Palma de Mallorca: 5-Hour Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Swim

The best part of this Palma outing is getting off the city’s waterfront and into the coves: the catamaran sails south, then anchors close enough to shore for a swim in clear Mediterranean water. You get two planned swimming stops, plus a barbecue meal onboard.

I like the mix of real time in the water and a cooked meal, rather than a quick photo stop, and I like that water and soft drinks are included for the full five hours. At $69 per person, that makes this a useful way to combine a boat trip, lunch, and a few hours at sea.

One thing to keep in mind: this is a shared, sociable outing, not a quiet private sail. The route depends on wind and sea conditions, and the second swimming spot may be less striking than the first.

What to know before you book

• Two planned cove stops: The boat heads toward Portals Vells or Cala Vella, then visits another nearby cove. The exact route can change with the weather.
• A barbecue buffet onboard: Expect chicken breast, skewers, sausages, fresh salads, and cake. Contact the operator directly if you need a vegetarian option.
• Drinks are part of the fare: Water, soft drinks, coffee, and juice are available during the trip. Mallorcan wine and sangria come with the meal.
• Snorkel gear needs a cash deposit: Masks are available with a refundable €10 deposit. Life vests are provided for adults and children.
• Choose morning or afternoon: Departures are listed at 10 AM and 3:30 PM. Each outing lasts five hours.
• Bring a cash deposit and a card: The deposit is cash, but onboard purchases are by card. American Express is not accepted.

Leaving Palma for Mallorca’s south coast

The boat departs from the Port of Palma, at the dock in front of the Auditorium de Palma on Passeig Marítim. As you leave the harbor, you pass the city’s cruise ships and yachts, then follow the south coast toward the swimming coves. The scenery shifts from port activity to rocky shoreline and small beaches, giving the ride a clear change of pace from Palma’s streets.

The sailing time is part of the experience, not just a transfer. You have room to settle in, take in the coastline, and enjoy the music and social atmosphere onboard. The crew speaks English and Spanish; the emphasis is on hosting a relaxed boat day rather than giving a detailed commentary on the coast. If you want local facts and background, this may not be the strongest choice.

Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. Boarding can involve a crowd, and parking near the port is very limited, so plan your journey rather than counting on finding a space at the dock. The meeting point is the boat dock in front of the Auditorium, where you should look for a vessel marked Magic Catamarans.

Swimming at Portals Vells or Cala Vella

The first stop is at Portals Vells or Cala Vella, chosen according to wind conditions. Both are on the south coast, and the aim is to anchor near an idyllic beach so you can swim from the boat toward shore or enjoy the water around the catamaran. The best conditions can make this the highlight: clear water, fish visible with a mask, and a shoreline that feels a world away from the port.

Snorkeling equipment is available, but you need to leave a €10 cash deposit to use it. The deposit is refundable, so bring cash specifically for that. You can also bring your own mask if you prefer. A life vest is provided for adults and children, though the trip is still centered on swimming, so consider what your group is comfortable with before booking.

The first cove is often the more memorable swim, but conditions matter. Rain, wind, and the day’s route can affect water clarity and where the boat anchors. Even when the sea is not at its clearest, the stop gives you time to swim and enjoy the coast rather than simply view it from the deck.

A second cove, with a less predictable feel

The itinerary includes a second stop at another nearby cove, giving you another chance to get in the water. It can be a welcome second swim, especially if you are happiest with plenty of time in the sea. Some days, though, the second anchorage may be in deeper water or farther from the shoreline. That can mean less visibility for snorkeling and fewer fish to spot than at the first stop.

This difference is worth knowing if your main goal is snorkeling. You are booking a coastal boat trip with swimming, not a specialist snorkeling excursion with guaranteed reef sites. The second stop still offers a refreshing swim, but it may not match the first one for color, shallow water, or marine life.

The route can also change with the weather. The crew chooses where to go based on wind conditions, which is a practical safety decision rather than a promise of a specific cove. Treat Portals Vells and Cala Vella as likely destinations, not fixed stops.

Barbecue lunch, drinks, and the onboard mood

During the cruise, the crew prepares a buffet of barbecue meats, fresh salads, and cake for dessert. The listed meat choices are chicken breast, skewers, and sausages. It is a filling, straightforward meal suited to a day outdoors, not a formal restaurant lunch. If you need a vegetarian meal, contact Magic Catamarans directly before the trip.

Water, soft drinks, coffee, and juice are included throughout the excursion. Mallorcan wine and sangria are served with the meal, a useful inclusion at this price. Other alcoholic drinks can be bought at the onboard bar, but they are not included outside mealtime. Bring a bank card for purchases; American Express is not accepted.

Music helps set the tone. Spanish songs and an upbeat playlist have been part of the atmosphere, and the boat can feel lively enough for dancing. If you want a hushed sail with only the sound of the water, this may not be your outing. If you enjoy a friendly group mood and a little music with your swim, it can add to the day.

Morning sail or afternoon light?

The 10 AM departure gives you a daytime outing, with the return to Palma around the middle of the day. The 3:30 PM option uses the later light and may bring sunset views on the return, depending on the season and conditions. If sunset is important to you, remember that it is not guaranteed by the departure time alone.

Both options last five hours, so plan around the whole block. This is not a short harbor cruise you can squeeze between other activities. It works well as the main event of the day, particularly if you want a slower stretch of time with swimming and a meal built in.

The afternoon sailing can be especially appealing if you like the idea of golden-hour views from the water. But choose it for the later timing and relaxed pace, not because a sunset is certain. The morning trip is the clearer pick if you prefer an earlier start.

Is $69 good value?

At $69 per person, the value comes from the combination: a five-hour catamaran cruise, two planned swimming stops, a barbecue buffet, and drinks throughout the excursion. Wine and sangria with the meal are included too. If you would otherwise pay separately for a boat outing and lunch, the package makes practical sense.

The experience is also easier to enjoy when you value the time onboard as much as the stops. You are not paying only for a ride to a cove; you get several hours to swim, eat, and spend time along the coast. On the other hand, if you want a small boat, a quiet atmosphere, or a detailed guided account of the area, this format may not be worth the trade-off for you.

There are a few extra details to budget for. Snorkel equipment requires a refundable €10 cash deposit, while alcoholic drinks outside the meal cost extra and can be paid for by card. The listed price is $69 per person, but check the booking page for the price available for your dates.

Who will enjoy this catamaran trip?

This suits couples, families, friends, and solo visitors who want a social day on the water without arranging transport to separate beaches. The combination of swimming, food, and drinks makes it a straightforward choice when you want a holiday activity that fills half a day. Families can use the provided life vests for children, while confident swimmers can make the most of the cove stops.

It can also work well if you are traveling alone. The shared boat and music create a sociable setting, and the swimming stops give you something to do beyond sitting with a drink. If you want solitude, however, the group atmosphere may feel busy.

The most satisfied version of you is probably the one who likes swimming, does not mind sharing space, and sees a good lunch and a scenic sail as part of the same outing. If you are focused on snorkeling quality above all else, keep expectations flexible: the first stop may offer clearer water and more visible fish than the second.

A few practical details

Book with enough time to contact the operator if you have a vegetarian meal request or want multiple reservations placed together on the same boat. Those arrangements need to be made directly with the activity provider. The tour is guided in English and Spanish.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option can help keep plans flexible. Check the departure times for your date, arrive 30 minutes early, and bring cash for the equipment deposit. Parking is very limited near the meeting point, so consider another way to reach the port.

Should you book it?

Book this if you want a lively, good-value half-day on the sea, with time to swim, a hot barbecue meal, and drinks included. The cove stops and the easy combination of sailing and swimming are the main reasons to go.

Skip it if you want a private, quiet boat, guaranteed snorkeling conditions, or an outing built around in-depth local commentary. For most people seeking a relaxed Palma day with plenty of water time, the five-hour format and included meal make this a sensible choice. Just treat the route as weather-dependent and the second swim as a bonus, not a guaranteed encore to the first.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The excursion lasts five hours.

Where does the boat leave from?

It departs from the Port of Palma, at the boat dock in front of the Auditorium de Palma on Passeig Marítim. Look for a boat marked Magic Catamarans.

What departure times are offered?

The listed departures are 10 AM and 3:30 PM. Check availability for your date.

Which coves does the cruise visit?

The boat heads to Portals Vells or Cala Vella, depending on wind conditions, then visits another nearby cove. The route may change because of weather.

Are swimming and snorkeling included?

There are planned swimming stops, and snorkeling equipment is available with a refundable €10 cash deposit.

What food is served?

The buffet includes barbecue meats such as chicken breast, skewers, and sausages, along with fresh salads and cake for dessert. Contact the provider directly to request a vegetarian option.

Which drinks are included?

Water, soft drinks, coffee, and juice are available during the excursion. Mallorcan wine and sangria are served with the meal.

Can I buy other alcoholic drinks onboard?

Yes. Alcoholic drinks outside mealtime are available to buy at the bar. Onboard payments are by card, and American Express is not accepted.

Are life vests available for children?

Yes. Life vests are provided for adults and children.

How early should I arrive, and is parking available?

Arrive 30 minutes before departure. Parking spaces near the port are very limited, so plan another way to reach the meeting point if needed.