Palma: Cueva Verde and Cala Vella Catamaran Cruise with BBQ

The sea does most of the entertaining here. This 5.5-hour cruise from Palma combines two beautiful swim stops, a stylish catamaran, and a generous meal, with Cueva Verde and Cala Vella providing the main scenery. I especially like the uncrowded setup and the well-timed return toward Palma, when the coastline and cathedral look their best. The main catch is that cocktails are not included and can be expensive.

I also like that Oasis Catamaran limits bookings to 55 people on a boat built for 87, so you are not packed shoulder to shoulder. The food is filling, the crew is friendly, and paddleboards are included. Just remember that weather can change the route, and the boat does not supply hotel transfers.

Key points to know before you book

• Two swim stops: Cueva Verde offers time in a sheltered cove, while Cala Vella adds paddleboarding and snorkeling in a marine nature reserve.
• Less crowding: The catamaran can carry 87 people but admits a maximum of 55, a useful advantage on a long half-day cruise.
• Food is included: Expect appetizers, a barbecue-style meal, dessert, and water. Other drinks cost extra.
• The boat is part of the experience: It is modern, clean, spacious, and fitted with a bar, shower, paddleboards, and music.
• Sunset timing matters: Afternoon departures can bring fine sunset views of Palma and the cathedral on the way back.
• Come prepared for swimming: Bring a swimsuit, towel, and sun hat. Shoes are not worn indoors, and high heels are not allowed.

Leaving Palma Bay on a roomy catamaran

The trip begins at the Port of Palma. Look for the boat marked OASIS CATAMARAN. Hotel pickup is not included, so you will need to make your own way to the port.

The first useful fact is the passenger limit. The catamaran has room for 87 people, but Oasis admits no more than 55. That does not mean you will always have an empty deck, but it helps explain why the boat feels more relaxed than some of the tightly packed party boats leaving Palma.

Past passengers describe a clean, stylish vessel with enough seating to spread out. The rear area is available while the boat is moving, but the front nets are off limits under way. There are only two sunbeds, so do not count on claiming one unless you arrive early and are willing to wait before boarding.

The boat also has a bar, a shower, toilets, and music. You will be asked to leave shoes indoors, which keeps the deck cleaner but can make the toilet area less pleasant if the floor gets wet. Bring sandals for the boarding area, but expect to remove them on board.

Cueva Verde: your first swim in clear water

The route heads toward Cueva Verde, a scenic cove where the first water stop takes place. The appeal is simple: you get off the deck and into the sea rather than spending the full five hours looking at it.

You have free time to swim, cool off, and enjoy an aperitif before the cruise continues. This is a good first stop because it lets you settle into the rhythm of the day. You can swim for a while, return to the boat, dry off, and have something to eat without rushing straight into the main meal.

The water is described as turquoise and clear, and several outings have included views of fish while swimming. Snorkeling is part of the general experience, but equipment availability is not fully spelled out. Some information indicates snorkeling gear can be purchased, so if snorkeling is important to you, check the arrangement before you go rather than assuming equipment is included.

The cove can also be a good place for a simple jump from the boat, if conditions and crew instructions allow. The crew controls the swimming setup, so follow their directions closely. Sea conditions may change the route or the amount of time spent at a stop.

Cala Vella and the marine reserve

The second stop is Cala Vella, described as a marine nature reserve. This is where the paddleboards come into their own. You can paddle across the clear water, swim, and look below the surface from the boat’s swimming area.

I like the contrast between the two stops. Cueva Verde is presented as a sheltered cove for a refreshing swim, while Cala Vella gives you more ways to move around. If you enjoy a little activity between meals and sunbathing, this is the more useful stop.

The water may look calm and inviting, but sea life is still wild. One outing involved several jellyfish stings, and the crew helped with the affected swimmers. That is a good reason to ask about conditions before getting in and to treat the crew’s advice seriously. Life jackets are available, but the boat does not promise a full range of flotation aids for weak swimmers. If someone in your group needs extra support, ask ahead of time and consider bringing suitable approved equipment if permitted.

You may get a chance to use a paddleboard, but equipment is shared among the people on board. The experience is not a private paddleboarding lesson. Think of it as an added activity during a swimming stop.

The barbecue meal, snacks, and dessert

Food is included in the $109 price, and the meal is one reason the cruise offers fair value. The day includes appetizers, a freshly prepared barbecue-style meal, dessert, and water.

The exact spread can vary. Food served on different departures has included hot dogs, chicken, corn, salad, quiche, cheese, crackers, melon, and other snacks. Some people preferred the first snack service to the main meal, while others found the barbecue substantial and delicious.

That mixed reaction is worth noting. This is not a restaurant meal at sea, and the word barbecue may set expectations higher than the actual menu on some days. One person felt the food was mostly hot dogs and chicken, while another said it was among the better tour meals they had eaten. The safest reading is that you will receive a plentiful, casual meal, but not a carefully designed gourmet menu.

Vegetarian and vegan needs should be raised in advance. A vegan meal was prepared successfully for one passenger who gave notice ahead of time. Do not rely on a last-minute request once the boat has left the port.

The meal service is spaced through the cruise rather than delivered all at once. That helps the five and a half hours pass naturally. You swim, return for food, relax, and continue watching the coast instead of sitting through one long lunch.

Drinks cost extra, and prices vary by choice

Water is included. Alcoholic drinks, cocktails, mixed drinks, and other bar purchases are not.

Beer and cava have been described as reasonably priced on some departures, while cocktails have drawn more criticism. Prices as high as €20 for a cocktail were mentioned, and several people felt mixed drinks were expensive. Others found the drinks acceptable for a bar in Palma.

My advice is simple: treat the bar as an optional extra, not part of the advertised value. If you want a drink with lunch, budget for it. If you are happy with water, the included meal and boat experience make the price easier to justify.

You cannot bring your own food or drinks on board. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and passengers must not board intoxicated. The rules also ban speakers, fishing, aerosols, fire, pets, party groups, and bachelor or bachelorette groups. This is aimed at a calm day on the water, not a floating nightclub.

The return to Palma can be the best part

The route back follows Palma Bay, with views of the coast from the water. Afternoon departures are especially appealing because the return can line up with sunset.

Several outings have been timed so passengers see Palma’s cathedral and harbor in the softer evening light. One cruise even went around the harbor for a closer cathedral view. The exact route depends on the day and the sea, so do not treat this as guaranteed, but sunset is a strong reason to consider an afternoon departure if multiple start times are available.

Music plays during the ride. The tone is social and relaxed, with enough atmosphere to keep the trip from feeling like a silent ferry crossing. It is not the right choice if you want a quiet sailing lesson or a nature trip with no soundtrack.

The return also gives you time to dry off, order a drink, and enjoy the boat itself. You are not rushed from one attraction to the next. That pacing is one of the best features of the outing.

How the $109 price holds up

At $109 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get into the water around Palma. You are paying for a half-day catamaran, two stops, paddleboards, crew service, food, water, and a less crowded boat.

The value improves if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat ride, lunch, and access to swimming equipment. It also improves for people who care about comfort. A modern catamaran with open seating, a bar, a shower, and a controlled passenger count is a different proposition from a basic excursion boat with every seat filled.

The value drops if you mainly want a quick swim and do not care about the boat, meal, or music. You will also spend more than expected if you order several cocktails. Add hotel transport costs if your accommodation is outside easy reach of the port.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The route can change with weather and sea conditions, so keep your plans flexible around the sailing itself.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this trip to couples, families with older children, and small groups who want swimming and comfort in equal measure. The two stops give you activity, while the deck, meal, music, and bar make it easy to relax between them.

It suits you particularly well if you want a polished boat day without a packed party atmosphere. It also works for mixed groups, since one person can paddleboard while another stays on deck with a drink or dessert.

You should think twice if you dislike music, want guaranteed snorkeling equipment, need a fully private boat, or expect a high-end restaurant barbecue. People with limited swimming ability should ask about flotation support before booking. The crew provides life jackets, but extra floatation gear is not clearly promised.

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, and towel. Use plenty of sun protection, and arrive ready for a full half-day outside. There may be no shade or restroom while you wait at the port, so do not arrive far too early without checking the boarding arrangements.

Should you book the Cueva Verde and Cala Vella cruise?

Yes, if you want an easy, polished day on the water with two swim stops and a proper meal. The strongest reasons to book are the limited passenger count, friendly crew, clean catamaran, good pacing, paddleboards, and the chance of a beautiful sunset over Palma.

Go in with realistic expectations about the food and bar. The barbecue is casual rather than gourmet, and cocktails can be costly. Snorkeling equipment may require a separate purchase, and weather can alter the route.

For the best version of the day, choose an afternoon sailing if available, tell the operator about dietary needs in advance, bring your own towel and sun hat, and do not count on a front net or sunbed. If that sounds like your kind of Palma afternoon, the $109 price is reasonable for the amount of time and comfort included.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart from?

It departs from the Port of Palma. Look for the boat marked OASIS CATAMARAN.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts 5.5 hours.

What locations does the cruise visit?

The route includes the Cueva Verde cove and Cala Vella, a marine nature reserve.

Are swimming stops included?

Yes. The cruise includes time to swim at the stops, subject to weather and sea conditions.

Are paddleboards included?

Yes. Paddleboards are included for use during the trip.

Is food included in the price?

Yes. The included food consists of appetizers, a barbecue-style meal, dessert, and water.

Are drinks included?

Water is included. Cocktails, mixed drinks, alcohol, and other bar beverages are available to purchase separately.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, and a towel.

Can the route change?

Yes. The route may change depending on weather and sea conditions.