Catamaran Sailing in Palma Mallorca includes Aperitif and BBQ

This is the kind of Mallorca afternoon that feels like you planned it well without doing much planning at all. You’ll cruise out from Port of Palma on a brand new catamaran (2023), then spend the day in Cala Vella’s clear water with an aperitif and a BBQ built into the schedule.

Two things I really like: the boat is kept to a max of 55 people, so the vibe stays relaxed, and the food moments are simple and well-timed, aperitif first at La Cueva Verda and a fresh onboard BBQ at the swim stop.

One possible drawback to think about: the trip is casual and fun, including music on board, and a couple of people noted it can be quite loud depending on where you sit.

Key things to know before you go

• Max 55 on board keeps the catamaran feeling roomy, not packed
• La Cueva Verda aperitif is your easy start, before the main swim stop
• Cala Vella nature reserve gives you postcard coves and a scheduled swim break
• BBQ prepared on board means you eat with salt air and sea views
• Stand up paddleboards included help you do more than just float
• Bar onboard is open all trip (drinks cost extra)

A 2023 catamaran day from Palma, capped at 55 people

What makes this sail worth your time is the mix of comfort and freedom. It’s not a “sit in a bus, stare at a brochure” kind of half day. It’s five and a half hours on open water with real swim time, plus a meal that happens in the middle of the experience instead of after you’re already tired.

The catamaran is brand new in 2023. That usually translates to better comfort, cleaner facilities, and fewer little annoyances. Just as important, the operator caps the group at 55, even though the boat’s capacity is higher. For you, that means you get a better chance of finding a seat that doesn’t force you into a cramped corner of the deck.

I also like the pacing philosophy here. The day is built around two “eat and enjoy” anchors, plus water time that actually matters. You’re not rushing from one viewpoint to another. You’re simply living the sea day.

Getting to Oasis Catamaran and boarding without surprises

You meet at Oasis Catamaran, Av. de Gabriel Roca, 16, 07014 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain. This is a straightforward launch area in Palma, so you don’t have to figure out some remote dock or hidden alley.

This is also the kind of experience where small details can make your life easier. One practical detail I’d plan for: you may be asked to remove your shoes when you board. That’s a good sign for comfort, and it also helps keep the deck area tidy. If you prefer not to go barefoot, you’ll likely be fine with socks or quick-dry swim footwear.

Bring what you’d bring for a beach day, because you’ll be in and out of the water. Think sun protection, a hat, and something to keep your phone safe if you’re jumping off the boat. There’s a bar onboard, but you still want to be ready for the salt-water parts of the afternoon.

Leaving Palma and heading for La Cueva Verda aperitif time

After you depart from the Port of Palma, you sail toward La Cueva Verda for your first food moment, the aperitif. This is the “settle in” phase of the trip. You’re not rushing to the swimming stop yet, and that’s a nice way to start, especially if you’re coming directly from sightseeing.

The aperitif is included, and it’s designed to feel like part of the voyage rather than a rushed snack. In plain terms, this is where you grab a drink if you want one, mingle with your small group, and get your sea legs before you’re asked to hop into the water later.

One more reason I like this structure: it gives you a mental rhythm. You know there’s food early, a swim stop later, then the BBQ. If the weather shifts and the route changes, you still have the same “eat and relax” logic built into the day.

Cala Vella: the swim stop where the catamaran magic happens

The real highlight is Cala Vella, described as a nature reserve with idyllic coves and crystal-clear water. This is where you get the scheduled stop for swimming and relaxing, and it’s also where the BBQ happens.

Here’s why this stop works for you:

• The water is clear enough that swimming and floating feel like more than a quick dip.
• The coves make it easy to find your own vibe, quiet and chill for some people, more active for others.
• You’re on a boat that’s set up for comfort while you wait for your turn in the water.

The BBQ is prepared directly on board at this swim stop. That matters because you’re not waiting for food while you’re already hungry. You’re also not eating on land with limited view. You’re eating with sea air and a horizon that stays in front of you.

The trip includes stand up paddleboarding. That’s not just a fun add-on. It changes the water time from passive to active. Even if you’ve never tried it before, you’ll likely get a chance to have a go in a safe, controlled setting while the boat is stopped.

If weather changes, don’t assume you’re lost

The operator notes the route may be altered due to weather. That’s normal on the water. What you should do is think of Cala Vella as the theme, not a guarantee that every minute will match a fixed script. In good weather, you’ll get the planned swim and BBQ. If it shifts, your experience will adapt around the sea conditions.

The BBQ onboard: simple, filling, and timed for the water

Let’s talk value, because the meal is included and that’s a big part of what makes the price feel fair.

You’re paying around $109.31 per person for a half-day catamaran experience that includes:

• Aperitif at the first stop (La Cueva Verda)
• BBQ at the second stop (Cala Vella)
• Stand up paddleboarding

That’s not just “you get food.” It’s food that’s tied to the best part of the day: the swim stop. If you’ve ever done a sailing where you’re hungry but the meal is late, you’ll appreciate how this day is structured around eating at the right times.

People also mention the crew handling food service in a proper way, with plenty for the group if you want seconds. One rider specifically described two main meal services including BBQ and dessert, but the only items you can count on from the basic info are the aperitif and the BBQ. So if you’re the type who loves sweets, it wouldn’t surprise me if you see something extra, but I’d still treat it as a possible bonus, not a must.

Sailing back along the Bay, with the bar always there

After the BBQ and swim time, you return sailing along the waters of the Bay. This is one of those “don’t rush it” segments. You’ve already eaten, you’ve already swum, and now you can just enjoy the moving view.

While you’re cruising back, there’s a bar onboard that’s open throughout the excursion. Cocktails and mixed drinks are available, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. The key practical detail: drinks are not included, so if you want more than water or you’re planning cocktails, budget for that extra spend.

This is also a nice time to take a second look at the coastlines and light. Late-day ocean light in Mallorca is often what postcards are trying to imitate.

Music, crowd comfort, and the little details that make or break it

Even when a trip is great, it can still have annoyances. Here’s what I’d take into account so you enjoy the sail more.

The seating and crowd reality

The boat is capped at 55, but that’s still a full day on the water with real human volume. The good news is that the catamaran is spacious enough that most people can find a comfortable spot, both covered and out in the sun, depending on how you like to relax.

Still, if you’re the type who needs quiet and lots of personal space, you might prefer a smaller private charter. But for most people, 55 feels like a sweet spot on a catamaran.

The music volume factor

One concern showed up in the feedback: the music onboard can be very loud, and some people found it hard to chat normally if they were seated underneath the loud speaker setup. If you want conversation time, pick your seat thoughtfully. If you want party energy, you’ll probably enjoy the sound.

Shoes on board

That shoe-off request I mentioned earlier is worth repeating. It’s a sign of how they keep things comfortable and clean. It also means you’ll want to be prepared to board in a way that feels okay for you.

Price and value: what you’re really buying for $109.31

This trip costs about $109.31 per person, and the best way to judge value is by comparing what you get versus what most people spend on a typical sea day.

You’re getting:

• A half-day catamaran ride from Palma
• Two onboard food moments (aperitif plus BBQ)
• Paddleboarding included
• Access to the best part of the Mallorca coast for swimming time at Cala Vella

That’s a lot of “included” time. If you were doing this on your own, you’d still pay for a boat, you’d still need a plan for food, and you’d probably end up paying for paddleboarding equipment or an activity at some point.

The main things that are extra are drinks beyond what’s included with the aperitif and BBQ. If you’re a heavy drinker, add a drinks budget. If you’re a water and coffee between swims person, the pricing feels even smarter.

Also, remember that this is weather-dependent. If the operator cancels due to poor weather, you’re offered a different date or a full refund, so you’re not locked into a bad day at sea.

Who this fits best (and who should skip it)

This catamaran sail is a strong fit if you want:

• A comfortable sea day without planning every detail
• Included snorkeling-adjacent fun through paddleboarding
• A real meal experience at sea, not just a small snack
• A group size that stays comfortable at 55

It’s also great for couples who want an end-of-trip highlight, and for families who want time on the water that feels safe and organized.

I’d be more cautious if:

• You hate loud music and need easy conversation
• You’re picky about water time, because the schedule and the route can shift with weather
• You need nonstop stops. This is built around the main swim stop plus the food sequence, not repeated frequent landings

If your ideal day is a private yacht with total control of the vibe, you may feel restricted here. But if you want a relaxed, well-run catamaran day that hits the big points, this one tends to work.

Should you book the Palma catamaran with aperitif and BBQ?

If you’re choosing between a generic boat ride and a “food plus water” sailing, I’d book this one. The combination is the selling point: La Cueva Verda aperitif, a true BBQ stop at Cala Vella, and included stand up paddleboarding. The max group size of 55 also helps the experience feel like a day out, not a crowded cattle call.

Book it if you can handle the basics of a sea day: sun, salt, and music levels that may be louder than you expect. Bring sun protection, plan to enjoy the deck and the water, and set your expectations around a scheduled swim break rather than a long, multi-stop sightseeing loop.

If quiet matters most to you, consider adjusting where you sit when you board. And if the weather looks sketchy, trust that the operator is prepared to alter plans or reschedule, which is exactly what you want on the water.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran excursion?

It runs for about 5 hours 30 minutes.

What does the price include?

The included items are an aperitif at the first stop, a BBQ at the second stop, and stand up paddleboarding.

Are drinks included?

No. There is a bar onboard, but drinks are not included.

Where do I meet and where does it end?

You meet at Oasis Catamaran, Av. de Gabriel Roca, 16, 07014 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How many people are on board?

The catamaran can hold up to 84, but this experience sails with a maximum of 55 people for comfort.

What happens if the trip is canceled due to weather?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.