Mallorca Catamaran Cruise and Snorkeling Trip

Mallorca’s south coast is best appreciated from the water, and this catamaran cruise gives you a broad look at Palma Bay, Cap Rocat, Cala Vella, and Cala Blava in one half-day outing. I like the long swimming stop and the generous lunch, both of which make this more than a simple sightseeing ride.

I also like the chance to see rugged shorelines that you cannot reach by road. The main catch is that this is a large, social boat trip rather than a quiet sailing charter. Snorkeling is part of the sales pitch, but equipment is not included, and the boat may anchor in fairly deep water.

Key points to know before you book

• The boat leaves from Palma’s Port: Meet at Attraction Catamarans Mallorca on Muelle Golondrina, with the listed start time at 9:45 a.m.
• The route covers Mallorca’s south coast: You’ll see Palma Cathedral from the bay, pass Cap Rocat, and stop near Cala Vella and Cala Blava.
• Swimming gets the most time: The main water stop lasts about 90 minutes, though the exact route can change with wind, weather, and safety needs.
• Lunch is included: Expect a buffet-style meal with meat, vegetables, rice, salads, bread, fruit, and vanilla ice cream.
• Snorkel gear costs extra: Equipment is available for purchase onboard for €20, and drinks are sold separately at the bar.
• Expect a busy catamaran: The advertised maximum is 100 people, but the boat can feel crowded on full departures.

What this Mallorca catamaran cruise is really like

At about $93.83 per person, this is not a budget harbor ride, but it combines a cruise, lunch, coastal sightseeing, and swimming in one package. That can be good value if you want an easy day on the water without arranging transport to several different coves.

The format is simple. You meet at the port, board a modern catamaran, sail around Palma Bay, stop for swimming, eat lunch onboard, and return to the same port. The full outing is advertised at about five hours, though the published times are not perfectly consistent. Some information lists sailing at 9:30, while the meeting time is listed as 9:45. Confirm the exact departure time before setting out.

This is a social boat trip with a capacity far larger than the photographs may suggest. On a quiet sailing day, you may have room to spread out once the boat gets moving. On a full departure, seating, buffet service, and access to the best spots can feel tight.

The mood can also vary. Some departures feel relaxed and friendly, while others become lively, loud, and party-oriented, especially when many people are ordering drinks. If you want silence, a small group, or a serious sailing session, this is probably not the right boat.

Boarding at Palma’s Port

The meeting point is Attraction Catamarans Mallorca at Muelle Golondrina, Av. de Gabriel Roca, in Palma. The activity ends at the same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a separate return transfer.

The port is near public transportation. Hotel pickup is not included as a standard feature, and this has caused confusion for some passengers who expected a transfer from their accommodation. If you are staying in central Palma, plan to make your own way to the port unless the operator confirms something different in writing.

Bring sunscreen with a high protection factor. You will spend several hours exposed to sun and sea glare, and shade may not be available in the spot you prefer. A hat, swimsuit, towel, and a light layer for the ride are sensible additions.

The catamaran has a bar, but drinks are not included. Water is included with lunch, while other drinks cost extra. Prices may feel higher than on land, which is normal for a boat bar, so budget for this before boarding.

Palma Bay and the view back toward the city

The first stretch takes you through Palma Bay, where the city opens up behind the boat. The best-known sight is Palma Cathedral, the Gothic landmark that dominates the waterfront. From the sea, you get a different angle on the cathedral, the harbor, and the buildings along the shore.

This part is less about guided commentary and more about taking in the view. The captain and crew may point out places along the coast, but the amount of formal explanation can vary. If you care about detailed history or place names, do not treat this as a fully narrated sightseeing tour.

The open deck gives you plenty to photograph, especially when the boat turns toward the city. Keep your phone secure, since wind can pick up quickly once you leave the harbor.

The sailing itself may not be as extensive as you expect from the word catamaran. The boat spends much of the trip under engine power, with only a shorter period using the sail. If your main goal is quiet, wind-powered sailing, you may find the format disappointing. If your goal is simply to get out on the Mediterranean, the engine-powered cruising is less important.

Cap Rocat and Mallorca’s rougher shoreline

As the catamaran continues past Cap Rocat, the coast becomes more rugged. This section is one of the strongest parts of the trip for sightseeing, since the cliffs and exposed rock feel far removed from the resort areas.

The boat gives you access to views that are difficult to reach from land. You can sit back, take photographs, and watch the shoreline change from built-up Palma to a more natural stretch of coast.

The stop at Cap Rocat is primarily scenic. Do not assume it is a separate swimming stop. The itinerary allows about 45 minutes for this part of the route, but wind and sea conditions can alter the timing.

This is also where you may notice the limits of a large group outing. The boat can offer an attractive view of the coast, but it does not provide the quiet intimacy of a small private sailboat. You are sharing the scene with many other people, and the atmosphere depends heavily on the group onboard.

Cala Vella: the main water stop

The longest stop is at Cala Vella, where the catamaran anchors for about 90 minutes. This is the part of the day to plan around if swimming matters most to you.

You can jump from the boat into the sea, swim toward a nearby sandy shore, or remain onboard and enjoy the view. The area also has natural pools formed by old quarries. Conditions, access, and timing may affect how much of this you can explore.

The water can be clear and attractive, but this is not necessarily a shallow beach swim. Several accounts describe anchoring in deeper water, so you should be comfortable in open water. Life jackets are available onboard and can be requested from the crew. If you are not a confident swimmer, ask for one before entering the sea.

Snorkeling is the biggest point to understand clearly. Masks and other equipment are not included in the ticket, with equipment offered onboard for €20. Basic gear may not include fins, and the boat may stop in places where there is limited marine life to see from the surface. Bring your own properly fitting mask and snorkel if snorkeling is important to you.

You should think of this as a swimming and sightseeing cruise that allows snorkeling, not as a dedicated snorkeling expedition. A specialist snorkeling trip would usually focus more on shallow reefs, underwater viewing, and several carefully chosen sites. Here, the main attraction is the coast, the swim, and the time spent relaxing onboard.

Lunch onboard, with a surprisingly broad menu

Lunch is included and is served during the Cala Blava portion of the route. The menu is broader than the usual basic boat meal, with several meat dishes, vegetables, salads, rice, bread, fruit salad, and vanilla ice cream.

The listed dishes include bacon-wrapped dates, beef meatballs with Thai sauce, chicken salad with ginger and mango, sautéed vegetables, roasted black pork with mushroom sauce, Mallorcan-style trampó, vegetable rice, spring rolls, curry samosas, mixed salad with oranges, and fruit salad with vanilla ice cream.

That range is useful for mixed groups. The menu includes vegetarian choices and several items that can work for people who do not want a heavy meat-based meal. One group with vegan diners found the selection especially helpful, though you should still ask the crew about ingredients if you have a strict allergy or dietary requirement.

The meal is one of the better values in the price. You are not merely paying for a boat seat and a swim stop, since lunch replaces the need to find a restaurant during the middle of the day.

The drawback is the serving area. With a large number of people eating at once, the buffet can become crowded. Go when your group is called and be patient. Water is included with lunch, but wine, soft drinks, beer, and other beverages cost extra.

Cala Blava and the return toward Palma

Cala Blava is presented as the highlight of the southern route. The coast here offers clear water, rocky edges, and a more secluded feel than Palma’s main beaches. Depending on the day’s route, this area may serve as part of the swimming and lunch stop rather than a completely separate beach visit.

That distinction matters. The itinerary describes several coastal points, but you should not assume that you will step ashore at multiple beaches. Some departures make only one or two meaningful swimming stops, and the actual route can change with wind, time, and safety conditions.

After lunch and the water stop, the catamaran heads back toward Palma. The return gives you another chance to photograph the city from offshore and see the bay from a new angle. The ride back may feel calm, though the atmosphere can become livelier if the bar has been busy.

The listed duration is around five hours. Some passengers have found the actual time shorter than an advertised six-hour-plus schedule, so book this as a half-day activity rather than a full-day sailing adventure.

How the cost compares with the experience

The $93.83 price includes the return catamaran ride, lunch, and water during the meal. That is a reasonable package if you value convenience and want several elements handled at once.

The cost rises once you add drinks and snorkeling gear. A €20 equipment charge is significant if you are expecting a fully equipped snorkeling trip, and drinks can add up quickly at the onboard bar. Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them, and decide in advance how much you want to spend on beverages.

The value is strongest for people who want a relaxed day with food, photographs, swimming, and a large-group social atmosphere. It is weaker for anyone booking specifically for guided snorkeling, quiet sailing, or multiple beach landings.

The price also does not buy a premium bow seat. The front net area may be reserved for a paid upgrade, with one reported offer of about €100 for two people. If sitting at the very front matters to you, ask about this before boarding rather than assuming the nets shown in promotional photographs are open to everyone.

Who should book this boat trip

I would recommend it to couples, groups of friends, and families with confident swimmers who want an uncomplicated way to see Mallorca’s southern coast. The included lunch, easy port departure, and long water stop make the day straightforward.

It may also suit you if you prefer a big boat with room to move around rather than a tiny vessel. The crew has been described as friendly and helpful on many departures, and individual staff members such as Toni have assisted passengers with directions and arrangements.

Families should consider the sound level and group atmosphere. Some sailings are calm, while others become loud and drink-focused. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and less confident swimmers should request a life jacket.

I would not choose this trip if snorkeling is your top priority. You may see attractive water and enjoy a swim, but the boat does not provide included fins, and the anchorages may be too deep for easy reef viewing.

The activity is also weather dependent. Strong wind, rough water, or safety concerns can change the route and the number of stops. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and if poor weather cancels the trip, you can be offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book the Mallorca catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a social half-day on the Mediterranean with good coastal views, a substantial lunch, and time to swim. The strongest parts are the views around Palma Bay and Cap Rocat, the attractive Cala Vella stop, and the generous food selection.

Skip it if you want a quiet, small-group sail or a true snorkeling tour with fins, shallow sites, and expert underwater guidance. For the best value, bring your own snorkel gear, arrive ready for a busy boat, and treat the stops as flexible rather than guaranteed beach visits.

FAQ

Where does the Mallorca catamaran cruise start?

The cruise starts at Attraction Catamarans Mallorca, Muelle Golondrina, Av. de Gabriel Roca, s/n, 07014 Palma, Mallorca. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the cruise start?

The listed meeting time is 9:45 a.m. Other details mention sailing at 9:30 a.m., so confirm the exact departure time before the day of the cruise.

How long does the catamaran trip last?

The trip is advertised at about five hours. The route and timing may change because of wind, weather, time limits, or safety conditions.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes a selection of meat dishes, vegetables, rice, salads, bread, fruit salad, and vanilla ice cream. Water is included during lunch.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks other than water served with lunch are not included. A bar is available onboard, and drinks cost extra.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included in the ticket. Equipment can be purchased onboard for €20. Fins may not be provided, so bring your own gear if snorkeling is important to you.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.