Catamaran Sailing in Palma Mallorca includes Aperitif and BBQ

The best part of this Palma outing is the combination of open-sea sailing and a proper meal on board. You leave the port, head toward the coves around Cala Vella, stop for an aperitif at La Cueva Verda, then eat a freshly prepared BBQ beside clear Mediterranean water.

I like the roomy 2023 catamaran and the limit of 55 people, which should make the five-and-a-half-hour trip more comfortable than a packed party boat. I also like that paddleboards are included, so you can do more than sit in the sun. The main catch is that the route depends on weather, and the bar, drinks, and cocktails cost extra.

Key points to know before booking

• A 2023 catamaran with room for 55: The boat can carry 84, but the operator limits each sailing to 55 people.
• Two food moments on the water: Expect an appetizer at La Cueva Verda and a BBQ at Cala Vella.
• Paddleboards are included: You can use the onboard stand-up paddleboards during the swimming stop.
• Five and a half hours from Palma: The trip leaves from Oasis Catamaran at Av. de Gabriel Roca, 16, and returns there.
• Drinks are extra: A bar serves cocktails, mixed drinks, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the excursion.
• Weather controls the day: The route and swimming opportunities may change if conditions are poor.

Setting out from Palma on a new catamaran

The meeting point is Oasis Catamaran, at Av. de Gabriel Roca, 16, in Palma. The activity begins and ends here, which keeps the day simple if you are staying in Palma or already spending time around the port.

This is not a tiny sailing boat. The catamaran has a stated capacity of 84 people, but the operator limits the outing to 55. That difference matters. You still share the boat with a sizeable group, but you should have more room to find a seat, move around, and enjoy both covered and sunny areas.

One practical detail from the experience is the request to remove shoes when boarding. I see the sense in that on a boat. It helps keep the deck cleaner and makes the catamaran feel more like a cared-for private space than a floating bus.

The boat itself was new in 2023, and its condition is one of the stronger reasons to consider this trip. You are paying for more than transport to a swimming cove. You get a long afternoon or morning on a modern catamaran, with food, seating, music, and time on the water built into the price.

Sailing toward La Cueva Verda

After leaving Palma, the catamaran sails along the Bay of Palma toward the coves near Cala Vella. The first planned food stop is La Cueva Verda, where you receive an appetizer.

The exact food is not specified, so I would not book this expecting a particular dish. Think of it as a light first service rather than the main meal. It gives the outing a more relaxed rhythm: sail, stop, eat something small, then continue toward the longer swimming and BBQ stop.

The route is part of the appeal. You get to see Mallorca from the water instead of only visiting one beach by road. The coastline, coves, and changing views give you a sense of how the island’s eastern side fits together, even though the main focus is leisure rather than guided sightseeing.

That distinction is important. This is not presented as a historical or coastal interpretation cruise. You may get little or no formal commentary about the coves. If you want a guide explaining every headland, this may feel light on information. If you mainly want sea views, food, and a pleasant boat ride, that is less of a concern.

Music is part of the atmosphere. It can make the ride lively, but seating location matters. One account found the music too loud, especially under the speakers, making conversation difficult. If you want to talk with family or sit quietly, avoid choosing a seat directly beneath the loudest sound system if you have a choice.

Cala Vella, clear water, and the BBQ

The main stop is Cala Vella, a nature reserve with clear water and small coves. This is where the trip shifts from sightseeing by boat to enjoying the Mediterranean directly.

The catamaran stops so you can swim and relax, with paddleboards available at no added charge. This is a genuine strength of the outing. You do not need to arrange separate equipment or pay another operator for a short paddle. You can choose between swimming, trying the board, sitting on deck, or simply watching the water.

Still, do not assume that the swimming time will be identical on every departure. The route may be altered by weather, and sea conditions can affect how long the boat remains at a stop. One disappointing experience involved no swimming and fewer stops than expected. I would treat swimming as a planned feature, not an absolute guarantee.

The BBQ is prepared on board at Cala Vella. That makes lunch or dinner feel like part of the setting rather than a break from the excursion. The food has received some of the strongest praise, with reports of good quality, plenty for everyone, and enough for second helpings. Dessert is also mentioned in the feedback, although the formal inclusions only specifically promise the BBQ and appetizer.

Do keep the meal style in perspective. This is an onboard BBQ served to a group, not a restaurant meal with a menu and table service. The value comes from eating in a beautiful setting while your boat is anchored in clear water. For many people, that is exactly the point.

What the five-and-a-half-hour schedule feels like

At about 5 hours and 30 minutes, this is a substantial part of your Mallorca day. It is long enough to feel like a full outing, not just a quick harbor cruise, but not so long that you lose an entire day.

The day generally has three parts:

• Sailing away from Palma toward the coves
• A first stop at La Cueva Verda with an appetizer
• A longer stop near Cala Vella for swimming, paddleboarding, and the BBQ, followed by the return sail through the Bay of Palma

The published plan describes these main stops, but the timing and route can change. Weather is the obvious reason, though the schedule may also feel different from one sailing to another. I would avoid building a tight evening reservation immediately after the stated return time.

The return sail is not just a transfer back to the port. It gives you more time on the Bay of Palma, usually with food already served and the active part of the day behind you. This can be the most restful section, especially if you choose a shaded seat and want to watch the coast pass by.

Food, drinks, and what your $109.31 covers

At $109.31 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Mallorca’s coves. The price makes more sense when you count the length of the outing, the modern catamaran, the appetizer, the BBQ, and paddleboard use.

The included food is the key value. You are not paying only for a boat ride and then buying lunch separately. The BBQ is prepared on board, and the meal service has been praised for quality and generous portions. If you want a full half-day on the sea with food included, the price is reasonable.

Drinks are not included. The bar stays open during the trip and serves cocktails, mixed drinks, and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. That gives you flexibility, but it also means your final cost can rise quickly if you order several drinks.

I would budget for the price of the ticket plus extra money for beverages. If you do not want to spend more, confirm what you may bring or simply plan to enjoy the included food and the water. The supplied details do not state a bring-your-own-drinks policy, so you should not assume one.

Space, seating, and the group-size question

The maximum of 55 people is one of the most useful details here. The boat can hold 84, but the smaller operating limit is intended to leave more room. Several positive impressions focus on the amount of seating and the mix of covered and sunny areas.

That does not mean the catamaran will feel private. Fifty-five people is still a group, particularly when everyone wants to swim, use the paddleboards, collect food, or stand near the best views. If you dislike any group activity, a shared sailing will not solve that problem.

For couples, the trip can work well because you have room to relax without being packed tightly into every available seat. Families may also appreciate the combination of food, water access, and a long, easy schedule. The boat’s layout gives people several ways to spend the time, which helps when not everyone in your group wants to swim.

The strongest praise is directed at the crew. They are described as friendly, polite, attentive, and professional. That matters on a five-and-a-half-hour trip. Good crew work affects boarding, food service, safety around the water, and the general mood of the boat.

No individual guide names are provided, and this is not a named-guide tour. You should expect a crew-led catamaran outing rather than a personal tour with one guide explaining Mallorca throughout the day.

Music, atmosphere, and the type of day this creates

This excursion aims for a social holiday atmosphere. There is music, a bar, a BBQ, and swimming from the boat. It is more festive than a silent sailing lesson, but it is not described as a dedicated party cruise.

That middle ground will suit many people. You can enjoy a cocktail, listen to music, and jump into the sea, while still having the option to sit back and watch the coast. The music may be a drawback if you want a quiet conversation, so think about your priorities before booking.

I would choose this outing for a group of friends, a couple wanting an easy day at sea, or a family that likes having several activities in one package. It is less suitable if your priority is detailed history, a small private boat, or a fixed route with guaranteed stops.

The rating is 4.4 from 36 reviews, with many top scores focused on the crew, food, seating, swimming spots, and the condition of the boat. The lower scores point to the issues you should take seriously: perceived crowding, changes to the planned stops, loud music, and the possibility of limited swimming if conditions are poor.

Practical details that can change your experience

Wear something comfortable for sitting outside and bring sun protection. The supplied information specifically points to swimming and paddleboarding, so you should plan for water activities even though exact equipment beyond the included paddleboards is not detailed.

The route may change because of weather. The experience also requires a minimum number of bookings, so the operator can cancel if that minimum is not reached. If that happens, you are offered another date, another experience, or a full refund.

Most people can take part, though the provided details do not give a full accessibility description. If you have mobility, boarding, swimming, or other access concerns, ask the operator before booking.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside 24 hours, refunds are not provided, and changes are not accepted. The cut-off follows local Mallorca time.

Should you book the Oasis Catamaran?

I would book this if you want a food-and-swimming day on a modern catamaran, rather than a formal sightseeing cruise. The included BBQ, appetizer, paddleboards, and long sailing time give the $109.31 price solid value, especially if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, lunch, and water equipment.

I would hesitate if loud music, shared space, or changing plans will bother you. The trip is weather dependent, drinks cost extra, and there is no promise of detailed commentary or a perfectly fixed number of stops.

For most visitors who want a relaxed Mallorca outing with good food, friendly service, and clear water, this is a sensible choice. Book it with flexible expectations: enjoy the boat, the meal, and the sea, but treat the exact route and swimming time as conditions dependent.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart from?

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

Where does the activity finish?

The cruise returns to the same meeting point at Oasis Catamaran in Palma.

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes.

What food is included?

An appetizer is included at the first stop, and a BBQ is included at the second stop. The BBQ is prepared directly on board.

Are drinks included in the ticket?

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

Is paddleboarding included?

Yes. Stand-up paddleboarding is included in the price, with paddleboards available on board.

How many people can join the sailing?

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

Can the route change?

Yes. The route may be altered depending on weather conditions.

What happens if the cruise is canceled?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, you are offered a different date or experience, or a full refund.