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

This is an easy Mallorca win: a short catamaran ride that swaps city walking for swimming from the boat in postcard coves near Palma. I really like that the trip is built around two anchored swim breaks (often Portals Vells or Cala Vella) instead of just cruising past pretty views. The one thing to keep in mind is that the schedule can shift a bit with wind and weather, and conditions at the second stop can vary.

If you want something that feels social but still relaxed, this one checks boxes. The BBQ lunch onboard, plus included water, soft drinks, coffee, and even wines and sangria with the meal, turns the whole afternoon into a proper plan instead of a snack-and-hope situation. The downside is logistics: it’s a bigger boat, and boarding can feel crowded until you’re out on the water.

Key Points Before You Go

• Two anchored swim stops focused on time in the water, not long stretches on deck
• Portals Vells or Cala Vella as one of the main swimming targets, depending on wind
• Snorkeling gear and life vests are part of the plan, with a small cash deposit for equipment
• BBQ buffet lunch with grilled meats, salads, and cake, plus wine and sangria during the meal
• A high-energy crew vibe is a big part of why people rate this so highly
• Route can change with weather, so flexibility is part of the value

Why This 5-Hour Palma Catamaran Feels Like the Best Use of Your Time

If you only have a day or two in Palma, a catamaran cruise like this is a time-saver. You get out along Mallorca’s south coast fast, then spend the middle of the trip anchored where the water is calm enough to swim and snorkel from the boat.

The appeal is simple and practical: you’re not just looking at the coastline, you’re actually in it. And because the lunch and drinks are onboard, you’re not hunting for food or paying for every moment while you’re trying to relax.

One more reason I like this format: it’s short enough that you won’t feel wrecked afterward. Five hours passes quickly, especially when the crew keeps things upbeat with music and a friendly, hands-on approach.

From Palma’s Auditorium Dock to the South Coast Coves

Your day starts at the Port of Palma, at the pier in front of the Auditorium de Palma on the Passeig Marítim side. The operator labels the boat with Magic Catamarans, so look for that sign at the dock.

Plan to arrive 30 minutes early. Parking near the port is very limited, so you’ll want time for the usual “find a spot, walk a bit, then get in line” dance. Once you’re aboard, the sail out along the coast is part of the fun, with cruise ships and lots of yachts in view as you leave the harbor.

From there, the route heads toward the south coast. One of the main targets is chosen based on wind conditions, which is why you’ll hear Portals Vells or Cala Vella mentioned as the first swim stop option.

Stop One: Portals Vells or Cala Vella, Swim Time You Can Actually Use

This is the part most people remember: the moment you drop anchor and jump in. The water here is described as turquoise and close to shore, which means you’re not stuck swimming far out just to feel like you’re getting your money’s worth.

Portals Vells tends to deliver a pretty, resort-like feel, with an easy setup for swimming right near the coastline. Cala Vella is another good match for that “minutes from idyllic beach” vibe. Either way, you’re anchored for a swim that’s relaxed, not rushed.

A practical tip: if you want the best snorkel experience, position yourself early for the first moments in the water. Visibility can be amazing at the start, and it’s also the time when you’ll likely see more small marine life, especially when the water conditions are clear.

Second Anchoring Stop: More Swimming, With a Real-World Expectation Check

After the first swim break and onboard lunch prep, you’ll do a second anchored stop. The plan is two stops total on the water, and you’ll have another chance to swim again before returning to Palma.

Here’s the honest consideration: the second stop can be great, but it may not always top the first. Some guests noted that the first anchoring location set a high bar for clarity, while the second stop was still refreshing but not as “wow” visually depending on conditions.

So, treat stop one as the anchor moment for the strongest snorkeling and swimming. For stop two, think of it as bonus time in the sea, not a guaranteed repeat of the first cove.

Also remember: the route can change due to weather, so the operator isn’t forcing one fixed location no matter what. That flexibility is part of how they keep the swim safe and enjoyable.

Snorkeling and the Little Things That Matter

Snorkeling is built into the experience, and they provide equipment. If you want the snorkeling gear, there’s a €10 refundable deposit paid in cash. They also provide life vests for adults and children, which makes it easier to feel comfortable, especially with kids or less-confident swimmers.

If you’re bringing your own snorkeling mask, that can help you avoid the deposit step. But if you don’t have gear, the onboard setup keeps this trip from feeling like “bring your own or miss out.”

One more detail I appreciate: you’re not expected to be a marine biologist. The goal is to spend time looking around and enjoying the water, not to do a long, complicated gear routine.

Lunch on Board: BBQ, Salads, Cake, and What’s Included

Lunch is part of the onboard rhythm, not a rushed break. Once the crew is set up at the anchoring spot, they serve a buffet style meal with grilled meats and fresh sides.

What you get includes:

• BBQ meats like chicken breast, skewers, and sausages
• Fresh salads
• Cake for dessert

On the drinks side, the important part is what’s included versus what costs extra. During the whole trip, you get water, soft drinks, coffee, and juice. During the meal, you also get wines from Mallorca and sangria included.

If you want more alcohol beyond the meal, drinks are available to buy at the bar with card. One important payment note: only card payments are accepted on board, and American Express isn’t accepted.

How this translates into value: the cruise price is doing double duty. You’re paying for a catamaran experience with premium locations for swimming, and you’re also getting a full sit-down style meal with drinks onboard, not just a token snack.

Morning (10:00) vs Afternoon (3:30): Pick the Daylight You Want

You can choose either a 10:00 AM departure or a 3:30 PM departure. Since the tour lasts 5 hours, this choice mostly changes the light you’ll experience during the return sail and how long you’ll have in the sun after lunch.

The afternoon option can be especially nice if you like the idea of leaving Palma in the brighter middle-late day and coming back with a calmer vibe. Some guests also mention sunset moments on the boat, which makes sense since you’re back near Palma by the end of the trip.

The morning option is often better if you prefer to be done earlier and keep the rest of the day open for exploring Palma’s streets and viewpoints.

The Crew and the Vibe: When Energy Actually Helps

This is one of those tours where the crew’s attitude becomes part of the product. Many guests call out that the staff is energetic and organized, and the tone onboard tends to feel like a fun day with friends rather than a stiff, timed conveyor belt.

Captain Perez is named in guest feedback as memorable, and it’s clear the crew is hands-on about keeping the day moving smoothly. They handle the BBQ on the spot and keep the mood up with music during the sailing time.

Music volume can be a mixed bag. Some people liked the Spanish playlist and called it relaxing, while at least one guest wished the music could be louder. So, if you’re sensitive to background music, just know it’s part of the atmosphere but not necessarily constant at a party level.

Getting the Most Out of a Bigger Boat

A catamaran is comfortable, but it’s still a group activity. You might notice lines at the start, especially when the boat is full. The good news is that guests also report that once you’re underway, the boat doesn’t feel overly cramped.

One smart move: arrive early and be ready to get settled quickly. Once the catamaran is moving and you’re heading to the first anchoring stop, the day becomes simple.

Also, don’t stress too much about where you sit at the beginning. You can shift your position during the cruise depending on where you want sun or shade.

Price and Value: Why $69 Can Make Sense Here

At around $69 per person for a 5-hour catamaran cruise, this is priced like a tour, not a private charter. The value comes from stacking what’s included:

• boat time on Mallorca’s south coast
• two anchored swim stops
• snorkeling equipment with a small cash deposit
• life vests
• a full BBQ lunch with cake
• soft drinks, water, coffee, juice for the whole trip
• wines and sangria during the meal

If you tried to copy this day on your own, you’d quickly find you’re paying separately for boat transport, meals, and ideally the chance to anchor somewhere swimmable. Here, that bundle is the point.

It’s also a good “low planning” option. You’re not booking multiple things. You show up, get on the boat, and your most important downtime is already protected.

Who Should Book This Catamaran Cruise

You should book if:

• you want maximum water time in a half-day
• you prefer a guided day where lunch and drinks are handled
• you want snorkeling without bringing or renting full gear
• you’re traveling as a couple, solo, or with family and want a social vibe without intense schedules

This trip might not be the best match if:

• you want a super-quiet, intimate experience, because it can be a busy boat
• you’re very picky about snorkeling visibility, and you want the second stop to look exactly like the first
• you need a guaranteed vegetarian meal, since you’ll need to contact the provider directly to arrange options

Should You Book? My Straight Answer

Yes, I think this is a strong choice if your main goal is to get out onto Mallorca’s south coast for real swim breaks plus an included meal. The best part is the balance: you’re spending most of the time doing something fun, not waiting around.

If you do book, do it with the mindset that the experience is shaped by wind and weather. That’s not a deal breaker, it’s how coastal sailing works here. Arrive early, bring the cash deposit if you plan to use snorkeling gear, and focus on enjoying the onboard BBQ, the water time, and the easy day.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The experience lasts 5 hours.

What departure times are available?

You can choose a morning departure at 10:00 AM or an afternoon departure at 3:30 PM.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at the Port of Palma, at the boat dock in front of the Auditorium de Palma on the Passeig Marítim. Look for a boat labeled Magic Catamarans on the harbor side.

What is included with lunch and drinks?

You get a buffet meal with barbecue meats, fresh salads, and cake for dessert. Wines from Mallorca and sangria are included with the meal, and water, soft drinks, coffee, and juice are included during the full excursion.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, but you need to pay a €10 refundable deposit in cash if you want to use the gear.

Are life vests provided?

Yes, life vests are provided for both adults and children.

What payment method is accepted on board?

Only card payments are accepted on board, and American Express is not accepted. If you buy alcoholic drinks outside mealtime, you pay at the bar with card.

Can the route change?

Yes. The route may change due to weather conditions.

Is there a vegetarian option?

If you require a vegetarian option, you need to contact the activity provider directly.

Is free cancellation available?

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