Palma de Mallorca: Deluxe Catamaran Sailing Tour with Meal

The appeal here is simple: you leave Palma’s port behind and spend a few hours out on the Mediterranean, with a stop in Cala Vella for a swim and time to eat on board. I like that the Oasis limits its group to 36 people, leaving more room to move around than a full boat would.

I also like the choice between a daytime BBQ outing and an adults-only sunset cruise with tapas and canapés. One thing to plan for: drinks beyond water cost extra, and the snorkeling mask and tube are not included.

The details that matter

• A roomier catamaran: The Oasis can carry 57 people, but this tour caps numbers at 36.
• A Cala Vella swim stop: The route heads to a natural reserve known for coves and clear water.
• Two different meals: Choose a daytime BBQ or a sunset outing with tapas and canapés.
• Paddleboards included: SUP equipment is part of the tour; snorkel gear is not.
• A bar on board: Unlimited water is included, but other drinks cost extra.
• A half-day at sea: Plan for four to four and a half hours, with departure times depending on availability.

Leaving Palma for Cala Vella

The tour begins at a meeting point that can vary depending on the option you book, so check your booking details rather than assuming every departure uses the same spot. The activity ends back at its meeting point, and hotel pickup is not included. A little advance attention to the meeting instructions can save a rushed start; finding the pickup point was confusing for some people.

Once aboard, the city gives way to the bay and open water. The route takes you toward Cala Vella, a natural reserve with small coves and clear water. The boat trip itself is part of the appeal: you get a different view of the coast from the sea, and the ride provides a relaxed change of pace from Palma’s streets.

The catamaran is called the Oasis. Its capacity is 57, but the tour admits no more than 36 people, a meaningful difference if you value a bit of elbow room. The number on a particular departure can be lower, but you should treat 36 as the maximum, not expect a private or tiny-group cruise.

What the smaller group means on board

Space matters on a boat outing. With fewer people than the vessel can hold, you have a better chance of finding a comfortable place to sit, take photos, or stretch out in the sun. The crew also has more room to help people and keep the trip feeling orderly.

The Oasis is described as elegant, and cleanliness comes up repeatedly as a plus. A clean, modern boat and tidy toilets are useful details on a four-hour trip, not just nice extras. The crew is another strong part of the experience: the tour is led by staff, and instruction is available in Spanish, English, German, and French.

This is still a shared excursion, not a private charter. You’ll spend the trip with other people, and the atmosphere may vary with the group. But the passenger cap makes this a more appealing choice than a boat that fills every available place.

The Cala Vella swim stop

Cala Vella is the main reason to bring your swimwear. The boat stops so you can get into the water, enjoy the cove, and cool off before the return journey. The clear water and coastal setting are the sort of change of scene that makes a boat tour feel worthwhile, especially if you want more than a ride around the bay.

SUP equipment is included, so you can try a paddleboard during the stop. If you want to snorkel, bring your own mask and tube. For hygiene reasons, rental snorkel equipment is not available, although you can buy a snorkeling set on board for €25. Don’t assume a mask will be provided just because snorkeling is listed as an activity.

The swim stop is a highlight, but it is also the part most affected by conditions. The itinerary may change due to weather, so Cala Vella or the timing of the stop is not guaranteed in every condition. If swimming is a priority, check the forecast and keep a little flexibility in your plans.

Bring a towel and swimwear, along with a sun hat. The tour information gives conflicting instructions about sunscreen: it lists sunscreen among the items to bring, but also says sunscreen is not allowed. Contact the operator before departure to clarify what you can bring and use.

Daytime sailing, BBQ and a swim

The daytime option combines the Cala Vella stop with a BBQ prepared on board. Appetizers and the BBQ are included with this choice, so you don’t need to arrange a separate meal during the four-to-four-and-a-half-hour outing. The onboard meal is a practical part of the package, and the food has been a particular strength for many people, with praise for grilled lunch, plentiful portions, and vegetarian options.

You’ll have time to swim before or around the meal, depending on the day’s schedule. Paddleboards add another way to enjoy the stop, though you can just as easily keep things simple and relax on board. If you want to be active, bring swimwear and a towel; if you’d rather sit back, the sea views and food give the trip its own rhythm.

This option is the natural fit for families and anyone who wants a daytime outing with a proper meal included. The provided information does not set a general minimum age for the daytime trip, but the sunset option is specifically restricted to adults aged 18 and over.

Sunset sailing with tapas and Palma views

The sunset option follows the same broad route toward Cala Vella and includes a swim stop. Instead of a BBQ lunch, you get tapas and canapés, then sail back toward Palma as the sun sets. On the return, you can take in views of the old town and the Cathedral from the water.

That return leg gives this version a different feel from the daytime trip. You’re not just heading back to port; the changing light and city views are part of the outing. If the sunset is the main reason you’re booking, remember that weather can affect the itinerary and conditions. The tour still offers a pleasant evening at sea, but the exact view depends on the day.

The sunset cruise is adults only, for ages 18 and up. Don’t book it for anyone under 18. A relaxed evening meal and the coastal views may suit couples or adult groups particularly well, while the daytime option is the better choice if you’re travelling with minors.

Food, drinks and what the price covers

At $88 per person, the tour’s value rests on more than the ride. You’re getting a four-to-four-and-a-half-hour catamaran outing, a swim stop, SUP equipment, unlimited water, and a meal suited to the departure time. The smaller passenger cap also matters: you’re paying for a more spacious shared cruise, rather than simply buying a seat on the most crowded boat available.

The daytime meal is appetizers and a BBQ; the sunset meal is tapas and canapés. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available from the bar, but only water is unlimited and included. Other drinks are extra. Cocktails have been priced at around €18 to €20, so check the menu and budget accordingly if you plan to order them. The food is included, but the bar can add noticeably to your total.

The meal is not a minor footnote. It saves you from having to pack lunch or plan a restaurant stop during the excursion, and the onboard cooking adds to the sense of a proper half-day outing. If you have dietary needs, contact the operator before booking to confirm what can be accommodated. Vegetarian food has been available, but the tour details do not list a full range of dietary options.

What to bring, and what to check first

Pack swimwear, a towel, and a sun hat. Bring your own snorkeling mask and tube if you want to snorkel, or be prepared to buy a set on board for €25. SUP equipment is included, and unlimited water is provided.

There are two practical details worth sorting out before you leave. First, the meeting point can vary by option, so check the specific directions for your departure. Second, clarify the sunscreen rule with the operator because the information both recommends bringing sunscreen and lists it as prohibited.

High-heeled shoes are not allowed. Casual, appropriate clothing and swimwear are recommended. The tour includes insurance, but it does not include hotel pickup, and the itinerary can change with the weather.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying today. If you’re booking for a group of 10 or more and your chosen date is unavailable, contact the local operator.

Who will get the most from this cruise?

Choose this tour if you want a comfortable way to spend a few hours on the water, with a swim, food, and a coastal view in one outing. The passenger limit is a real plus if you dislike packed boats, while the included meal makes the price easier to assess than a basic cruise where every extra is separate.

The daytime option suits people who want a BBQ and a swim in the sun. The sunset version is a stronger match if you value evening light and Palma’s old town views, and it works for adults who want a quieter, meal-focused outing. Both choices allow time in the water, though neither should be treated as a dedicated snorkeling trip: bring your own gear, and remember conditions can alter the route.

This is less suitable if you want a private boat, need hotel transport, or want all drinks included. It may also disappoint if you expect snorkeling equipment to be supplied at no cost. But if you’re happy to share a spacious catamaran and pay separately for bar drinks, it offers a well-rounded half-day on the sea.

Should you book the Oasis catamaran?

I’d book it if you want more than a short sightseeing cruise: the Cala Vella swim, included meal, paddleboards, and 36-person cap make for a satisfying outing. The daytime BBQ is the straightforward choice for a sunny swim and lunch; the sunset trip adds an adults-only evening sail and views of Palma’s Cathedral.

Before you commit, check the meeting point, sort out the sunscreen contradiction, and decide whether you’re willing to pay extra for drinks or snorkel gear. If those details work for you, $88 buys a comfortable, meal-inclusive trip with a good balance of sailing, swimming, and time to relax.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran tour?

The tour lasts four to four and a half hours. Starting times depend on availability.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $88 per person.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at a meeting point that may vary depending on the option booked. The activity ends back at its meeting point.

Is food included?

Yes. The daytime option includes appetizers and a BBQ, while the sunset option includes tapas and canapés.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited water is included. Other drinks, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks from the onboard bar, are extra.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. For hygiene reasons, snorkeling masks and tubes cannot be rented. You can bring your own or buy a snorkeling set on board for €25.

Is paddleboard equipment included?

Yes. SUP equipment is included.

Can children join the sunset tour?

No. The sunset option is for adults aged 18 and over. The information provided does not specify a general minimum age for the daytime option.

How many people can join the tour?

The catamaran has capacity for 57 people, but the tour limits the group to a maximum of 36.

Can the route change?

Yes. The itinerary may be amended due to weather conditions.