Palma Bay: Boat Tour with BBQ, Snorkelling, & Sunset Option

Palma Bay looks different from the water: beaches and rocky coves line the coast, and the city opens up behind them. This three-hour cruise pairs that view with a stop for swimming and snorkelling, plus a barbecue meal aboard the Super Delfin Verde.

I like two things in particular: the swim stop puts you right into the clear Mediterranean water, and the meal and one drink are included in the $69 price. The crew also helps make the ride feel sociable, with music and attentive service often part of the outing.

One thing to weigh up: the trip has just one planned swim stop, and it depends on the weather. Snorkelling visibility can vary, and the music may feel loud if you would rather have a quiet cruise.

At a glance

• One swim stop: The boat anchors in a sheltered spot such as Cala Vella when conditions allow. Bring a swimsuit and plan for water time, but not a series of beach visits.
• A meal is included: Expect a hamburger, tomato and mozzarella skewer, spring roll, potato salad, fruit and one drink.
• Daytime or sunset: Choose the departure that suits your plans. Sunset trips add evening light over the bay, though the route and timing can vary.
• Snorkelling gear comes with the tour: You can use it at the swim stop, but clear water does not guarantee good visibility or marine-life sightings.
• The mood is lively: Music and a friendly crew are central to the experience. It can feel more like a social boat outing than a quiet nature cruise.
• Arrive early: Boarding closes 20 minutes before departure, and parking can be difficult to find.

A three-hour cruise out of Palma Bay

The tour sets off from Can Pastilla toward the Palma Marine Nature Reserve. Depending on the departure option, the boat may also cruise toward Palmanova, with views back to Palma and along the coast. The exact meeting point varies by option, so check the details for the departure you book.

The route gives you a waterside view of a part of Mallorca that you might otherwise see only from land. From the boat, you can take in the coast around Palma, the vegetation along the shore and sandy stretches such as Illetas and Cala Mayor. The view is a useful change of pace from a day spent in the city or at a beach.

The cruise lasts three hours, including the swim stop and food service. That is long enough for a relaxed outing, but it is not a full-day boat trip. If you want to visit several coves or spend a long stretch snorkelling, this format may feel brief. Some departures have allowed about an hour for swimming, but the time at anchor can depend on conditions and the day’s schedule.

The swim stop is the main event

The boat makes one stop for swimming when the weather is good. The intended setting is an idyllic cove or other sheltered place along the route, with Cala Vella named as one possible location. You can sunbathe on board, get into the water for a swim or use the provided snorkelling equipment.

This is the part to plan around. Bring swimwear and a towel, since towels are not included. If you are keen to snorkel, keep expectations flexible: water may look crystal clear from the deck, but visibility beneath the surface can change. One visitor found the water too murky to see the bottom or marine life, while others had a memorable swim in clear turquoise water. Conditions matter.

The boat provides snorkelling equipment, though the details do not specify exactly what is supplied. If having a mask that fits well is important to you, check before booking rather than assuming you can bring your own or rent one on board. There is no promise of particular fish or underwater sights.

You may be able to jump into the water from the boat, as some trips have allowed, but that should not be treated as a guaranteed feature. Follow the crew’s instructions and use care when entering the water. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, a key point if boarding or getting in and out of the water could be difficult.

Barbecue lunch and a drink on board

Food is part of the ticket, not an optional extra. The meal includes a barbecue hamburger, a tomato and mozzarella skewer with basil and balsamic cream, a spring roll and potato salad. Watermelon and pineapple are served for dessert.

One drink is included: water, beer or sangria. Additional food and drinks cost extra, and there is a bar on board. That helps keep the ticket price clear, though your final spend will rise if you want more than the included drink.

The food is a practical part of the value. At $69 per person, you are paying for a three-hour boat outing, a swim stop, snorkelling equipment, the meal, one drink, insurance and fees. It is not just a short sightseeing ride with every extra sold separately. Still, if you do not eat the menu items or would rather have a full restaurant meal, the catering may matter less to you.

There is one dietary detail worth checking: the hamburger has been described as a beef-and-pork blend, with chicken sausages as another option. The supplied meal details do not guarantee a vegetarian, vegan or other special-diet alternative. If you avoid pork or have dietary needs, contact the operator before booking to confirm what can be served. Do not assume the menu can be changed.

Music, crew and the feel on board

The crew’s friendly, attentive manner is one of the most consistent strengths of the trip. Crew members named on past outings include Roger, Juan Diego, Santi, Bellnatt, Diego and Leandro. The team can vary, so you should not book expecting a particular person, but the service is intended to be welcoming and helpful.

Music is part of the atmosphere, and the crew may get people dancing on the return journey. That can make the ride feel like a lively shared outing, especially on a sunset departure. The flip side is simple: if you want a quiet boat ride with little music, this may not be your best fit. Music volume has been a drawback for some people.

The boat can feel social, but the sense of space may vary. Some people have found there is room to move about; others have felt it was crowded for the size of the vessel. If you are especially sensitive to crowds, keep that in mind, particularly during busy summer dates. The information provided does not specify the maximum group size.

Daylight views or an evening glow

The daytime option makes sense if swimming is your priority and you want to see the coast in full light. The sunset option adds a gentler change in the sky and a more romantic mood, while still including the cruise, swim stop and meal. One couple even used a sunset trip for a proposal, and the crew helped with the occasion, though special arrangements should be discussed directly rather than assumed.

The sunset choice is not a guarantee of a long, slow sail or a particular view at the exact moment the sun goes down. Departure times change, so check availability for your date. If the swim stop is important to you, ask how the schedule works for the specific sailing you are considering.

Is $69 good value?

For three hours on the water, a meal, one drink and snorkelling equipment, $69 is a fair package if you want the whole outing rather than a bare-bones cruise. The included food makes a difference, and the boat gives you a chance to swim in a coastal setting without arranging separate transport to a cove.

The value depends on what you want from a boat tour. If you enjoy music, meeting other people and a relaxed swim, the mix is appealing. If your priority is serious snorkelling, a quiet sailing or several stops, you may be better off with a more specialised trip. More drinks and any extra food are paid for separately, and you will need to arrange your own transport to the meeting point.

The experience is a good match for couples, friends, solo visitors who like a social setting and families whose children are comfortable around boats and swimming. A family with six-year-old twins had a positive outing, but that does not guarantee that every child will enjoy the music, boat motion or water stop. Use your own judgment about your child’s comfort and swimming ability.

Practical details before you book

The activity is hosted in English and Spanish. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and the meeting point can vary with the option you choose. Check the address and route before setting out, especially if you are relying on public transport or a taxi.

Arrive with time to spare. Boarding closes 20 minutes before the activity starts, and the boat cannot wait because it must depart on time. Parking can be difficult, so allow extra time if you are driving. A missed boarding time could mean missing the trip.

The booking information gives conflicting cancellation terms: it describes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, but also says the ticket is non-refundable. Confirm the terms shown for your specific booking before paying. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also listed, but it does not resolve the cancellation contradiction.

Should you book the Palma Bay boat tour?

Book it if you want a social, good-value afternoon or evening on the water, with a swim, a simple barbecue meal and coastline views included in one outing. The crew, music and water stop give the trip more character than a basic ride around the bay.

Skip it if you want a quiet cruise, guaranteed clear snorkelling, several stops or a long time in the water. Before you commit, check the departure point, dietary options and the cancellation terms for your chosen sailing. If those details suit you, this is a practical way to see Palma from the sea without giving up half a day.

FAQ

How long is the boat tour?

The tour lasts three hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $69 per person.

Does the tour have a daytime and sunset option?

Yes. You can choose between a daytime or sunset tour, subject to availability.

Where does the boat depart from?

The tour description gives Can Pastilla as a departure point and also describes a Palma option. The meeting point may vary depending on the option booked, so check your booking details.

Is there a stop for swimming?

Yes. The boat makes one swim stop when weather conditions allow.

Is snorkelling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment is included, though underwater visibility and the chance to see marine life are not guaranteed.

What food and drink are included?

The meal includes a barbecue hamburger, a tomato and mozzarella skewer, a spring roll, potato salad, watermelon and pineapple. One drink is included, with a choice of water, beer or sangria.

Are extra drinks included?

No. Additional food and drinks purchased on board cost extra.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments.