From Colònia de San Jordi : Catamaran Cruise to Es Trenc

This kind of half-day in Mallorca is interesting because it trades bus time for sea time. You sail along the southeast coast, then drop anchor in classic turquoise water where you can swim and snorkel right off the boat.

I especially love the two swim stops. It is not just one quick dip, you get real time in the water. The other big win for me is the on-board BBQ lunch plus drinks served while you are anchored and relaxing, not waiting in line somewhere.

One drawback to consider is that the boat can feel busy. If you are hoping for lots of shaded seating the whole time, arrive with realistic expectations about space once everyone is aboard.

Key Highlights You Should Plan Around

• Two anchored swimming breaks for swimming and snorkeling off the Mallorca coast
• Cap Salines scenery as you sail along the southeast shoreline
• BBQ buffet lunch on board, with cake for dessert
• Snorkeling masks included with a €10 deposit, so you can get in the water fast
• Soft drinks, water, and lunch-time sangria and wine included in the price
• Spanish music and a lively, laid-back crew vibe that keeps the trip fun

Why This Catamaran Day Works So Well for Mallorca

A 5-hour catamaran cruise in Mallorca is one of those rare activities that feels like a vacation even before you reach the beach. You start in Colònia de Sant Jordi, then you spend the middle of your day out on the water, with the option to swim and snorkel without the hassle of multiple transport steps.

What makes this one a strong value is how much time is spent doing the main thing: sun, sea, and a proper lunch in between swim sessions. You get the slow, scenic sailing moments plus two separate opportunities to hop in the water.

That mix also helps different travel styles. Families can focus on easy swim time. Couples can hang out on deck with music and snacks. Solo travelers usually enjoy it because the vibe is social, but the day still has breathing room.

From Colònia de Sant Jordi to the Sail Past Cap Salines

You meet at the pier next to Hotel Marqués del Palmer in Colònia de Sant Jordi. The cruise runs as either a morning sailing (10:00 AM to 3:00 PM) or an afternoon sailing (3:30 PM to 8:30 PM), so you can match it to your beach plans.

As you pull out, you cruise along Mallorca’s southeast coast and pass Cap Salines. That stretch matters because you are not just staring at open water. The whole point is seeing coastline views while the catamaran glides quietly.

One practical tip: give yourself a little buffer at the pier. Even though the sailing is relaxed, boarding and getting set up happens in real time, and you do not want to miss the start.

The Two Swim Stops That Make This More Than a Simple Boat Ride

The itinerary centers on dropping anchor for swimming and snorkeling, with anchor stops that can include Cala Marmols or Es Caragol, plus Es Trenc.

Here is how that works in real life on the day:

• You sail out first.
• You anchor for the first swim window.
• The crew prepares lunch on board during the middle of the cruise.
• Then you sail again briefly.
• You anchor for the second swim window, with more sun time around the boat.

In the water, the vibe is straightforward: you jump in from the boat and enjoy turquoise visibility when conditions are good. One consistent theme from the experience is that the first swim stop often has more fish activity than the second. That is not a reason to worry, it just helps you decide how to focus your snorkeling effort.

Also, do not plan on snorkeling like you are on a guided reef walk. This is more of a “look and explore from the water” setup. If weather or water conditions limit visibility, you still get a great swim and beach time.

Snorkeling Masks, Timing in the Water, and Fish-Watching Tips

Snorkeling is part of the fun here, and you can use a snorkeling mask that is included with a deposit. The deposit is a small detail, but it is worth planning for so you do not scramble when you are ready to go in.

To get more out of your snorkel time:

• Put your mask on quickly at the first swim stop, then return for a second pass if you feel like it.
• Spend your first minutes scanning patiently. Fish tend to show up when you stop moving too much.
• If you are with kids, keep expectations simple. This works well for relaxed water play and casual snorkeling.

One review detail I found useful is that snorkeling quality can change by stop. If the first stop is teaming with fish, it makes sense to spend extra time there. If the second stop is quieter, treat it as a sun-and-swim bonus.

BBQ Lunch on Board: What You Get and Why It Feels Worth It

Lunch is one of the biggest reasons this cruise stands out. The crew sets up the BBQ on board and serves a buffet that typically includes meats like chicken breast, skewers, and sausages, plus fresh salads and cake for dessert.

The best part is that you are not forced to eat on a tight schedule. You are anchored, the sea is right there, and you can eat without the “tour bus, quick sandwich, next stop” rhythm.

Drinks included with the meal are part of the value equation:

• You have soft drinks and mineral water available through the trip.
• Wine from Mallorca and sangria are served during the meal.

A few notes that help you manage expectations:

• Soft drinks and water are included throughout.
• Other alcohol can cost extra on board, but the general experience feels reasonable and easy, not pushy.
• If you are driving later or want to stay dry, you still have plenty to drink and enjoy.

If you care about food variety, the lunch is more meat-focused than vegetarian-heavy. A vegetarian option exists, but you need to arrange it in advance.

Drinks, Payments, and the Small Rules You Should Know

This is a typical “sea day” setup with a couple rules that matter.

Payment method: on board, only card payments are accepted, and American Express is not accepted. That affects what you bring, especially if you are traveling without a backup card.

Snorkeling mask deposit: the mask has a €10 deposit. It is not about the amount, it is about not being surprised when you want to use the gear.

Pick-up and drop-off: you do not get pickup or drop-off booked through the activity page. Plan your way to the pier in Colònia de Sant Jordi on your own.

One small but important detail from a real-life situation: crew members were helpful when someone needed help finding public transport after an off-plan situation. That tells me the staff tends to try to solve problems, not just run the schedule.

Music, Atmosphere, and Comfort on a Catamaran With Real People

The atmosphere is part of the package. You get music on board, often Spanish music, and it keeps the energy playful without turning into a party cruise.

A strong comfort point from the experience is that it can work for mixed ages. I saw examples of:

• crews being patient and helpful for an elderly passenger getting on and off,
• family-friendly touches like life jackets for smaller kids,
• enough space on deck to enjoy the day, even if it gets crowded at peak times.

Group size can influence comfort. One review referenced around 65 people, which is not huge, but it is enough that you might compete for shade depending on the day.

If shade is your priority, the practical move is to plan for movement. Spend time where the sun is, then relocate when the light changes. It sounds obvious, but it makes a difference on long catamaran days.

Who This Cruise Suits Best (and Who Might Want a Different Plan)

This is a great fit if you want:

• a relaxing sea day without complicated logistics,
• two swim windows instead of one quick dip,
• a BBQ lunch included with a fun, social atmosphere,
• an easy way to enjoy Es Trenc area waters from the water rather than just from land.

It also fits solo travelers, because the crew and music create a light social flow, but you can still spend plenty of time on your own.

It may be less perfect if you:

• are very sensitive to crowding or want lots of guaranteed shaded seating,
• want a long, multi-stop island-hopping itinerary,
• expect snorkeling to be consistently amazing like a dedicated dive trip.

Price and Value: Why $69 Feels Fair for a 5-Hour Sea Day

At $69 per person for a 5-hour cruise, the value comes from bundled essentials. You are paying for the catamaran time, two anchor swim opportunities, and lunch cooked on board, plus drinks.

The drink portion matters here:

• Soft drinks and water are included all trip.
• Wine and sangria are part of the meal.

Add that to the BBQ buffet and you can see why this tends to work out well versus paying for boat tickets, lunch, and beverages separately.

For families, it is also a simple day with clear payoff: kids get time in the water, parents get a meal handled for them, and everyone can relax in between.

Should You Book the MAGIC Catamaran Cruise to Es Trenc?

Yes, if you want an easy, high-payoff Mallorca day built around swimming, snorkeling, and food on board. The main reason to book is the structure: sail, anchor, swim, eat, sail a bit more, swim again.

I would book this especially if:

• you are combining it with beach time in Mallorca and want water views without extra hassle,
• you like the idea of BBQ lunch while anchored,
• you are traveling with kids or a mixed-age group and want a relaxed schedule.

Skip it or look closely at your priorities if:

• shade and quiet seating are your top needs,
• you are not planning to use snorkeling gear at all, because then the included value shifts more toward the swim and lunch portion.

If you decide to go, bring a calm mindset. This is not a rushing tour. It is a well-paced sea day that rewards you for slowing down, grabbing a snorkel mask, and spending time in that water when the boat drops anchor.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The tour duration is 5 hours.

What time do the cruises run?

You can choose a morning cruise from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM or an afternoon cruise from 3:30 PM to 8:30 PM, depending on availability.

Where is the meeting point?

Boarding and disembarkation are at the pier next to Hotel Marqués del Palmer in Colonia de Sant Jordi.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Snorkeling masks are included, but there is a €10 deposit required.

Is there a vegetarian menu option?

Yes, but you must contact the activity provider at least one day in advance. The vegetarian menu will not be served if it is not booked in advance.

What meals and drinks are included?

A buffet meal is included. Drinks included are soft drinks, sangria, and wine, plus water.

Are there any cash or card payment restrictions on board?

Only card payments are accepted on board, and American Express is not accepted.

Do they offer pickup and drop-off?

Pickup and drop-off are not available to book through the page. You will need to arrange your own transport.

Is there a cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.