Palma Bay: Boat Tour with BBQ, Snorkelling, & Sunset Option

The best part of this three-hour trip is the chance to swim straight from the boat in Mallorca’s clear Mediterranean water, then return aboard for a BBQ, fruit, music, and a drink. The sunset departure adds a slow coastal ride and excellent views of Palma from offshore.

I like the friendly crew, especially the energy brought by hosts such as Roger and Juan Diego, and I like the value of having a meal included in the $69 price. The main caution is that the snorkeling can be hit or miss: one stop may offer lovely water for swimming but poor visibility for seeing marine life.

Key points at a glance

• One swim stop near Mallorca’s marine reserve: Expect time to jump from the boat, swim, sunbathe, and try the supplied snorkeling equipment.
• BBQ and simple catering included: You get a hamburger, tomato and mozzarella skewer, spring roll, potato salad, fresh fruit, and one drink.
• Daytime or sunset sailing: The sunset option pairs the swim stop with coastal views and a warm evening atmosphere.
• Music is part of the experience: Dancing and an informal party mood are common, though the volume may be high for some people.
• Strong crew service: Names praised in connection with the boat include Roger, Juan Diego, Santi, Bellnatt, Diego, and Arantxa.
• Arrive early: Boarding closes 20 minutes before departure, and parking around the meeting point can take time.

What this Mallorca boat tour is really like

This is not a quiet private yacht cruise. It is a social boat outing built around swimming, food, music, and easygoing fun. You cruise along the Bay of Palma, stop in a scenic cove, eat aboard the boat, and spend the rest of the time enjoying the sea and coastline.

The boat is the Super Delfin Verde, and departures leave from Can Pastilla. Depending on the option you choose, the route may point toward the Palma Marine Nature Reserve, Cala Vella, Palmanova, or the western side of the bay. The exact meeting point can vary, so check the details attached to your booking.

At $69 per person, the package is aimed at people who want several holiday pleasures bundled together. You are not paying only for transport on the water. The price includes the cruise, one swim stop, snorkeling equipment, a BBQ meal, side dishes, dessert, one drink, insurance, and fees.

That makes the tour good value if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat ride and lunch. It is less appealing if you want a long, quiet snorkeling session or a private sailing experience.

Leaving Can Pastilla for the open bay

The outing begins at the port area in Can Pastilla, a useful departure point on the eastern side of Palma Bay. You board the boat and head out toward the marine reserve and the open coast.

The trip gives you a different view of Mallorca. From the water, the coastline becomes a sequence of sandy beaches, rocky edges, Mediterranean vegetation, and resort towns. On routes toward the western end of the bay, you may see coastal areas around Illetas and Cala Mayor, as well as Palma itself from offshore.

I like this change of viewpoint. Palma can feel busy from land, but from the boat you see the city and coast as a broad sweep. The ride also gives you a break from streets, hotel pools, and beach crowds.

Do not treat the cruise as a sightseeing tour with a long list of formal commentary stops. The focus is the overall coastal view and the atmosphere aboard the boat. Some people have enjoyed bits of local information and explanations about marine life, but the central appeal is the sea, not a detailed guided lecture.

The swim stop near Cala Vella

The most important part of the route is the swimming break. If the weather is suitable, the crew anchors in an attractive bay or sheltered spot such as Cala Vella. You can swim from the boat, sunbathe on deck, jump into the water, and use the available snorkeling equipment.

This is where the trip earns its place in a Mallorca itinerary. You do not have to carry beach gear across a crowded shore or hunt for a free patch of sand. You simply step from the boat into the Mediterranean and return when you are ready.

The stop may last long enough for a proper swim rather than a quick photo break. Several people have described spending around an hour in the water, while the full three-hour trip also includes sailing and lunch. Still, the precise time depends on the route and conditions.

The water can look wonderfully clear from the deck, but snorkeling quality is not guaranteed. One stop was described as beautiful for swimming yet too murky to see the bottom or marine life. That is a useful distinction. Book this for the swimming experience first, and regard snorkeling as an extra rather than the main reason to go.

Bring your own towel, since one is not included. Sunscreen, a swimsuit, and dry clothes are sensible choices. The supplied equipment makes the activity easier, but you can also treat the stop as a simple swim if underwater visibility is poor.

BBQ lunch, fresh fruit, and the onboard bar

The meal is served on the boat and forms a central part of the experience. The included food consists of a BBQ hamburger, a tomato and mozzarella skewer with basil and balsamic cream, a spring roll, potato salad, and pieces of watermelon and pineapple for dessert.

The menu is casual rather than gourmet, but it fits the setting. After swimming, a hot burger and cold drink can feel exactly right. The fruit is a welcome finish, especially after time in the sun.

There is an important dietary point here. The burger has been described as a beef and pork mixture, and chicken sausages are the other stated option. If you avoid pork, do not assume the hamburger is beef only. Ask about the available food before booking or at the meeting point.

One drink is included, with water, beer, or sangria listed as the choices. Additional food and drinks cost extra and can be purchased from the onboard bar. Sangria receives especially strong praise, and some people describe the bar prices as reasonable, but the included drink is limited.

The crew has also been willing to provide extra food when available. I would not count on that, but it suggests the meal is handled in a relaxed, service-minded way.

Music, dancing, and the social mood

Music is not background decoration here. It helps shape the whole outing. The captain or crew may take on a DJ role, and the return ride can become an informal dance party.

Roger is repeatedly associated with getting people dancing, while other crew members have been praised for taking photos, helping with celebrations, and keeping the mood warm. One birthday was marked with a song, and a marriage proposal was supported by the crew during a sunset trip.

That tells you what kind of experience this is. If you are traveling alone, the social setup can make it easier to meet people. If you are celebrating a birthday, engagement, or special evening, the crew may be happy to help with the atmosphere, though special arrangements should be confirmed directly.

The tradeoff is volume. Music has been called too loud by some people, especially during parts of the ride. If you want conversation, quiet reading, or a peaceful sail, choose another type of boat trip. If you like dancing and a holiday-party feeling, the music is likely to be a major plus.

The boat has been described as clean and in good condition, with space to move around. It can still feel crowded for some people, particularly when everyone is gathered near the bar, meal area, or swim entry. The social setting is part of the product, not an accidental side effect.

Choosing the daytime or sunset departure

The daytime option gives you the strongest chance to enjoy the water in full sun. It suits swimmers, families with older children, and anyone who wants to focus on the bay, the swim stop, and the meal.

The sunset option changes the rhythm. You may cruise along the coast as the light softens, swim before sunset, eat aboard, and watch the sky change over Palma Bay. The coastal views become more atmospheric, and the music can feel especially fitting on the return to port.

A sunset departure is a good choice for couples, small groups, and anyone marking an occasion. It is also the better pick if you want photographs with warm evening light. Just remember that the swim stop remains dependent on weather and conditions.

Some evening trips have been praised for the balance of sailing, swimming, BBQ, and sunset views. The three-hour length is enough to create an outing without taking up an entire day, but it can feel short if you want several bays or an extended snorkeling session.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend the tour to you if you want a relaxed, social way to get on the water without paying private-charter prices. It suits couples, friends, solo visitors, and families whose children are comfortable around a boat and in open water.

You will probably enjoy it most if you like:

• Swimming and jumping from a boat
• Casual BBQ food rather than a formal meal
• Music, dancing, and meeting other people
• A mix of sightseeing and free time
• Sunset views over Palma Bay
• A three-hour activity that fits around other plans

The tour is less suitable if you need step-free access or use a wheelchair. It is also not the right choice for a quiet, private cruise, serious snorkeling, or a long day at sea.

Families can have a good time, and six-year-old children have enjoyed the friendly crew and the boat atmosphere. Still, the music and party mood may suit adults and older children better than very young children who need a calm setting.

Price, timing, and practical details

The listed price is $69 per person. For Mallorca, that is a fair package price because it covers the cruise, meal, one drink, snorkeling equipment, insurance, and fees. You still need to budget for extra drinks and for getting yourself to the meeting point, since hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Arrive early. Boarding closes 20 minutes before the activity starts, and the boat leaves on time. Parking can be difficult around the departure area, so build in extra time rather than arriving at the last minute.

The meeting point varies by the option booked. Read your confirmation carefully, especially if you are comparing daytime and sunset departures or different starting points around Palma Bay.

The booking information contains both a free-cancellation statement for cancellations up to 24 hours before departure and a separate warning that the ticket is nonrefundable. Treat the exact terms shown for your selected option as the rule, and confirm them before payment.

English and Spanish are available from the host or greeter. The crew’s friendly approach is one of the strongest parts of the experience, with particular praise directed at people such as Roger, Juan Diego, Leandro, David, Santi, Bellnatt, Diego, and Arantxa.

The main drawbacks to weigh before booking

The first drawback is the single swim stop. It can be beautiful, but you do not get a full cove-hopping day. If your dream is to visit several bays and snorkel for hours, this boat will feel limited.

The second is the snorkeling itself. Clear-looking water does not always mean good underwater visibility. Conditions can change, and one stop may be better for swimming than for spotting fish.

The third is the party atmosphere. The music may be loud, and the boat may feel busy when everyone is eating, dancing, or preparing to swim. That is a strength for some people and a nuisance for others.

Finally, the food is simple and dietary choice is limited. The meal offers more than a burger alone, but the stated hamburger mixture includes pork, and the alternative is chicken sausage. Ask before you go if that matters to you.

Should you book the Palma Bay boat tour?

Book it if you want a good-value half-day-style outing with a swim, a meal, music, and views of Mallorca from the sea. The crew service, generous holiday mood, and sunset option give it more personality than a basic sightseeing cruise.

I would choose the sunset departure for a couple or celebration, and the daytime option if swimming is your top priority. Go in expecting one scenic swim stop, not a specialist snorkeling trip. Bring a towel, arrive well before boarding closes, and check the food and cancellation terms before you pay.

For $69, this is a strong choice for an easy, social day on Palma Bay. Skip it only if you prefer quiet sailing, private space, or guaranteed underwater visibility.

FAQ

How long is the Palma Bay boat tour?

The boat tour lasts three hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $69 per person.

Where does the boat leave from?

The tour leaves from Can Pastilla, although the exact meeting point may vary depending on the option booked.

Is a sunset departure available?

Yes. You can choose between a daytime tour and a sunset option.

Is food included?

Yes. The package includes a BBQ hamburger, a tomato and mozzarella skewer, a spring roll, potato salad, watermelon, pineapple, and one drink.

What drinks are included?

You can choose one included drink from water, beer, or sangria. Other food and drinks can be purchased onboard for an additional cost.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Can wheelchair users join the tour?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.