Private boat tour with snorkeling

A private skipper day in Mallorca’s Bay of Palma is hard to beat, especially when your plan includes snorkeling at two anchored coves and time to lounge on deck. I like that the boat setup is made for comfort (bow and stern solariums), and I like that you get snorkeling gear plus a local skipper to handle the sailing. The one consideration: a big chunk of your half-day goes into getting between the coves, so it is not nonstop swimming.

This is also the kind of tour where the details feel taken care of. In real-world use, Edu helps make the reservation smooth, and the skipper Alberto runs the show with an attentive, friendly, professional vibe.

For timing, you can choose a classic half-day window (4 hours) or the sunset option (2 hours). Either way, you start and finish at D-Marin Palma Cuarentena, so you are not hunting for a ride or a new meeting point later.

Key Points You’ll Actually Care About

• Private, skipper-led Bay of Palma route for up to 5 people plus skipper
• Snorkeling gear and floats included, not a last-minute scramble
• Two anchored coves for about an hour each, with time to relax between
• Boat comfort matters: seats and solariums at bow and stern on the 7m Pájaro
• Snacks and soft drinks included, plus fuel and fees handled
• Easy home base at D-Marin Palma Cuarentena with return to the same dock

A Private Skippered Sail Around Palma Bay (What You’re Booking)

You’re booking a Mallorca boat day that feels simple on purpose. You do not need to coordinate public boats or guess which cove is best that day. A professional skipper handles the navigation while you focus on the fun parts: stopping in calmer water, getting in for snorkeling, and relaxing where the view does the work.

That matters in Mallorca. The coastline is beautiful, but it can also be windy or chopped up depending on the day. Having a skipper who can position the boat where people can swim makes the difference between a good plan and a great one. The overall tone from firsthand experiences is consistent: friendly crew, good music onboard, and a laid-back pace.

You should also know the tour is built around two set swim stops. That structure is great if you want value for your time. It is less ideal if your main goal is to snorkel for hours straight with zero sailing segments.

Meet the Boat Pájaro: 7 Meters, Solariums, and Room for 5

The boat is the 7-meter Pájaro, with capacity for up to 5 people plus the skipper. For many people, that small size is the point. You get a private feel without the cost ballooning into something that requires a corporate budget.

Comfort is not an afterthought here. The boat has seats and solariums at both the bow and stern. Translation: you can switch positions as the sun and breeze change. One person can sit and soak up the view while another moves to a different spot to cool off or watch for swimmers. You are not wedged in one awkward posture for the whole trip.

Also, the included snorkeling equipment and floats mean the boat is set up for water time. You are not hauling your own gear or worrying about whether the equipment is there when you arrive.

Timing: Half-Day (4 Hours) vs Sunset (2 Hours)

You have two departure styles:

• Half-day: 10:00 to 14:00, or 14:30 to 18:30 (about 4 hours)
• Sunset: 19:00 to 21:00 (about 2 hours)

For the half-day option, the tour is paced like this: about 2 hours of navigation to reach and position around the coves, then two anchor stops of roughly 1 hour each for water activities. In other words, you are not cramming everything into a short time. You get real breaks, which makes snorkeling feel like a fun part of the day, not a rushed chore.

For sunset, you are likely shortening the overall sailing time while focusing on a shorter, more atmospheric outing. If your vacation schedule is tight, that 2-hour sunset window can be a smart pick, as long as you are okay with less time in the water compared with the half-day.

Cala Comtesa Stop: One Hour Anchored for Snorkeling and Float Time

The first stop is Cala Comtesa. The boat anchors in a cove near Palma, then you get your first dedicated hour for water activities.

Why this stop works: anchored coves usually make snorkeling easier. Instead of fighting with open-water conditions, you get a stable spot where people can gear up, slip into the water, and spend time around the shoreline area the skipper has chosen. The included floats are useful here if you want to stay relaxed and conserve energy while you look around.

What to expect during your hour:

• You’ll shift from boat mode to water mode, putting on the included snorkeling equipment.
• You can snorkel at your pace, with the option to float if you want an easier, slower experience.
• The boat is nearby, so you can surface, refocus, and get back to relaxing when you are done.

A practical tip: if you are new to snorkeling, this kind of planned, time-boxed stop is a great way to try it. You are not pressured to perform. You can take your time getting comfortable and then decide how long you want to keep swimming.

Possible drawback to plan around: if the day is windy, even a good cove can feel cooler once you are in the water. Bringing a light layer for after snorkeling helps you stay comfortable during the sail back.

Playa Punta Negra Stop: Second Anchor, Second Chance to Get It Right

The second stop is Playa Punta Negra. It is another anchored cove near Palma, again timed at about an hour for water activities.

If you snorkel the first stop and think, I want more time, this second hour is your do-over. You can adjust your comfort level. Maybe you spent the first hour warming up. Maybe you found an area you liked and want to look again.

This stop also gives your group flexibility. With a private tour up to 5 people, everyone does not have to want the exact same thing at the exact same time. One person can snorkel longer while another stays closer and floats, then you switch roles.

In terms of vibe, the onboard experience tends to stay upbeat, with music and snacks, so you are not just waiting around between swims. That’s a big deal on a small boat. The day stays fun even if you do not spend every minute in the water.

The Onboard Extras: Snacks, Soft Drinks, Fuel, and a Skipper You Trust

Let’s talk about what is included, because it directly affects value. In this tour, you get:

• Fuel (gasoline)
• Professional skipper
• Snorkeling equipment and floats
• Bottled water
• Soda or pop
• Spanish snacks
• All fees and taxes
• A guide (as part of the experience team)
• Mobile ticket

This is the kind of bundle that keeps your day from turning into expense math. A lot of boat tours look cheap until you add gear rentals, fuel surcharges, and food. Here, most of the essentials are covered up front.

The snacks and soft drinks matter more than you might think. After you snorkel, you want something easy to eat and drink without getting back on land. The included setup also supports the laid-back pace you want from a vacation day.

What about alcohol? The provided information specifically mentions snacks and soft drinks, not alcohol. One firsthand account referenced an aperitif in the sea, which suggests people enjoyed a treat while out on the water. For planning purposes, assume it is a drinks-and-snacks situation, not a full bar unless that is specifically described for your exact departure.

And yes, tips are not included. If you think Alberto and the crew made your day, you can budget for gratuity.

Price and Value: $729.29 per Group for Up to 5

The price is $729.29 per group, up to 5 people plus skipper.

This is not the cheapest way to see Mallorca from the water. But it is private, and that changes the math. If you fill all 5 seats, the cost works out to about $146 per person. If you travel as 4 people, it is more like $182 per person. If you are just two people, it becomes much higher per person.

So the value question is simple: do you have enough people to share the group cost, and do you want the privacy that comes with not sharing with strangers? If you do, this becomes a strong option. You get two anchored swim stops, a small boat that feels like your space, and a skipper who handles the route.

Also, the tour is commonly booked about 23 days in advance on average. That is a hint that popular weeks can book up, especially if you want a specific half-day slot.

Getting There at D-Marin Palma Cuarentena (and Returning to the Same Place)

You meet at D-Marin Palma Cuarentena, 07014 Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain. It ends back at the meeting point.

That return-to-the-dock setup is underrated. After four hours on the water, you want the easiest possible exit. You do not want to deal with a second transfer or wonder where you are supposed to go next.

The meeting point is also described as near public transportation. That helps if you are staying in Palma and do not want to wrestle with parking.

Since the tour is private, you can treat the meeting time like a checklist moment:

• Arrive a bit early so you can settle, meet the skipper, and get your group squared away.
• Bring your essentials for water time, then rely on the included snorkeling gear and floats.

Who This Private Snorkel Boat Tour Is Best For

This tour fits best if you want a mix of relaxation and activity, without planning stress.

You’ll likely love it if:

• You are traveling with friends or family and can fill most of the 5-person capacity.
• You want a guided day on the water rather than figuring out coves on your own.
• Snorkeling is on your vacation checklist, and you prefer equipment provided for you.
• You like a comfortable boat with spots to lounge on the bow and stern solariums.

You might want to think twice if:

• You’re chasing nonstop snorkeling time with no sailing segments. The half-day schedule includes navigation, then two anchored one-hour stops.
• You are very weather sensitive. Wind and cool conditions can change how comfortable you feel during swimming and the sailing back.

For couples: it can still be worth it, especially if you treat it as a once-or-twice-in-a-lifetime boat day. Just expect you will pay a higher per-person share if you do not fill the group.

Should You Book It? My Decision Guide

Book this private boat tour if your ideal Mallorca day looks like this: small boat, a friendly skipper, two planned coves for snorkeling, and time to chill with snacks and soft drinks onboard.

I’d hold off or look at alternatives if your priority is maximum time in the water rather than a balanced sailing-and-snorkeling day. Also, if you are traveling solo and the cost per person feels too high, you may prefer a shared group option.

If you do book, do it with a clear goal. Cala Comtesa and Playa Punta Negra are the heartbeat of the day. Plan to spend that hour at each stop snorkeling and floating at your own pace, then let the sail back and onboard snack break be part of the fun. With the way Alberto and the crew run the experience, you are likely to feel taken care of from the first moment you meet them at D-Marin Palma Cuarentena.

FAQ

How long is the private boat tour with snorkeling?

The half-day option runs about 4 hours, and the sunset option runs about 2 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at D-Marin Palma Cuarentena, 07014 Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

What is the group size for this private tour?

The boat has capacity for up to 5 people plus the skipper, and it is private for your group.

Where does the tour go for snorkeling?

The itinerary includes two anchored stops for water activities: Cala Comtesa and Playa Punta Negra.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and floats are included.

What is included in the price?

Fuel, the professional skipper, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, soda or pop, Spanish snacks, and all fees and taxes are included.

What is the price for this tour?

It is listed at $729.29 per group (up to 5 people).

What times are available for departures?

Half-day departures are 10:00-14:00 or 14:30-18:30. Sunset departures are 19:00-21:00.

Is a tip included?

No. Tips are not included.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.