Catamaran sailing in Mallorca through the Bay of Palma with BBQ

The best part of this Mallorca outing is the combination of open-water sailing and a proper swim stop. You leave Port of Palma, head across the bay toward Cala Vella, and spend time anchored in clear water rather than simply circling the coast. The BBQ is cooked onboard, so lunch becomes part of the experience instead of an afterthought.

I like the small maximum group of 36 and the included paddleboards. I also like the easy rhythm: sail, stop, eat, swim, then sail back. The main caution is simple: this is one destination and one main swimming stop, so anyone expecting a long coastal tour with several coves may find the route too limited for the price.

At a glance

• Cala Vella swimming stop: Spend time in a protected coastal area known for clear water and attractive coves.
• BBQ prepared onboard: Lunch is served during the stop, keeping the meal tied to the setting.
• Maximum of 36 people: The catamaran can hold 57, but the operator limits numbers for more room.
• Paddleboards included: You can add time on the water without paying an extra rental fee.
• About 4.5 hours on the bay: The outing gives you a half-day at sea without taking over your full Mallorca schedule.
• Return to Port of Palma: The cruise begins and ends at the same meeting point.

Setting sail from Port of Palma

The trip begins at a meeting point in Palma, identified by the location code HJ9V+29 Palma. From there, Oasis Catamaran heads out across the Bay of Palma toward Cala Vella.

That departure gives you a quick change of scene. Palma is a busy city with a major harbor, yet the boat soon carries you away from the streets and toward open Mediterranean water. I like this kind of start because you do not need a full day or complicated transport to get a taste of sailing in Mallorca.

The exact route can change with the weather. That is worth accepting from the start. A boat trip is shaped by wind and sea conditions, and the crew may alter the course when needed. The promise is not a fixed scenic circuit. It is a comfortable sail toward a suitable swimming area, followed by a return through the bay.

The duration is listed at about four hours and 30 minutes, with the main itinerary described as four hours. In practice, plan on giving the activity roughly half a day, including the meeting and return. That makes it easy to pair with a morning or evening plan, though I would avoid booking anything tight immediately afterward.

Cala Vella is the main event

The boat’s destination is Cala Vella, a nature reserve area with small coves and clear water. This is where the trip shifts from sightseeing to taking part.

You can swim, relax onboard, or use the paddleboards carried by the catamaran. The equipment is included in the price, which matters because water-sports add-ons can quickly make a boat trip more expensive. Here, you can move between a quiet swim and a little activity without arranging a separate rental.

Cala Vella is also the strongest reason to book this outing instead of a simple harbor cruise. You are not only looking at Mallorca from the rail. You get time in the water, with the boat acting as your base. If you prefer a gentle day at sea, stay onboard and enjoy the cove. If you want more movement, swim or take a paddleboard out.

Keep your expectations in check, though. The itinerary centers on one main stop. It is not a cove-hopping tour with a string of separate beaches. One published rating described the destination as average and the overall trip as disappointing, especially for the cost. That criticism is useful: the experience depends heavily on how much you value a relaxed stop at Cala Vella rather than the number of places visited.

A BBQ with the boat as your dining room

The BBQ is prepared directly onboard and served during the Cala Vella stop. That gives the meal a practical advantage: you do not lose part of your swimming time by returning to Palma or going ashore for lunch.

Food quality is one of the strongest parts of the experience. One detailed rating called the meal better than expected, while another praised the BBQ and the sailing as a whole. You should not treat this as a restaurant meal with an extensive menu. It is a boat lunch, served in a scenic setting, and its value comes from combining food, swimming, and sailing in one package.

The timing also creates a pleasant break in the trip. After the sail out, you can eat while the catamaran is stopped, then return to the water. For me, that is a better arrangement than eating quickly before boarding or waiting until the excursion ends.

The available information does not specify the exact BBQ menu, drinks, or provisions for special diets. If those details affect your decision, ask Oasis Catamaran before booking. Do not assume that every dietary request can be handled onboard.

The catamaran and the group size

The boat has capacity for 57 people, but the operator accepts no more than 36. That difference is important. A catamaran designed for 57 can feel quite comfortable at 36, while a full load could make the swimming stop, meal, and deck space feel crowded.

The smaller limit received repeated praise. A rating describing a group of about 30 found the boat uncrowded and liked the general atmosphere. That gives you a useful picture of the intended experience: social, but not packed shoulder to shoulder.

The crew also receives strong marks for being friendly, organized, helpful, and professional. Those qualities matter on a boat. Clear instructions help when people are moving between the deck, the water, the paddleboards, and the meal area. A cheerful crew can also make a difference when the weather changes the route or the boat is working around a busy cove.

Still, 36 is not the same as a private charter. You will share the catamaran, the BBQ service, and the water equipment with other people. If you want complete control over the route or a quiet private lunch, this is the wrong format. If you like the social feel of a shared sailing day, the limited group size is one of the better features.

What the return sail adds

After the stop, the boat sails back through the Bay of Palma. The return is not just transport back to the harbor. It gives you another stretch of time on the water, now with the main activities behind you.

That final section may appeal most to people who enjoy the movement of a boat and the changing view of the coast. You can use it to relax after swimming and lunch rather than rushing straight into another activity. The route may again depend on weather, so the scenery and exact course are not guaranteed.

This is also where the trip’s value becomes clear. You are paying for more than the arrival at Cala Vella. The package includes the outward sail, the boat, the crew, the BBQ, the swimming stop, paddleboards, and the return. If you use the water time and enjoy being on a catamaran, the price feels more reasonable. If you mainly want to reach a beach or cove, a cheaper land-based option may serve you better.

Is $91.71 a fair price?

At $91.71 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a half-day in Mallorca. The price needs to cover the catamaran, crew, fuel, food, equipment, and several hours on the bay. The included paddleboards and onboard BBQ strengthen the value.

I would consider it fair for someone who wants a packaged sailing day with few decisions to make. You do not need to arrange a separate boat, lunch, or paddleboard rental. The group cap also gives the outing a more comfortable feel than a fully loaded vessel.

The value is weaker for a person who measures a boat trip by the number of stops. There is one principal destination, and the route can change with weather. If Cala Vella is not especially appealing on the day, or if conditions shorten the water time, you may feel you paid a lot for a fairly simple cruise.

Booking about 27 days ahead is common, so planning early is sensible during popular periods. You can still cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure, which gives you some flexibility. A cancellation made inside that window is not refundable.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend the outing to couples, families, and small groups who want a relaxed day at sea without chartering a private boat. It is especially suitable if your ideal Mallorca activity includes a swim, a meal, and a little time on a paddleboard, all in one half-day package.

It also suits first-time sailors. You do not need to plan a route or manage equipment. The crew handles the sailing while you settle into the day.

Families should note that the activity allows most people to participate, but the information does not give a specific age policy or swimming supervision details. Children and adults should be comfortable around open water, and anyone who is not a confident swimmer may prefer to remain onboard.

This is less suitable for serious sailing fans seeking a long, wind-focused trip. It is also a poor match for anyone who wants several stops, a private atmosphere, or a guaranteed route regardless of weather.

Practical details before you book

You receive confirmation when you book, and the mobile ticket makes it easy to carry the booking on your phone. The activity starts and ends at the same meeting point in Palma, so you do not need to arrange a separate return transfer from another part of the island.

Allow extra time to find the exact meeting point. The supplied location is given as a plus code, HJ9V+29 Palma, rather than a simple attraction name. Check the details on your phone before leaving and arrive with enough time to locate the departure point.

The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of people is not reached. Any changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted, and the cut-off follows local time.

Bring the attitude of someone going on a sea day, not a fixed sightseeing bus tour. The route may shift, and the swimming conditions can shape how much time you spend in the water. The best plan is to keep the rest of your schedule loose.

My recommendation

I would book this catamaran trip if you want a comfortable, social half-day built around one good swimming stop, an onboard BBQ, and easy access to paddleboards. The capped group size and friendly crew add real value, and the format is simple enough for first-time sailors.

I would skip it if you want several coves or a longer, more adventurous sailing route. The single-destination design is the key decision. For a relaxed Cala Vella outing with lunch included, $91.71 can be reasonable. For a full coastal exploration, it may leave you wanting more.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip start?

The activity starts at the meeting point identified as HJ9V+29 Palma, Palma, Spain.

Where does the activity end?

The catamaran returns to the same meeting point in Palma.

How long does the experience last?

The trip lasts approximately four hours and 30 minutes. The itinerary also describes the sailing activity as four hours.

What destination does the boat visit?

The boat sails from the Port of Palma toward Cala Vella, a nature reserve area with coves and clear water.

Can I swim during the trip?

Yes. The boat stops at Cala Vella so you can swim and relax in the water.

Are paddleboards included?

Yes. Paddleboards are available onboard and included in the price.

Is food included?

Yes. A BBQ is prepared and served onboard during the stop at Cala Vella.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded.