Palma de Mallorca: Deluxe Catamaran Sailing Tour with Meal

If you’re comparing Mallorca boat trips, this one gets interesting fast because it’s built around comfort first, not a crowd. The Oasis catamaran feels genuinely polished, and they keep numbers low, with a max of 36 guests on a boat that holds 57. I also like that the sailing gives you real sea time, with a swim stop in Cala Vella and a calm return into Palma rather than a frantic checklist. One drawback to plan for: you do need to find the meeting point yourself, since hotel pickup is not included.

What makes it feel like value is the mix of water time plus food and drinks that are part of the experience. I like the way the onboard BBQ or sunset tapas are timed around the swim, so you are not waiting around hungry, and I like that SUP gear is included for the water play. Still, drinks beyond the included water are not free, and cocktails can add up if you go that route.

Key takeaways before you book

• Small-group comfort on a 57-person catamaran, limited to 36 guests for easier space, photos, and movement.
• Cala Vella swim stop in a natural reserve known for clear, inviting water.
• Included water + onboard food: BBQ at lunch on day trips, tapas and canapés on sunset trips.
• Water activities included: SUP equipment and a chance to snorkel (with your own mask).
• On-board bar is open throughout, but cocktails and mixed drinks cost extra.
• Sunset option is adults-only (18+), so choose the right departure if you’re traveling as a family.

Why the Oasis catamaran in Palma feels like the grown-up choice

In Palma, boat tours can turn into a floating crowd. This one tries hard to avoid that. The Oasis catamaran has room, and the operator caps it at 36 passengers, even though the boat capacity is 57. That matters more than it sounds. When the group is smaller, you spend less time “taking your turn” and more time actually using the deck, hanging out in the sun, and getting to the water quickly when it’s time to swim.

The boat itself is part of the appeal. Guests consistently describe it as clean and modern, which you’ll appreciate when you’re changing into swimwear and using shared spaces. Also, the bathrooms are reported as very clean, and that is not a small thing on a half-day outing.

The experience also has a practical rhythm. You leave Palma, you get out into clearer water, you cool off, you eat, you play on the water, and then you sail back. It’s the kind of flow that feels relaxing rather than scheduled down to the minute.

Getting to the meeting point and packing for a swim-heavy day

Hotel pickup is not part of the deal, so treat this as a “go to Palma and board the boat” plan. The meeting point can vary depending on the option you book, and your itinerary ends back at the meeting point. In other words, you should build in time to get oriented.

Bring the stuff that makes a swim day comfortable:

• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen (with an important note)

Here’s the tricky bit: the rules list sunscreen as not allowed, yet sunscreen is also listed under what to bring. The safest way to handle this is to follow crew guidance, and plan to apply your sunscreen before you board whenever possible. If the crew asks you not to bring it onboard, you’ll be glad you already did the key protection step.

Other rules that affect what you wear: high-heeled shoes are not allowed. Casual, swim-ready clothing is the best way to avoid awkward shoe changes on a moving deck.

Cala Vella swim stop: clear coves, snorkeling setup, and SUP time

The centerpiece of both the daytime and sunset options is a swim stop at Cala Vella, a natural reserve with small coves and clear water. This is the moment most people book for. A good catamaran tour is not just about sailing, it’s about the water moment when you can cool off and actually do something.

On board, you’ll have access to paddle boards (SUP equipment is included). That means you’re not stuck with a single option like just jumping in. You can paddle, float, and get photos from the water line.

Snorkeling works best if you show up prepared. Snorkeling mask and tube are not included, and rental is not available for hygienic reasons. You have two practical options:

• Bring your own snorkel set
• Or buy a snorkeling set for €25 on the boat

One more detail that helps you enjoy this smoothly: because the crew is running a shared schedule, you’ll want to have your swim kit organized so you’re ready to go when you reach the cove.

Day trip guests also get another water moment after lunch, with paddle boards and snorkeling available again. So you’re not getting a quick dip and leaving. You’re getting a real chunk of “in the water” time.

Day tour lunch: BBQ on board plus a bar that stays open

If you choose the daytime excursion, the sailing is built around a lunch that actually happens onboard. After heading from Palma toward Cala Vella, you stop for swimming, then lunch comes in the form of a BBQ prepared directly on board.

That’s a big part of why this tour feels like more than a boat ride. Eating on the water changes the whole mood. You’re not commuting to lunch. You’re transitioning from swim to food without leaving the boat, and that saves time and energy.

The bar is open throughout the trip, which makes the day feel more like a holiday outing than a strict activity. Unlimited water is included, so you can keep hydrated without thinking about refills. Other drinks are not included, and cocktails and mixed drinks cost extra, but you are free to choose.

One value tip: decide before you board whether you want to treat this as a “water day with one or two drinks” or a “full bar evening.” If you plan to drink cocktails, it’s smart to budget accordingly because some guests describe onboard cocktails as on the pricey side.

Food quality also shows up in the feedback, including that the BBQ is described as good, and there are mentions that vegetarian guests are catered for. If you have dietary needs, it’s worth reaching out or speaking with the crew on board when you arrive, since food options can matter when you’re on a short tour.

Sunset tour: tapas and canapés with Mallorcan views

The sunset option follows a similar sailing idea, still using Cala Vella for the swim stop. After the swim, it switches the lunch plan for a more evening-style meal: tapas and canapés served onboard while you take in the Mallorcan sunset.

This is where the cruise feels extra scenic. As you sail back toward Palma, you get views of the old town and the Cathedral area. That return is often the highlight for people who love a “golden hour” ride rather than a daytime outing.

Two important practical points for the sunset tour:

• It is adults-only, 18+
• Plan for cooler air compared to daytime, because evening breezes on the water can feel chilly even in good weather

Even if the sunset trip runs smoothly, you’re still doing a swim stop, so bring swimwear and towel like you would for the day tour. The meal and the mood change, not the core water play.

The crew and how service affects your day on the water

Small-group tours are only great if the crew keeps things organized. Here, the service is a major part of the experience. Staff are described as professional, kind, and attentive to basics like refilling water and helping people get comfortable.

A specific name you’ll see come up is Marshall. When you get a crew that is proactive, you feel it fast: someone is ready to answer questions, you understand the flow, and you spend your energy on the scenery instead of logistics.

There are also little service touches that show up in feedback, like keeping the boat running with smooth timing and making sure people know what to do next. That is a quality marker. On a half-day tour, you do not want confusion dragging out the best parts.

Price and value: what $88 per person buys you on Mallorca

At around $88 per person, you’re paying for three things at once:

1. A luxury catamaran experience with a small passenger cap
2. A full water-and-food program, not just transportation
3. Included water and included water gear like SUP equipment

Compared with bargain boat trips that may cram more people onboard, the value here is in the comfort. If you hate crowded decks, it’s easy to justify paying a bit more when you can actually relax, move around, and take photos without fighting for space.

The included food is also doing real work in the value equation. Day tours get an onboard BBQ, sunset tours get tapas and canapés. If you’ve ever taken a boat trip where you end up paying extra for food and basic snacks, you’ll understand why this matters.

What costs extra are drinks beyond the included water, plus snorkeling sets if you don’t bring your own mask and tube. If you keep your spending sensible on the bar, this tour tends to feel like money well spent for the time you get on the water.

Who this catamaran tour is perfect for, and who should skip it

This tour is best for you if you want:

• A comfort-focused boat day, with a smaller group
• Proper water time at Cala Vella, not just a quick pass
• Included SUP gear and an easy plan for snorkeling (either your own gear or the €25 set onboard)
• A food experience that fits the trip, BBQ at lunch or tapas at sunset

It might not be the best match if:

• You’re traveling with minors and you’re drawn to the sunset option. That one is adults-only (18+).
• You dislike swim stops. Both options include a swimming period, and you should expect to get into the water at least once.
• You want a strictly low-spend day. Cocktails and mixed drinks on board cost extra, and some people end up surprised by the add-on total.

Weather can change the plan, so be flexible

On the water, weather is always part of the deal. The route can be amended due to weather conditions, which means the exact experience may shift even if the general idea stays the same. I like booking this kind of tour anyway, because half-day durations are short enough that rerouting or small adjustments usually do not ruin the day.

Your best approach is to keep your swim mindset open. If it’s choppy, the crew may adapt how and where you spend time in the water. Either way, you still get the core: sailing out of Palma, a swim stop, and onboard food.

Should you book this Palma Oasis catamaran tour?

Book it if you want a deluxe catamaran feel without the chaos of large party boats. The small-group cap, the Cala Vella swim stop, and the included onboard meal are a winning combo for a half-day trip. If you’re the type who values clean facilities, good organization, and time to actually enjoy the water, you’ll likely feel at home on this boat.

Skip the sunset option unless everyone in your group is 18+. Also, if you’re trying to keep costs predictable, plan for the bar to be an optional add-on, and decide whether you need a snorkeling set onboard versus bringing your own.

If those points fit your travel style, this is one of the more sensible ways to do Mallorca from the sea in just a few hours.

FAQ

How long is the Palma de Mallorca deluxe catamaran sailing tour?

It runs for about 4 to 4.5 hours. Exact start times depend on the option you select.

Is there a daytime and a sunset option?

Yes. The experience is offered as either a daytime excursion or a sunset excursion.

What is the main difference in the meal between day and sunset tours?

For the daytime option, you get appetizers and a BBQ at lunchtime. For the sunset option, you get dinner of tapas and canapés.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

A snorkeling mask and tube are not included, and equipment can’t be rented for hygienic reasons. You can bring your own or buy a snorkeling set for €25 on the boat.

What water activities are included?

SUP equipment is included, and snorkeling is available during the swim time. You’ll also have access to paddle boards during the trip.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited water is included. The bar on board is open throughout the excursion, but drinks beyond what is mentioned as included are not listed as included.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

No. Hotel pickup is not included, and the meeting point can vary depending on the option booked.

How many people are on the boat for this tour?

The boat capacity is 57, but the maximum number of guests on this tour is limited to 36 for comfort and safety.

Is the sunset tour suitable for children?

No. The sunset option is for adults only (+18 years old). Do not book the sunset option for minors.