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

The best Mallorca days end on the water. This five-hour Magic Catamarans cruise combines a scenic sail from Palma with two possible swimming stops, an onboard barbecue, drinks, music, and plenty of time in the Mediterranean. I especially like the clear water near Portals Vells or Cala Vella, plus the generous meal and friendly crew. At $69 per person, it offers a lot for a half-day outing.

The main thing to keep in mind is the group size. This is a popular, fully staffed catamaran rather than a quiet private sailing trip. The boat has good room, but you will share the swim stops, buffet, and deck with many other people. The route also depends on wind and sea conditions, so the exact coves and the clarity of the water can change.

What makes this cruise worth considering

• Two swim stops on Mallorca’s south coast: The route usually includes Portals Vells or Cala Vella, followed by another nearby cove, though weather can alter the plan.
• A proper barbecue at sea: Chicken breast, skewers, sausages, salads, bread, and cake make this more substantial than a boat ride with a few snacks.
• Drinks included throughout: Water, soft drinks, coffee, and juice are available during the excursion, with Mallorcan wine and sangria served at the meal.
• A cheerful, social atmosphere: Spanish music, dancing, and an energetic crew make this feel more like a relaxed boat party than a quiet sailing lesson.
• A strong afternoon option: The 3:30 PM departure can bring sunset views on the return to Palma, with some departures passing close to Palma Cathedral.
• Good value for families and solo visitors: Life vests are supplied, the catamaran is spacious, and solo passengers can easily join the general atmosphere.

Leaving Palma beside yachts and cruise ships

The meeting point is at the Port of Palma, at the boat dock in front of the Auditorium de Palma on Passeig Marítim. Look for the Magic Catamarans boat on the harbor side of the pier. Arrive 30 minutes early, since parking is very limited and the boarding area can become confusing in the hot sun.

Once aboard, you get a pleasant view of Palma from the water. The boat leaves the harbor with cruise ships, yachts, and the city shoreline in view. This opening section is not just transport to the swimming area. It gives you time to settle in, find a place on deck, and watch Palma gradually slip behind you.

The exact sailing route depends on wind conditions. Portals Vells and Cala Vella are the named destinations, with another nearby cove used for the second stop. This flexibility is sensible in Mallorca, where wind and sea conditions can change the best anchorage during the day. The tradeoff is that you should not expect a guaranteed, fixed route.

The catamaran is large enough to accommodate a full sailing, and several families specifically found it comfortable and spacious. Still, a full boat means the best seating spots may go quickly. If having a certain view matters to you, arriving early is useful, although you can also move around during the cruise.

Portals Vells and Cala Vella: what the swim stops are like

The first main stop is usually the highlight. The catamaran anchors near a cove, and you can jump straight from the boat into turquoise water. At Portals Vells, the cove is close to an idyllic beach, giving you the option of swimming toward the shore before returning to the boat.

This is a good setup for confident swimmers. You are not simply looking at the sea from the deck. You get real time in the water, often with enough room to swim, float, snorkel, and cool off before lunch. Life vests are available for adults and children, which is useful for less confident swimmers and younger children.

Snorkeling equipment is available for a €10 cash deposit, which is refundable when you return it. You can also bring your own equipment. The clearest water and largest number of visible fish are usually near the coastline and shallower sections, rather than at every anchorage.

The second stop gives you another chance to swim, but it may not match the first. Some departures have anchored in deeper water where the sea looked less blue and clear, even though the swim was still refreshing. This is an important expectation to set: the cruise promises two stops, but not two identical postcard coves.

The planned timing can also shift. Some accounts describe a short first swim followed by a longer stop of around an hour and a half. Another departure had only one swim stop, apparently due to the day’s arrangement or conditions. The operator says the route may change with the weather, so you should treat two stops as the plan rather than an absolute guarantee.

After heavy rain, the water can be less clear. That does not necessarily spoil the swim, but it can reduce what you see with a mask. If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, the first stop near a coastline is likely to be more rewarding than the second stop in deeper water.

The barbecue is more than a token lunch

The crew prepares lunch aboard the catamaran while you swim. The meal generally includes grilled chicken breast, skewers, sausages, fresh salads, bread, and cake. Some accounts also mention tuna, fruit, and plenty of food left for second helpings.

I would describe the meal as a solid buffet rather than a gourmet event. It is filling, fresh from the grill, and well suited to a day outside, but it is still simple barbecue fare. A few people found the food only average, while many praised both its taste and quantity. That makes the meal a clear value at this price, especially when drinks are included.

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

If you need a vegetarian meal, contact the operator before you go. The standard menu is centered on grilled meats, so you should not assume that a suitable alternative will appear automatically on the buffet.

Music, dancing, and the social side of the boat

The mood is one of the strongest parts of this experience. The crew plays Spanish music and keeps the energy high without turning the entire trip into a nightclub. Several passengers enjoyed dancing on deck, while others simply sat with a drink and watched the coast.

One especially memorable detail from the afternoon departures is the return sail at sunset. You might be on deck with music playing, the water behind you, and Palma coming back into view. Some boats pass close enough to Palma Cathedral for good photographs. That final stretch can be the emotional high point of the day.

The atmosphere suits people who like a little social energy. Solo visitors have found it easy to enjoy the cruise and meet people, and families with children have also had a good time. The age range can be broad, from young children to older adults, which gives the boat a mixed and informal feel.

If you want a silent sail with only the sound of the sea, this is not the right choice. Music and conversation are part of the product. One person felt the music could have been louder, but most comments praised the cheerful mood and the crew’s effort to keep everyone comfortable.

Captain Perez is specifically praised in one account for his communication, service, and upbeat approach. The crew also handles practical work such as cooking, serving drinks, organizing swim equipment, and helping passengers feel at ease. The energy matters here because a five-hour group outing can feel flat if the staff simply goes through the motions. On this cruise, the crew is a major reason the trip feels fun.

How much time you really get in the water

Five hours sounds long, but the time is split between sailing, swimming, lunch, and the return trip. You may spend roughly an hour sailing out to the first anchorage, although the timing changes by route and conditions.

At the first stop, you can swim while the barbecue is prepared. Depending on the day, this might be around 30 minutes or considerably longer. The meal follows, and you may have another chance to swim before the catamaran moves to the second cove.

The second stop is often a shorter or less scenic swim. It still gives you another chance to get into the sea, but you should not book this expecting five hours of nonstop water time. The sailing is part of the experience, and the views from the deck are worthwhile.

For families, this rhythm works well. You get an activity in the water, a meal, time to rest, and another swim. Children can wear supplied life vests, and adults can choose between swimming, sunbathing, taking photos, and listening to music.

For serious snorkelers, the cruise is more limited. The equipment is basic complimentary gear with a refundable deposit, and the boat does not promise guided snorkeling or detailed information about marine life. You may see small fish and other local marine life, but conditions will determine how much is visible.

Morning or afternoon departure?

The morning departure begins at 10 AM. It gives you a full daylight outing and leaves your evening free for Palma’s restaurants, old streets, or a walk around the cathedral area.

The afternoon departure begins at 3:30 PM. This is the more atmospheric choice if you like warm late-day light and sunset views on the way back. Several people found the sunset especially memorable, and the timing can turn a standard swim trip into a pleasant evening on the water.

The afternoon sailing may be the better pick for couples or anyone celebrating a special occasion. The morning trip is more practical if you want maximum daylight or have other evening plans. Check the available departure time for your date, since starting times can vary.

The value at $69 per person

At $69, this cruise is priced as an accessible full outing rather than a luxury charter. You receive five hours on the water, two planned swimming stops, a buffet barbecue, wine and sangria with lunch, soft drinks, and use of life vests. Snorkeling equipment requires a refundable €10 cash deposit, but the gear itself is available.

The value is strongest if you plan to swim and eat onboard. Buying a separate boat trip, lunch, and several drinks in Palma could easily cost more, while this package keeps the day simple. You also avoid arranging transport between different beaches and coves.

The value is less convincing if you dislike crowds, group music, or buffet food. A private boat would offer more control and quiet, but it would cost far more. For a social half-day with a full meal, $69 is a fair price.

A high 4.5 rating from nearly 10,000 bookings supports the idea that the experience delivers what it promises. The repeated praise centers on the same practical points: kind crew, good swim locations, plentiful food, music, and strong value. The recurring complaints are also consistent: the second stop may be less attractive, boarding information can be unclear, and the meal is simple rather than refined.

Practical advice before you board

Wear a swimsuit under your clothes and bring a towel, sunscreen, and a waterproof phone case if you want photos from the water. Bring cash for the €10 snorkeling deposit, even though purchases onboard require a card.

Arrive 30 minutes early. Parking near the Port of Palma is very limited, and the boarding area can be busy. The meeting point is specifically in front of the Auditorium de Palma, so allow time to find the correct pier.

If you have multiple reservations and want to sit together, contact Magic Catamarans in advance. This is especially useful for larger families or groups.

The live tour is offered in English and Spanish. Do not expect a detailed sightseeing commentary about every cove. The focus is swimming, food, music, and the general pleasure of sailing along the coast. If you want local facts about Mallorca’s coastline, you may find the commentary limited.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and the reserve-now, pay-later option gives you some flexibility when your schedule is not fixed.

Who should book this Mallorca catamaran cruise?

I would recommend it to families, couples, solo visitors, and groups of friends who want a lively day by the sea without paying for a private charter. You get enough structure to make the day easy, but enough free time to swim, sunbathe, and move around the boat.

It is also a good choice for anyone who wants to see Mallorca from the water but does not need a historical tour. The boat ride, clear coves, barbecue, drinks, and sunset atmosphere are the main attractions.

I would think twice if you want a calm, intimate sailing experience, a highly guided snorkeling trip, or a guaranteed visit to a specific cove. The route can change, the second swim stop may be less impressive, and a full boat is part of the deal.

Final verdict: book it for the fun, not the solitude

Book this cruise if you want a well-priced day of swimming, barbecue, drinks, and music with a friendly crew. The first cove, the generous meal, and the sunset return can make this one of the easiest ways to enjoy Mallorca’s south coast.

Skip it if your ideal boat trip means quiet decks, small numbers, and a fixed route. For most people seeking a relaxed but lively half-day on the Mediterranean, Magic Catamarans delivers good value and plenty of time to enjoy the water.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise leave from?

It leaves from the Port of Palma, at the boat 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?

You should arrive 30 minutes before departure. Parking spaces near the port are very limited.

What time does the cruise depart?

There is a morning departure at 10 AM and an afternoon departure at 3:30 PM. Check availability for your chosen date.

Are two swimming stops included?

The planned route includes two stops, one at Portals Vells or Cala Vella and another nearby cove. The route can change because of wind and weather conditions, so the exact stops are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

What food and drinks are included?

The buffet includes barbecue meats such as chicken breast, skewers, and sausages, along with salads and cake. Water, soft drinks, coffee, and juice are available throughout the trip. Mallorcan wine and sangria are served with the meal.

Can I request a vegetarian meal?

Yes, but you should contact the activity provider directly before the cruise if you need a vegetarian option.