boat can feel lively when the music is up. If you want quiet, detailed marine-life instruction, this may not be your trip.

• A long swim break: The stop is scheduled for 70 minutes, with around 45 to 50 minutes in the water reported on some trips.
• Two route options: Departures from Can Pastilla head toward the marine reserve; Palma departures sail west toward Palmanova.
• Gear is included: Snorkel equipment and life jackets are provided, and there is a shower for rinsing off.
• One drink comes with the ticket: Choose water, beer, or sangría. Other bar drinks cost extra.
• A relaxed, social boat: Music, open-air seating, and a bar shape the mood as much as the coastal views.
• Arrive early: Boarding closes 10 minutes before departure, and parking can be difficult.

A swim stop is the heart of the trip

This is a short boat outing built around one simple pleasure: getting out onto the water, then slipping into the sea for a swim. You get 2.5 hours in total, enough time for a coastal cruise in each direction and a generous stop in between, without giving up most of a day.

The boat is the Super Delfin Verde, operated by Sa Calma Boats. There is room to sit inside or outside, and the boat has an upper deck with seats. The upper-deck places can be claimed early, so if sitting high up matters to you, do not arrive at the last minute. On the lower deck, you can find an indoor area as well as outdoor space.

Music is part of the outing, not background decoration. The mood can be laid-back on one sailing and more festive on another, with some people singing or dancing on the return. The crew is described as friendly and helpful, and crew members named Arantxa and Roger have been praised for keeping the trip fun. Crew may vary, so do not book expecting a particular person.

The route depends on where you board

There are two route descriptions, so check your selected departure point rather than assuming every sailing follows the same coast. From Can Pastilla, the boat heads toward the Palma Marine Nature Reserve. If conditions are suitable, it makes a swimming stop in a scenic spot such as Cala Vella.

From Palma, the boat sails toward Palmanova, at the western end of Palma Bay. You can look back at the city and follow the Mallorcan coast, where Mediterranean vegetation meets sandy beaches such as Illetas and Cala Mayor. This route puts more emphasis on coastal views than on reaching the reserve named in the Can Pastilla itinerary.

The published schedule breaks the outing into about 40 minutes of cruising, a 70-minute stop, and another 40 minutes on the return. Those segments add up to the full 2.5 hours. The stop is not all swimming time: you can also take photos, relax on board, and watch the sea. The amount of time you actually spend in the water depends on how quickly you get ready and what conditions allow.

What the swim and snorkeling are really like

The boat stops in an open-water spot rather than at a beach. You climb down from the boat to swim, and life jackets are available. Snorkels are included, so you do not need to bring your own, though you can bring personal gear if you prefer.

The water is often clear enough to make a swim the main attraction. You may see small fish, but do not expect a major reef or a guided wildlife excursion. The experience is better understood as a refreshing swim with a chance to look beneath the surface than as a guaranteed marine-life tour. The crew may share information about local marine life and its ecosystem, but that is subject to availability.

You will want to be comfortable getting into and out of the water from a boat. The provided life jacket can help if you are not a confident swimmer, but the activity still centers on swimming from the vessel. There is a shower on board for rinsing off afterward, a useful touch before you settle back into your seat.

Weather matters. The swim stop depends on conditions, and wind can make the ride less comfortable or change how the stop works. Jellyfish have also been spotted in the area, so take a look before entering the water and follow the crew’s guidance. There are no floats or pool noodles listed as included equipment, so plan on swimming rather than lounging on an inflatable.

Drinks, music, and the onboard mood

Your ticket includes one drink: water, beer, or sangría. There is also a bar where you can buy extra drinks, but those are not included in the $40 ticket price. Some people make a point of ordering a cocktail, such as a strawberry mojito, but the price of additional drinks is not specified.

The included drink is a small but worthwhile part of the value. You are paying for the boat, the swim stop, snorkel gear, and the time on the bay, rather than for an open bar. If you do not drink alcohol, water is the listed non-alcoholic option. Do not bring your own food or drinks, as they are not allowed on board.

Music gives the trip an easygoing, social character. You can relax with the coastline in view, listen to the playlist, and enjoy the ride back after your swim. Crew members have been willing to take music requests on some sailings, though you should treat that as a pleasant possibility, not a promised service.

The boat has a toilet as well as the shower. Those facilities make a 2.5-hour outing more comfortable, especially if you are traveling with children or want to change out of swimwear after the stop. The boat has also been described as spacious, but upper-deck seating is first come, and the overall feel can vary with the number of people aboard.

Is $40 good value?

At $40 per person, this is a fairly complete half-day activity: you get a boat cruise, one drink, snorkeling equipment, a life jacket, and time to swim. You also avoid having to find a separate way to reach a swim spot or rent basic gear. For a visitor who wants a simple taste of Palma Bay, that bundle makes sense.

The value depends on what you want from the water. If your priority is a long, guided snorkeling session with abundant marine life, the trip may not meet that expectation. Fish sightings can be limited, and the crew’s marine-life explanation is not guaranteed. If what you want is a scenic boat ride with a substantial chance to swim, the price is easier to justify.

Extra drinks add to the bill, and hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to make your own way to the meeting point, which may vary according to the option you book. The tour ends back at its meeting point, so allow time for getting there and back when planning the rest of your day.

Practical details that can save you a headache

Arrive with time to spare. Boarding closes 10 minutes before the activity starts, and the boat cannot wait for late arrivals. Parking near the meeting point can be hard to find, so do not plan to pull up just as boarding begins. Confirm the exact meeting point on your booking because it can vary by option.

The crew speaks Spanish, English, and German. The activity lasts 2.5 hours, but starting times depend on availability. Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to get in the water; the shower is provided, but towels are not listed as included. Leave outside food and drinks at your accommodation.

One booking detail deserves extra attention: the activity information gives conflicting cancellation terms. It says you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, but also labels the ticket non-refundable. Check the terms shown for your exact booking before you pay. A reserve-now, pay-later option may be available, but confirm that when selecting your time.

Who should book this Palma Bay cruise?

This trip suits couples, friends, and families who want a friendly, low-fuss way to spend a few hours on the sea. It works especially well if you like a mix of scenery, music, and swimming, and do not need a quiet or highly structured excursion. The shower and toilet add convenience, while the included snorkel gear means you can try snorkeling without bringing equipment.

It is less suited to anyone seeking a silent sailing, a guaranteed wildlife encounter, or a full-day snorkeling trip. The boat’s music and social mood are part of the experience. If you are sensitive to wind or uncertain about swimming, remember that sea conditions can affect both the ride and the stop.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a straightforward Palma Bay outing where the main payoff is time in clear water, with a coastal cruise and a drink included. At $40, it offers good value for a 2.5-hour trip with equipment and onboard facilities.

Skip it if you want a quiet boat, a dedicated marine guide, or snorkeling that is the main event. Before booking, confirm whether your departure is from Palma or Can Pastilla, check the cancellation terms, and arrive early enough to board without a parking scramble.

FAQ

How long is the Palma boat tour?

The tour lasts 2.5 hours. The schedule includes a cruise out, a stop, and a cruise back.

What is included in the ticket?

The ticket includes the boat tour, snorkel equipment, a life jacket, a shower, a toilet on board, and one drink. The drink choice is water, beer, or sangría.

Is there time to swim and snorkel?

Yes. The boat makes one swimming stop when conditions allow. The scheduled stop is 70 minutes, though the time you spend in the water can vary.

Where does the boat go?

The route depends on your departure point. From Can Pastilla, the boat heads toward the Palma Marine Nature Reserve and may stop near Cala Vella. From Palma, it sails toward Palmanova, with coastal views that can include Illetas and Cala Mayor.

What languages does the crew speak?

The crew speaks Spanish, English, and German.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

No. Food and drinks are not allowed on board. Extra drinks can be bought from the onboard bar.

When should I arrive, and what are the cancellation terms?

Arrive with enough time to park and board. Boarding closes 10 minutes before departure, and the boat cannot be delayed. The cancellation information is inconsistent: it describes both a full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours ahead and a non-refundable ticket, so check the terms for your specific booking.