Mallorca: Palma Boat Tour & Snorkeling with Drink Included

This Palma Bay boat tour is interesting because you’re not just cruising by Mallorca, you’re stopping in a marine nature reserve to get in the water. You’ll sail past popular coastal spots, then jump in for snorkeling time in crystal-clear conditions.

I love the simple mix of sailing + real swim time, not a quick dip. I also like the onboard vibe, with music and a bar that keeps things friendly, including energy from crew members like Roger and Arantxa.

The one possible drawback is timing and weather. If conditions are rough, the swim stop may be shortened, and snorkeling results can vary a bit by the spot.

Key things to notice before you go

• Natural Reserve swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear water near Palma
• Music and a relaxed party feel, with a bar and staff who keep the mood up
• Deck layout that works for different preferences (upper deck seating, indoor lower deck)
• A solid drink deal (one included drink, extra drinks available for purchase)
• Time split that makes sense for a 2.5-hour outing, with a longer swim/snorkel window
• Bring realistic snorkel expectations depending on visibility and what’s in the water that day

Palma Bay on the Super Delfin Verde: the vibe and setting

This is a short, well-paced boat day on Mallorca that’s built around one big idea: you should spend most of your time doing something, not just sitting on a ferry. You sail out from Palma Bay toward protected waters, then you get a stop for swimming and snorkeling.

The boat itself, the Super Delfin Verde (operated by Sa Calma Boats), is set up for hanging out in motion. Reviews point to a good spread of space, with an upper deck for open-air views and a lower deck where you can duck in for a drink away from the sun.

The vibe leans toward fun rather than quiet sightseeing. Music runs during the cruise, and the crew seems comfortable with a bit of crowd participation. If you want a calm, silent experience, you might find it too social. If you want a holiday mood, it fits well.

Where the tour starts, and why you should arrive early

You’ll choose one of two main starting options based on your location: Can Pastilla or Palma, with the listed meeting point on Carrer del Moll, Sa Calma Boats.

The practical part: boarding time closes 10 minutes before departure. And parking can be tricky, so plan to arrive with buffer time rather than hoping for a quick curb stop. This is the kind of tour where being late can mean being left behind.

The good news is that the tour ends back at the meeting point, so you’re not solving transport twice. You just get off where you got on.

Sailing toward Palma’s marine waters: the first cruise stretch

From your start point, you head toward the Bay of Palma and the Palma Marine Nature Reserve area. The cruise is part transit, part scenery time, and it helps you get into the right frame of mind before the water stop.

Expect the kind of coastline views that make you keep glancing back at shore: sandy beaches, Mediterranean vegetation, and the feel of being on the water instead of above it. One itinerary route specifically mentions views along the western side of the bay, including Illetas and Cala Mayor.

This matters because the first cruise segment is your chance to get comfortable, grab a spot on deck, and decide where you’ll want to be for the swim stop. If you’re the type who wants shade, start thinking early about where the sun will land.

The big moment: swimming and snorkeling in the reserve

The heart of the trip is the swim stop. The schedule is built around one main swimming break, and when conditions are good, you’ll also get time for snorkeling. The itinerary describes a secret stop with photo time plus a longer window for swimming and snorkeling, listed at about 70 minutes.

Here’s what to expect when you hit the water:

• You’ll be able to sunbathe, snorkel, and swim from the boat.
• Life jackets are provided, and there’s also mention of them being on board for safety.
• There’s a shower available on board after you get back.

One recurring theme from reviews is how beautiful the water looks at the swim spot, with people calling it stunning or crystal clear. That lines up with the route being aimed toward protected areas where visibility can be excellent.

Snorkeling reality check

Snorkeling seems fun, but it’s not a guaranteed aquarium experience. Some people describe lots of small fish, while others say fish visibility can be basic or limited depending on the area. So if you’re hoping for a specific species or heavy coral coverage, don’t assume. You’re really booking a boat day with a high-value water break, and snorkeling is a bonus you’ll enjoy if conditions line up.

Safety note to take seriously

One practical warning shows up in feedback: watch for jellyfish. That’s not something you can control, but you can control your choices, like swimming carefully, keeping an eye on the surface, and exiting quickly if you feel stings.

Palmanova views and photo time: the return cruise that still feels worth it

After the water stop, the tour continues with more time on the water. If you start from Palma, the itinerary route sets sail toward Palmanova, with opportunities for views along the Mallorcan coastline as you head back.

This part of the tour is where you get that coast line contrast people love in Mallorca: beaches plus the green of the island vegetation. You also get time for photos while the boat moves, which is handy if you want memories without dragging yourself off to another location.

This segment is not as active as the swim stop, but it’s still a key part of the value. It turns what could be a short boat ride into something that fills a half afternoon without feeling rushed.

Onboard comforts: music, bar, and the little details that matter

If you care about comfort on a small boat, this trip has several small wins:

• Toilet on board and a shower for after swimming
• Life jackets included
• An onboard bar with a music-friendly atmosphere

Deck setup and where to sit

Reviews mention that seating on the upper deck can be first come, so if you want the best open-air spot, you’ll likely want to claim one early. There’s also mention of bean bags at the front, which sounds like the kind of upgrade you’d be glad you grabbed if you can.

You can also find a lower deck indoor area, which helps if the sun gets intense or if wind makes the outside less comfortable.

The bar and the included drink

You get one included drink: water, beer, or sangría. People describe sangría as strong, so if you’re spacing your drink for a smooth evening out, you may want to take it slow.

Extra drinks are available for purchase, but food and drinks from outside are not allowed. That matters because you should plan to handle meals before or after the cruise.

Music and crew energy

Music is part of the experience, and the crew comes across as attentive. Several reviews mention staff playing music requests, which is a fun touch if you like a certain vibe. People also describe the crew as friendly and eager to keep things going, even when weather is imperfect.

Price and value for a $40 Palma boat tour

At around $40 per person, this is priced like a practical, mid-range activity that’s trying to give you more than a short sightseeing cruise. You’re paying for:

• A 2.5-hour boat experience
• One swim stop tied to a marine reserve route
• Snorkeling gear (included)
• Life jacket (included)
• Shower and toilet on board
• One included drink

The value is strongest if you actually want to get in the water and you’ll use the snorkel time. If you only want views and hate swimming, you might feel like you’re paying for a part you won’t use.

It also feels like good value because the trip length gives you real time in the water zone (the secret stop is long enough to matter), rather than a 10-minute “jump in and out” photo-op.

Who this tour fits best, and who should skip it

This Mallorca Palma boat tour is a great match if you:

• Want an easy afternoon in Palma Bay without complicated logistics
• Enjoy swimming and snorkeling and want to do it from a boat
• Like a social atmosphere with music and a bar
• Appreciate a crew that keeps things moving and friendly

You might choose differently if you:

• Want a totally quiet, museum-style experience
• Are sensitive to open-water stings and want guaranteed conditions (jellyfish can appear, and visibility varies)
• Expect snorkeling to feel like a guided dive with thick marine life, every time

In short, this is ideal for people who want sun, sea time, and a fun onboard rhythm more than they want serious study of the underwater world.

Should you book Sa Calma Boats’ Palma Bay cruise?

I’d book it if you want a straightforward Mallorca experience with a real swim stop, included snorkel gear, and a bar you can enjoy without stressing about extra add-ons. The price makes sense for the mix of time on the water plus the opportunity to actually be in it.

I’d hesitate if you’re booking as a land-only sightseeing option. The tour’s value depends on your willingness to jump in when the boat stops.

If the weather is iffy, this kind of cruise can still be a good time, but have flexibility in your mind for the swim portion. If you want the water moment to be your highlight, aim for a day with calmer conditions.

FAQ

How long is the Palma Bay boat tour?

It lasts about 2.5 hours.

Where does the tour depart from?

You can depart from one of the listed start options, including Carrer del Moll, Sa Calma Boats, with an itinerary option that starts from Can Pastilla.

Does the price include snorkeling gear and a drink?

Yes. Snorkel is included, and you also get one included drink (water, beer, or sangría). Life jacket is included too.

What onboard facilities are available?

There’s a toilet on board and a shower.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

Are food and drinks allowed on board?

Food and drinks are not allowed.

Is there a swim stop, and how does snorkeling fit in?

The itinerary includes one swimming stop (if the weather is good). The route also includes snorkeling time during the longer secret stop period.

What languages are the crew/driver?

Spanish, English, and German.

What is the deal with cancellation?

The information shown includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, but there is also a note that the ticket is non refundable. Check your booking confirmation for the exact terms that apply to your ticket.

When should I arrive for boarding?

Boarding time closes 10 minutes before the activity starts, so arriving early is important, especially since parking can be difficult.