Palma: Cueva Verde and Cala Vella Catamaran Cruise with BBQ

Palma’s best catamaran trips are less about racing from one sight to another and more about giving you a comfortable day on the water. This 5.5-hour cruise does that well, with two long swim stops at Cueva Verde and Cala Vella, plenty of deck space, and a relaxed route back toward Palma.

I like the limited passenger count, which keeps the boat from feeling like a floating crowd, and I like the easy mix of swimming, paddleboarding, food, music, and views. The main thing to consider is the extra cost of drinks, especially cocktails, and the meal may feel more like a generous barbecue-style buffet than a classic grill feast.

Key points to know before you book

• Two separate water stops: Swim at Cueva Verde, then use paddleboards at Cala Vella marine reserve.
• Limited capacity: The catamaran can hold 87 people, but the operator accepts no more than 55.
• Food is included: Expect appetizers, a freshly prepared barbecue-style meal, dessert, and water.
• Drinks cost extra: Beer and cava can be reasonable, while cocktails may be expensive.
• Afternoon departures can be special: The return to Palma may line up with sunset and views of Palma Cathedral.
• Bring the basics: You need swimwear, a towel, and sun protection. Shoes are not worn inside the boat.

A spacious catamaran from Palma Port

You meet the boat at OASIS CATAMARAN in the Port of Palma. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the marina and leave enough time to find the correct boat.

The first impression matters here. This is a modern, stylish catamaran with room to sit, walk around, and watch the coast without having to claim a tiny patch of deck. The boat is licensed for 87 people, but the operator limits each trip to 55. That difference is important. On some departures, the number has been even lower, with one group reporting 36 passengers and four crew members.

I would not expect an empty yacht. This is still a popular group cruise, and the main deck, swimming platform, and best seats can become busy. But the passenger limit gives you a much better chance of finding a comfortable place than on a fully loaded sightseeing boat.

The boat has seating areas, a bar, a swimming platform, paddleboards, and a shower. The front nets are not available while the catamaran is moving, so you cannot always stretch out in the most photogenic spot. There are only two sunbeds, too, and they tend to go quickly. The rear area remains a good place to sit while the boat is under way.

One small rule catches some people off guard: shoes are not worn indoors. Bring footwear for the marina and boarding, but expect to remove it on the boat. The toilet floor has received mixed comments, so sensible expectations help. This is a vessel at sea, not a hotel bathroom.

Sailing toward Cueva Verde

Once you leave Palma, the cruise heads along the bay toward Cueva Verde. The point of this first leg is not a running commentary or a long list of landmarks. It is time to settle in, enjoy the breeze, and watch the Palma coastline slide past.

Cueva Verde is a sheltered cove with clear, turquoise water. The catamaran anchors here for swimming, giving you a chance to get in without rushing through a quick photo stop. You can swim from the boat and enjoy the cove’s rocky surroundings from the water.

This is where the cruise feels most useful for someone staying in Palma without a car. You get access to a pretty swimming spot without arranging a separate boat hire, finding parking, or carrying your own equipment along the coast.

The water is not a heated pool, and conditions can change. Some days are calm and warm, while wind or shifting sea conditions may alter the route. The crew can change the plan for safety, so treat the named coves as the intended stops rather than an absolute promise.

Bring a towel, swimwear, and a sun hat. Sun protection matters even when you spend much of the afternoon in the water. The boat provides water, but you should not bring your own food or drinks, and outside alcohol is not allowed.

An aperitif is served during the outing, although the exact offering can vary. This is a pleasant pause before the second stop, but remember that drinks from the bar are not part of the $109 price.

Cala Vella and the marine reserve

The second stop is Cala Vella, a marine nature reserve known for clear water and a more active water session. Paddleboards are included, so you can move around the cove at an easy pace rather than simply swimming from the catamaran.

The paddleboards are one of the stronger features of the trip. They give you something to do between swims, and they let confident paddlers see the cove from a different angle. You can also use the stop for a quieter swim or sit on deck and enjoy the setting.

Snorkeling is part of the appeal of Cala Vella, but the included equipment is clearly listed as paddleboards, not snorkel gear. Snorkels may be available to buy on board, so bring your own if snorkeling is a priority. Life jackets are available, but the boat does not promise a full range of floating aids for children or weak swimmers. If you need extra flotation, ask the crew before entering the water.

Jellyfish can appear in the sea. On one departure, several people were stung at the second stop, and the crew helped them with the discomfort and affected areas. That does not mean jellyfish will be present on your trip, but it is a useful reminder to pay attention to the water and follow crew advice.

The water stops are long enough to swim more than once. One passenger described having time for two or three swims, while another appreciated not being hurried. That makes the itinerary feel less like a checklist and more like a proper afternoon at sea.

Food on board: generous, but know what barbecue means

Food is included in the price, and the boat serves it in stages. You can expect appetizers, a freshly prepared barbecue-style meal, and dessert. The exact menu has included items such as chicken, hotdogs, corn, salad, cheese, meat, crackers, and quiche.

The meal is substantial rather than delicate. If you want a proper lunch or early dinner during the cruise, you should have enough to eat. Several guests found the food fresh and plentiful, and some preferred the opening snacks to the main meal.

There is one fair warning. The word barbecue may set up a particular expectation, especially if you picture food cooked to order over an open grill. One passenger felt the meal was not really a barbecue, and another was unimpressed by the hotdogs and chicken. So I would think of it as a cooked buffet with barbecue-style items, not a restaurant-quality grill experience.

That distinction does not ruin the value. At $109, you are paying for a half-day boat outing, two swimming locations, use of paddleboards, crew service, water, snacks, a meal, and dessert. The food does not need to be the main reason you book. It is there to make the long cruise easier and more complete.

Tell the operator in advance if you need a vegan meal. A special vegan meal was prepared successfully for one passenger who gave notice ahead of time. Do not assume that last-minute dietary requests can be handled on board.

The bar and the real cost of the day

Water is included, but drinks from the bar are extra. The selection includes cocktails, mixed drinks, beer, cava, and other beverages.

Prices seem to depend on what you order. Beer and cava were described as reasonable on some trips, while cocktails were called expensive by several people. One report put cocktails at about €20 and beer at around €3.50, though prices can change.

I would budget for one drink rather than assuming you can order freely without adding much to the bill. If you want a cocktail, check the price first. You can also bring the value of the included water into your calculation, since you will not need to buy bottled water throughout the trip.

The bar adds to the holiday mood, especially when the music is playing and the boat is heading back toward Palma. Still, the cruise remains good value only if you are comfortable treating drinks as an optional extra.

Music, crew, and the overall mood

Music is a noticeable part of the experience. It helps create a social, holiday feel without turning the cruise into a party boat. The playlist has been praised as a good match for the route, and the atmosphere suits couples, families, and mixed-age groups.

The rules make clear that this is not designed for bachelor or bachelorette parties, intoxication, speakers, or loud private celebrations. You can enjoy music on board, but you are not booking a floating nightclub.

The crew’s role is one of the strongest parts of the cruise. The service is described as friendly, efficient, and attentive. The crew explains the plan, helps with the swimming stops, serves the food, and responds when someone needs assistance.

That matters more on a boat than it might on a standard city tour. You need clear instructions before getting into the water, good timing around meals, and quick help if conditions become uncomfortable. The crew also needs to manage a group without making the trip feel stiff. This cruise appears to handle that balance well.

English and Spanish are the listed languages. No individual guide names are provided, so you should not expect a named private guide or a personal tour. The experience is crew-led and relaxed, with the scenery and time in the water doing most of the work.

The ride back to Palma and sunset timing

The return journey is one of the best reasons to choose an afternoon departure if the schedule allows. The route can include sunset views over the bay, and the boat may return close enough to Palma Cathedral for a memorable view from the water.

Several departures have been timed well for sunset. The color, weather, and exact timing will depend on the season and sea conditions, but the possibility adds real value to the final hour. You are not simply heading back to the port after the activities are finished. You may get a changing view of Palma as the light softens.

The catamaran can also sail for part of the return, depending on conditions. That gives you a quieter stretch after the swimming and meal. If you are prone to motion sickness, the sea can still feel active, particularly when the wind picks up, so choose your seat with that in mind and ask the crew for guidance.

The five and a half hours pass quickly because the day has a clear rhythm: cruise, swim, aperitif, paddleboard, eat, listen to music, and return. If you prefer a short excursion with no fixed schedule, this may feel long. If you want a full day on the water, it is a good length.

Who will get the most from this cruise

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a polished boat day without hiring a private yacht. It works well for couples, families with older children, friends, and anyone who wants swimming and scenery without arranging each part separately.

It is especially suitable if you value comfort. The limited passenger count, clean catamaran, seating areas, shower, food, and bar make the day easier than a basic boat transfer. You can swim, paddle, eat, and relax without packing a full beach kit.

It may be less suitable if snorkeling is your main goal. Paddleboards are included, but snorkeling equipment is not clearly included. Bring your own mask and snorkel or plan to buy equipment if available.

It is also not ideal for a party group. The operator does not allow bachelor or bachelorette parties, outside drinks, speakers, intoxication, or other behavior that would change the tone of the trip. The mood is sociable but controlled.

Parents should consider the water setup. Life jackets are available, but extra floating equipment is not guaranteed. Children who are not confident swimmers may need close supervision, especially at the swim stops.

Price, cancellations, and practical preparation

At $109 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Palma Bay. The price makes sense if you will use the full package: five and a half hours, two stops, paddleboards, water, appetizers, a meal, dessert, crew service, and a comfortable catamaran with limited numbers.

You may find a cheaper basic boat trip, but it may not include food, paddleboards, or the same passenger limit. You might also spend more on a private charter. I see this cruise as a middle ground: more comfortable and organized than a simple excursion, but much less costly than booking your own boat.

Cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. The route can change because of weather and sea conditions, so keep a little flexibility in your plans.

Pack:

• Swimwear and a towel
• A sun hat and strong sun protection
• Your own snorkel gear if snorkeling matters to you
• A light cover-up for the ride back
• Footwear for the marina, knowing shoes are removed indoors

Do not bring food or drinks, fishing gear, aerosols, speakers, or outside alcohol. Pets are not allowed, and the boat does not permit costumes, fires, or party groups.

Should you book the Cueva Verde and Cala Vella cruise?

Yes, if you want a comfortable, well-organized day at sea with two swim stops and a good chance of sunset views over Palma. The strongest reasons to book are the space on board, attentive crew, attractive water stops, included paddleboards, and the fact that food is already handled.

Book with realistic expectations about the meal and bar. The food is plentiful and often well received, but it is a barbecue-style buffet rather than a guaranteed gourmet grill. Drinks, especially cocktails, can add a noticeable cost.

I would choose an afternoon departure for the sunset potential, bring my own snorkel gear, and arrive ready to swim. For a relaxed Palma day that combines water time, scenery, music, and a proper meal, this Oasis Catamaran trip is a solid choice.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts 5.5 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is OASIS CATAMARAN at the Port of Palma. Hotel transfers are not included.

What food is included?

The cruise includes appetizers, a freshly prepared barbecue-style meal, dessert, and water. Menu items can include chicken, hotdogs, corn, salad, cheese, meat, crackers, and quiche.

Are drinks included?

Water is included, but cocktails, mixed drinks, beer, cava, and other bar beverages cost extra.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Paddleboards are included. Snorkeling equipment is not listed as included, though snorkels may be available to purchase on board.

Can the route change?

Yes. The route may change depending on weather and sea conditions. The planned stops are Cueva Verde and Cala Vella, but the crew may adjust the itinerary for safety.