Palma de Mallorca: Deluxe Catamaran Sailing Tour with Meal

Mallorca looks best from the water. This four to four-and-a-half-hour cruise on the Oasis catamaran combines a scenic sail from Palma with a swim at Cala Vella, food prepared aboard, and plenty of room to sit in the sun. I especially like the 36-person limit on a boat built for 57, and the clean, modern vessel with friendly crew and tidy bathrooms.

The choice between a daytime BBQ and an adults-only sunset meal gives you two distinct experiences. The main drawback is the meeting point, which can be poorly marked, and drinks beyond water cost extra. Also, bring your own snorkeling gear or plan to buy a set aboard, since masks and tubes are not included for hygiene reasons.

Key points to know before booking

• Only 36 people are admitted: The catamaran can carry 57, but the smaller group leaves you room to sit, move around, and use the paddleboards without feeling packed in.
• Cala Vella is the main stop: Expect roughly an hour of sailing before swimming near cliffs and clear water.
• Lunch is cooked aboard: The daytime trip includes appetizers and a BBQ, while the sunset option serves tapas and canapés.
• Paddleboards are included: SUP equipment is provided, though there may be a short wait if many people want to use it at once.
• Sunset trips are adults-only: The evening option is for ages 18 and over.
• The meeting point needs care: The map pin is reported to be accurate, but there may be no obvious sign. Check messages from the operator, including WhatsApp.

Why the Oasis catamaran feels less crowded

The best reason to choose this excursion is simple: space. Many boat trips around Palma focus on carrying as many people as possible. Oasis limits the booking to 36 people even though the catamaran is designed for 57, which changes the mood from crowded party boat to relaxed day on the sea.

That extra room matters most during the swimming stop. You can find a place to sit, take photos, stretch out, or wait for a paddleboard without standing shoulder to shoulder. Several sailings had fewer than the maximum number of people, sometimes around 15 to 28, though you should book for the stated limit rather than count on a half-empty boat.

The vessel itself receives steady praise for being clean, modern, and well kept. It has two bathrooms, both described as clean, which is a small but important comfort on a four-hour trip. The boat has enough open space for sunbathing, along with shaded areas where you can escape the strongest midday heat.

This is not a bare-bones excursion. The design, food service, lower passenger count, and attentive crew explain why the $97 price is higher than some standard boat trips from Palma. You are paying less for a long list of attractions than for a calmer setting and a more polished day.

Leaving Palma and sailing across the bay

Your cruise starts at the Port of Palma, though the exact meeting point can change depending on the option you book. Take the directions seriously. The pickup area may not have a large sign, and the crew may simply meet you by the pier near the stairs and parked cars.

The map pin is said to be accurate, but check your messages on the day. One group received a meeting-point update through WhatsApp rather than through the booking app. Arrive with enough time to find the pier without rushing. The boat has waited briefly for late passengers on some departures, but that is not a promise to rely on.

Once aboard, the first part is a slow look at Palma from offshore. You get broad views across the bay rather than the close-up streets and monuments you see on land. On the return, the crew may pass views of the old town and Palma Cathedral, especially on the sunset trip.

Sailing conditions control how much actual sailing you get. On a good-weather day, the crew may raise the sails for a quiet, smooth run. At other times, the catamaran uses its motor. The itinerary can change with weather, and the sea may get choppy, so bring motion-sickness tablets if you know you need them.

The pace is part of the appeal. You are not racing from one attraction to another. You have time to sit with a drink, watch the water, and let the views do the work.

Cala Vella: the reason to pack your swimsuit

The boat heads toward Cala Vella, a natural reserve with small coves, cliffs, and clear water. The exact anchoring spot can vary, but the stop is designed for swimming rather than a shore visit. You remain on the catamaran and enter the sea from the boat.

This is the most active part of the outing. You can swim, jump from the boat, use the paddleboards, and look for fish in the water. Paddleboards are included in the price, which adds real value for families, couples, and friends who want more than a quick dip.

There are only a few boards, so you may wait your turn if the boat is full. That is one place where the smaller passenger limit helps. With fewer people aboard, the equipment is easier to share than it would be on a large sailing with dozens more passengers.

Snorkeling is a slightly different matter. The activity includes the chance to snorkel, but masks and tubes are not supplied as standard. You can bring your own set or buy one on the boat for €25. If snorkeling is important to you, pack your equipment rather than assuming it will be waiting on your seat.

You should also bring a towel, swimwear, hat, and sunscreen. The written information includes sunscreen both among the suggested items and among things not allowed, which is confusing. Check with Oasis before departure so you know if the restriction concerns a particular type or use of sunscreen.

The swimming stop can feel short if you want a full beach day. You are getting one scenic water stop within a four-hour cruise, not a series of coves or a shore excursion. For most people, that is enough time to cool off and enjoy the setting without turning the whole outing into a swim workout.

A daytime BBQ served on the boat

On the daytime sailing, lunch is prepared directly aboard after the catamaran reaches the swimming area. The food has been described as generous and fresh, with grilled chicken, hot dogs, sweet corn, salads, bread rolls, and similar casual BBQ fare. Appetizers and snacks are also part of the service.

The meal suits the setting. You can swim first, climb back aboard, and eat while the crew handles the cooking. It is not a formal restaurant meal, and you should not book this for elaborate dining. It is a well-timed, filling lunch that lets you stay on the water.

Vegetarian diners have been accommodated, and the crew has also handled dairy restrictions. If you have a serious allergy or strict dietary need, contact the operator in advance rather than assuming the standard meal will work for you.

Dessert may appear on the return portion of the trip, depending on the sailing. Food portions have generally been enough for a full afternoon, with some departures even having leftovers. That helps the $97 price feel more reasonable, especially when you count the boat, crew, water, meal, insurance, and paddleboard access.

The sunset version brings a different mood

The sunset departure follows the same general idea: sail from Palma toward Cala Vella, stop for a swim, then enjoy food while the light fades. Instead of the BBQ, you receive tapas and canapés.

The evening option is for adults only, so do not book it for anyone under 18. It works well for a date, anniversary, honeymoon, or a quiet evening with friends. The boat has enough room to sit apart from the main group, and the music is generally kept at a comfortable level rather than pushed into party-boat territory.

The return to Palma is the visual highlight. You can watch the sun fall over the water, then see the old town and Cathedral from offshore as the boat heads back. On some sailings, the atmosphere has included live saxophone music and a brief dance-party feel, but entertainment should be treated as a possible bonus, not a promised feature.

Evenings on the water can turn cool after sunset. Bring an extra layer. The crew has handed out blankets when the ride back became chilly, but you will be more comfortable if you plan for the temperature to drop.

Tapas and canapés are lighter than the daytime BBQ, though portions have been described as satisfying, with dessert included on some departures. If you want a large dinner, eat beforehand or choose the daytime tour.

Drinks, service, and the small extras

Unlimited water is included, and cold bottled water is available throughout the cruise. Other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are sold at the onboard bar. Beer has been reported around €3.50, while cocktails have ranged from about €10 to €20, depending on the drink and sailing.

The cocktail prices can make the final bill climb. The drinks are not included in the $97 cost, so budget carefully if you expect to order several. Ask about any included welcome drink or meal drink rather than assuming it will be brought automatically. One useful tip is to request it after the meal if it has not appeared.

Service is one of the strongest parts of the experience. The three or four crew members help with boarding, food, drinks, swimming, and equipment. The crew has also been praised for being friendly without hovering, which is the right balance on a relaxed boat trip.

The captain is part of the experience too. Some people enjoy chatting with the skipper, and the crew’s nautical experience helps the trip feel well managed. That matters when conditions change or when you are deciding how and where to use the swimming equipment.

Who should book the Oasis cruise?

I would choose this for a couple wanting a polished day on the water, a family that values clean facilities and manageable group size, or friends who want swimming and food without a loud party atmosphere. The sunset option is particularly suited to adults celebrating a special occasion.

It is also a good pick if you dislike packed boats. The passenger limit is the main difference from cheaper excursions, and you can see that difference in the amount of open deck space.

I would think twice if you want a long swim, a beach landing, a serious snorkeling session, or an all-inclusive drinks package. You get one main swimming stop, snorkeling gear is extra, and cocktails cost more. The sea can also be choppy, so this is not ideal for anyone who gets seasick and does not plan ahead.

The trip is less suitable for party groups. Bachelor and bachelorette groups are not accepted, and intoxication, alcohol brought from outside, coolers, drones, pets, fishing, and food from home are prohibited. High heels and shoes indoors are also not allowed. Wear simple, casual clothing and bring only what you need for the water.

Practical details that affect your day

The cruise lasts about four to four-and-a-half hours, with starting times varying by date and option. The daytime and sunset versions do not offer the same meal, so check the selection before paying.

Guidance is available in English, French, German, and Spanish. Hotel pickup is not included, so you must make your own way to the port. Meeting details can change, and the operator asks larger groups of 10 or more to contact them if their preferred date is unavailable.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and the reserve-now-pay-later option can help if your Mallorca plans are still shifting. Weather can change the route or timing, so keep some flexibility in your schedule.

Bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sun hat and sunscreen, after confirming the sunscreen rule
• A light layer for the evening return
• Your own snorkeling mask and tube, if you want to snorkel
• Motion-sickness medicine, if you are prone to seasickness

Is this Palma catamaran tour worth $97?

For a basic boat ride, $97 is a serious price. For a smaller-group catamaran with food, unlimited water, clean bathrooms, paddleboards, insurance, and a scenic Cala Vella stop, the cost is easier to justify.

I like that the price buys comfort rather than just a longer list of activities. You are not paying for hotel transport or unlimited cocktails, so add those costs to your plan. Still, the generous food, spotless boat, friendly crew, and limited passenger count give this excursion a clear edge over packed budget sailings.

Book it if you want a calm, well-organized half-day on the Mediterranean and care about room to move. Choose the daytime version for the fuller BBQ meal and family access. Choose sunset for the old-town views, swimming in evening light, tapas, and a more romantic mood. Skip it if your priority is a cheap party cruise or hours of snorkeling from a remote beach.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour depart from?

It departs from the Port of Palma, but the exact meeting point can vary by booking option. The location may not have a clear sign, so use the map pin and check for updates from the operator.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately four to four-and-a-half hours. Starting times depend on availability and the option you select.

What food is included on the daytime tour?

The daytime option includes appetizers and a BBQ prepared on board. Food can include grilled chicken, hot dogs, corn, salads, bread rolls, and other casual BBQ items.

What food is included on the sunset tour?

The sunset option includes tapas and canapés instead of the daytime BBQ. Some departures also serve dessert.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited water is included. Other drinks, including beer, cocktails, mixed drinks, and additional alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages, cost extra.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Masks and tubes are not included because of hygiene rules. You can bring your own or buy a snorkeling set on the boat for €25. SUP equipment is included.

Can children join the sunset cruise?

No. The sunset option is for adults aged 18 and over. The daytime option is the better choice for families.

What happens if the weather changes?

The itinerary may be amended because of weather conditions. Sea conditions can also be choppy, so bring motion-sickness medicine if you need it.