Palma de Mallorca: 5-Hour Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Swim

Mallorca’s best feature on this cruise is the simple one: you spend a long, lazy stretch of the day on the sea, with time to swim straight from the catamaran into clear water. I like the two swim stops and the fact that lunch is cooked aboard, so the day feels like more than a boat ride between photo stops. I also like the easygoing mix of music, sangria, and open views along Palma’s south coast.

The main consideration is size. This is a popular catamaran, not a quiet private sail. The boat can feel busy at boarding, and the second swimming stop may be less scenic than the first. The route changes with the wind, so you should treat Portals Vells and Cala Vella as likely destinations, not fixed promises.

Key points to know before booking

• Two chances to swim: One stop is usually at Portals Vells or Cala Vella, followed by another nearby cove.
• A full meal is included: Expect barbecue chicken, skewers, sausages, salads, cake, water, soft drinks, coffee, juice, Mallorcan wine, and sangria with the meal.
• Afternoon departures can catch sunset: The 3:30 PM sailing often returns with warm evening light over Palma.
• Snorkeling costs a refundable deposit: Bring €10 in cash if you want the boat’s mask and snorkel.
• The boat is social and spacious: It suits families, couples, solo visitors, and groups, but not anyone seeking an intimate private cruise.
• Weather controls the route: Wind and sea conditions can change both the coves visited and the swimming plan.

Five hours on Mallorca’s south coast

For $69, this is a well-priced way to put a full half-day on the Mediterranean. You are not paying only for transport. The fare includes the catamaran, two planned water stops, a barbecue buffet, drinks throughout the trip, snorkeling equipment with deposit, and crew service.

That combination matters in Palma, where a simple boat outing can quickly become expensive once meals and drinks are added. Here, you can settle in for five hours without having to plan lunch or find a beach restaurant at the last minute.

You can choose a 10 AM departure or a 3:30 PM departure. The morning sailing gives you a classic day at sea, while the afternoon option works well if you want swimming, dinner, and sunset light on the way back. Several people particularly enjoyed the late sailing for its views near Palma Cathedral as the boat returned.

The pace is deliberately unhurried. Expect roughly an hour of sailing before reaching the first swimming area, though the exact timing depends on wind and conditions. That travel time is part of the experience. You watch the harbor recede, pass yachts and cruise ships, and see Palma from the water instead of from another city street.

Finding Magic Catamarans at the Port of Palma

The meeting point is at the Port of Palma, at the dock in front of the Auditorium de Palma on Passeig Marítim. Look for the boat marked Magic Catamarans on the harbor side of the pier.

Arrive 30 minutes early. Boarding can involve many people, and the starting area may not be obvious at first. One useful practical lesson is to avoid arriving at the last minute, especially if you need time to find the correct line or pier.

Parking near the port is very limited. If you are driving, check the suggested parking location before leaving rather than hoping to find a space beside the dock. Public transport or a taxi may be less stressful, but no transfer is included with the cruise.

The boat has English and Spanish-speaking guides. Crew members handle the swimming setup, food, and drinks, and the overall tone is cheerful rather than formal. Captain Perez was singled out for his friendly service on one sailing, but crew assignments can vary by departure.

Leaving Palma with harbor views

The first part of the cruise is a pleasant change of scene. Palma’s port is full of large cruise ships, private yachts, and working harbor activity, while the cathedral and waterfront give you a strong sense of place.

As the catamaran moves along the south coast, you get broad sea views and a look at the resort-lined shore. This is not a guided coastal history tour. One thing I would like to see is more commentary about the coves and landmarks, since the focus is clearly on relaxing rather than explaining every view.

The catamaran itself gives you room to move around. You can sit, stand, take photos, or shift positions during the sailing. Since one side may have better sun or views at a given moment, moving around is useful. The boat is large enough that a full departure does not automatically mean you will be packed shoulder to shoulder, though the experience remains social and shared.

Music is part of the atmosphere. Expect Spanish songs and a playlist aimed at keeping the mood light. Some people enjoy the dancing and party feel, while others may prefer a quieter sail. If you want calm solitude, bring realistic expectations. This is closer to a friendly day at sea than a silent yacht charter.

The first cove: the best time for swimming and snorkeling

The first stop is usually Portals Vells or Cala Vella, depending on the wind. Both are associated with clear turquoise water and nearby beaches, which makes this the part of the cruise most likely to deliver the postcard scene.

The catamaran anchors near the coast, and you can jump from the boat into the sea. The water is often shallow enough near the shoreline to see small fish, although visibility can change after rain or rough weather. Bring your own mask if you have one, or use the boat’s equipment after paying the €10 refundable cash deposit.

This first stop is where the snorkeling is usually most rewarding. You may see small fish and other local marine life close to the rocky shore. It is also the better choice for anyone who does not want to swim far from the boat, since the coast provides a more defined setting than open water.

Swimming ability still matters. You enter from the catamaran, not from a gently sloping beach, and the sea can be choppy. Life vests are available for adults and children, so ask the crew if you want extra support. Families with children ages six and seven have found the setup manageable, but parents should stay attentive during every water stop.

Time in the water varies. One sailing had a shorter first swim and a longer second stop, while another offered a generous stretch at the first cove. The crew prepares the meal during this part of the cruise, so you may spend your swim time watching the barbecue take shape on deck.

Barbecue lunch with a view of the sea

The meal is served as a buffet, usually with grilled chicken breast, skewers, sausages, fresh salads, and cake. Bread and fruit have also been served on some sailings. It is straightforward boat food, not a gourmet restaurant meal, but it is filling and well matched to a day of swimming.

I like the timing. You can swim first, then return to the boat hungry and eat without giving up a separate hour in a harbor restaurant. The crew cooks aboard, which adds a pleasant smell and a bit of theater to the stop.

Water, soft drinks, coffee, and juice are available throughout the excursion. Mallorcan wine and sangria are included with the meal. Other alcoholic drinks can be bought at the bar, but only card payments are accepted onboard, and American Express is not accepted.

The food suits most mixed groups reasonably well, though the menu is limited. If you need a vegetarian option, contact Magic Catamarans before departure. Do not assume that a special meal will appear automatically.

Cake provides dessert, and fruit may also be offered later. The focus is abundance and convenience rather than culinary discovery. If you judge boat trips by the meal alone, you may find it basic. If you judge the meal as part of a five-hour sea outing at this price, it is fair value.

The second stop and the limits of the promise

After lunch, the catamaran heads to a second cove or anchorage nearby. This gives you another chance to swim, cool off, and enjoy the water after eating.

The quality of the second stop can vary more than the first. Some sailings reach another attractive coastal cove, while others anchor in deeper water with less visible marine life and no especially dramatic beach nearby. You can still enjoy a refreshing swim, but do not expect both stops to look equally beautiful.

This is one place where wind direction matters. The captain chooses safer water and adjusts the route when the sea is rough. That is a good tradeoff, even if it means losing a particular cove from your plans.

Some people spend 30 minutes at one stop and 90 minutes at the next. Others report only one clear swimming stop, likely because conditions or the day’s schedule required a change. The published plan is two stops, but the sea gets the final say.

If you care most about snorkeling, use the first stop well. The second is best treated as extra water time rather than a guaranteed second snorkeling site.

Afternoon light, Palma Cathedral, and the sail home

The 3:30 PM departure has a special advantage. After swimming and eating, you may sail back as the sun drops lower, giving the water and coast warmer color.

On some afternoon trips, the catamaran passes close to Palma Cathedral for photographs. Seeing the cathedral from the water creates a satisfying final view, especially after spending the day away from the city. It is not a dedicated cathedral cruise, so the stop is brief, but keep your camera ready.

Sunset conditions depend on the season, clouds, and exact route. In late summer and early autumn, the return can be particularly scenic. By October, the water may still be warm enough for swimming, though conditions will feel less predictable than in August.

The boat’s music often continues on the return sail. That can turn the final stretch into a small party, with dancing and drinks, or simply provide a soundtrack while you sit on deck. You can enjoy the mood without joining in.

Who will enjoy this catamaran cruise?

This is a strong choice for you if you want an easy water day without arranging several separate activities. Families get life vests, a spacious boat, food, and a clear structure. Couples can choose the afternoon sailing for sunset and a more festive evening feel.

Solo visitors can also fit in comfortably. The social setup makes it easy to be around people without needing to arrive with a group. The cruise has drawn a wide age range, from young children to older adults, so it is not aimed only at young partygoers.

Swimmers and snorkelers will get the most from the trip. You should be comfortable entering the water from a boat and spending time at anchorages. If you mainly want coastal sightseeing from a dry seat, the long swim periods may feel like too much of the day.

This is less suitable for you if you want a private sailing, a quiet luxury setting, or detailed cultural commentary. The crew is friendly and helpful, but the main product is leisure, not a history lesson.

What to bring and what to expect onboard

Bring swimwear, sun protection, a towel, and cash for the €10 snorkeling deposit. The deposit is refundable when the equipment is returned. You can also bring your own snorkeling gear and avoid borrowing a set.

A waterproof phone pouch is useful for photographs from the water, though the supplied information does not promise any photo service. Keep valuables simple, since you will move between deck, swimming, and meal areas.

Wear footwear that is easy to remove. The boat provides life vests for adults and children. Drinks are available, but remember that onboard purchases use cards only, with no American Express.

The route may change because of weather. That can mean a different cove, altered sailing times between stops, or a swimming area that is safer but less striking. The captain’s priority is a workable sea day, not a rigid promise to visit one named beach.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful if your Palma schedule depends on weather, though you still need to arrive at the correct dock on time.

Is the $69 price fair?

At $69, the value is strongest if you plan to swim, eat onboard, and use the included drinks. A five-hour boat outing with a barbecue and two water stops would cost more if you booked a private boat or paid separately for lunch and refreshments.

The price does not buy exclusivity. You share the catamaran with a sizeable group, and the atmosphere can include music, dancing, and lines during boarding. The meal is practical rather than refined, and the second cove may be ordinary compared with the first.

Still, the package covers the core costs that can catch you by surprise elsewhere. You get the boat, food, nonalcoholic drinks, wine and sangria with the meal, equipment access, and crew support. I consider that a solid deal for a half-day in Mallorca.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want good water time, a filling meal, and a sociable boat atmosphere without spending private-charter money. Choose the afternoon departure if sunset, music, and views of Palma Cathedral appeal to you.

Skip it if you want a small, quiet sail or a carefully guided tour of Mallorca’s coast. Also think twice if you dislike changing plans, since wind can alter the coves and the second stop may not match the first.

For most visitors with a free half-day in Palma, this is an easy and enjoyable way to get out on the Mediterranean. Bring cash for the snorkeling deposit, arrive early, and treat the named coves as weather-dependent targets. That is the practical formula for getting the most from the $69 fare.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran leave from?

The departure point is the Port of Palma, at the dock in front of the Auditorium de Palma on Passeig Marítim. Look for the Magic Catamarans boat on the harbor side of the pier.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 30 minutes before departure. Boarding can involve many people, and parking near the port is very limited.

How long is the cruise?

The activity lasts five hours. Departures are listed for 10 AM and 3:30 PM, subject to availability.

Which coves does the cruise visit?

The route usually includes Portals Vells or Cala Vella, plus another nearby cove. The exact route can change with wind and weather conditions.

Are two swimming stops included?

The planned experience includes two swimming stops. Conditions can affect the route and timing, so the exact number and location may change.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks and snorkeling equipment are available with a €10 refundable cash deposit. Life vests for adults and children are also provided.

What food is included?

The buffet includes barbecue meats such as chicken breast, skewers, and sausages, along with fresh salads and cake. Vegetarian requests should be arranged with the activity provider in advance.

What drinks are included?

Water, soft drinks, coffee, and juice are available during the excursion. Mallorcan wine and sangria are included with the meal. Other alcoholic drinks can be purchased at the bar by card.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.