Catamaran with BBQ in the Bay of Palma

The best part of this Bay of Palma catamaran trip is simple: you spend four hours moving between open water, swimming stops, sunshine, music, and a freshly prepared barbecue. The boat heads toward a nature reserve, then gives you time to jump in, use the ladder, or sit back in a hammock while lunch is prepared.

I like the easy swimming access and the friendly crew, both praised repeatedly by people who enjoyed the trip. I also like the value: a four-hour outing with food, views, and reported drink service for $78.09 is fair by Mallorca standards. The catch is the size. With room for as many as 146 people, this can feel like a busy party boat, and shaded seats may be scarce.

Key points to know before booking

• Two swimming stops: You can jump from the boat, use stairs and ladders, or snorkel in clear Mediterranean water.
• BBQ served onboard: Food has included chicken skewers, burgers, hot dogs, pasta salad, and other simple barbecue fare.
• A lively social mood: Music, drinks, and dancing make this better for groups and young adults than for anyone seeking silent sailing.
• Large maximum capacity: The catamaran may carry up to 146 people, so space and shade depend on how full the departure is.
• Cruise port transfer matters: S’Arenal is about 22 to 25 minutes by taxi from the cruise port, with reported taxi costs of more than 30 euros each way.
• Four hours on the water: The tour starts at 10:00 a.m. and returns to the same meeting point.

Setting sail from S’Arenal at 10:00 a.m.

You meet at GP2X+RJ S’Arenal and return there after the outing. The start time is 10:00 a.m., which gives you a full morning and early afternoon on the water, not a short harbor cruise squeezed between other plans.

The first practical point is finding the meeting place. The location code supplied for S’Arenal can be awkward to enter, and one person missed the boat after struggling with the map and communication. I would confirm the exact boarding point directly before the day of departure, especially if you are coming from a cruise ship.

S’Arenal is near public transportation, but the cruise-port connection needs extra thought. A taxi ride takes roughly 22 to 25 minutes, and one reported fare was more than 30 euros each way. Add that cost to the $78.09 tour price before deciding if the outing fits your budget.

Once aboard, you can settle into the seating areas, find a place in the sun, or look for shade. The boat includes hammocks, and the crew plays music during the cruise. The tone depends on the group and the day. Some departures feel relaxed and easygoing, while others develop a clear party mood with dancing and louder music.

Sailing toward a nature reserve

The boat heads away from the port toward a nature reserve and follows the coast of Mallorca. The main pleasure here is not a narrated sightseeing program. It is the sensation of being out on the Mediterranean, with the shoreline behind you and open water around the catamaran.

That distinction matters. If you want detailed commentary about Mallorca’s coast, landmarks, or marine life, this may leave you wanting more. If you want a simple day at sea with time to swim, eat, and listen to music, the format works well.

The catamaran gives you more room than a small motorboat, but it is not a private sailing charter. At full capacity, 146 people can be aboard. Some outings have had 75 or more people, and others have been described as carrying about 100. That is enough people to create a social atmosphere, but it also means the best shaded places may fill quickly.

I would board with realistic expectations. You are buying a shared boat day, not peace and solitude. Couples looking for a quiet sail may prefer a smaller excursion. Groups of friends, families with older children, and people who enjoy a little music and motion will probably feel more at home.

The swimming stops are the heart of the trip

The tour makes two stops for swimming, and these are the strongest part of the schedule. The water has been described as clear and turquoise, with several people enjoying the chance to jump directly from the boat. If you prefer not to jump, stairs and ladders provide a simple way into the sea.

This is useful for mixed groups. Confident swimmers can leap from the boat, while children and cautious swimmers can use the lower access points. The description says everyone aboard can swim and cool off, although you should still follow the crew’s instructions and use sensible judgment in open water.

The first stop may receive more time than some people expect, with one account describing roughly an hour and a half around the swimming and meal period. Another suggestion was to spend less time at the first stop and more at the second. In other words, the exact rhythm may not satisfy someone hoping for a fast-moving coastal tour.

You may see fish close to the boat, but this is not a dedicated marine-life excursion. The snorkeling equipment is limited, and one person saw little sea life. Bring your own mask if snorkeling is important to you, though the supplied information only confirms that snorkeling equipment is available, not how much is provided or what sizes are stocked.

The clearest benefit is swimming time, not underwater discovery. I would choose this tour for jumping into the Mediterranean and cooling off in beautiful water. I would not choose it mainly for snorkeling.

BBQ lunch, drinks, and the onboard setup

While you swim, the crew prepares the barbecue. The food has included chicken skewers, burgers, hot dogs, and pasta salad. Several people described the meal as good or delicious, while one person found the chicken portion small and the pasta salad disappointing.

That mixed picture is worth taking seriously. This is casual boat food, not a restaurant lunch. Portions and quality may suit you perfectly after swimming, especially if you are hungry and expecting straightforward grilled food. If you want a refined meal or have strict dietary needs, the details provided do not give enough information to count on that.

Drink service is another part of the appeal. Reports describe drinks included with the outing, including sangria, and one account specifically praised the food and drinks. Another person felt drinks purchased onboard were expensive. Since the exact drink package is not spelled out here, check what your current booking includes before assuming every beverage is free.

The meal also helps explain the length of the swimming stop. Rather than racing between several coves, the boat pauses long enough to serve lunch. That makes the tour feel more like a floating beach day than a sightseeing cruise.

Music, dancing, and the party-boat question

Music plays throughout the trip. Some departures have had a relaxed, chill sound in the morning. Others have created a lively party atmosphere with dancing, drinks, and people jumping from the boat.

This is a key choice point. I would recommend the outing to friends planning a sunny group day, a birthday, or a hen party. Several comments praise the crew’s humor and energy, and one hen group particularly enjoyed the music, food, swimming spots, and friendly staff.

For families, the answer is less clear. Some families with teenagers had a good time, and the crew was described as accommodating to children. But one account raised concerns about underage drinking and behavior from local teenagers. That does not describe every departure, and management stated that the property had changed, but parents should understand that this is not presented as a quiet family boat.

The mood may also change during the day. A calm morning can become more social once food and drinks are served. If you prefer a peaceful catamaran with low music and few people, the size and entertainment style may be a poor match.

How much room will you really have?

The catamaran is described as clean and well maintained, with space to lie out and hammocks for relaxing. When the boat is not full, you may have enough room to spread out and find a shaded place.

At higher capacity, space becomes more competitive. One account said there was enough room for everyone but not enough shade. Another found the shaded area overcrowded. The practical move is to arrive ready to claim a comfortable spot early, but do not expect every passenger to have a private corner.

There was also a concern about not having enough life jackets. The supplied information confirms that most people can participate and that service animals are allowed, but it does not provide detailed safety equipment information. I would follow all crew instructions and ask about life jackets if you have a particular need.

The boat is suitable for many people, but the phrase easy accessibility should not be read as a full accessibility specification. No detailed information is provided about boarding assistance, wheelchair access, or adapted facilities. If those details matter to you, contact the operator before booking.

Price and value at $78.09

At $78.09 per person, the price is reasonable if you use the full package: about four hours on the sea, two swimming stops, a BBQ meal, music, hammocks, and reported drinks. A comparable day at a beach could cost less, but it would not include the catamaran ride or the chance to swim away from shore.

The value drops if you mainly want a scenic cruise. Much of the outing is built around stopping to swim and eat, not covering a long stretch of Mallorca’s coast. One disappointed account expected a more ambitious route and felt the boat stayed close to the beach.

Transport can also change the total. From a cruise ship, budget another 60 euros or more for a round-trip taxi based on the reported fares. A cruise passenger with a tight schedule should also allow time for the ride in both directions, boarding, and returning to the ship.

The tour is often booked about eight days ahead, so it is not usually a last-minute decision for everyone. If your travel dates are fixed, booking ahead makes sense, but check the meeting point carefully before paying.

Who will enjoy this Mallorca boat day?

I would put this tour high on the list for:

• Friends who want swimming, music, food, and drinks in one outing
• Families with teenagers who are comfortable with a busy social setting
• Visitors who want an uncomplicated four-hour activity
• Hen parties and other celebrations
• Anyone who values swimming time more than detailed sightseeing

I would look elsewhere if you want a small private boat, serious snorkeling, a quiet sail, or a long coastal route. The catamaran may be clean and comfortable, but its maximum capacity changes the feel of the day.

The crew is one of the stronger features. Many comments describe the staff as friendly, helpful, professional, funny, and accommodating. That matters on a shared boat, where a good crew can keep boarding, swimming, lunch, and movement organized.

Weather, cancellation, and final practical advice

The activity depends on good weather. If poor weather forces cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the 10:00 a.m. start time. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not refunded.

Wear a swimsuit and bring whatever you need for sun protection. The information confirms sunbathing and swimming, but it does not specify towel service, so do not assume towels are provided. If you want to snorkel, ask about the available equipment or bring your own mask.

I would also confirm three points before departure: the exact S’Arenal meeting place, what drinks are included, and the expected passenger count. Those details have the biggest effect on your day.

Should you book the Bay of Palma catamaran?

Book it if you want a social swimming day with a BBQ, music, friendly crew, and good sea views. The two swimming stops are the main attraction, and the $78.09 price is fair when you use the meal and included services.

Skip it if crowds bother you, if you want serious snorkeling, or if your ideal boat trip is quiet and scenic from start to finish. Cruise passengers should add the taxi cost and confirm the map location before committing.

For the right group, this is an easy, cheerful way to spend four hours off Mallorca. Just think floating beach party, not private sailing adventure.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start?

The tour starts at GP2X+RJ S’Arenal in S’Arenal, Mallorca.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 10:00 a.m.

How long does the activity last?

The catamaran outing lasts approximately four hours.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity finishes back at the same meeting point in S’Arenal.

Is food included?

Yes. A barbecue is prepared onboard during the outing. Food described for the meal has included chicken skewers, burgers, hot dogs, and pasta salad.

Are drinks included?

The experience has been described as including drinks, including sangria on some outings. Check the current booking details for the exact drink arrangement.

Can I swim from the boat?

Yes. The tour includes swimming stops, and you can enter the water by jumping from the boat or using stairs and ladders.

Is snorkeling equipment available?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available, although the amount of equipment may be limited.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 146 people.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Poor weather cancellations may also result in a new date or a full refund.