Palma: Cueva Verde and Cala Vella Catamaran Cruise with BBQ

The best part of this Palma cruise is the mix of two proper swim stops and an easy half-day at sea. You sail from Palma to Cueva Verde, then Cala Vella’s marine reserve, with time to swim, paddleboard, eat, and watch the coast slide past.

I like the limited capacity: the catamaran can hold 87 people, but Oasis sells no more than 55 places. I also like the way the day is paced, with snacks at one stop, a barbecue later, and a possible sunset view on the return. The main caution is the food. Many people enjoy it, but some find the barbecue more like a simple hotdog-and-chicken buffet than a special grill meal.

Key points

• Two swim stops: Cueva Verde and Cala Vella offer clear water, with time to swim more than once.
• A roomy boat: The 87-person catamaran is limited to a maximum of 55 passengers.
• Food included: Expect appetizers, a hot meal, dessert, and water, while other drinks cost extra.
• Paddleboards onboard: You can use the supplied boards at Cala Vella.
• Sunset possibility: Afternoon departures can return with sunset views of Palma and the cathedral.
• Weather matters: The captain may change the route when sea or weather conditions require it.

From Palma Port to the First Swim Stop

You meet the boat at Oasis Catamaran in the Port of Palma. Hotel transfers are not included, so plan your own way to the port and allow time to find the correct vessel. One practical warning: the waiting area may have little shade and no restroom, so arrive prepared rather than standing in the midday heat with nothing but your booking confirmation.

Once onboard, you have several places to settle in. The catamaran has a polished, modern feel, but this is still an active boat trip, not a formal yacht charter. You can sit at the back, find a place along the sides, or claim one of the limited sunbeds early. One useful detail from the onboard setup is that the front nets are off limits while the boat is moving, so do not count on lying there for the whole crossing.

The boat can carry 87 people, yet the operator limits the trip to 55. That difference matters. A full catamaran can feel like a floating queue at the swim ladder, but this limit leaves more room to sit, move around, and use the water equipment. Actual departures can be smaller still, with one account describing 36 passengers and another noting 52 people plus four crew.

The route begins along Palma Bay, giving you changing views of the city and coast. Music plays onboard, adding a holiday feel without turning the trip into a floating nightclub. The experience suits people who want a social day with a little energy, but it is not designed around loud party groups. Bachelor and bachelorette groups are not accepted.

Cueva Verde: Clear Water and a Relaxed First Stop

The first main stop is Cueva Verde, a cove known for bright, clear water. The boat anchors here and gives you free time to swim. The appeal is simple: you leave the city behind, step off the catamaran, and spend time in the sea rather than rushing through a quick photo stop.

I would use this first stop to get comfortable in the water. You can swim from the boat, enjoy the view of the cove, and take an aperitif before moving on. The supplied information specifically includes paddleboards, while snorkeling gear is less clear. One booking note says snorkels can be purchased onboard, so bring your own if snorkeling is important to you rather than assuming a mask and fins are included.

The water may be calm and inviting, but conditions can change. Life jackets are available, and you should listen to the crew before entering the sea. If you are not a strong swimmer, ask what flotation support is available before you jump in. One useful suggestion from a past passenger was for families to bring their own floaties, since extra floating toys are not guaranteed.

There may also be jellyfish. A few people were stung during a stop at the second location, and the crew helped with the discomfort and first aid. That does not mean jellyfish will be present on your trip, but it is sensible to look before entering and follow the crew’s instructions.

Cala Vella Marine Reserve and the Paddleboards

The second stop is Cala Vella, a marine nature reserve with clear water and a more active feel. This is where the supplied paddleboards come into play. You can paddle around the boat, look down into the water, or simply swim and float while the catamaran remains anchored.

The two-stop layout is one of the tour’s strongest features. You do not have to cram every water activity into one short break. You can swim at Cueva Verde, eat or relax during the transfer, and then get back into the water at Cala Vella. Several hours at sea pass quickly when the itinerary is spaced this way.

Do not expect a guided marine biology session. The crew provides the setting and equipment, but the activity is self-directed. If you want a quiet swim, choose your moment. If you want to paddleboard, do it early in the stop, since popular equipment can be in use.

The catamaran has a shower, which is a welcome detail after swimming. Shoes are not worn indoors, and high heels are not allowed. Bring a towel, swimsuit, and sun hat, and use the onboard spaces with clean, dry feet when possible. The boat’s toilet area drew one complaint about cleanliness, particularly with the no-shoes rule, so keep expectations practical rather than treating the vessel like a private yacht.

What You Actually Eat on the 5.5-Hour Cruise

Food is included in the $109 price: appetizers, a barbecue meal, dessert, and water. The exact spread can vary, but examples include chicken, hotdogs, corn, salad, quiche, cheese, crackers, melon, and other cold items. A homemade dessert is also part of the advertised meal.

The first food service may be better than the main course for some tastes. Cold snacks and appetizers can include meat, cheese, crackers, and similar easy-to-serve items. Later, the barbecue-style meal is served onboard. Many people find it filling and freshly prepared, while others feel that hotdogs and chicken do not quite match the promise of a full barbecue.

That difference is worth noting because the meal affects the value calculation. If you are happy with a casual boat buffet, the included food makes the price more attractive. If you are expecting grilled seafood, premium cuts, or a restaurant-level meal, you may be disappointed. Think of it as substantial picnic food prepared during the cruise, not a gourmet lunch.

Vegetarian and vegan arrangements are possible when requested in advance. One vegan passenger received a special meal after notifying the operator beforehand. Make that request before the cruise rather than waiting until you board.

Drinks other than water are sold at the bar. Beer and cava can be more reasonable, while cocktails may feel expensive, with one account putting cocktails at around €20. Prices can change, but the pattern is clear: budget separately for drinks. You can also buy mixed drinks and other beverages onboard, but outside food and drinks are not allowed.

The Return to Palma and the Sunset Payoff

After the Cala Vella stop and meal, the boat turns back toward Palma Bay. The return is more about relaxing than adding another attraction. You can sit with a drink, listen to music, watch the coastline, and let the crew handle the sailing.

An afternoon departure can be a smart choice if you want the return to line up with sunset. Several people enjoyed the changing light over the water and the view of Palma Cathedral as the boat came back toward the harbor. The exact timing depends on the departure you choose and the season, so sunset should be treated as a pleasant possibility rather than a guaranteed feature.

The harbor approach can be especially nice. The catamaran may pass close enough to give you a good look at the cathedral and Palma’s waterfront before returning to port. If photography matters to you, keep your phone ready but protect it from spray. The boat’s sea views are the main attraction, and the return offers a calmer chance to take them in.

At 5.5 hours, the trip is long enough to feel like a real day on the water without consuming a full day of sightseeing in Mallorca. Still, the time can feel short because the itinerary includes two swimming stops, food service, and the cruise itself. If you want a quick harbor sail, this is too long. If you want a full coastal outing without arranging separate activities, the length works well.

How Luxury Is the Catamaran?

The boat is stylish, clean, and modern. That matters because you spend most of the experience onboard, including meals, transfers, and time between swim stops. The roomy design and passenger limit make it feel more comfortable than the packed excursion boats that leave Palma.

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the experience. You can expect an English- and Spanish-speaking team that handles boarding, food, water access, and general safety. Their work is friendly and efficient rather than overly formal. They also help when someone is uncomfortable in the water, including assisting with jellyfish stings.

There are tradeoffs. The boat is not a private charter, and the popular sunbeds are scarce. One account noted only two sunbeds, so you would need to arrive near the front of the boarding line if that is important to you. The best plan is to value the whole boat rather than chase one particular seat.

Music is part of the atmosphere. It received strong praise and helps fill the long stretches between stops. The mood can feel romantic for couples, easygoing for families, and sociable for groups of friends. Since speakers are not allowed, you cannot bring your own sound system, which keeps the onboard atmosphere controlled.

Is $109 a Fair Price?

At $109 per person, the tour is not the cheapest way to reach the sea from Palma. You are paying for a modern catamaran, a five-and-a-half-hour route, two swim locations, paddleboards, water, food, crew service, and the convenience of combining several activities in one booking.

The value is strongest if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat ride, lunch, water equipment, and a sunset outing. The passenger limit also adds real value. You are not paying for a crowded transfer with a brief swim stop, at least under the stated maximum of 55 people.

The value drops if you do not drink the included water, care about the barbecue, or plan to spend most of the time sitting still. Drinks cost extra, and cocktails can add a sizeable bill. If you are comparing prices, look at the full cost rather than the ticket alone.

The tour also has a flexible cancellation policy: you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. That is useful when your Mallorca plans depend on weather.

Who Will Enjoy This Palma Boat Trip?

I would choose this cruise for couples wanting a scenic day with a possible sunset, families who want swimming and food handled in one place, and groups of friends who enjoy music and a social boat setting. It also works for solo visitors who prefer a planned day rather than arranging transport and water activities alone.

It is a good fit for confident swimmers and people who enjoy being around the sea. Non-swimmers can still ride, eat, and relax, but you should ask the crew about flotation support before entering the water. Paddleboarding and swimming are central to the schedule, so this is not merely a sightseeing cruise.

I would think twice if you need a quiet, private atmosphere, a luxury restaurant meal, or guaranteed snorkeling equipment. I would also avoid booking it solely for one specific cove, since the captain can change the route for weather and sea conditions.

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, and towel. Avoid high heels, outside food and drinks, aerosols, speakers, and any alcohol or drugs. Pets, fishing, fire, costumes, and party-group behavior are also not permitted.

Should You Book the Oasis Catamaran Cruise?

You should book it if you want a well-paced day on the water, not just a short boat ride. The combination of two swim stops, a spacious catamaran, paddleboards, food, music, and Palma views makes the $109 fare reasonable for many visitors.

Go in with the right expectations. The boat and crew are the polished part of the experience, while the barbecue is casual and the drinks are extra. If you bring your own snorkeling gear, request any special meal early, and choose an afternoon departure for a chance at sunset, you will get more from the day.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart from?

The meeting point is at Oasis Catamaran in the Port of Palma. Hotel transfers are not included.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts 5.5 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Which swimming locations does the cruise visit?

The route includes Cueva Verde and Cala Vella, a marine nature reserve. The captain can change the route because of weather and sea conditions.

Is food included?

Yes. The price includes appetizers, a barbecue-style meal, dessert, and water.

Are drinks included?

Water is included, but cocktails, beer, cava, mixed drinks, and other beverages are available to purchase onboard.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Paddleboards are included. Snorkeling equipment is not clearly listed among the included items, and snorkels may be available to purchase onboard, so bring your own if snorkeling is important to you.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, and a towel. High heels are not allowed, and shoes are not worn indoors.