Catamaran Sailing in Palma Mallorca includes Aperitif and BBQ

Sun, sea, food, and a front-row view of Mallorca. This 5.5-hour catamaran trip leaves Palma for Cala Vella, pairing a comfortable new boat with swimming, paddleboarding, an aperitif, and a freshly prepared BBQ. I especially like the maximum of 55 people, which should feel less cramped than a full-capacity sailing, and the fact that the boat was launched in 2023. The meal is prepared onboard rather than handed out as a cold picnic.

The main consideration is that this is a social boat outing, not a quiet sailing lesson or guided coastal tour. Music can be loud in some seating areas, drinks cost extra, and the route or swimming stops can change with the weather. A current rating of 4.4 out of 5 from 36 reviews suggests a strong experience overall, though the day depends heavily on sea conditions and how much time you get in the water.

Key points at a glance

• Cala Vella swimming stop: The main outing takes you toward a nature reserve with clear water and sheltered coves.
• New catamaran with limited numbers: The boat can carry 84 people, but the company caps this experience at 55.
• Two food moments: You receive an appetizer at the first stop and a BBQ at the second stop.
• Paddleboards included: Stand up paddleboarding is available at no extra charge during the water stop.
• Drinks are extra: The onboard bar sells cocktails, mixed drinks, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Palma departure and return: The trip begins and ends at Oasis Catamaran on Avenida de Gabriel Roca.

Leaving Palma for Cala Vella

The meeting point is Oasis Catamaran, at Av. de Gabriel Roca, 16, in Palma. From there, the boat heads across the Bay of Palma toward Cala Vella. The sailing time gives you a chance to settle into the boat, find your preferred seating, and watch Palma recede behind you.

The catamaran is brand new as of 2023, with room for 84 people but a stated operating limit of 55. That difference matters. A boat designed for 84 can feel quite comfortable with 55 onboard, especially compared with cruises that fill every available seat.

Still, 55 people is not a private charter. If you want a peaceful corner, arrive ready to choose between covered seating and places in the sun. One particularly useful detail is that shoes are requested off when boarding. That helps keep the deck cleaner, though you should expect a barefoot boat environment for much of the trip.

The onboard mood leans relaxed and social. Music is part of the experience, and several people have enjoyed the tunes. One caution is worth noting: some seating areas are close to loud speakers, making conversation harder. If you are sailing with family or prefer a quiet lunch, avoid sitting directly beneath the speakers if you can.

The aperitif at La Cueva Verda

The first stop is La Cueva Verda, where an appetizer is served. The stop is designed as a scenic pause rather than a full meal, giving you something to eat while you take in the surroundings.

The exact food selection is not specified, so do not book this expecting a particular dish. The available descriptions point to an appetizer or tapas-style service. One account also refers to a buffet tapas course, but the precise menu may vary.

This stop helps break up the sailing. You are not confined to your seat for five and a half hours, and you get an early chance to enjoy food while the boat is anchored or moving slowly through the area. The coastal setting is part of the appeal. La Cueva Verda offers a more memorable backdrop than a snack eaten at the departure port.

If food is one of your main reasons for booking, keep your expectations sensible. The BBQ is the more substantial meal. The appetizer is a pleasant opening course, not a replacement for lunch.

Cala Vella, clear water, and the BBQ

The main stop is Cala Vella, an area described as a nature reserve with idyllic coves and crystal-clear water. This is where the trip shifts from scenic sailing to swimming and lounging.

The plan allows time to get into the water, relax on the boat, and use the paddleboards. The catamaran carries stand up paddleboards, and their use is included in the price. That inclusion adds real value if you want something more active than swimming, especially since rental fees can quickly add up on beach outings.

The BBQ is freshly prepared onboard at this stop. Food is served while you are surrounded by the coves and open water, which makes lunch feel like part of the day rather than a break from it. The menu is not listed, but the meal is described as generous, with enough food for some people to have seconds. A dessert has also been mentioned as part of the meal service.

That said, do not assume every sailing will follow the same exact sequence. The description refers to an appetizer at the first stop and a BBQ at the second, while the route may change because of weather. One lower-rated account expected three stops but received two and was unable to swim. This appears to be the exception rather than the general pattern, but it is a useful warning: the sea decides more than the brochure does.

If you are booking mainly for a swim, check the forecast and keep your plans flexible. Poor conditions can alter the route, reduce time in the water, or lead to cancellation.

What the food and drinks are really worth

At $109.31 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the Bay of Palma. It is also more than a basic sightseeing boat ride. The price covers the catamaran trip, an appetizer, a BBQ, access to paddleboards, and roughly five and a half hours on the water.

That package can make good sense for you if you would otherwise pay separately for lunch, a boat excursion, and water activities. The freshly prepared BBQ and included paddleboards are the strongest value points. The lower passenger limit also helps justify the price, since the experience is intended to avoid the most crowded form of party-boat sailing.

Drinks are not included. A bar stays open during the excursion, selling cocktails, mixed drinks, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. This is convenient, but it means your final bill can rise beyond the advertised fare. If you are watching your spending, treat the listed price as the cost of the cruise and food only.

The meal has received some of the warmest praise. Food quality, generous portions, and the BBQ are repeatedly highlighted, with one description noting two proper meal services and dessert. Menus can change, so anyone with strict dietary needs should confirm details before booking.

The boat, seating, and onboard atmosphere

The catamaran is the heart of the outing. It is described as well maintained, spacious, and equipped with both shaded and sunny seating. That mix is useful in Mallorca, where one person may want full sun while another is hunting for shade.

The 55-person limit is important, but it should not be confused with a small-group tour. You will share the boat with a sizable group. The layout appears to offer enough room to spread out, and the boat’s capacity gives the operator some breathing room, yet popular sailings may still feel lively.

Music adds energy and helps create a holiday mood. Couples and families looking for a relaxed afternoon have praised the friendly crew, good seating, and easygoing pace. If you want a silent voyage with commentary about every cove, this is not the right match.

Also, no formal coastal commentary is promised. One negative experience centered on the lack of information about the places visited. You should think of this as a food, swimming, and sailing day rather than a sightseeing tour led by a guide.

The return across the Bay of Palma

After the Cala Vella stop, the catamaran returns through the Bay of Palma and finishes back at the original meeting point. The return leg gives you more time on deck, with the possibility of a relaxed drink from the bar and changing views along the coast.

Some departures may have a particularly attractive late-day feel. A description of a beautiful sunset appears among the positive accounts, but sunset timing is not guaranteed by the basic tour details. Do not book it solely for sunset unless your chosen departure time confirms it.

The full duration is approximately five hours and 30 minutes. That is long enough to feel like a proper half-day outing rather than a quick harbor cruise. It also means you should plan around it. You will not be fitting many other fixed activities into the same block of time.

Who will enjoy this catamaran most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want several holiday pleasures combined into one outing: a comfortable boat, clear-water swimming, lunch, paddleboarding, and time to relax without arranging each piece yourself.

It is especially well suited to:

• Couples wanting an easy day on the water
• Families who appreciate food and activities in one booking
• Friends looking for a social sailing with music and drinks
• Anyone who prefers a catamaran with room to sit in sun or shade
• Visitors who want swimming access without spending the day at a crowded beach

You may want another option if you need a quiet boat, detailed historical commentary, or a guaranteed set of stops. It may also disappoint you if swimming is the only reason you are going, since weather can alter the route and water access.

The experience is accessible to most people according to the supplied information, but specific mobility details are not provided. If you have mobility concerns, ask the operator before booking.

Practical advice for a better day

Bring swimwear, sun protection, and a towel. Sunscreen is particularly important because you will spend several hours exposed to sun on the water, even if you choose a shaded area for part of the journey.

Arrive at the Oasis Catamaran meeting point with enough time to board without rushing. The boat is at Av. de Gabriel Roca, 16, Palma, and the trip returns there after the sailing.

If you want conversation during lunch, choose your seating carefully. Music is appreciated by many people, but one lower-rated experience found it too loud near the speakers. A quieter spot can make a big difference for families and anyone who wants to enjoy the meal without shouting.

Plan for additional spending if you want cocktails or other drinks. The bar is open throughout the outing, but beverages are not part of the $109.31 price.

Finally, keep your schedule flexible. The route may be changed because of weather, and the minimum number of participants must be reached for the trip to operate. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure. Within 24 hours, changes and cancellations are not accepted for a refund. If bad weather cancels the trip, you should be offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book the Palma catamaran cruise?

Yes, if you want a polished half-day boat outing with a real meal, swimming, and a little activity mixed into the sailing. The new catamaran, limited passenger count, friendly crew, generous food, and included paddleboards give the experience more substance than a simple harbor cruise.

I would be cautious if you want guaranteed swimming, a quiet atmosphere, or a guided explanation of Mallorca’s coast. The strongest reason to book is the full package: five and a half hours, Cala Vella, an aperitif, BBQ, paddleboards, and return sailing for $109.31. Just budget extra for drinks and let the sea set the final timetable.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran experience?

The excursion lasts approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the catamaran depart from?

It departs from Oasis Catamaran at Av. de Gabriel Roca, 16, 07014 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point in Palma.

How many people can join the boat?

The catamaran has a capacity of 84 people, but this experience operates with a maximum of 55 participants.

Is food included?

Yes. An appetizer is included at the first stop, and a BBQ is included at the second stop.

Are drinks included in the price?

No. Drinks are not included, but the onboard bar sells cocktails, mixed drinks, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Is paddleboarding included?

Yes. Stand up paddleboarding is included, with paddleboards available onboard.

Can the route change?

Yes. The route may be altered because of weather conditions.

What happens if I cancel?

You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded. If poor weather or an insufficient number of participants causes the operator to cancel, you should be offered another date or experience, or a full refund.