From Palma: Luxury Catamaran Group Tour with Tapas & Drinks

The best part of this Palma catamaran trip is the small group. With no more than 10 to 12 people aboard, you get room to stretch out, find a sunny or shaded seat, and enjoy the water without being packed onto a floating nightclub. I like the calm bay stop, where you can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or simply sit with a drink and watch Mallorca slide by.

I also like that the crew makes the outing feel personal. Hosts such as Linda, Mila, Tilla, Monica, and Carla have been praised for attentive service, while skippers have adjusted routes when weather or sea conditions changed. The main drawback is that the included tapas may feel more like a light meal than a full lunch, and food served during swimming time can reduce your time in the water.

Quick take: what makes this Palma catamaran trip worth considering

• Up to 10 to 12 people: A genuinely relaxed boat setting, with seating at the front, rear, and upper deck.
• A proper water stop: You can swim, snorkel, use a SUP board, float, or sunbathe in a sheltered bay.
• Tapas and a welcome drink: Freshly made food is served aboard, with extra wine, beer, cava, cocktails, soft drinks, and champagne available to buy.
• Four hours on the day cruise: The trip gives you time to sail from Palma, stop in the Bay of Palma, and return without using your entire day.
• A quieter alternative to party boats: Music is available, but the mood is generally laid-back rather than loud and crowded.
• Useful seasonal advice: Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a light jacket because the boat can feel windy and cool underway.

Leaving La Lonja Marina for the Mallorca coast

You meet the skipper and host at the marina gate 15 minutes before departure. The starting point is La Lonja Marina Charter, at Muelle de la Lonja in Palma, close to the old town and waterfront.

Give yourself extra time to find the exact gate. One past passenger found the marina location a little confusing, so do not arrive at the last minute. If you are driving, the listed nearby parking choices are Parc de la Mar and Parking Antonio Maura. From central Palma, the marina is well placed for combining the cruise with time in the old town, though you should still allow for walking from the car park.

Once aboard, the crew gives you a safety briefing and settles everyone into the catamaran. The boat has comfortable seating areas, sun sails, and several spots where you can sit or lie down. A small group matters here. Ten or 12 people can spread out, while a larger boat excursion often turns every swim ladder and sunny cushion into contested territory.

The catamaran is part of the experience, not just transportation. It gives you broad views over the Bay of Palma and a stable platform for sitting, eating, and getting in and out of the water. Several people especially liked having room at the front, back, and upper deck, so you can change your view during the trip.

Four hours of sailing, views, and open water

The daytime trip lasts four hours. The basic rhythm is simple: leave Palma, sail along the coast, anchor in a scenic bay, enjoy food and water activities, then cruise back to La Lonja Marina.

The sailing time gives you a different view of Palma. From the water, the city’s waterfront and coastline become part of one wide scene, and the journey itself is as important as the stop. If you like the feeling of being out at sea but do not want a full-day charter, four hours is a sensible length.

The crew may use the engine for parts of the route, and one skipper made a special effort to open the sails during the return journey. How much pure sailing you get can depend on wind and weather, so do not book this as a guaranteed sail-only outing. Think of it as a catamaran cruise with sailing when conditions allow.

Music plays through the onboard system. You might find the mood quiet and easygoing, or more social if your group is lively. Past groups have included families, couples, friends, and a bachelorette party, and the boat has also allowed private groups to enjoy their own music. The limited capacity keeps the atmosphere from feeling like a mass excursion.

Anchoring in a calm Bay of Palma cove

The main stop is in a beautiful bay with clear blue-green water. This is where the trip becomes more than sightseeing. You can swim directly from the boat, snorkel with the provided equipment, try a stand-up paddleboard, use a float, or stay aboard under the sun sails.

The water stop is one of the strongest reasons to book. Several people found the bay calm and especially attractive, with fish visible while snorkeling. The equipment is included for the daytime trip, so you do not need to pack your own mask, snorkel, or paddleboard.

Plan your time sensibly. A four-hour trip includes the outward cruise, the stop, serving food, and the ride home. Some groups wished they had more time for two separate swimming locations. In practice, you are more likely to get one main water stop, though the exact route can change with conditions.

I suggest getting into the water early if swimming is your priority. Food may be served while the boat is anchored, and some people felt that eating during the swimming period took away from time in the bay. If you want a long swim, go in first, then dry off and settle in for tapas.

The boat also provides a good option for non-swimmers. You can sit in the shade, take photographs, listen to music, and enjoy the coast without joining the water activities. That makes the trip easier for mixed groups, though anyone expecting a full afternoon of constant swimming may find the schedule short.

Tapas, welcome drinks, and the real food value

Your ticket includes a welcome drink, water, and freshly made tapas to share. The welcome drink has often been cava or sparkling wine, though one family wished there had been a choice for people who did not want sparkling wine.

The food seems designed as a pleasant onboard snack or light meal, not a restaurant-sized lunch. Tapas have been praised for flavor and quality, but one person described the serving as a few light snacks. You should eat something beforehand if you need a substantial meal, especially if you plan to swim and paddleboard.

Extra drinks cost more. You can buy wine, beer, soft drinks, cocktails, long drinks, cava, or champagne aboard. That flexibility is useful, but it also means the final cost can rise above the $117 starting price if you order several drinks.

I see the food and welcome drink as part of the comfort package rather than the main value. The real value is the small boat, the equipment, the bay stop, and the chance to spend four hours on the water without arranging a private charter. If you compare it with a basic sightseeing cruise, this includes far more activity. If you compare it with a private yacht charter, the shared format keeps the price much lower.

What the crew adds to the experience

The crew is a major part of this outing. You have a skipper and a host or hostess aboard, with English and Spanish available. The staff handles the route, safety, food, drinks, and water equipment, leaving you free to enjoy the day.

Names vary by departure, but past trips have included Linda, Mila, Tilla, Monica, Carla, Brian, Angel, Andres, Federico, Sisqo, and Annie. The repeated pattern is attentive service. Crew members have helped with swimming equipment, looked after someone feeling seasick, and changed plans when weather made the original route less comfortable.

That flexibility matters on the Mediterranean. Weather can shift, and a quick storm or rougher water can change the best place to stop. The crew has sometimes taken a different route to protect the quality of the outing. You should still understand that poor weather can affect sailing, swimming, and visibility.

One group experienced a minor technical delay, but the crew responded with extra drinks and an accommodating attitude. That does not erase the inconvenience, but it shows the practical value of having a responsive team aboard.

If you are prone to seasickness, tell the crew early. One passenger received helpful care during part of the trip. Bring a light jacket or hoodie, even in warm weather, since the moving boat can feel chilly and windy.

Is the catamaran genuinely comfortable?

For a boat trip at this price, comfort is central. The catamaran has seating at multiple levels, sun protection, and room to move around. The small capacity helps you avoid the cramped feeling that can spoil a shared cruise.

The boat has been described as beautiful, clean, new, and well maintained. You can sit at the front for the strongest sense of motion, stay toward the back for an easier ride, or use the upper deck for a wider view. Exact seating and the feel of the ride can vary with the boat assigned and the sea conditions.

There is no smoking allowed. Bring sunscreen and a hat because shaded areas may not cover everyone at all times. Sunglasses are useful for glare off the water, and a towel is essential after swimming.

Photography is encouraged, and the route gives you plenty of chances for coastal pictures. Protect your phone near the water, and do not let taking photographs replace the swim if that is your main reason for booking.

Daytime trip or evening sailing?

The main experience is the four-hour daytime option. This is the choice for swimming, snorkeling, SUP boards, floats, and sunbathing.

There is also a two-hour evening option starting at 7:00 PM. The sunset departure does not include the daytime water equipment, so choose it for a shorter cruise, views, drinks, and the changing light rather than for swimming and paddleboarding.

That distinction is easy to miss and important. If you want the full active experience, select the four-hour daytime trip. If you prefer a shorter outing after sightseeing in Palma, the evening cruise may suit you better.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would choose this tour for couples, friends, families, and small celebrations. A bachelorette group found the boat spacious and festive without feeling crowded, while families appreciated the mix of swimming, food, music, and relaxed seating.

It also suits people who want a social outing without a party-boat atmosphere. You will share the catamaran with other people, but the limited group size makes it easier to talk and meet fellow passengers.

This is less suitable if you want a private yacht, a full restaurant lunch, or several hours at multiple swimming locations. It is also not ideal for anyone who dislikes wind, boat motion, or the possibility of a weather-related route change.

For a mixed group, the experience works well because you do not have to swim. Some can use the SUP boards and snorkels, while others can remain aboard with a drink and the coastal view.

Practical details before you book

The price is listed at $117 per person. That is not a budget boat ride, but it is fair for a four-hour, small-group catamaran trip with a skipper, host, fuel, taxes, insurance, a welcome drink, water, tapas, and daytime water equipment.

The price becomes more attractive if you value space. You are paying for a less crowded boat, not just a seat on the sea. A basic cruise might cost less, but it may not include swimming gear, paddleboards, food, or the same amount of room.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the booking system allows you to reserve now and pay later. Passport details are requested after confirmation for boat-law requirements.

Bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• A hat and sun protection for your shoulders
• A light jacket or hoodie
• A phone or camera for coastal photographs

Arrive 15 minutes early at the marina gate. Do not smoke aboard, and remember that additional alcoholic and soft drinks are not included.

My verdict: book it for the boat, not just the tapas

I would book this Palma catamaran trip if I wanted a relaxed half-day on the sea with good space, a small group, and a real chance to swim. The strongest parts are the comfortable catamaran, the clear-water bay, the included equipment, and a crew that appears willing to adapt when conditions change.

I would set the right expectations about the meal. The tapas are a welcome part of the trip, but they may not replace lunch, and serving them during the water stop can cut into swimming time. Eat beforehand if you need more than a light meal.

Choose the daytime option for swimming and snorkeling. Choose the two-hour evening trip for a shorter cruise without daytime water equipment. For anyone trying to avoid an overcrowded party boat while still enjoying music, drinks, food, and Mallorca’s coast, this is a strong choice at $117.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour leave from?

The tour leaves from La Lonja Marina Charter at Muelle de la Lonja in Palma, Balearic Islands. Meet the skipper and host at the marina gate 15 minutes before departure.

How long is the daytime trip?

The daytime catamaran trip lasts four hours. The itinerary includes sailing from Palma, a break in the Bay of Palma, swimming and tapas, and the return to La Lonja Marina Charter.

Is there an evening option?

Yes. A two-hour evening option starts at 7:00 PM. The sunset option does not include SUP boards, floats, snorkels, or paddleboarding.

How many people are on the boat?

The group is limited to 10 participants in the booking information, while the boat description gives a maximum of 10 to 12 people. The shared catamaran is intended to remain a small-group experience.

Are snorkeling gear and paddleboards included?

For the four-hour daytime trip, snorkeling equipment, SUP boards, floats, and paddleboarding equipment are included. These activities are not included on the sunset option.

Is food included?

Yes. The trip includes freshly made tapas to share, a welcome drink, and water. The tapas are best understood as a light meal or substantial snack rather than a guaranteed full lunch.

Are extra drinks included?

No. Wine, beer, soft drinks, cocktails, long drinks, cava, and champagne are available to purchase at an additional cost.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, sunscreen, and some protection for your head and shoulders. A jacket or hoodie is also recommended because it can feel windy and chilly aboard the moving catamaran.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The booking also offers a reserve-now, pay-later option.