Palma de Mallorca: Deluxe Catamaran Sailing Tour with Meal

The best part of this Palma sailing trip is the breathing room. The Oasis can carry 57 people but takes no more than 36, so you can stretch out, move around, and enjoy Cala Vella without feeling packed into a floating bus. The clear-water swim stop and fresh meal cooked on board are the real draws.

I like the clean, modern boat and the friendly crew, who keep the mood relaxed rather than turning the trip into a loud party cruise. The daytime BBQ is generous, while the sunset option adds tapas, canapés, and views of Palma Cathedral on the return.

The main catch is the meeting point, which may not be clearly marked and can change. Check your messages, especially WhatsApp, before setting out. Cocktails also cost extra, and the ride can feel choppy if you are prone to seasickness.

Key points at a glance

• A smaller group by catamaran standards: No more than 36 people board, even though the Oasis has room for 57.
• Cala Vella swim stop: Expect crystalline water, rocky coves, and time for swimming, jumping from the boat, paddle boarding, and snorkeling.
• Two distinct versions: Choose a daytime cruise with a BBQ or an adults-only sunset trip with tapas and canapés.
• Fresh food on board: The daytime meal can include chicken, hot dogs, sweet corn, salad, bread, and dessert.
• Useful onboard comforts: There are two clean bathrooms, unlimited water, a bar, and plenty of deck space.
• A practical meeting-point warning: The map pin is useful, but the pickup area may have no obvious sign.

A calmer catamaran trip from Palma

Many boat trips around Mallorca sell the same basic idea: climb aboard, motor out of the harbor, stop for a swim, and return. The Oasis adds value by limiting the number of people.

That limit matters. With as many as 36 people aboard, you should have room to find a comfortable place in the sun or shade, take photos, and move toward the swim platform without squeezing past a crowd. Some departures have carried closer to 15 or 25 people, though you should plan for the full maximum rather than count on a half-empty boat.

The catamaran itself is one of the strongest parts of the outing. It is described as elegant, modern, and well kept, with clean toilets and open areas for sitting. This is not a bare-bones fishing boat with a few plastic seats. The Oasis is designed for comfort, but it still feels like a day on the sea rather than a formal yacht charter.

The standard cruise lasts about four to four and a half hours. That is long enough to make the trip feel worthwhile, yet short enough to fit comfortably into a Palma sightseeing day. You leave the Port of Palma, sail across the bay toward Cala Vella, spend time in the water, eat on board, and return to port.

Leaving Palma and settling into the Oasis

The departure is part of the experience. As the boat moves away from the port, you get a different view of Palma, with the city gradually opening behind you. The pace is generally easy, giving you time to settle in, order a drink, and find your preferred spot on deck.

The crew speaks English, French, German, and Spanish. The service is a recurring strength of the trip, with crew members helping passengers get comfortable, explaining what is happening, and keeping water available throughout the cruise. Some departures have included a welcome glass of champagne, although you should not assume this is offered every time.

You can buy drinks from the onboard bar, including beer, cocktails, mixed drinks, and non-alcoholic choices. Water is included and available throughout the outing. Prices vary by drink, but beer has been reported at about 3.50 euros, while cocktails can run around 10 to 20 euros. That is worth keeping in mind if you are comparing the total cost with a standard boat trip.

The boat usually creates a relaxed atmosphere with music. On some sunset trips, live saxophone has added a romantic touch and even turned the return ride into an impromptu dance session. That is a pleasant bonus, not a guaranteed part of the schedule.

Cala Vella is the main event

The boat heads toward Cala Vella, an area known for rocky coves and clear Mediterranean water. The stop is usually the highlight because it gives you time to get off the deck and into the sea rather than simply look at Mallorca from the rail.

The setting can be striking, with the catamaran anchored near cliffs and turquoise water. One described stop was near the Cap Rocat cliffs, where the rocky shoreline framed the swimming area. The precise anchorage can change with weather and sea conditions, so the location is not guaranteed to look exactly the same on every departure.

You can swim, jump from the boat, or simply sit at the edge and cool your feet. Paddle boards are included, and the boat carries several boards for shared use. If the boat is near its 36-person limit, you may need to wait your turn, but the reduced capacity makes that more manageable than on a packed cruise.

Snorkeling is also part of the activity, but snorkeling masks and tubes are not included for hygiene reasons. Bring your own set or buy one on the boat for 25 euros. This detail is easy to miss, so pack your equipment if seeing fish beneath the surface matters to you.

There is no promise of a long beach visit. This is a swim from the catamaran, not a shore excursion with time to wander a cove. That suits you if you want water sports and a refreshing dip. It may disappoint you if your ideal afternoon involves walking on a beach or exploring a village.

Daytime sailing includes a proper BBQ

Choose the daytime departure if food and swimming are your main priorities. Once the boat reaches the swimming area, the crew prepares a BBQ directly on board.

The meal can include grilled chicken, hot dogs, sweet corn, salad, bread rolls, cheese, and other small dishes. Portions have been described as generous, with enough food left over on some sailings. Dessert may appear during the return journey, adding a nice finish to the meal.

This is not a gourmet restaurant at sea, and the menu can vary. Still, cooking lunch aboard the catamaran makes the stop feel more complete. You swim, dry off in the sun, and then eat without having to leave the water or search for a restaurant.

Vegetarian and some dietary needs can be accommodated, but you should communicate restrictions in advance. The crew has handled dairy intolerance and other food requests, though it is sensible to confirm your needs before departure rather than rely on a last-minute arrangement.

The daytime option works especially well for families and mixed-age groups. Children can swim and use the paddle boards, and the schedule offers a clear balance of sailing, food, and water time. The sunset cruise, by contrast, is for adults aged 18 and over.

Sunset sailing brings a different mood

The sunset version follows the same general route toward Cala Vella, with time for a swim before the evening meal. Instead of the daytime BBQ, you receive tapas and canapés.

The return to Palma is the scenic payoff. As the light changes, you can look back toward the old town and Palma Cathedral from the water. The view is especially appealing if you want a romantic evening without committing to a full dinner cruise.

The food is designed for grazing rather than a single large plate. Tapas, small bites, and dessert suit the slower pace of the evening, though you may want to buy an additional drink if you are hungry or planning a long night afterward.

Bring an extra layer. The sea breeze can feel cool after sunset, especially when the boat is moving. Crew members have provided blankets when the return ride became chilly, but a light jacket is still the more reliable choice.

The sunset trip is a good pick for couples, anniversaries, and anyone who prefers a quieter evening on the water. Music is usually part of the atmosphere, but this is not sold as a bachelor or bachelorette party boat. Party groups are not allowed, and the mood is generally more polished than rowdy.

Food, drinks, and comfort on board

The combination of food and included equipment helps explain the 97 dollar price. You are paying for a four to four-and-a-half-hour cruise, a swim stop in a scenic area, a meal, unlimited water, paddle boards, insurance, and a smaller passenger count.

The bar is separate. Water is included, but cocktails, beer, wine, and other drinks cost extra. If you want several cocktails, the final bill can rise quickly. Beer is more modestly priced, while cocktails sit firmly in holiday-bar territory.

The boat has two bathrooms, and they have been kept clean. That may sound like a small point, but it matters on a four-hour cruise. You are not forced to choose between comfort and being on the water.

Shoes are not worn indoors, and high heels are not allowed. Wear practical, casual clothing and bring swimwear, a towel, a hat, and sun protection. The written instructions list sunscreen both as something to bring and as something not allowed, which is contradictory. Check the operator’s latest guidance before departure, and ask the crew what is permitted once you arrive.

Food and drinks from outside are not allowed. Coolers, drones, fishing equipment, pets, and alcohol or drugs are also prohibited. The rules make sense for a small, carefully managed boat, even if they mean you need to plan your packing.

The meeting point requires attention

This is the least polished part of the experience. The meeting point can vary depending on the option booked, and the pickup area may have no large sign or obvious Oasis branding.

The map pin has been accurate, with the boat meeting passengers by the pier near parked cars and stairs. A crew member should arrive to check you in, and the boat comes to that area to collect the group. Still, do not arrive at the last minute and assume you will instantly see the correct dock.

Check the booking details and your messages before leaving your hotel. One departure involved a meeting-point change communicated through WhatsApp rather than the main booking app. If you are staying in Palma, allow time to walk to the port and confirm the exact location.

There is no hotel pickup. You make your own way to the port, which is simple enough for anyone already in Palma but less convenient if you are staying far outside the city.

Weather, sailing conditions, and seasickness

The itinerary can change because of weather. The captain may adjust the route, swim stop, or sailing plan to protect the group. On calm days, the crew may raise the sails, giving you the quiet pleasure of moving with the wind rather than only under engine power.

On other days, the water can become choppy. If you suffer from motion sickness, take your usual precautions and consider bringing travel-sickness tablets. The catamaran is stable compared with many smaller boats, but no vessel can remove the movement of the sea.

The boat trip includes a substantial period of travel to and from Cala Vella. If you only want a quick swim, this may feel like too much time on board. If you enjoy being at sea, the journey is part of the reward, with views of Palma Bay and time to sit back without rushing from one activity to the next.

Who will get the most from this trip?

I would choose the Oasis for you if you want a polished boat outing without the crush of a large excursion vessel. It suits couples, families, small groups of friends, and solo visitors who enjoy meeting people in a relaxed setting.

The daytime sailing is the better fit for:

• Families with children
• Swimmers and paddle-board users
• Anyone who wants a filling BBQ
• Visitors who prefer daytime views and warmer water

The sunset sailing is better for:

• Couples and anniversary trips
• Adults looking for a romantic evening
• Anyone more interested in tapas and scenery than a large lunch
• People who want to see Palma Cathedral from the bay at dusk

I would not book it if you dislike boats, cannot tolerate a few hours at sea, or want a full beach day. It is also not the right choice for a party group, a bachelor or bachelorette event, or anyone expecting unlimited premium drinks.

Is the 97 dollar price worth it?

For Palma, 97 dollars is not the cheapest way to get on the water. You can find simpler boat outings for less. The better comparison, though, is what you receive for the higher price.

You get a newer-feeling catamaran, a deliberately limited passenger count, a meal, unlimited water, paddle boards, insurance, a swim stop, and several hours of sailing. The smaller capacity is the main value. A cheaper trip may place you on a boat filled close to its legal limit, leaving less room around the deck and swim area.

The food also helps. A BBQ cooked during the swim stop or an evening spread of tapas means you do not need to arrange a separate meal immediately afterward. Add a few paid drinks and the price rises, but the basic package remains easy to understand.

I see this as a good-value splurge, not a budget activity. If comfort, space, and clean facilities matter to you, the extra cost is easier to justify. If you mainly want transport to a swimming spot, choose a simpler cruise.

Final verdict: Should you book the Oasis?

I would book this tour if you want Mallorca from the water, with enough comfort to make the journey enjoyable. The strongest reasons are the 36-person limit, the well-kept catamaran, the scenic Cala Vella stop, and the meal prepared on board.

Choose the daytime version for the BBQ, longer-feeling beach-club energy, and easy family appeal. Choose sunset for tapas, Palma Cathedral views, and a more romantic atmosphere. Bring your own snorkeling gear, check WhatsApp for meeting-point changes, and budget separately for cocktails.

The meeting-point confusion and possible choppy water are real drawbacks, but they are manageable. For a relaxed half-day on the Mediterranean, the Oasis offers more space and care than many standard Palma boat trips.

FAQ

How long is the Palma catamaran tour?

The cruise lasts approximately four to four and a half hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want.

What is included in the daytime sailing?

The daytime option includes the catamaran cruise, appetizers, a BBQ lunch, unlimited water, paddle-board equipment, and insurance.

What is included in the sunset sailing?

The sunset option includes the catamaran cruise, tapas and canapés, unlimited water, paddle-board equipment, and insurance. The sunset option is for adults aged 18 and over.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling masks and tubes are not included for hygiene reasons. You can bring your own or buy a snorkeling set on the boat for 25 euros.

How many people are allowed on the boat?

The Oasis has capacity for 57 people, but this tour limits the number of passengers to a maximum of 36 for greater comfort.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited water is included. Other drinks, including cocktails, mixed drinks, and alcoholic beverages, are not included and can be purchased from the onboard bar.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sun protection. Casual clothing is recommended. Check the latest operator instructions about sunscreen, since the supplied information lists it both as an item to bring and as an item not allowed on board.