Mallorca Catamaran Cruise and Snorkeling Trip

A catamaran day along Palma Bay is a smart way to trade beach crowds for open water, with time to cool off at Cala Blava and other standout coves. I like that the ticket includes lunch and that you get multiple chances to jump in and swim from the boat. It’s the kind of outing that works even if you just want a relaxed day at sea without overthinking it.

One key consideration: snorkeling is not the no-cost, gear-included plan you might hope for. Snorkel equipment is available to buy on board, and on fuller sailings the boat can feel busy when you first board.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Cala Blava stop plus included lunch with water during the meal
• Palma Cathedral views from the Bay of Palma during a longer cruising stretch
• Cap Rocat and its wild cliffs for photos and dramatic coastline
• Cala Vella swim time with a beach option and natural pools near the shore
• Snorkel gear is extra, so plan ahead if you want a real snorkeling setup
• Boat can run crowded, and the most coveted lounging areas may cost extra

Boarding At Muelle Golondrina: What You Actually Get

This tour runs from Palma de Mallorca’s port area. Your meeting point is Attraction Catamarans Mallorca at Muelle Golondrina, Av. de Gabriel Roca, s/n, 07014 Palma (near public transportation). You’ll start at 9:45 am, with a mobile ticket for check-in, and the experience is offered in English.

On paper, this is a 5-hour catamaran cruise (approx.). In real life, that “approx.” matters. Even when the schedule is correct, you spend time boarding, getting to the first scenic stretch, and then rotating through swim stops. If you’re the type who hates waiting, arrive early, because early arrival also helps you snag a comfortable spot on deck.

The size is capped at a maximum of 100 travelers, which is a lot for a catamaran. Several day-on-the-water experiences in Mallorca feel peaceful once underway, but the boarding moment can be packed, so it’s worth planning for that reality.

Timing on the Water: Why You Should Arrive Early

The cruise is described as starting around the late morning window, and the sailing rhythm depends on weather and wind. One part of the plan lists sailing from the port at 9:30, while the meeting time is 9:45. That mismatch doesn’t mean anything is wrong, but it does mean you should not show up at the last second.

Then there’s the weather piece. The operator notes the itinerary may change due to wind, time, or safety reasons. Translation: if conditions shift, the crew can shorten or reshuffle timing to keep things safe and smooth.

So what I would do if I were booking for the first time: aim to be at Muelle Golondrina before the stated meeting time. It reduces stress and gives you a better shot at a good deck location before the boat fills.

Bay of Palma Cruising: Palma Cathedral Views From a Different Angle

After you board, the tour spends time in the Bay of Palma. This is the long scenic segment, about 1 hour 30 minutes, and it’s where the views become the main attraction.

From the water, Palma Cathedral towers over the city, and you get a front-row photo viewpoint. You also get a coast-wide perspective, with shorelines, beaches, and coves you just can’t reach on foot. This is one of the best parts of the day if you want “Mallorca in one glance,” without spending hours driving around.

Practical tip: bring your phone or camera strap setup. Deck time plus wind means phones can get slippery fast. Also, if you’re sensitive to sun glare, you’ll want sunglasses that actually stay put.

Cap Rocat: Wild Cliffs and Clear-Water Scenery

Next comes Cap Rocat, around 45 minutes. This is a coastal area known for dramatic cliffs and rugged terrain, the kind of coastline that feels more raw than resort-heavy beaches.

The time here is great for looking and photographing. It’s not the longest swim block, but it sets the tone for the day: you’re moving from city views into a more untamed coastline mood. If you like “ship to shore” contrasts, this stop does it well.

If the sea is a bit choppy, the rocking can feel intense. That’s normal for open water in a port region, so keep your footing steady when you go to the edge.

Cala Vella: A Real Swim Stop With Beach and Natural Pools

Cala Vella is the long swim-and-lounge moment on the itinerary, about 1 hour 30 minutes. This is one of the stops that makes the catamaran concept worth it, because the shoreline here looks like it belongs to a postcard, yet you reach it by boat.

What you can do at Cala Vella:

• Jump off the catamaran for a swim
• Swim toward a nearby sandy area if you want a more traditional beach break
• Explore natural pools formed by old quarry areas (good for a refreshing dip)
• Use snorkel gear if you have it, since marine life is mentioned for this environment

A big warning sign for first-time snorkelers: Cala Vella is still a marine environment, not a kiddie pool. If you’re not comfortable in open water, stick to the simple swim jump and keep it close to the boat. You don’t need fins to enjoy the water views, and you do need comfort to enjoy swimming.

Cala Blava and Lunch: The Meal Part You’ll Actually Remember

Then the day pivots to Cala Blava, and you’ll have lunch there. The stop is listed along with a 45-minute lunch period, plus water during lunch.

Here’s what’s on the lunch menu:

• Dates with bacon
• Beef meatballs with Thai sauce
• Chicken, ginger and mango salad
• Sautéed vegetables (courgettes, carrots, cherry tomatoes)
• Roasted black pork with mushroom sauce
• Trampó (fresh tomatoes, green pepper and spring onion salad)
• Vegetables rice
• Vegetables spring rolls
• Curry samosas
• Mixed salad with oranges
• Bread
• Fruits salad with vanilla ice cream

A few things make this valuable. First, lunch is included in the price, so you’re not forced to play bar menu roulette all day. Second, the menu includes several vegetable-forward items and sides, not just the idea of a salad plate. People also mention the lunch as a standout compared to what they expected for a half-day boat trip.

Drinks are not included beyond water during lunch. There’s a bar on board, so you can buy what you want, but it’s an extra cost.

Snorkeling Reality Check: Gear, Depth, and the Best Prep Plan

This is where you should go in with eyes open.

Snorkel equipment is not included in the base ticket. You can buy it on board for 20 euros. Some passengers have been surprised because they expected fins and full snorkeling kits. The practical takeaway is simple: if snorkeling is your main goal, don’t count on the tour providing the exact setup you imagine.

Also, some snorkeling-related expectations may not match your personal definition of snorkeling time. Some days are all about jumping in, swimming, and looking around, while other days can feel more like a view-and-splash experience than long underwater exploration.

Here’s what helps most:

• Bring your own snorkel gear if you have it, especially fins if you use them
• If you’re unsure about strong swimming, bring your confidence level, not your pride
• Consider asking the crew about safety gear. There’s at least one mention that life jackets were not automatically provided, but life jackets are said to be available on board and you can request one

If the water is choppy, your comfort matters more than the itinerary. A quick swim and calm photos can still be a great day, even without a long underwater session.

Boat Comfort, Deck Space, and the Front Nets Paywall

Even with a group limit, the catamaran can feel full. A recurring theme is that the boat is busy at first and then becomes more spread out once sailing begins. That’s good news if you hate crowds in confined spaces.

One detail that can shape your experience: the front net or best lounge areas are not always included in your standard seating. There’s a specific complaint that the front area nets are reserved, and access can come with an extra charge. In other words, the photos you see might not represent what you get on a normal ticket.

What to do:

• Arrive early so you have more deck choices
• If you care about the front lounging spot, confirm what your ticket includes before boarding
• If you want quiet, pick a spot away from the bar side, since people can get louder once drinks start moving

Drinks, Music Energy, and What You Should Expect

Drinks are available through the onboard bar, and they are an extra cost. Some people felt the bar was priced fairly, others thought drinks were expensive. Either way, budget for it if you plan to order more than water during cruise time.

Music and atmosphere can also vary by day. Some comments describe a party vibe, including loud music or boozy energy, and that can be less enjoyable if you’re traveling with kids or you want a calm nature-focused outing.

If you’re traveling with children, note that children must be accompanied by an adult. For families, I’d go into this day as a “swim and scenic cruise” plan, not a quiet wildlife snorkeling quest.

Price and Value: Is $93.83 Worth It?

At about $93.83 per person, this tour has a built-in value logic: you’re paying for a half-day on the water, round-trip cruise time, plus lunch and water during lunch. That can make the price feel reasonable compared to booking a boat ticket plus separate lunch.

Where value can slip:

• If you expected snorkeling gear included, you’ll face an additional 20 euros for equipment
• If you wanted lots of shallow-water snorkeling time, some days might feel more like swimming and splashing than underwater searching
• If the boat is full, the experience can feel crowded during boarding, and the most desirable deck areas might be reserved

Where value stays strong:

• Multiple swim opportunities across different stops
• A substantial lunch menu for a cruise
• Scenery that covers both city views and more rugged coastal sections

So I’d frame it like this: pay for an easy, scenic water day with planned swimming breaks and included lunch. If snorkeling is your top priority, treat snorkeling as optional or bring your own gear.

Who Should Book This Mallorca Catamaran Cruise

I think this works best for you if:

• You want an easy morning or half-day plan from Palma
• You care about coastline views more than long underwater time
• You appreciate included lunch and would rather not improvise food plans in the port
• You’re comfortable swimming from a boat and following crew instructions

I’d consider skipping or choosing a different format if:

• You want full snorkeling equipment included, especially fins
• You define snorkeling as extended shallow-water sessions with easy access to marine life
• You are sensitive to crowds, loud music, or a bar-heavy atmosphere
• You expect a quiet nature-focused tour rather than a fun water day

Should You Book This Catamaran and Snorkeling Trip?

Book it if you want a straightforward Mallorca experience: coast views from the Bay of Palma, swim breaks at Cala Vella and Cala Blava, and lunch that is genuinely part of the deal. It’s also a good choice if you don’t want to rent a car or spend your day moving between viewpoints.

Don’t book it if snorkeling is your main goal and you want the full kit and long underwater time built in. If you still want to go, bring your own snorkel gear (especially fins if you use them) and plan your expectations around swimming plus scenery.

If you want, tell me your travel month and whether you care most about snorkeling or just the water views, and I’ll help you pick the best day plan in Palma that matches your style.

FAQ

How much does the Mallorca Catamaran Cruise and Snorkeling Trip cost?

It costs $93.83 per person.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 5 hours.

Where is the meeting point in Palma?

You meet at Attraction Catamarans Mallorca, Muelle Golondrina, Av. de Gabriel Roca, s/n, 07014 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:45 am.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

Is lunch included, and what is included with it?

Lunch is included, and water is included during lunch. Drinks are not included.

Do you get snorkeling equipment with the booking?

No. Snorkel equipment is not included, and you can buy it on board for 20 euros.

Is there a bar on the catamaran?

Yes, there is a bar on board. Drinks are available for purchase.

How big is the group on board?

The tour has a maximum of 100 travelers.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.