Mallorca Catamaran Cruise and Snorkeling Trip

Mallorca looks best from the water. This five-hour catamaran trip leaves Palma for the island’s southern coast, with views of Palma Cathedral, Cap Rocat, Cala Vella, and Cala Blava. I especially like the scenic sailing through Palma Bay and the generous lunch, which includes meat, vegetables, rice, salads, fruit, and ice cream. The crew is often friendly, and the boat gives you access to coves and cliffs you cannot reach by car.

The main catch is the title. This is sold as a snorkeling trip, but equipment is not included, and the boat may anchor in deep water rather than beside a reef or sandy beach. I also like the chance to swim from the catamaran, but crowding, extra charges for drinks and snorkel gear, and occasional loud music can change the mood.

Key points to know before sailing

• Five hours from Palma Port: The morning cruise begins around 9:30 or 9:45 am and returns to the same meeting point.
• Best scenery: Palma Bay, Palma Cathedral, Cap Rocat, Cala Vella, and Cala Blava provide the main coastal views.
• Swimming is the sure thing: You can jump from the boat or swim toward shore, weather and sea conditions permitting.
• Snorkeling costs extra: Equipment is not included. The supplied information says it can be bought aboard for €20, and some accounts describe limited equipment without fins.
• Lunch is included: Expect a broad buffet with meat, vegetables, salads, rice, spring rolls, samosas, bread, fruit, and ice cream.
• The atmosphere varies: A calm sailing day is possible, but a full boat, loud music, and alcohol sales may make it feel more like a party cruise.

Leaving Palma Port for a view of the bay

You meet the boat at Attraction Catamarans Mallorca, at Muelle Golondrina on Avenida de Gabriel Roca in Palma. The published start time is 9:45 am, while another description gives 9:30 am, so check your confirmation carefully and arrive early. The boat returns to this same port.

The opening part of the cruise is the easiest section for sightseeing. From the bay, you get a different view of Palma’s waterfront, with the Gothic bulk of Palma Cathedral rising above the city. The catamaran moves along the coast rather than taking you into the city, so this is a view-from-the-water experience, not a guided visit to the cathedral or old town.

I like this first stretch because it gives you time to settle in. You can find a seat, take photographs, and get used to the motion before the swimming stop. The boat has a bar, and drinks are available for purchase, but they are not included except for water during lunch. Some people find onboard drinks reasonably priced, while others consider them expensive.

The boat is described as modern and comfortable, but the number of people can matter more than the design. The official information gives a maximum of 100 participants, while several experiences describe a boat that felt close to full, and one account refers to capacity of up to 145. The practical lesson is simple: do not assume the promotional photographs represent a quiet, lightly occupied cruise.

Cap Rocat and Mallorca’s wilder southern coast

After Palma Bay, the route passes Cap Rocat. This is one of the more impressive parts of the cruise, with steep cliffs, rough rock, and a coastline that looks less developed than the resort areas. From the deck, you can appreciate the contrast between Palma’s city waterfront and the open southern coast.

There is no land visit here. You see Cap Rocat from the water, which is useful if you want photographs and a broad sense of the coast, but less satisfying if you expect to walk on the cliffs or explore the area on foot.

The crew may provide general help and local knowledge, but the experience is not consistently described as a narrated sightseeing tour. One account praises the captain and crew, while another finds the captain quiet and the explanations limited. I would plan on reading up on the places beforehand if identifying every cove and headland matters to you.

Cala Vella is the main swimming stop

The longest stop is at Cala Vella, listed at about 90 minutes. This is where the cruise shifts from sightseeing to swimming and lunch-hour recreation. You can jump from the catamaran, swim in the sea, or try to reach a nearby sandy beach. The area also includes old quarry pools described as natural swimming spots.

This stop is the strongest reason to book the trip. You get time to leave your seat, cool off, and enjoy the sea rather than spending the entire morning watching the shoreline pass. The water and setting can be beautiful, especially in warm, calm weather.

Still, the swimming setup deserves a clear warning. Some accounts describe anchoring in deep water, with no easy access to a beach. If you are not a confident swimmer, request a life jacket from the crew. One account raised concern about the lack of a life jacket, while the operator clarified that life jackets are available on board when requested.

The snorkeling part is less dependable. You may see fish in clear water, but the cruise does not promise a guided snorkeling session at a reef. Equipment is not included. The available information says you can buy snorkel gear aboard for €20, while some accounts say only a mask and snorkel were available and no fins were provided. If snorkeling is central to your day, bring your own equipment if practical, and do not book this as you would a specialist snorkeling excursion.

Lunch aboard the catamaran

Lunch is served during the stop at Cala Blava, with about 45 minutes allocated to the meal. The menu is unusually broad for a boat excursion. It includes dates wrapped in bacon, beef meatballs with Thai sauce, chicken salad with ginger and mango, sautéed vegetables, roasted black pork with mushroom sauce, trampó, vegetable rice, spring rolls, curry samosas, mixed salad with oranges, bread, and fruit salad with vanilla ice cream.

That variety is one of the cruise’s most praised features. It also helps groups with different tastes, and one account specifically notes that the food worked well for a group with vegans. The menu includes several vegetable dishes, but the information does not confirm a fully separate vegan menu, so ask the operator in advance if you have strict dietary needs.

Water is included during lunch. Other drinks cost extra, and the bar sells a selection of beverages. You may find that the bill rises quickly if everyone in your group orders drinks throughout the day. The cruise can feel good value if you treat the included meal and coastline access as the main purchase, not unlimited refreshments.

Serving a large group in a limited area can be crowded. A few accounts describe the lunch service as hectic when the boat is full. I would expect a practical buffet meal rather than a leisurely restaurant lunch.

What sailing time do you actually get?

The total experience is advertised at about five hours. One description says the boat sails from Palma for five hours, while some accounts report a shorter day, sometimes closer to four hours. Another complaint points to a later start than expected. The itinerary can also change with wind, weather, timing, and safety requirements.

The sailing itself may not always mean sailing under wind power. One account says the catamaran used its engine for most of the journey, with only a short period under sail. If you want a serious sailing experience, this may disappoint you. If you mainly want a boat ride with views and swimming, the engine-powered sections may matter less.

The return toward Palma offers more views of the bay and city. You may get good photographs of the waterfront from the water, but the cruise is not designed as a full coastal tour around Mallorca. Routes can vary, and some bookings may be changed if weather or operating schedules require it.

Crowding, music, and the mood onboard

The atmosphere is the biggest unknown. On a quieter departure, you might find plenty of room, a clean boat, friendly staff, and a relaxed day. Several accounts praise the crew, the boat, the food, and the swim stops.

On a busy departure, the experience can feel more commercial. People have described crowded seating, paid access to the front net area, loud music, and a strong emphasis on bar sales. One account calls it a party cruise and says the mood became unsuitable for children. Another says a large group and unlimited sangria changed the tone.

The front nets may require an additional payment. One account describes a charge of €100 for two people for the reserved front area, while another refers to a €20 option involving a pillow and two drinks. Since these details conflict, ask the operator what applies on your sailing date. Do not assume that the front nets shown in photographs are included in the standard fare.

For families, I would ask about the expected atmosphere before booking. Children can participate when accompanied by an adult, but a full boat with loud music and alcohol may not suit every family. Couples and groups of friends may enjoy the social side more, especially if swimming and sunbathing matter more than quiet nature watching.

Is $93.83 good value?

At $93.83 per person, the price is reasonable if you want a half-day boat outing with lunch and several coastal views. You are paying for transport on the water, access to places beyond the road network, a meal, and the chance to swim from the catamaran.

The value drops if you expect all of the following to be included: hotel pickup, snorkel equipment, drinks, reserved bow seating, several beach visits, and a long period of actual sailing. Hotel pickup is not included in the stated meeting arrangements, and the boat ends where it begins at Palma Port.

The fare works best for someone who would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip and lunch. It is weaker value for a serious snorkeler, a person seeking a quiet nature outing, or anyone expecting a guided sailing lesson. The overall rating of 3.6 from 54 reviews fits the mixed picture: many people enjoy the food, views, crew, and swimming, while others feel misled by the snorkeling description or the actual duration.

Practical advice for a better day

Arrive early at the Palma meeting point, particularly because the start time appears as both 9:30 and 9:45 am. Wear a swimsuit under your clothes, bring a towel, and use high-factor sunscreen. The deck offers little protection from strong sun, and sea conditions can change.

Bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins if snorkeling is important to you. The boat may sell equipment, but the available information does not promise full gear, and fins may not be available. A flotation aid is also worth considering if you are not comfortable treading water, though life jackets are available on board upon request.

Keep some money available for drinks and possible front-area upgrades. If you want the reserved bow space, confirm the price before boarding. Also check whether your date operates as planned, since one booking account describes a Monday service problem and a replacement boat with a different route.

The cruise requires good weather. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can be offered another date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time, but changes or cancellations inside that period are not accepted for a refund.

Who should book this Palma catamaran cruise?

I would choose this trip if you want a social half-day on the sea, attractive views, a substantial lunch, and a convenient departure from Palma. It suits couples, groups of friends, and confident swimmers who enjoy moving between sightseeing and swimming.

I would hesitate if snorkeling is your main goal. I would also think twice if you want a quiet boat, a small group, a detailed coastal commentary, or guaranteed beach access. The boat may be full, the stop may be in deep water, and the music level can vary.

Book it for the overall boat day, not for a specialist snorkeling program. If you keep that expectation, the combination of Palma Bay views, Cap Rocat, Cala Vella, swimming, and a generous meal can make the $93.83 fare worthwhile.

FAQ

Where does the Mallorca catamaran cruise depart?

It departs from Attraction Catamarans Mallorca at Muelle Golondrina, Avenida de Gabriel Roca, in Palma de Mallorca.

What time does the cruise start?

The meeting information gives a 9:45 am start, while the tour description says the catamaran sets sail at 9:30 am. Check your booking confirmation and arrive early.

How long does the cruise last?

The planned duration is approximately five hours. The actual timing can change because of wind, weather, safety, and operational conditions.

Does the cruise return to Palma?

Yes. The activity ends back at the meeting point in Palma Port.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and offers meat, vegetables, rice, salads, bread, fruit salad, and vanilla ice cream.

Are drinks included?

Water is included during lunch. Other drinks are not included, but there is a bar on board.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkel equipment is not included. The supplied information says it may be purchased on board for €20.

Are fins provided?

The tour information does not promise fins. Some accounts specifically describe limited equipment without fins, so bring your own if fins are important to you.

Can I swim from the catamaran?

Yes. At Cala Vella, you can jump from the boat and swim, subject to sea and weather conditions.

Are life jackets available?

Yes. Life jackets are available on board and can be requested from the crew.

Can children join the cruise?

Yes, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

You can be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the cancellation.