Catamaran Sailing in Palma Mallorca includes Aperitif and BBQ

The best part of this Palma outing is the change of scene: you leave the city’s port behind and spend the afternoon on the water, with time for a seaside aperitif, a BBQ and a swim in Cala Vella’s clear coves. The boat was built in 2023 and carries no more than 55 people, despite having space for 84.

I like two things in particular: the included food at two points in the trip means you are not paying for a boat ride alone, and the stand-up paddleboards are included, giving you another way to enjoy the water. The crew also gets praise for being friendly and attentive.

One thing to weigh up is the group setting. Fifty-five people is a firm cap, but it is still a sizeable crowd, and music can be loud in some seating areas. The route and stops can also change with the weather, so this is not a trip to book if you need a tightly fixed schedule.

At a glance

• A newer catamaran: Built in 2023, with a stated maximum of 55 people.
• Two food stops: An aperitif at La Cueva Verda, followed by a BBQ on board at Cala Vella.
• Time in the water: Swimming and stand-up paddleboards are part of the plan.
• A long half-day outing: Expect about five hours and 30 minutes, starting and ending at Palma’s port.
• Drinks cost extra: The onboard bar sells alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Weather can change the plan: The route may be altered, and poor conditions can lead to a new date or full refund.

Leaving Palma’s port for the open water

The trip starts at Oasis Catamaran, at Av. de Gabriel Roca, 16, in Palma. From there, the boat sails out across the Bay of Palma toward the coves around Cala Vella. You return to the same meeting point, so there is no separate transfer to arrange at the end.

A catamaran offers a different pace from a quick motorboat outing. The aim here is not simply to reach a cove and turn around. You have several hours aboard, with time for the views, meals and stops to shape the day. That slower rhythm can be a welcome break from Palma’s streets, especially if you want to spend time at sea without organizing a private boat.

The catamaran was built in 2023 and has room for 84 people, but the maximum group is 55. That lower limit matters: it leaves more room than filling every available place would, and several people who enjoyed the trip praised the seating and space. Still, 55 is not a small private group. Expect a shared excursion, with other people around you at meals and on deck.

There are seats in the sun and covered areas, according to people who have been aboard. If you prefer shade or want a particular spot, arrive ready to choose when you board. Shoes are taken off at boarding, which helps keep the boat clean, but it is worth wearing footwear you can remove easily.

An aperitif at La Cueva Verda

The first food stop is described as an aperitif at La Cueva Verda. It gives the outing a pleasant pause before the main BBQ, and helps make this more than a simple sail out and back. The exact appetizer is not specified, so do not book expecting a particular dish or a full meal at this stage.

The trip’s outline also names Cala Vella as the place for a stop among its coves. Because the route depends on weather, the timing and exact sequence can shift. The information provided describes an appetizer at the first stop and a BBQ at the second, but does not promise a set number of swimming stops beyond the planned itinerary.

That distinction is useful when you compare boat trips. Some people may hope for three stops, but this outing’s stated plan centers on the aperitif stop and the later BBQ stop. If you are choosing it mainly to visit many separate coves, ask the operator for the current route before booking.

Cala Vella, BBQ and a swim

Cala Vella is described as a nature reserve with coves and clear water. The boat stops here for time to relax and swim, and the BBQ is prepared on board. The appeal is straightforward: you get a meal with the water close at hand, rather than having to leave the boat and find a restaurant on shore.

Food is one of the most consistently praised parts of the experience. The crew prepares the BBQ during the outing, and comments describe good-quality food and enough for seconds. That is encouraging, though the precise menu and any dietary options are not provided. If you have a dietary need, check with the operator before you reserve rather than assuming the BBQ can be adapted.

The water stop is also a highlight, but swimming depends on conditions and how the itinerary unfolds. The trip information calls for time to swim and relax, while the route may change with the weather. So bring swim gear if you want to get in, but keep your expectations flexible if the sea or conditions affect the stop.

Stand-up paddleboards are included in the price. That adds a useful option for people who want more than a swim, and avoids an extra rental charge. Availability is described as being on board, but the time you get to use them will depend on the stop and the day’s schedule.

The return sail and the onboard mood

After the Cala Vella stop, the boat sails back through the Bay of Palma. The return leg gives you time to settle in, enjoy the sea views and let the day wind down. The full outing lasts about five hours and 30 minutes, so plan for a substantial part of your day rather than a brief cruise.

There is a bar open throughout the excursion, with cocktails, mixed drinks and alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. Drinks are not included, so add them to your budget if you expect to order. The price includes the aperitif, BBQ and paddleboarding, but not bar purchases.

Music is part of the onboard atmosphere, and that can be a plus if you want a lively afternoon. It can also make conversation harder, particularly if you end up seated near a speaker. If a quieter outing matters to you, this may not be the best fit; the trip is a shared social experience, not a silent sailing lesson.

The crew is another strength. The overall experience is often described as relaxed and friendly, with staff who are polite and attentive. That helps on a boat where meals, boarding and swim time all need to run smoothly. No individual crew names are provided, so there is no specific guide to request.

Is $109.31 good value?

At $109.31 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water. But the price covers roughly five and a half hours aboard, an aperitif, a BBQ and stand-up paddleboards. If you value the food and the swim stop, that is a more complete outing than a bare-bones sailing ticket.

The new boat and 55-person cap also matter when judging value. The catamaran can hold more people than the tour allows, which is a deliberate limit rather than a small-boat promise. You should have more room than on a fully loaded boat, but you are still sharing the experience with a group that may number up to 55.

Drinks are the main extra cost to keep in mind. There is a bar, but cocktails and other drinks are sold separately. If you want to keep spending predictable, treat the included food as the meal plan and decide in advance whether you want anything from the bar.

The value is strongest for a couple, family or group that wants a relaxed sea outing with food and swimming built in. It is weaker if you mainly want a quiet cruise, a private experience, a guaranteed set of stops or a detailed tour of the coastline. No guided commentary about the places is promised, so think of this as a leisure trip rather than a sightseeing lecture.

Practical details before you book

The tour lasts about five hours and 30 minutes and begins and ends at Oasis Catamaran, Av. de Gabriel Roca, 16, Palma. A mobile ticket is accepted, and confirmation is provided at booking. Most people can participate, according to the activity information.

Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to use the swimming stop. Sunscreen is sensible for a long stretch on the water, where sun exposure can add up. You may also want a light layer for the return sail, though no clothing requirements are specified.

The excursion requires good weather and a minimum number of people. If poor weather cancels it, 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 or changes made inside 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.

Who should book this Palma catamaran trip?

Book it if you want a social, unhurried afternoon at sea, with food, swimming and paddleboards included. It suits people who enjoy a shared boat atmosphere and are happy to let weather guide the route. Families and couples can both find plenty to enjoy, though anyone seeking quiet should consider the possibility of loud music.

Skip it if you need a guaranteed number of coves, a private boat or a fully specified menu. The route can change, drinks cost extra, and the boat may carry up to 55 people. For a half-day outing that combines Palma’s bay, a BBQ and time in the water, though, the package is appealing and reasonably complete for the price.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran trip?

The outing lasts about five hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Oasis Catamaran, Av. de Gabriel Roca, 16, Palma, and ends back at the same meeting point.

What food is included?

The price includes an appetizer at the first stop and a BBQ at the second stop.

Are drinks included in the price?

No. Drinks are sold separately at the onboard bar.

Can I use a paddleboard during the trip?

Yes. Stand-up paddleboarding is included, and paddleboards are carried on board.

How many people can join the excursion?

The maximum group size is 55 people, although the catamaran has a stated capacity of 84.

Can the route change?

Yes. The route may be altered depending on weather conditions.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund.