Boat Tour 2 hour in Palma Bay

The best part of this two-hour trip is the stop for a swim in Palma Bay. You can cool off from the boat, use the floating mat and aquatic accessories, or try the included snorkeling gear. Back on board, the coast and open water make a pleasant change from the beach.

I like two things here: the short, useful length and the chance to swim without arranging a separate excursion. The crew also earns frequent praise for being friendly, and the music gives the ride a lively, social feel.

The main trade-off is that this is not a quiet sightseeing cruise. Music can be loud, the boat can feel crowded, and the snorkeling setup may not meet every swimmer’s expectations. If you want a peaceful ride or a serious snorkeling outing, this may not be your boat.

At a glance

• A swim stop is the main event: Expect time in the water during a roughly two-hour cruise.
• Snorkeling gear is included: Equipment is provided, though its availability and quality may vary.
• Music sets the mood: The atmosphere leans social and festive, not hushed and scenic.
• The group can reach 56: Seating may feel limited when the boat is full.
• Depart from Arenal Beach: The boarding office is reached via the beach, with bus links from Palma.
• Drinks cost extra: Bar service is not included in the $39.65 price.

From Arenal Beach into Palma Bay

The trip starts at Playa S’Arenal, at the boarding office on Arenal Beach in Llucmajor. The boat, called Superman, heads out into Palma Bay for a coastal ride before stopping so you can swim and use the water gear.

This is a group outing, not a private charter. The maximum is 56 people, and that matters: at full capacity, you may have a seat but not much room to stretch out or sunbathe. One account describes enough seats for a full boat but no place to lie down, so plan on sitting rather than claiming a sunbed.

The ride itself is part of the appeal, but set your expectations sensibly. You’ll see the bay from the water and get time to relax on board, yet this is not a long scenic voyage past a string of landmarks. Some accounts describe a relatively short coastal run followed by a swim stop and a return to port.

The swim stop is worth prioritizing

The boat anchors near a swimming spot in the bay, where you can get into the water, float, or try snorkeling. The water is often described as clear and inviting, and the swim is the part that seems to make the trip memorable. If you want a simple chance to cool off in the sea, the format works well.

Snorkeling is included in the description, but treat it as a casual extra rather than a dedicated underwater tour. Some people have spotted small fish, while others have seen few. One complaint also described arriving at the swim stop without snorkeling gear, so if seeing underwater life is essential to your plans, ask about equipment before departure or bring your own if you have it.

The floating mat and other aquatic accessories add a playful option, especially for a family or group. But don’t assume every child can safely use the water without help. A complaint specifically noted that life jackets for very young children were not available, so check directly with the operator about suitable child-sized flotation gear before booking.

The swim is not a supervised lesson, and the trip’s description doesn’t promise a guided snorkeling session. You’ll have time to enjoy the water, but your own comfort and swimming ability matter. If you’d rather stay dry, you can relax on board, take in the views, or have a drink.

Expect music, conversation, and a bar

Music plays during the cruise, and the atmosphere can be cheerful and lively. That suits groups who want a relaxed outing with a bit of energy. It is less suited to anyone hoping for a quiet boat ride, and some people find the volume too high.

There is a bar on board, but drinks are not included in the ticket. Accounts vary on how the bar feels: some describe good cocktails at reasonable prices, while another notes drinks costing around €12. Treat the bar as an optional extra, and check the price before ordering rather than assuming it will be a bargain.

Smoking has also been a drawback for some people on board. If you are sensitive to smoke, be aware that the boat is a shared space and the trip can be social and busy. The sea may offer the freshest air during the swim stop.

The crew’s friendliness is one of the stronger points. People describe staff as warm and attentive, and that helps the trip feel easygoing. Still, the boat can be crowded enough that announcements are hard to hear, so listen carefully at the start and ask staff if you are unsure about the return time or where to find the gear.

What $39.65 gets you

At $39.65 per person, the price buys a two-hour boat outing, a swim stop, and use of snorkeling equipment. That’s fair value if you want an easy way to get out on the water and swim without paying for a longer charter. The gear and floating accessories add useful extras, while the short duration keeps the outing from taking over your day.

The value depends on what you expect. If you picture a quiet sail, a small group, plenty of deck space, or an expert-led exploration of marine life, the price may not feel like a bargain. This is better understood as a social boat ride with time to swim, not a specialist snorkeling excursion.

The bar is an added cost, as are any drinks you choose to buy. You may also need to budget for transport to Arenal, especially if you are starting in central Palma or arriving by cruise ship. A taxi can be convenient, but the bus is a lower-cost option.

Getting to the Arenal boarding point

The meeting point is the boarding office on Arenal Beach, at Av. Miramar, 7, in Llucmajor. Access is via the beach, and the meeting point is not adapted for wheelchair users. If you need step-free access, contact the operator before booking to confirm whether the trip can work for you.

From Palma, buses 23 and 25 run to Arenal. The journey takes you away from the city center, so allow time for the bus ride and the walk to the beach meeting point. The tour information also says pickup is offered, but the listed start point is the Arenal boarding office; confirm the exact pickup arrangement when booking.

Driving can be inconvenient because parking in the area is difficult, especially if you arrive close to departure. Give yourself extra time if you are bringing a car. If you are coming from a cruise ship, remember that Arenal is outside Palma’s central port area; one account describes a taxi ride of about 30 minutes, while a bus trip may take considerably longer.

The tour is offered in English. The group size can reach 56, and the trip returns to the same meeting point after about two hours. The average booking is made about 16 days ahead, which is a useful cue to reserve early if your schedule is fixed.

Who will enjoy this boat trip

I’d choose this outing if you want a straightforward swim in Palma Bay, a casual boat ride, and a lively shared atmosphere. It can work well for friends, couples, and families with children who are confident in the water and comfortable with a busy boat. Several people especially value the swim stop and describe the outing as good value for the price.

It can also make a handy short excursion if you have a spare couple of hours. The trip is brief enough to fit around other plans, and the return to the same beach meeting point keeps the route simple. Sunset departures have been especially memorable for some, but sunset is not guaranteed unless you book a time that aligns with it.

I would look elsewhere if your priority is silence, spacious seating, or serious wildlife viewing. Reports of fish vary, and dolphins have been spotted, but you should not book expecting either. Likewise, if you want to spend most of the trip snorkeling, a dedicated snorkeling tour may be a better match.

Weather matters. The activity requires good weather, and if the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time; cancellations made later are not refunded.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if the idea of a short cruise, lively music, and a refreshing swim sounds better than spending the whole day on the beach. The strongest reasons to go are the water stop, friendly crew, and reasonable base price. Bring a towel, arrive with time to find the boarding office, and check ahead about flotation gear if you have young children.

Skip it if a peaceful boat ride or reliable, high-quality snorkeling is central to your plans. The trip’s best feature is simple: it gets you out onto the bay and into the water. If that is enough, two hours can be money well spent.

FAQ

How long is the boat tour?

The trip lasts about two hours and returns to the Arenal Beach meeting point.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at the boarding office on Playa S’Arenal, Av. Miramar, 7, in Llucmajor. Access is through the beach.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included, along with a floating mat and other aquatic accessories. Equipment availability has not been consistent, so check with the operator if snorkeling gear is essential to your plans.

Are drinks included in the ticket?

No. Bar service is not included, so drinks cost extra.

How can I get to Arenal from Palma?

Bus numbers 23 and 25 run from Palma to Arenal. Parking can be difficult, so allow extra time if you are driving.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the tour starts.