Mallorca Catamaran Cruise and Snorkeling Trip

Palma looks different from the water: the cathedral rises above the harbor, then the coast opens into cliffs, coves, and clear swimming spots. This cruise is a relaxed way to trade busy beaches for a half-day at sea, with a generous lunch and time to swim built into the outing.

I like the contrast between the city views around Palma Bay and the wilder shore near Cap Rocat. I also like that the main swim stop gives you time to jump in, reach the beach, or simply stay aboard and enjoy the view.

The main catch is the word snorkeling. Equipment is not included, and the boat may anchor in deep water rather than beside a reef or beach. Check what gear is available and what the day’s route includes before you book, especially if snorkeling is your main reason for going.

• Departure from Palma’s port: Set out on a modern catamaran with a local captain and crew.
• Palma Bay views: Cruise past the city waterfront, with views of Palma Cathedral from the sea.
• Cala Vella swim stop: Plan for around 90 minutes to swim, relax, or explore the shore.
• Lunch is included: A varied buffet-style meal is served, with water during lunch.
• Extras cost more: Drinks are sold at the onboard bar, and snorkeling equipment is not included.
• A changeable schedule: Wind, weather, timing, and safety can affect the route and stops.

A half-day escape from Palma’s shore

At about $93.83 per person, this is a five-hour outing that combines coastal sightseeing, a long swim stop, and lunch. You are paying for time on the water and access to stretches of Mallorca’s south coast that are difficult to reach from land, not for a full-day sailing expedition or a guided snorkeling lesson.

The trip begins at the Port of Palma, at Muelle Golondrina on Avinguda de Gabriel Roca. The listed start time is 9:45 am, though another schedule detail gives 9:30 am, and some people have encountered delays. Confirm the exact departure time with the operator before setting out, and arrive with enough time to find the boat.

The trip is offered in English. A local captain and crew handle the sailing and onboard arrangements, but the experience is mainly about the coast, swimming, and relaxing. If you want detailed commentary at every landmark, that is not guaranteed.

From Palma Cathedral to the open bay

Once aboard, the catamaran heads across the Bay of Palma. The first stretch is a good chance to settle in, find a place on deck, and watch the city recede. From the water, you get a broad view of Palma’s waterfront and its Gothic cathedral, a landmark that is especially easy to pick out above the low-rise shore.

The bay portion is listed at about an hour and a half. That does not mean you will be sailing under canvas the entire time. The boat is a sailing catamaran, but accounts of the trip describe much of the journey under engine power, with only a shorter period using the sail. Wind and route conditions matter, so think of this first leg as a scenic cruise rather than a promise of hours of quiet, wind-powered sailing.

The boat can feel busy when near capacity. The activity information gives a maximum of 100 people, while an operator response to one account refers to a capacity of up to 145. That difference is worth clarifying when you book. On fuller departures, people may spread out once the boat is underway, but you should not count on finding an empty stretch of deck.

Cap Rocat and Mallorca’s less built-up coast

The route continues past Cap Rocat, where the shoreline becomes more rugged and the sea-facing cliffs offer a welcome change from Palma’s urban edge. The area is described as less developed than the resort coast, so this part of the cruise is about scenery rather than shops or facilities.

Expect to view this stretch from the boat. The listed time here is around 45 minutes, but the itinerary can shift with wind, weather, and safety needs. If the sea is rough, the captain may adjust the route or the timing of a stop. That flexibility is sensible, though it means the day’s sequence is not a fixed promise.

I would bring a camera, but also make time to put it down. The appeal of this stretch is the open view of the cliffs and coast, and the catamaran gives you a perspective you cannot get from the road.

The long stop at Cala Vella

Cala Vella is the main event for swimmers. The planned stop is around an hour and a half, with the option to jump from the boat, swim toward a nearby sandy beach, or take a dip in natural pools formed in old quarries. The water and shore are the reason this cruise can be more than a sightseeing loop.

That long stop gives you time to choose your own pace. Confident swimmers can get in and explore the water; anyone who prefers to stay dry can remain on board or head for the beach if conditions and access allow. The boat may anchor in deeper water, however, and the shore is not necessarily an easy swim for every person. Ask the crew about the distance and conditions before you enter.

The tour is sold as a snorkeling trip, but that label needs a practical caveat. Equipment is not included, and it can be bought on board for €20. Reports have differed on what the equipment package contains, with some describing masks without fins. If you own a mask, snorkel, or fins, bring what you need rather than assuming the onboard option will suit you.

Also, this is not a dedicated reef excursion. The boat may stop in open water where you can swim, but there may be little to see or reach without fins. If underwater viewing is your priority, ask the operator where the boat plans to anchor and what equipment is provided before paying.

Life jackets are available on board, and the crew can provide one if you request it. The sea can be choppy, so tell the crew if you are not a confident swimmer. High-factor sunscreen is recommended, and a hat can make the exposed deck more comfortable.

Lunch near Cala Blava, with a few extras to budget for

Lunch is included and has a broader mix than a basic sandwich or pasta plate. The menu includes dates with bacon, beef meatballs with Thai sauce, chicken salad with ginger and mango, sautéed vegetables, roasted pork with mushroom sauce, trampó salad, vegetable rice, spring rolls, samosas, mixed salad with oranges, bread, and fruit salad with vanilla ice cream.

There are several vegetable dishes, which can help when your group has different preferences. Still, if you have a strict dietary requirement, check with the operator in advance rather than assuming every dish is suitable. The meal is served during the Cala Blava portion of the outing, which is listed at around 45 minutes.

Water is included during lunch. Other drinks are extra and sold at the bar, so the final cost can rise if you order several. Prices are not specified here, and onboard drinks can feel costly compared with buying them on shore. Bring water for before and after lunch if you want to avoid relying on the bar.

The bow nets are another point to clarify. The front area has been offered as a paid VIP section, and the reported charges have varied. Do not assume the nets shown in promotional images are included in the standard fare. Ask what seating comes with your ticket and what any upgrade currently costs.

Is $93.83 good value?

For the price, the strongest value is the combination of a round-trip cruise, a long swim stop, coastal views, and a substantial lunch. If you want to spend a morning outdoors and see Palma from the sea, those pieces make the outing appealing. A clean, comfortable boat and a friendly crew can add to the day, but the core value is the route and the time at Cala Vella.

The fare is less compelling if you expect snorkeling equipment, drinks, reserved bow seating, or a quiet, uncrowded sailing. Those can add cost or may not be part of the standard experience at all. The trip is also only about five hours, despite some descriptions of longer outings. Treat it as a half-day, not a full-day cruise.

I would compare the cost with what matters most to you. For a scenic boat ride with swimming and lunch, it is a reasonable package. For serious snorkeling, guaranteed beach stops, or uninterrupted sailing, you may want a different kind of excursion.

Who should book this Palma catamaran trip?

This cruise suits you if you are staying in or near Palma, want a break from the beach crowds, and like having a mix of sightseeing and swim time without arranging transport to a distant cove. It can also work well for a group with varied interests: some can swim, others can sun on deck, and everyone gets the coastal views and lunch.

Families should weigh the conditions carefully. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the boat may be crowded. The sea can be choppy, and the main swim stop may involve getting into deeper water. Ask the crew about life jackets and entry conditions, and do not assume the boat will provide shallow-water access for everyone.

If you are sensitive to loud music or looking for a quiet nature trip, ask about the atmosphere on the day. The mood can vary with the group onboard. Some departures are relaxed, while a large party group or bar service may make the boat livelier than you hoped.

The meeting point is the Port of Palma, and the activity ends back there. Do not assume hotel pickup is included. If you need transport from your accommodation, arrange it separately or confirm directly with the operator.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want a convenient, social half-day on the water, with Palma views, a proper swim stop, and lunch included. Go in with realistic expectations: snorkeling gear and drinks cost extra, the boat may be busy, and sailing time can vary.

If snorkeling is the main goal, confirm the exact stop and equipment before you commit. If you are happy with a scenic cruise and a refreshing swim, the route from Palma toward Cap Rocat and Cala Vella offers a pleasant change of scene without taking up your whole day.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The experience lasts about five hours. The route and stop timings may change because of wind, weather, timing, or safety conditions.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Attraction Catamarans Mallorca, Muelle Golondrina, Avinguda de Gabriel Roca, in Palma. It ends back at the meeting point.

What time should I arrive?

The listed start time is 9:45 am, while another schedule detail gives 9:30 am. Confirm the exact departure time with the operator before your tour.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with water during lunch. Other drinks are not included and can be bought at the onboard bar.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included. It can be bought on board for €20, but check in advance what the equipment package contains.

Where does the boat stop for swimming?

The planned long swimming stop is at Cala Vella, where you can swim from the boat or head toward a nearby sandy beach. The route may change with conditions.

Are drinks included?

Water is included during lunch. Other drinks are extra and sold at the onboard bar.

Is hotel pickup included?

The stated meeting point is the Port of Palma, and no hotel pickup is included in the listed tour inclusions. Confirm directly with the operator if you need transport arrangements.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded. If poor weather cancels the trip, you will be offered another date or a full refund.