Palma de Mallorca: Deluxe Catamaran Sailing Tour with Meal

Palma’s Oasis catamaran makes the four to four-and-a-half-hour cruise feel more like a relaxed day at sea than a crowded boat transfer. You sail from the port toward Cala Vella, swim beside the Cap Rocat cliffs, and eat freshly prepared food on board. The limited capacity is the main attraction: only 36 people are admitted on a boat built for 57.

I like the generous swim stop and the clean, polished boat. I also like that paddleboards are included, unlimited water is available, and the crew serves either a BBQ lunch or tapas and canapés. The main catch is that cocktails cost extra, snorkeling gear is not included, and the meeting point can be hard to spot.

Key points

• A 36-person limit keeps the catamaran spacious, even though it can carry 57.
• Cala Vella provides the main swim stop, with clear water, cliffs, paddleboards, and room to jump from the boat.
• Daytime cruises include a BBQ, while the adults-only sunset option serves tapas and canapés.
• The boat has two clean toilets, a full bar, and plenty of room to sit in the sun or shade.
• Snorkeling equipment is not included, though you can bring your own or buy a set on board for €25.
• The meeting point may change, so check your messages, especially WhatsApp, before leaving for the port.

The Oasis Catamaran Keeps the Mood Civilized

The Oasis is designed for comfort rather than maximum head count. That matters in Palma, where many boat trips pack people tightly onto open decks. This catamaran has space for 57 but sells only 36 places, and the difference is easy to understand once you are on board. You can move around, find a place to sit, and take photographs without squeezing past a wall of elbows.

The boat is repeatedly described as clean, modern, and well cared for. It has two bathrooms, which is useful on a cruise of this length, and the facilities are kept in good shape. The crew also keeps the atmosphere fairly calm. Music is present, but it is not intended to turn the whole boat into a floating nightclub.

That said, the mood can change with the group. Some sailings have included live saxophone and spontaneous dancing, while others have felt more peaceful. The sunset trip can be romantic, but it is not guaranteed to be silent or formal. Think polished social cruise, not private yacht charter.

The crew is one of the strong points. Staff members are described as friendly, professional, and attentive, with crew such as Pawel and Marshall receiving particular praise on individual sailings. They help with boarding, drinks, swimming, and practical needs such as blankets when the evening turns cool.

Leaving Palma and Finding Your Place on Deck

You meet the boat in the Port of Palma, but the exact meeting point depends on the option you book. This is the least polished part of the experience. The point may have no large sign, so use the map pin carefully and arrive with enough time to look for the crew.

A useful detail is that the boat collects you from the quay beside the stairs, near the parked cars, when that is the assigned location. A crew member comes to check people in. The boat itself is also visible from that spot, but do not assume the port will have an obvious Oasis sign waiting for you.

The meeting location can change, so check the latest message from the operator. One particularly important tip is to check WhatsApp, not just the booking app, because location updates may be sent there.

Once aboard, you can settle into a seat, order a drink, and watch Palma recede. On some departures, you may receive a welcome drink, including champagne, but do not count on this as a guaranteed inclusion. The listed inclusions cover water, food, equipment, insurance, and the catamaran cruise. Other drinks are charged separately.

Cala Vella Is the Main Event

The catamaran sails toward Cala Vella, a natural reserve with small coves and clear water. The boat takes about an hour to reach the swimming area, depending on conditions. That journey is part of the experience, but it is worth knowing what kind of day you are booking: this is not a short harbor cruise with constant sightseeing stops.

At Cala Vella, the crew anchors for swimming and water activities. The setting near the Cap Rocat cliffs gives the stop its character. The cliffs and bright Mediterranean water make a much better swimming backdrop than a normal city beach, and the boat gives you direct access to the sea.

You can swim, jump from the boat, and use the included stand-up paddleboards. The number of boards is limited, so you may need to wait your turn when the boat is full. On a smaller departure, access is easier. Floats may also be available, but the firm inclusion is SUP equipment.

Snorkeling is advertised as an activity, but you need to read the fine print. Masks and tubes are not included for hygiene reasons. Bring your own set or buy one on the boat for €25. If snorkeling is a major reason for booking, pack your equipment rather than assuming it will be waiting for you.

The water stop is one of the best reasons to choose this cruise, but it also creates the main practical limitation. If you do not enjoy swimming, you will spend a fair portion of the outing watching others use the water. There is no long list of separate coves or beaches. The itinerary centers on one attractive stop.

The Daytime BBQ Is Simple, Generous, and Useful

On the daytime option, the crew prepares a BBQ on board while the catamaran is stopped. The food has included chicken, hot dogs, sweet corn, salad, bread rolls, mini burgers, cheese, and dessert. Portions are generous, and there has been enough food for people to return for more.

This is not a gourmet restaurant meal, and it is not meant to be. The value comes from eating a hot, filling lunch without leaving the water. After swimming, a plate of grilled food feels exactly right. Vegetarian options have also been available, and the crew has accommodated dietary restrictions on some sailings.

Appetizers and snacks are part of the daytime setup. Unlimited water is included and served cold throughout the trip. That is important in Mallorca’s strong sun, where a cruise can become uncomfortable if you have to buy every bottle.

Other drinks cost extra. Beer has been reported at around €3.50 on one sailing, while cocktails have commonly been around €10 to €20, depending on the drink and the departure. Several people found the cocktails good, but expensive. If you want to keep the final cost close to the advertised $97, stick with the included water and pay only for occasional drinks.

You cannot bring your own food, drinks, cooler, or alcohol. That rule may feel strict, but it keeps the small galley and deck easier to manage. Bring a hat, swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen, but leave the picnic bag behind.

The Sunset Option Trades BBQ for Tapas

The sunset sailing follows the same general route toward Cala Vella and includes a swimming stop. Instead of the daytime BBQ, you receive tapas and canapés, with dessert reported on some evening cruises.

The main pleasure comes later, on the return to Palma. The boat sails back as the sun lowers, with views toward the old town and the Cathedral. Seeing Palma from the bay gives you a different sense of the city. The Cathedral is especially effective from the water, when the harbor lights begin to appear.

The sunset option is for adults aged 18 and over. Do not book it for minors. It suits couples, friends, and anyone who wants a slower evening rather than a full day in the sun. One evening even included a live saxophone performance, followed by dancing on board. That kind of entertainment is a pleasant possibility, not a promised part of every departure.

Bring a light layer for the return. The crew has handed out blankets when the air became cool, but a thin sweater is still sensible. The boat can also feel choppy on the way back. If you are prone to motion sickness, take your usual precautions before sailing.

Sailing Conditions Can Change the Experience

The itinerary may be amended because of weather. On a calm day, the crew may raise the sails, giving you the quiet pleasure of moving under wind power rather than only by motor. When the wind is weak or conditions are unsuitable, the boat will motor instead.

The sea can become choppy, particularly during the longer stretches between Palma and Cala Vella. Most people find the ride comfortable, but this is still a boat trip, not a stationary restaurant with a view. If you get seasick, bring medication before departure rather than waiting until the boat is underway.

The crew appears to put safety first. The captain and staff have been praised for their boat-handling and clear communication, and the cruise includes insurance. Weather is also the reason flexible plans help. The operator has moved bookings when conditions were poor, but you should still check the cancellation terms before reserving.

What the $97 Price Really Buys You

At $97 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get onto the water around Palma. You are paying more than the basic crowded boat-trip price, but the reduced capacity changes the experience.

The money covers the catamaran, food, unlimited water, paddleboard use, insurance, and the swim stop. It does not cover hotel pickup, most drinks, or a snorkeling set. Once you add cocktails, the final bill rises quickly, particularly on the sunset option.

I think the price is fair if comfort matters to you. A 36-person maximum gives you noticeably more room than a boat filled to capacity, and the food is more substantial than a token snack. The clean bathrooms, professional crew, and well-kept boat also matter on a four-hour cruise.

The value is weaker if you only want a quick swim or do not care about space. In that case, a simpler excursion may meet your needs for less. But if you are choosing between a packed party boat and a calmer sailing with lunch or tapas, the Oasis earns its higher price.

Who Will Enjoy This Palma Boat Trip

This is a good fit for couples, families with older children, and friends who want an active but comfortable day on the water. The daytime option allows swimming, paddleboarding, sunbathing, and a proper meal without feeling rushed.

It also works well for a birthday, anniversary, or honeymoon. The boat feels special enough for a celebration, while the atmosphere remains informal. You can dress casually, though swimwear and suitable cover-ups are the sensible choice.

The sunset version is better for adults seeking a romantic evening, good views, and drinks with food. It is not suitable for children because of the age restriction, and it may not suit anyone wanting a high-energy party cruise from the moment of departure.

I would be cautious about booking if you dislike boats, swimming, or shared activities. You are not getting a private charter, and the paddleboards and best deck positions are shared. High heels are not allowed, shoes are not worn indoors, and drones, pets, fishing, party groups, and outside food or drinks are prohibited.

Practical Tips Before You Board

Bring a sun hat, swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen. The activity information includes sunscreen among the items to bring, although it also appears in the prohibited-items list, so confirm the current rule with the operator if you are unsure. In any case, sun protection is essential in Mallorca.

Pack your own snorkeling mask and tube if you want to use them. Buying a €25 set on board is possible, but it is better value to bring equipment you already own.

Arrive ready for both sun and movement. A light layer helps on the sunset return, and motion sickness medication can make the long ride easier if you need it. Keep your phone charged for photographs, but leave the drone at home.

Check your meeting point on the day of departure and monitor WhatsApp for changes. The boat may not be marked clearly from the quay, so the accurate map pin matters.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Palma schedule depends on the weather, but they do not remove the need to check the forecast and meeting instructions.

Should You Book the Oasis Catamaran?

Book it if you want space, a proper meal, and a beautiful swimming stop rather than the lowest possible fare. The combination of Cala Vella, the clean catamaran, friendly crew, paddleboards, and limited capacity gives you a more comfortable outing than many standard boat trips.

Choose the daytime cruise for swimming and a filling BBQ. Choose sunset for tapas, Palma Cathedral views, and a more romantic finish. Keep extra money aside for drinks, bring snorkeling gear if you have it, and expect a possible choppy stretch at sea.

I would skip it only if you want a private boat, a nonstop party, or a very short excursion. For most people who enjoy being on the water, the Oasis offers a well-balanced half-day from Palma and earns its premium over a crowded alternative.

FAQ

How long is the Oasis catamaran tour?

The cruise lasts approximately four to four-and-a-half hours. Starting times vary by the selected daytime or sunset option.

Where does the tour leave from?

The tour departs from the Port of Palma. The exact meeting point may vary by booking, and the location may not have a clear sign, so check the map pin and any WhatsApp updates.

What food is included?

The daytime option includes appetizers and a BBQ prepared on board. The sunset option includes tapas and canapés. Dessert has also been served on some sunset sailings.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited water is included. Other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including cocktails, cost extra unless specifically stated otherwise for your booking.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. For hygiene reasons, masks and tubes are not rented as part of the activity. You can bring your own or buy a snorkeling set on the boat for €25.

Can children join the sunset cruise?

No. The sunset option is for adults aged 18 and over. The daytime option is the suitable choice for minors, subject to the booking conditions.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. A light layer can help during the return from a sunset cruise, and motion sickness medication may be useful if you are sensitive to choppy water.