From Colònia de San Jordi : Catamaran Cruise to Es Trenc

Clear water, warm sun, and lunch at sea. This five-hour catamaran cruise from Colònia de Sant Jordi combines two things I especially like: plenty of time for swimming and a freshly prepared barbecue served on board. The views along Cap Salines, Es Caragol, and Es Trenc give the trip a strong sense of place, rather than making it just a boat ride.

I also like the easygoing atmosphere. Music, sangria, soft drinks, and a friendly crew make this a social outing that works well for families, couples, solo visitors, and groups. The main drawback is that the boat can feel busy in peak summer, and a few passengers have found it hard to secure a spot in their preferred sun or shade.

The highlights at a glance

• Two long swimming stops: You get real time in the water, not just a quick photo stop.
• Barbecue lunch at sea: Chicken breast, skewers, sausages, salads, bread, and cake make this more filling than a basic boat snack.
• Coastal views near Cap Salines: The route passes Es Caragol and the famous beach of Es Trenc.
• Snorkeling equipment available: Masks can be borrowed with a €10 cash deposit.
• Morning or afternoon departure: Choose 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM or 3:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
• Good family value: The crew has helped older passengers and children board, and families have plenty to do between stops.

Setting out from Colònia de Sant Jordi

The trip begins at the pier beside Hotel Marqués del Palmer in Colònia de Sant Jordi. Boarding and disembarkation take place here, so you should plan your own way to and from the harbor. Pick-up and drop-off are not available through this booking.

The catamaran heads out along Mallorca’s southeast coast, with the first part of the trip focused on the sea and the views. The boat moves toward Cap Salines and the beaches around Es Caragol and Es Trenc. This is a useful route for seeing a stretch of coast that is difficult to appreciate from inland roads.

You can spend the early part of the cruise on deck, watching the shoreline slide past, finding a place in the sun, or settling into the music. The boat has enough room for people to spread out in normal conditions, though the busiest summer departures may feel tighter. One passenger described the boat as crowded enough that sun and shade seats were not always easy to find, while another found there was plenty of room once everyone had boarded.

That difference is worth keeping in mind. A catamaran gives you more open deck space than a small excursion boat, but this is still a popular group activity. If having a particular seat matters to you, arrive ready to board rather than expecting unlimited personal space.

Es Caragol and Es Trenc from the water

The scenery is one of the strongest reasons to choose this excursion. Es Caragol is a beautiful beach seen from the sea, and the route continues toward Es Trenc, one of Mallorca’s best-known sandy beaches. You get a changing view of the coast instead of staying beside one beach all day.

The trip also passes Cap Salines, a scenic point along the southeast coast. From the boat, you can take in the clean lines of the coast, pale sand, and clear Mediterranean water without dealing with the crowds and parking problems that can affect popular beaches in summer.

The exact anchoring spot can depend on conditions. The itinerary describes stops around Cala Marmols or Es Caragol and Es Trenc, and the boat drops anchor near an idyllic beach for swimming and snorkeling. That flexibility is sensible at sea, but it means you should not treat the named coves as a fixed promise for every departure.

The most useful way to think about the route is as a coastal cruise with two water stops. You will see attractive beaches, but the main pleasure comes from being able to swim offshore with a broad view of Mallorca around you.

Two swimming stops, not a token splash

Swimming time is a major part of the outing. The schedule allows long periods at anchor, with one stop lasting around two and a half hours on some departures and another shorter stop later in the route. That gives you time to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, eat, and simply sit on deck without feeling rushed.

At the first stop, the water may offer better chances to see fish. Conditions can change, but one detailed account described lots of fish at the first swimming area and fewer at the second. Snorkeling also depends on wind and water conditions. If the sea is unsettled, visibility may not be as good as the bright photos suggest.

Masks are available to borrow, but you need a €10 cash deposit. Bring your own equipment if you prefer a better-fitting mask or want to use fins. Fins are not listed as included, and one experienced passenger specifically suggested bringing them.

You should also bring the normal beach basics: swimwear, sun protection, and something dry to put on afterward. The experience is built around open water, so anyone who dislikes swimming from a boat may find the long stops less appealing than someone who enjoys being in the sea.

The phrase beach stop can also be slightly misleading. You may anchor near a beach and enjoy views of the sand, but the swimming access is from the catamaran. One passenger felt the trip would be better with easier access to a sheltered cove or shore. If you need to walk directly onto a beach, confirm the day’s arrangement before booking.

A barbecue lunch with Mallorcan drinks

While you swim or relax, the crew prepares lunch on board. The standard meal includes chicken breast, chicken skewers, sausages, fresh salads, bread, and cake for dessert. It is simple barbecue food, but it suits a day at sea and provides a proper meal rather than a handful of packaged snacks.

The portions are generally generous enough for a full afternoon on the water. Several detailed accounts praised the food, especially the barbecue and the amount available. The menu is mostly meat, so vegetarians need to arrange an alternative at least one day ahead by email or phone. The vegetarian meal will not be prepared automatically.

Soft drinks and mineral water are available throughout the trip. Wine from Mallorca and sangria are served with the meal according to the activity details. There is some variation in how passengers describe alcohol service, so check the current onboard arrangements when you board. All onboard payments are by card, and American Express is not accepted.

The drinks policy matters because the $69 price is easier to judge when you count the included meal, water, soft drinks, and meal-time drinks. You are not paying only for a short sail and a swim. You are getting five hours on the coast, two water stops, lunch prepared on board, and a relaxed social setting.

Still, this is not a quiet luxury cruise. Music plays during the trip, and the atmosphere can become lively, especially when sangria is flowing. That is a plus if you want a fun day with a holiday feel, but less appealing if you are looking for silence and solitude.

The crew and the feel on board

The crew receives some of the strongest praise. They are described as friendly, helpful, and good at keeping the day organized without making it feel stiff. The crew has helped older passengers on and off the boat, and families with children have found the outing manageable.

The mood is informal. Spanish music, dancing, and a relaxed playlist are part of the character of the trip. One passenger even ended up discussing football with the captain and briefly taking the wheel, though you should treat that as a personal moment rather than a promised feature.

This is a good choice if you like activities where it is easy to chat with the people around you. It also works for solo visitors because the food, music, and shared swimming stops create a natural social setting. At the same time, you can keep to yourself on deck and enjoy the coast.

The crew speaks Spanish and English. Instructions about swimming, boarding, and the meal should therefore be accessible to speakers of either language.

Choosing morning or afternoon

You have two five-hour schedules:

• Morning cruise: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
• Afternoon cruise: 3:30 PM to 8:30 PM

The morning departure gives you a classic beach-day schedule, with lunch during the middle of the outing and time to continue sightseeing afterward. It may suit families who prefer to finish earlier.

The afternoon departure gives you a later start and keeps you on the water into the evening. This may appeal to people who want a slower morning or prefer the softer light later in the day. The right choice depends more on your wider Mallorca plans than on a major difference in the itinerary, since both options last five hours.

Is $69 a fair price?

At $69 per person, the value is strong if you plan to use the whole package. A five-hour cruise, two swimming stops, barbecue lunch, soft drinks, water, and some meal-time drinks add up to more than a simple sightseeing sail. The boat also covers a good stretch of southeast Mallorca without requiring you to arrange beach transport between stops.

The price is especially attractive for families and groups. You get one organized day with food and activities already handled, and children can swim while adults relax nearby. It can also work well for solo visitors who want a ready-made social activity instead of arranging a boat privately.

The value is weaker for someone who mainly wants a quiet sail or a short scenic cruise. You are paying for a shared experience with music, food service, and swimming time. If you dislike group excursions, the same features that make this fun may feel too busy.

Also budget a little practical cash for the snorkeling mask deposit. The deposit is €10, and card payments are accepted on board except American Express. There is no included hotel transfer, so transport to Colònia de Sant Jordi and back is your responsibility.

Who will enjoy this catamaran most?

I would recommend this cruise to families, couples, groups of friends, and solo visitors who want a full day on the water without paying luxury-cruise prices. It is particularly good for people who value swimming time more than a guided lecture about Mallorca.

Children and teenagers have plenty to do, and the crew has shown care with older passengers. That said, the trip involves boarding a boat, moving around a deck, and entering the sea from the vessel. Anyone with mobility concerns should contact the provider before booking to discuss their needs.

You will probably enjoy it if you like:

• Swimming in clear Mediterranean water
• Casual barbecue meals
• Music and a friendly group atmosphere
• A mix of sightseeing and relaxation
• Spending several hours outside on a boat

You may prefer a smaller or quieter boat if your priority is privacy, shade, or access to a secluded beach. You may also want another option if you do not plan to swim, since the swimming stops are central to the day.

Booking advice for a smoother day

Arrange a vegetarian meal no later than the day before. Do not assume the crew can change the menu at the last minute.

Bring €10 cash if you want to borrow a snorkeling mask, even though onboard purchases use cards. If you plan to buy anything, use a card other than American Express.

Keep your expectations realistic about the swimming locations. The sea may be crystal clear, but weather affects snorkeling, and the boat may anchor offshore rather than provide an easy walk onto the sand.

Finally, choose your departure time around the rest of your day and allow time to reach the pier beside Hotel Marqués del Palmer. Since no transfer is included, a little planning avoids a difficult trip home after the afternoon sailing.

Should you book the Magic Catamarans cruise?

Book it if you want a well-priced, upbeat day combining Mallorca’s southeast coast, long swimming stops, a filling barbecue, and drinks. The best parts are the amount of time in the water, the friendly crew, and the simple pleasure of eating lunch while anchored near some of the island’s prettiest beaches.

Skip it if you want a secluded cove, guaranteed snorkeling conditions, or a quiet private sail. For most families, groups, and easygoing beach lovers, though, the $69 price offers a lot: five hours at sea, two chances to swim, and a full meal without much planning.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart?

Boarding and disembarkation take place at the pier beside Hotel Marqués del Palmer in Colònia de Sant Jordi.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts five hours.

What departure times are available?

You can choose a morning cruise from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM or an afternoon cruise from 3:30 PM to 8:30 PM.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The buffet includes chicken breast, chicken skewers, sausages, salads, bread, and cake for dessert.

Are drinks included?

Soft drinks and mineral water are available throughout the trip. Wine from Mallorca and sangria are served with the meal according to the activity details.

Can I borrow snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling masks are available with a €10 deposit, which must be paid in cash.

Can I request a vegetarian meal?

Yes, but you must contact the activity provider by email or phone at least one day before the cruise. The vegetarian option is not prepared without advance notice.

Are hotel transfers included?

No. Pick-up and drop-off service cannot be booked through this activity, so you must arrange your own transport to and from the pier.

What payment methods are accepted on board?

Only card payments are accepted on board, and American Express is not accepted. The €10 snorkeling mask deposit requires cash.